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Downtown businesses will kick off the Troy Christmas season Saturday and Sunday during the Downtown Christmas Open House.

“This kicks off our holiday season in Downtown Troy,” said Leigh Anne Windham with the City of Troy. “Open House is definitely a tradition that has been around for lots of years now. It is always on the weekend before Thanksgiving and the community and our businesses look forward to it each year.”

With Black Friday and Small Business Saturday the following week, Windham said Open House weekend truly kicks off the busiest season for the downtown shops and makes a big impact for them.

Lindsay Darnell of Hazel’s Engraving said the open house is when she and many other businesses first debut their Christmas inventory.

“It’s truly a start to the Christmas season, at least for me,” Darnell said. “It’s a great way to get in the Christmas spirit. At Hazel’s, we debut our ornaments at 20 percent off during the open house.”

Mallory Hughes of Confetti Crate said the business always look forward to the weekend.

“It finally hits everybody and they get in the Christmas spirit; it’s a fun way for us to kick it off,” Hughes said. “We’re doing a toy drive this year where if you bring a toy, you get 10 percent off. We’re working with DHR and hopefully getting gifts to multiple families in need.”

The open house will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

“Along with shopping, residents will enjoy refreshments at participating businesses, Santa, train rides, puppets and delicious food¬¬ at our downtown eateries,” Windham said.

Santa will be available for photos form 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. both days.

Train rides will be offered from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday and from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

A Christmas puppet theater will be presented by the First Baptist Church Puppet team at 130 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. on Sunday.

There will be two drawings held at the end of the day on Sunday from the combined Saturday and Sunday entries to select two winners of $500 Downtown Dollars each. Simply make three purchases to be entered to win (must be $25 or more at shops and $10 or more at restaurants).

For more information, call Leigh Anne Windham at 334-674-2468.