Don’t Miss Out on the Magic of Holiday Strolls
Imagine walking down Main Street in December. The lights twinkle, there’s hot cocoa on the corner, and the stores are open late, bustling with holiday shoppers. Maybe there’s a tree lighting, caroling, or holiday raffle. The town—and the holiday spirit—come alive again.
Good news! These events are happening all over North America and are a huge opportunity to boost your business, recharge your local economy, and give Amazon the boot. But according to our poll, not everyone knows what a holiday stroll is or has the chance to participate.
It’s not too late to join in or even host your own from home. Here’s how.
All About Holiday Strolls
When we asked you if you were participating in holiday strolls this year, nearly 50% of you didn’t know what they were.
Dan R. from Griff Decorative Films in Levittown, PA asks:
What is a holiday stroll and how do we find out which towns have one?
“Lots of people don't know what a holiday stroll is,” says Kristy A. from Walker’s of South 40 in Eagle Point, Oregon.
So let’s clear the air.
Holiday strolls—also called holiday walks or even holiday markets—are events that encourage people to shop local for the holidays. In many towns, stores stay open late, offer special discounts, and accompany a variety of holiday-themed events like caroling, raffles, scavenger hunts, parades, and more.
And they can be hugely beneficial.
- For business owners: Participating can increase your foot traffic and sales over the holiday season.
- For consumers: Local gifts are more special and unique than something you can get from a big-box store.
- For communities: Money spent at local stores recirculates in your community, boosting the local economy and fueling the programs and organizations that make your hometown special.
In short, everyone wins. What’s not to love?
Holiday Stroll Examples
Here are a few examples of holiday strolls that members like you are participating in this year.
“We have a Chain of Lights—an open house event for a number of local businesses. They provide trolleys with informational guides on board to bring you to different parts of town. Great event!” says Matt B. from Matt Brodeur Music in Millbury, MA.
“My retail store on Clement Street in San Francisco is participating in a Holiday Stroll where the merchants will be offering special discounts, live music, and fun for shoppers," says Phyllis N. from Gaslight & Shadows Antiques in San Francisco, CA.
“The {Tre} of Life will participate in the annual Waupaca Yuletide Trail,” says Susan T. of The {Tre} of Life Waupaca, WI
This community event encourages people to shop local, gather for festivities, and celebrate together as a community
“The Hopkinton Chamber of Commerce holds a Holiday Stroll. Many businesses will participate with sales, specials, contests, treats, and promotions. This community event encourages people to shop local, gather for festivities, and celebrate together as a community,” says Amanda F. of the Hopkinton Chamber of Commerce in Hopkinton, MA.
How to Join the Holiday Stroll Fun This Season
No matter what type of business you have, there’s still time to take advantage of all that holiday strolls have to offer.
Here are some ideas.
1. Find holiday strolls and events in your area
First up, find out if your area is offering a holiday stroll or similar event. You can look at your Chamber of Commerce website, do a Google search, or check in with local businesses.
Here’s a pro tip: Reach out to your local community on Alignable. You can post a local discussion that will go out to all businesses in your area.
Simply write a post and check off your community name under “Who Should See This” at the bottom of the modal.
Stumped on what to say? Here are some sample messages to post:
If your area is holding one, find out how you can participate. You can be added to a list of businesses so shoppers know to stop by, promote holiday discounts, and more. Be sure to reach out asap though—events are happening soon.
2. Do your holiday shopping
If your business doesn’t have a storefront, you can still participate as a consumer. Wrap up your holiday shopping, stand with local business owners, and help your community thrive.
After all, big-box stores and online retailers like Amazon give virtually nothing back to your community, so keep shopping local to support the stores that make your town great.
Anita B. from Anita's Creations, Cookies, Cakes, and More is on board:
All my Christmas shopping is only local.
3. Host a virtual holiday stroll on Alignable
If your area isn’t doing anything, there’s still time to rally together local business owners and host one yourself.
Start by reaching out to business owners in your area: Post a local discussion or check in with your local Alliance Group. Once people are interested, nail down the details. You can do a virtual tour, showcase your products, hold a raffle, and more. This list of virtual holiday stroll ideas can help.
Whatever you do, make sure to have a special discount or offer available to boost sales.
Then, post your event on Alignable. Here’s what you need to know:
- It’s free: Get access to a paid version of Zoom at no cost. Up to 300 people can come for as long as they like.
- Easy ways to spread the word: Invite your network, community, or group to join the fun. They’ll see your event on the Home or Group feed, on your Profile, and in a list of suggested events.
- Keep attendees in the know: Send up to three announcements to attendees to keep your event top of mind.
All you have to do is go to your Home feed, click “Write a Post,” and select “Add a Networking Event.” Or jump straight to the window here. Fill in your details, choose your audience, and post it.
Then, promote your event on and off Alignable by sharing the link. Easy, right?
Related: How to Host a Holiday Event on Alignable
Spread the Cheer in Your Community This Season
No matter what events are happening in your area, make sure to support small and local businesses like yours all season long.
Let’s keep the hometown in our holidays this year.
Are you participating in special holiday events? What’s your favorite part of shopping local over the holidays? Share in the comments.
For more ways to drive local spending, check out:
Comments (1-10)
Great information for all! I’ve been to Holiday Stroll in Nantucket Yrs ago, great for all local consumers and businesses!! Shop local to help our own neighbors.
Hoping there are some local on the North Shore. Otherwise I’ll be shopping local as much as possible to help & stay local for our community!
Thank you for posting.
I love this idea and especially the way we can bring it online so that more can join in.
I never referred to it as a holiday stroll, but the one we go to every year is in St. Charles, Mo. Especially festive are Wednesdays and Fridays in December, with carolers, Santa’s from various countries of the world, other famous Christmas time characters and themes, roasting chestnuts, etc. It really puts us in a great Christmas mood, along with the variety of shops and restaurants.
We publish community magazines. This is a great idea for revenue building while bringing communities together.
I'm excited to look into this! Sounds like a fun way to bring Community together!
Great post! These are great and and exactly, exactly, exactly, the message Mystery on Main Street promotes. Oh, did I mention exactly?
This sounds great I'm looking to explore what all this excitement is about Holliday Stroll.
This is such an excellent idea! Thank you!
"Holiday On Main St" in Yorba Linda held its' 31st event on 12/04/2021. After missing last year due to Covid, the event came back to life with many families enjoying free photos w Santa, train rides and many local vendors participating, for unique holiday gift shopping. It was great fun visiting with friends and neighbors.
Have been enjoying holiday strolls this year. Great opportunity to see neighbors, business owners, and customers. For followup, am capturing photos and mailing postcards to people, which is very easy and fun. Have you heard about the postcard program?