Hot drinks, boozy beverages and festive music are – and opportunities to both give and win – are part of the fun of Shine Bright Shop Nights.
For the second year in a row, the Downtown New West BIA is hosting Shine Bright Shop Nights on three Thursdays (Dec. 8, 15 and 22), when participating businesses, community partners and organizations will activate retail and hospitality spaces from 5 to 8 p.m.
“There will be Instagram contests during Shop Nights where shoppers can share photos of their favourite items, themselves in store, and of course, with the lights for the opportunity to win some amazing prizes which will consist of items from our many member businesses,” said a BIA news release. “The goal for Shop Nights is to encourage our community to shop local and support their neighbourhood businesses.”
Some of the highlights of the kickoff event on Thursday, Dec. 8 (today) include: The Refill Stop – hot drinks from of Hive Café; River Market – caroling by The Caminado Carolers, plus the opportunity to enter to win a Shine Bright gift pack valued at $150 at Origins Chocolates; Inn at the Quay – holiday décor; Arrieta Art Studio – free craft making; Wonderpup Academy – pet photos with the Grinch + local artist display; Mila & Paige – wine from Pacific Breeze Winery; Found Boutique – DJ spinning festive tunes; and Good Omen – beer from Steel & Oak Brewing Co.
You can find a Shine Bright Shop Night’s walking guide at www.downtownnewwest.ca. (You’ll find it under the blog section.)
Each location participating in Shops Night will include a place where you can make a donation to the Lower Mainland Purpose Society’s hamper program.
Items needed include: food and snacks (chocolates, cookies, crackers, hot chocolate, candy canes, pasta, tea, Cup of Soup, apple cider packs, cereal, nuts, coffee, and canned salmon, tuna and ham.); toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, body wash or soap, toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, Chapstick, toiletry or manicure sets, shaving cream, razors, deodorants, hand lotion and sanitizers, tampons and panty liners, body scrub puffs, hand lotion). Other items needed include gloves, men’s underwear, socks, toques, slippers, umbrellas, scarves.
While you’re downtown, be sure to check out the festive lights, including a 20-foot light tunnel in Hyack Square. It’s just one of the light installations that’s part of the citywide Shine Bright New West initiative that’s happening across the city from Dec. 1 to Jan. 31.
“As we approach the longest nights of a challenging year, we are calling on you to shine with us. As part of a citywide initiative, we are encouraging businesses and residents to light up their homes and storefront to show how resilient, connected, and bright New Westminster is and always will be,” said a Downtown New West BIA news release. “Shine Bright is a celebration of the holidays in New Westminster’s historic downtown.”
You’ll find details about all of this year’s Shine Bright New West light displays and events at www.newwestcity.ca.
