Haverhill Chamber’s Christmas Stroll ‘a Festive Holiday Party’

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Community Spotlight is heard quarter past every hour on 97.9 WHAV. Greater Haverhill non-profit organizations are invited to submit news of events, fundraising appeals and other community calendar announcements. Click to use the Submit News Tip form to submit your information.

This year’s 24th Annual Christmas Stroll by the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce promises “a festive holiday party, complete with a visit from Santa, arts and crafts, holiday shopping and plenty of entertainment.”

The stroll begins with a Holiday Hat Parade, starting on Essex Street and traveling around the Riverfront Cultural District. It will be led by Mayor James J. Fiorentini and the Salvation Army’s Brass Band.

“The Christmas Stroll is a holiday tradition. Downtown Haverhill comes alive with families and businesses kicking-off the holiday season. It’s important for residents to connect with local retailers and restaurants to support the community,” said Beverly Donovan, president and CEO of the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce.

For children, there is cookie decorating at The Inside View, face painting and balloon art at TD Bank and a tour of downtown via the Haverhill Bank Holiday Express Train. Mary Poppins delivers holiday magic at Haverhill Family Eye Care and a snowman will be on hand for photographing opportunities.  A map of activities will be available at the Chamber tent in Washington Square.

Visitors may also find holiday gifts at Lioness Boutique and Positive Images, both on Wingate Street, while the Friends of the Haverhill Public Library host a pop-up shop at Casa Blanca Mexican Restaurant with sales of gifts highlighting Haverhill’s history and community pride.

Wandering carolers and a saxophone quartet are scheduled to perform holiday songs and music.  The main stage in Washington Square host the 2016 Haverhill Idol winners, Be Imagine youth bands and Thomasina Glenn and the Haverhill High School Concert/Jazz Band. Soprano Aliana de la Guardia will also perform classical holiday music.

The 24th Annual Christmas Stroll takes place Saturday, Dec. 3, from 2 to 6 p.m. There’s more information at haverhillchamber.com.