Janan Downs puts the finishing touch to an upside down Christmas tree at Zoey’s Downtown in preparation for Hartselle’s Christmas Open House Nov. 3-4. | Clif Knight

Haley Aaron
Special to the Enquirer

Although there are still a few weeks until Thanksgiving, it’s already beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Hartselle. The street lamps on Main Street are festooned with garland and lights, and local shops are filled with holiday gifts and goodies. As autumn fades into winter, businesses and shoppers are preparing for the holiday season.

Anyone who needs a little Christmas cheer doesn’t have much longer to wait to begin the Christmas season. Christmas Open House, one of the first events that rings in the season will be held this year on Sunday, Nov. 4. A preview event presented by the Downtown Merchants Association will be held on Saturday evening. “It’s early and it kicks off the season for everybody and gets them started and thinking about the Christmas season,” said Chamber of Commerce President Susan Hines.

The event gives participants an opportunity to start their Christmas shopping early while enjoying the first sights and sounds of the season. Local choirs and ensembles will provide music and entertainment, while shoppers can admire the decorations in shop windows. In addition to carolers and musicians, a special guest will also make an appearance. “It’s the first time you’ll see Santa Claus this season,” Hines said.

Participants can also get their first taste of the season by stopping by and sampling the food at Taste of Hartselle, where local restaurants will provide a taste of their holiday treats. Donations are accepted at the event, and the proceeds will benefit SNAP, the Special Needs Accessible Playground.

Why get started with your Christmas shopping before Thanksgiving has come and gone? Hines mentioned a major advantage: missing the stress and rush of last minute shopping. “It gives you an opportunity to get your shopping done early and sit back and relax and enjoy the rest of the season,” she said.

The event also gives participants the opportunity to support local business. “Hartselle is a unique place to shop and we have things that everyone else is not going to have,” Hines said. “I think it’s a great way to support your community and to support the merchants that support the tax base in your community.”