The Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce set up the city Christmas tree at the entrance to the Washington Street bus station. (Courtesy photograph)
It’s beginning to look like Christmas in downtown Haverhill now that the city’s donated Christmas tree has been put up near Washington Square. City DPW employees and members of the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce set up the spruce, gifted by Albert and Priscilla Coco from Eastland Terrace, this week ahead of the annual Christmas Stroll, planned for next Friday, Dec. 7.
Forced to downsize given construction in and around Washington Square, the Chamber chose to put this year’s holiday centerpiece at the entrance to the bus station on Washington Street. The tree lighting takes place this year around 7:30 p.m., Chamber Events Director Melissa Seavey tells WHAV.
Several local businesses are planning Stroll-night specials and activities to encourage exploration of the downtown district starting at 5 p.m.
In addition to gingerbread cookie decorating at the Harbor Place Residences and Christmas Karaoke at Fishbrook Design Studio, residents can mail their letters to Santa at the Haverhill Post Office and sip cocoa in Washington Square, all free of charge.
Several drop boxes for Ozzie’s Kids toy donations will be set up around the area, with residents asked to donate new, unwrapped gifts to mark the 30th year of Ozzie Hardy’s goodwill effort.
The Chamber also sponsors a red ticket raffle, with every $5 spent at participating businesses earning shoppers a ticket for a prize drawn during the tree lighting. Shoppers must be present at the tree lighting to win.
2018 Christmas Stroll shopping & special offers:
– Barking Dog Ale House serves up a Jingle Juice cocktail
– Casa Blanca hosts a pop-up shop with Friends of Haverhill Public Library and authors from Haverhill House Publishing
– Design Her Eyes Lash Lounge offers a $20 spray tan and entries for a24 day-giveaway
– Essex Street Grill serves up a Snowflake Martini
– Humble Healings offers an adult T-shirt with the purchase of $50
– Improv Dancewear has a 15 percent off sale storewide
– Keon’s 105 Bistro serves up a variety of Christmas cocktails
– Maria’s Family Restaurant serves up a Pumpkin Spice martini and complimentary Italian pastries
– Ocasio’s True Martial Arts hosts raffles to benefit the 2019 Turkey Brigade effort
– Opal and Oak Boutique’s entire store is 15 percent off.
– Positive Images Gallery plans a drawing for a free gift every hour
– Spaziano Pizzeria serves up two slices of pizza or a 6-inch meatball sub and a drink for $5
– Teased Salon & Spa offers a $10 Braid Bar, with four styles to choose from
– The Inside View features live music performances and Christmas ornaments for sale
– The Lasting Room provides Christmas coffee and cocoa
– The Peddler’s Daughter invites diners to enjoy a complimentary cup of soup with a toy donation for Ozzie’s Kids
– The Switchboard hosts a pop-up shop with Carolyn’s Farm Kitchen and Art Exhibit
– Wicked Big Café gives away a free chocolate chip cookie with the purchase of any beverage