Downtown New Bedford to celebrate Holiday Stroll on Dec. 2. Here's all the details.
NEW BEDFORD — The downtown area will be celebrating its annual Holiday Stroll on Dec. 2, promising community spirit, fall fun, and support for local small businesses from noon to 5 p.m. in the downtown area.
"I think it’s important to celebrate downtown as a gathering place for the New Bedford community," said Calico owner and Downtown New Bedford Inc (dNB) member Elissa Paquette.
"I love that dNB Inc can create events like Holiday Stroll, because we’re able to bring folks together with free holiday music and entertainment and activities for families and kids."
Events are scheduled from 12 to 5 p.m., with the sounds of the Seaglass Theater Company Carolers and the Southcoast Brass Band and Winter Fairy and Santa and Mrs. Claus all in attendance.
"At the same time, we have the opportunity to highlight the many unique small businesses, museums, and restaurants that make downtown New Bedford so special," Paquette added.
What to expect at the festival
Strollers can take in the sights of downtown with antique fire truck rides provided by the New Bedford Fire Museum and be sure to support local at the numerous shops, restaurants and galleries.
"BuyBlackNB is back this year with their holiday market at the New Bedford Whaling Museum," Paquette said. "You can shop and support 15 Black-owned local businesses and enjoy awesome live music from Joaquin Santos & Friends, and we also have a lot of old stroll favorites back."
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Calico, Celia's Boutique, The Mad Lila, Co-Creative Center, AprilEvans Beaity Lounge, Anthi's Drawing Room, Alison Wells Gallery, Latitude 41 Outfitters, First Unitarian Church, Ambience Settings Home, Be Jeweled, Cummings Building, Thallo, Shimmer, TL6 The Gallery and Union Street Hydration will all be offering different activities and sales.
New Bedford Harbor Hotel, New Bedford Fishing Center, Painting at Splash, Rotch Jones Duff House, DeMello International Center Lobby, New Bedford Art Museum and The Steeple Playhouse will also have activities for kids such as painting classes, scallop shell decorating, grab-and-go art kits for families and a holiday cookie decorating and hot cocoa bar.
"This year we have more small businesses collaborating with local makers than ever before! It’s a great opportunity to find awesome gifts, not only from local shops, but New Bedford artists as well," Paquette added.
For more information and updates, visit downtownnb.org or follow on Instagram @dnbinc.
What food and drink will be available
Cork Wine & Tapas, Pour Farm Tavern, Tia Maria's Cafe, Carmine's, Besteas and People's Pressed will also feature holiday food and drinks as well as a meet and greet with the Grinch at Play Arcade.
Where is the Holiday Stroll
According to Paquette, strollers should dress warm as there will be plenty do. "There's lots going on outside (Santa, music, antique fire truck rides) and it will probably be chilly out. Bring a gently used coat, sweater, or new winter accessories to donate to folks in need. And follow @dnbinc on Instagram and Facebook for real-time updates," she said.
"I hope people come away from the stroll feeling proud of their downtown and appreciating all the creativity and work that small business owners put into not just the stroll — but keeping our businesses running each and every day."
Parking for the festival
The Zeiterion and Elm Street parking garages are both open and free for parking. It is also free to park on the street on the weekends in New Bedford.
Standard-Times staff writer Seth Chitwood can be reached at schitwood@s-t.com. Follow him on twitter: @ChitwoodReports.Support local journalism by purchasing a digital or print subscription to The Standard-Times today.
This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: Downtown New Bedford Inc. celebrates Holiday Stroll on Dec. 2
