Willoughby Holiday Stroll 2010

Downtown Willoughby businesses are collaborating with one another to bring joy to Willoughby families this holiday season.

The Downtown Willoughby Holiday Stroll, a three-day event from December 2 to 4, begins on Thursday, Dec. 2 at 7 p.m. with the annual tree lighting ceremony at Point Park, sponsored by the City of Willoughby. Heart of Willoughby, a local non-profit, will sponsor luminaries to light up Erie Street for the weekend. Local children will be performing Christmas carols.
Santa Claus will make an appearance once again, beginning the Holiday Stroll weekend. He will be available for visits on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. through December 23. Santa will be collecting non-perishable items for families and those in need.

Friday, Dec. 3 will feature a merchants’ Holiday Open House from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Downtown Willoughby businesses will be open late to accommodate holiday shoppers. In the past, businesses have organized trunk shows, special demonstrations, music and various other activities to welcome shoppers and showcase their holiday merchandise.

Perhaps the most gratifying and exciting event during this time is the Window of Gifts. This year’s Window of Gifts will be displayed in US Bank, 4098 Erie St., Willoughby. Each merchant donates an item from their shop which will be displayed. Last year, businesses donated an estimated $3000 worth of presents to be raffled. Raffle tickets are sold at $2 a piece or 6 or $10 at participating downtown Willoughby businesses and will be sold during the weekend’s festivities. Proceeds from tickets sold will benefit local Willoughby families so they are able to have a wonderful holiday season. Last year’s raffle sales brought in $1400 to be split between three families.

Look more more details about the Holiday Stroll in the coming weeks.