The holiday season is right around the corner, and DDI wants to help make it a successful one for downtown restaurants, retailers, services and entertainment venues. Here’s what we have on tap and how your business can take advantage of the additional promotions. (Use the hashtags in each section to help us find and share your social media posts.)

Shop Small Saturday (also called Small Business Saturday) is a nationwide event held on the Saturday after Thanksgiving – this year, that's November 27 – to encourage people to shop for the holidays at small, local businesses.

DDI is marketing the event, launching a Spend Your SpendaBull gift card campaign (make sure your business accepts this downtown gift card) and scheduling buskers throughout the day to help bring in customers and drive foot traffic.

We’ve created a Shop Small Saturday Downtown Durham webpage where we’ll list sales, specials and activities. Add your holiday events, sales and specials to the DDI events calendar, and select the “Shop Small Saturday” category to include them on this page.

We’re not doing a big gathering to light the tree this year due to the pandemic, but we’re lighting up downtown again including Black Wall Street Gardens and Five Points Plaza. We’re also bringing back the Points of Light map and using social media to promote businesses that put up beautiful decorations. Email us pics of your lights, and we’ll add you to the map.

Last year the Downtown Holiday Events page on our website was one of the most popular, so we’re bringing it back.

Add your holiday events, sales and specials to the DDI events calendar, and select the “holiday” category to include them on this page.

Questions or feedback on our holiday marketing initiatives? Contact Gina Rozier.

Triangle native Sarah Hill, the heartbeat of Hamilton Hill Jewelry, has been a Durham resident and downtown business owner for more than 30 years. Find out why she's so happy to be part of this community.

Every small business owner puts their heart and soul into their business. Bull City Heart Beats videos give you a chance to meet downtown Durham's business owners and hear their stories first hand.

DDI introduces a new video every couple of months. See them all on our website or YouTube channel.

Interested in being featured in a Bull City Heart Beats video? Enter your info here.

With the holiday season fast approaching, this month's survey invites you to share your thoughts on shopping small in downtown Durham.

Please take just a moment to complete the survey. We promise it will take no more than a minute of your time. Plus, if you complete the survey by Nov. 11, you'll be entered to win four tickets to the Carolina Theatre's Family Saturday on November 13, featuring Kamara Thomas.

Congratulations to Lawrence W. for winning last month's survey prize drawing!

As we continue to deal with the effects of COVID-19, it is vital for merchants, workers and residents to stay informed about the changing state of Durham's pandemic landscape.

DDI's COVID-19 Resources page hosts a wealth of relevant information and resources, including weekly case counts and averages, links to updates from official local, state and national sources, connections to business assistance programs and more.

The Downtown Durham Event Calendar is the place for downtown venues, retailers, restaurants and residents to promote events. Submit your upcoming events today!

View the Traffic Report Calendar Online...

DDI's pedestrian counters were installed to assist businesses in determining appropriate hours and staffing levels. For additional information, like hourly counts or trends, BID constituents may request a custom report. Contact Rebekah Mixon to request a report.

▶ Location 1: 21c Hotel

▶ Location 2: Chesterfield Building

▶ Location 3: Foster on the Park Apartments

▶ Location 4: Marriott City Center

Printed merchant maps help visitors find their way to all the shops, services and restaurants downtown has to offer. They're updated frequently, and are a great customer service.

To order a bundle or suggest revisions, contact Patrick Holt.

New printed maps will be available later this month. You can also download an always up-to-date, printer-friendly version and browse the web map at downtowndurham.com/map.