Celebrate the Holidays in Brookside: Holiday Season Opener Returns November 12–14
Celebrate the Holidays in Brookside: The Holiday Season Opener Returns to the Brookside Shops November 12–14, featuring three events:
- Holiday Spirits – A Brookside Cocktail Crawl - Thursday, November 12, from 5–8 pm;
- Holiday Tree Lighting - Friday, November 13, from 5–8 pm (NEW NIGHT); and
- Cookies, Cocoa & Crafts - Saturday, November 14, from 11 a.m.–2 pm.
It’s almost the most wonderful time of the year in Brookside! Join us for three cheer-filled events as the annual Brookside Holiday Season Opener kicks off the holiday season Thursday, November 12, through Saturday, November 14, 2026.
A beloved Brookside tradition, the Holiday Season Opener brings neighbors, families, and friends together to celebrate the season while supporting the locally owned shops and restaurants that make Brookside special. All weekend long, discover holiday specials, unique gifts, festive treats, pop-up activities, and plenty of reasons to shop small and shop local.
When you shop in Brookside, you’re doing more than checking names off your gift list. You’re supporting local entrepreneurs, helping small businesses thrive, and investing in the character and community that make our neighborhood unique. Whether you’re searching for a thoughtful gift, enjoying a night out with friends, or starting a holiday tradition with the family, Brookside is the perfect place to make the season bright.
New this year: The annual tree lighting celebration moves to Friday evening! Mark your calendar for three days of holiday fun, festive shopping, and community cheer.
Holiday Spirits – A Brookside Cocktail Crawl
Thursday, November 12 | 5–8 p.m.
Start your holiday season early with an evening of sipping, shopping, and special promotions! Holiday Spirits invites adults to explore participating Brookside retail businesses for festive sips and shopping specials, along with food and drink promotions at participating restaurants.
Gather your friends, enjoy a night out, and discover unique local gifts while supporting the small businesses that make Brookside a favorite neighborhood destination. Think of it as your holiday sip-and-shop adventure!
Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration
Friday, November 13 | 5–8 p.m.
Gather family and friends for one of Brookside’s favorite holiday traditions: the annual tree lighting! This year’s celebration moves to Friday evening, bringing music, Santa sightings, holiday shopping, dining, and festive fun to the heart of Brookside.
Join us on the plaza next to BKS Nails, 6246 Brookside Plaza, for an evening of holiday cheer.
Friday evening schedule:
- 5–6 p.m.: Enjoy live music performed by students from heARTbeat studio.
- 6 p.m.: Gather for the Brookside holiday tree lighting.
- 6–7 p.m.: Enjoy festive sounds from a brass band.
Children can look forward to Santa sightings and writing letters to Santa, while everyone can enjoy cookies, coffee, and cocoa while supplies last. Before or after the festivities, explore Brookside’s locally owned shops and restaurants for special promotions, dinner, and holiday gifts.
It’s a wonderful opportunity to start a new family tradition, reconnect with neighbors, and experience the magic of the season together.
Cookies, Cocoa & Crafts
Saturday, November 14 | 11 a.m.–2 p.m.
Bring the whole family to Brookside for a cozy afternoon of holiday fun! Pop into participating Brookside businesses for cookies, cocoa, crafts, shopping, and special promotions.
It’s the perfect chance to let the kids enjoy some seasonal activities while you browse for gifts, discover neighborhood favorites, and enjoy a relaxed day out. From sweet treats to thoughtful presents, you’ll find plenty of ways to make holiday memories while supporting local businesses.
Keep the Holiday Cheer Going: Extended Holiday Shopping Hours
The fun doesn’t end with the Holiday Season Opener! Brookside retail businesses will offer extended holiday shopping hours on
- Thursday, November 19
- Thursday, December 3
- Thursday, December 10
- Thursday, December 17.
Make time for after-work shopping, find one-of-a-kind gifts, and enjoy a casual evening out with friends or family. Shopping locally makes it easier to find something meaningful for everyone on your list while keeping your holiday spending in the community.
Make Brookside Part of Your Holiday Tradition
From festive cocktails and the glow of the holiday tree to cookies, cocoa, and crafts, the Brookside Holiday Season Opener offers something for everyone. Make a day of it, enjoy a meal at a neighborhood restaurant, explore the shops, and discover the special gifts and experiences you won’t find anywhere else.
Shop small. Shop local. Celebrate together. Join us in Brookside November 12–14 and Thursdays* from November 19th to December 17th and make this holiday season extra special! (Excluding Thanksgiving)