(COLORADO SPRINGS) — Holiday characters, including Santa, the Grinch, Buddy the Elf, and Elsa and Anna from Frozen, strolled through downtown on Saturday, Nov. 16, marking the official start of the holiday season. Courtesy: FOX21 News Photojournalist Lilia OnstottCourtesy: FOX21 News Photojournalist Lilia OnstottCourtesy: FOX21 News Photojournalist Lilia Onstott The Downtown Partnership's coupon book, a popular local holiday tradition, was also featured at the event in Acacia Park. Visitors were invited to pick up a free copy of the book, which includes more than 100 offers. This year, the book is being distributed ahead of Small Business Saturday to help shoppers get an early start on their holiday gift-buying. "How can you not have a giant smile on your face when you watch these little princesses run up to Elsa and Anna and throw their arms around them and then they just melt?" said Carrie Simison Director of Marketing and Communications for Downtown Partnership. "I mean, this is so happy. It's just if you could put happy in a box and open it on Christmas morning, this is what it would look like." The Downtown Partnership is urging the community to shop locally this holiday season. Downtown Colorado Springs boasts more than 75 shops, boutiques, and galleries within a one-square-mile area.