Fremont Chamber of Commerce hosts its first annual Holidays at the Plaza

By Staff Writers Ariel Duong & Ekasha Sikka

At 4-9 p.m. on December 6, 2024, the Fremont Chamber of Commerce and the City of Fremont hosted their inaugural Holidays at the Plaza event on Capitol Avenue to spread holiday joy throughout the community and revitalize Fremont’s downtown, transforming it into a winter wonderland. Featuring the Fremont Gingerbread Battle, non-profit and activism-centered booths, food vendors, craft businesses, and activities for children, the event invited the families of Fremont to enjoy the festivities and market in a rich holiday spirit. 

Upon entrance, visitors were greeted with classic holiday music performed by a youth band, the Jazzinators, paired with a spectacle of lights illuminating the Downtown Event Center Plaza and the fresh scent of baked goods wafting from places like hot chocolate and churros booths, assorted food trucks, and a gingerbread cookie decorating stall. Lined around the main building were festive Little Elf workshops for children’s entertainment, including activities such as face painting,  greeting card making, and gingerbread decorating. Inside, young attendees were welcomed to the storytime room to listen to Christmas classics. High school volunteers, including students from local Girl Scout troops and Irvington High School’s Key Club, made up the primary staff for the children’s workshops, narrating the stories and managing the craft booths.

Visitors were particularly intrigued by the populated array of small businesses selling handcrafted goods, such as Yves Mozelsio Fine Art, Happy and Authentic, Big Paw Olive Oil Company, Creative Colors, and House of Shiba. By inviting them to display their work for visitors, the Chamber of Commerce provided small businesses exposure, enriching community engagement for both business owners and attendees. “I think [events like Holidays at the Plaza] help let people know that we’re here, instead of just sitting in our homes and doing things online … I like to come out into the community and do things in person, so I can meet people,” House of Shiba Owner Heather Challberg said.

Aiming to re-establish and rejuvenate the neighborhood, the Fremont Chamber of Commerce held Holidays at the Plaza in the center of the downtown, catering to families and a younger demographic. With the help of vendors’ publicity platforms and sponsorship from the City of Fremont’s Economic Development Department, the event’s community engagement exceeded expectations set by other popular events the Chamber of Commerce has held. Event organizers hope the high turnout of Holidays at the Plaza will spark more activity at future downtown events. “I think we were successful. I’ll tell you why — because we wanted to activate the downtown area … We’re trying to make it standard that people think of downtown Fremont and they think of activities,” Fremont Chamber of Commerce Director of Digital Communications Napoleon Batalao said.

After thanking remarks by event organizers and Fremont Mayor Lily Mei, who introduced District 2 Councilmember and Vice Mayor Desrie Campbell and several other council members, the organizers proceeded with the tree lighting ceremony, adding another source of radiance to the festive atmosphere. The Mission Peak Chamber Singers then took the stage, ending Holidays at the Plaza with Christmas carols and a traditional African song performed in Zulu. “When we do these events, we find out that we have much more in common with each other than we have differences …  I certainly hope that this [event in Fremont] will continue to [be] celebrated for many, many years to come and will share the love … it’s like a fire, and with love, it only grows with time,” Lily Mei said.