Christmas is still over a month away, but Pike County residents can get in the Christmas spirit this weekend at the Downtown Troy Christmas Open House.

The annual event hosted by the downtown committee of the Pike County Chamber of Commerce will include special sales at downtown shops and restaurants and other festivities.

Leigh Anne Windham, chair of the committee, said that the focus of the event is still on shopping, but that other fun has been added in recent years.

“The event has changed over the years,” Windham said. “It used to be strictly a shopping event. That’s still the main focus, but we’ve added a few different aspects to it with Santa and the crafts.”

Saturday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., children will be able to visit with Santa at the Gazebo and have professional pictures made with him. Meanwhile, there will also be Christmas crafts set up on the Square for kids to participate in.

Then on Sunday, Santa will be back from 1 to 4 p.m. with a horse and buggy to give out rides. Drop off and pick up for this event will be at the Confetti Crate.

Parents and adults can get their Christmas shopping done during the event as well with shops and restaurants having special deals during the event times.

The shopping could also turn into a chance to win $500 worth of “Downtown Dollars.”

In order to participate in the drawing, residents must first make three eligible purchases at participating shops or restaurants. Eligible purchases are defined as a purchase of $25 or more at an eligible shop and $10 or more at an eligible restaurant. The downtown dollars will be given away on both days of the event.

Jamey McDaniel, owner of the pastry shop Dolce on the Square, talked about the event.

“It’s terrific,” McDaniel said.

“It’s a great day to be out and get started on your Christmas shopping and kick off the holiday season.”