As the holiday season approaches, Downtown Hayward is embracing the festive spirit with new improvements, exciting events and the arrival of fresh local businesses.
New updates to the neighborhood
The Downtown Hayward Improvement Association (DHIA) is welcoming the fall season through a series of beautification projects designed to bring warmth and color to the neighborhood. Visitors strolling along Foothill Boulevard will notice upgraded hanging baskets filled with fall-inspired florals and greenery. In addition, the string lights lining the area in front of Century Theatres will glow in rich autumn tones of brown, red, green and yellow, creating a cozy, festive atmosphere just in time for the holidays.
New business
Downtown Hayward continues to evolve as a hub for local entrepreneurship, with new businesses joining the community and adding new flavors and experiences.
One of the newest arrivals is Sugarmama Sugarcane, a unique beverage shop bringing a taste of freshly pressed sugarcane juice to the Bay Area. The shop will offer a range of creative flavor combinations, blending sugarcane with fruits and herbs. Sugarmama Sugarcane aims to become a go-to destination for anyone seeking a healthy alternative to traditional sugary drinks.
Another highly anticipated addition is Concha Dreams, a beloved local bakery known for crafting some of the best handmade conchas in the Bay Area. After years of delighting customers through pop-ups and special events, Concha Dreams has found a permanent home right in front of Dirty Bird Lounge, transforming the cozy café space into a welcoming spot for coffee and pastries. Visitors can soon enjoy conchas fresh from the oven paired with coffee made with premium beans.
Coming up next
Downtown Hayward is ready to shine as the community gathers for Light Up the Season on Saturday, Dec. 6, from 4 to 8pm. Presented by the City of Hayward, the Hayward Chamber of Commerce and the Bay Area Backyard Movement, this beloved annual event will turn the City Hall plaza into a festive hub of lights, music and holiday cheer. The celebration will highlight winter traditions from cultures around the world, including Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, Las Posadas and the Winter Solstice.
Guests can explore the Winter Night Market, featuring local artisans, global cuisine and handmade holiday goods, while enjoying live performances and family-friendly activities throughout the evening. The night will wrap up with a tree lighting ceremony.
For the latest updates on Downtown Hayward Improvement Association, please visit us at downtownhayward.com and follow us on Instagram @DowntownHayward, and Facebook @DowntownHaywardCA
