The ninth annual Holiday Stroll and tree lighting will be held this Saturday in the downtown area, featuring activities and festivities from local businesses fit for the whole family.
Saturday’s event will last from 1 to 4 p.m., during which you can visit “Santa’s Workshop” at the Knights of Columbus to play exciting reindeer games, join Mr. and Mrs. Claus for a storytime at the Peabody Institute Library, touch-a-truck at the fire station, and much more. At 4 p.m., everyone will gather for caroling and the grand finale of lighting the tree.
In addition to the jubilant fun, the Holiday Stroll allows local small businesses to show off what they have to offer and become a focal point of this community event.
For example, Granite Coast Brewing and Create & Escape DIY Workshop are partnering for the day, with an “Elfie Selfie” photo opportunity at Granite Coast and an ornament crafting bar at Create & Escape.
Of course, there will also be plenty of food options to choose from. Ruggerio Family Memorial Home will have popcorn and hot cocoa, City Hall will have cookies, apple, and cider, and Courthouse Plaza will have a police hot dog and burger cart. A dance performance from local studios will also be held at Courthouse Plaza.
Businesses not located on Main Street will have their moment to shine as well, with 12 tables being set up in the Knights of Columbus “Santa’s Workshop,” giving visitors an opportunity to explore local offerings while snacking on a holiday cookie.
“We’re giving businesses access to the event that otherwise wouldn’t be able to be a part of it because they aren’t physically located on Main Street,” said Chamber of Commerce Membership Director Brianna Clark. “It’s to remind people the importance of shopping small for ‘Shop Small Business’ season.”
The Holiday Stroll follows last month’s Nightmare on Main Street event that was also a free community event open to the public that featured local businesses. With the spooky success that was, the city anticipates this kick-off to the December festivities to be another hit with families and beyond.
