Alameda is a special place to live—and shop. We are fortunate to have beautiful, historic buildings lining our main streets, with many well-known and well-loved locally owned restaurants and stores. The 12 Days of Alameda 2025—which begins Saturday, November 29, and lasts through Wednesday, December 10—is designed to celebrate the holiday season and support our local businesses.
And how about a chance to win a specially themed gift basket? Each day will spotlight a different theme, featuring local businesses that match the day’s category. When you visit a shop or restaurant, pick up a special ticket and submit a picture of your ticket numbers online for a chance to win the daily themed basket. Entries will be accepted through December 14. (Don’t forget to keep your paper ticket in case you win.)
At least 112 local businesses are participating this year. Here are the daily themes:
- November 29: Wellness & Self-Care
- November 30: Dining Around Alameda
- December 1: 21+ (Bars, breweries, dispensaries, wineries)
- December 2: Style & Fashion
- December 3: Entertainment & Experiences
- December 4: Gifts & Home
- December 5: Vintage & Handmade Art
- December 6: Kids & Family
- December 7: Pet Lovers
- December 8: Professional & Practical Services
- December 9: Recreation
- December 10: Local Love: Alameda Pride
Visit the Participating Businesses webpage and click or tap a theme to see which shops and businesses are spotlighted under that particular theme.
More good reasons to shop local
Supporting local businesses keeps our sales tax dollars in Alameda and helps to provide for needed City services. Part of the sales tax on goods and services bought in Alameda goes to the City’s General Fund, which pays for police and fire protection, street repairs, parks and recreation, libraries, and other City services.
Shopping local contributes to a healthy environment by minimizing car travel. Our Alameda shopping districts are vibrant, compact, and walkable, so we save on gas and reduce our carbon footprint.
Supporting local businesses means supporting local jobs and merchants. Many Alameda merchants are self-employed and hire primarily local residents. Local business owners often live in our community and are invested in our community’s future.
Local businesses build strong neighborhoods and contribute to community projects, nonprofit organizations, fundraising efforts, and local causes. Many independent, locally owned businesses have become favorite gathering places or destinations in the community with broad and loyal customer bases. Their success helps to attract other quality businesses to Alameda.
Shopping locally in Alameda helps to maintain our small town atmosphere. Our independent stores offer a distinctive shopping experience, stock unique products, and create a genuine sense of place. Our local merchants generally provide better, personalized customer service and have a higher level of knowledge about their products and services.
And of course, shopping here in Alameda is fun. We get to know our neighbors and enjoy the friendly atmosphere that makes our island so special.
The 12 Days of Alameda event is sponsored by the City of Alameda in partnership with Downtown Alameda Business Association (DA) and West Alameda Business Association (WABA).
