Downtown Sault Ste. Marie business owners have decorated their windows with lights, elves, and tinsel to welcome any shoppers looking for bargain deals during the Holiday Open House this Saturday and Sunday.
Enjoy hot cocoa on house-drawn carriage rides, while carolers sing Christmas classics and Santa Claus walks the town.
"This is another opportunity to shop local prior to Christmas," Downtown Development Authority Director Stephanie Sprecker said. "The focus is on our local businesses."
Be sure to vote for your favorite Christmas tree at Avery Square by noon on Saturday.
Area businesses and agencies purchased the trees for $200 each, throwing in an extra $100 when opting to have Chippewa, Luce, Mackinac Community Action Agency (CLMCAA) staff do the decorating.
The money collected will go to CLMCAA's Walk for Warmth initiative, aimed at keeping area homes lit and warm this winter.
Here is the Holiday Open House itinerary for Saturday, Dec.10:
10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m: Christmas carolers sing in front of Avery Square.
11 a.m. to 1 p.m: Mr. and Mrs. Claus greet shoppers outside of Avery Square with Erin Smith Photography present to take photos. Photo packages will be available.
11 a.m. to 2 p.m: Holiday face painting by donation.
11 a.m. to 3 p.m: Holiday gift wrapping by donation at Avery Square.
11 a.m. to 4 p.m: Complimentary horse-drawn carriage rides in front of Avery Square.
11 a.m. to 4 p.m: Model train exhibit at Chippewa County Historical Society.
The itinerary for Sunday, Dec. 11:
11 a.m. to 3 p.m: Holiday gift wrapping by donation at Avery Square.
Please note: Christmas carolers will be out and about throughout the day.
"Make sure to follow the Holiday Open House event page pinned at the top of our profile for the list of participating stores where you can enter to win the mega gift basket valued at hundreds of dollars from downtown businesses," said Sprecker, inviting readers to checkout the Downtown Sault Ste Marie Facebook page to learn more.
Check the Downtown Sault Ste Marie Facebook page to browse Holiday Open House business deals.
Sprecker said a full list of participating stores and deals would be posted to the page prior to Saturday.
Sault Area Young Professionals will vote for the best decorated business window. Window decorating was sponsored by Sault Area Chamber of Commerce and Sault Ste Marie Downtown Development Authority.
Vote for your favorite Christmas tree within Avery Squares Community of Trees, here, by noon on Saturday.
Avery Square is located at 524 Ashmun Street, Sault Ste Marie, Mich.
