Matthew Burnette, Staff Writer

For the third year in a row, the Manchester Chamber of Commerce will be holding their Downtown Manchester Christmas Stroll on Friday, Dec. 13 from 5-8 p.m.

The event is designed to promote small business and local shopping, according to Katie Anderson, the Chamber’s Director of Membership Engagement.

“Everybody’s got their windows all decorated and their stores and everything, and they’re open later hours to promote that last-minute Christmas shopping and things like that,” she explained. “Some of them do some sales and discounts and specials.”

“The takeaway definitely is community pulling together and supporting the local businesses during the holidays but also just coming together as a community and enjoying the season and spending time with family and friends,” says Anderson. “It’s a complete Hallmark moment.”

“Everybody wants a Hallmark moment so that’s what we’re trying to create: a Hallmark moment on the Square,” she added jokingly.

Activities this year will include carriage rides around the Square, pictures with Santa at the Church at 117, photo ops with strolling characters like the Grinch and Grinchette, Rudolph, Buddy the Elf, and possibly more. There will also be several food options available.

“We’ve got about four or five food trucks that are going to offer several types of goodies, anything from funnel cakes to frozen hot cocoa to egg rolls to fried Oreos,” says Anderson. “There’s a little bit of everything.”

A new addition to the Christmas Stroll this year will be McAfee Nursery selling Christmas trees on the Square. 

“Being our slower time of year, we just really wanted another way to get our business name out there and also boost a little bit of sales this time of year,” says Caleb McAfee, one of the owners of the nursery. “Typically we’re restricted to being at our nursery, so we like to be able to talk to people and interact with our customers. They’re the reason we get to do what we do, so we like to be able to get to know them and meet everybody that’s out there.”

Also new this year will be the Huff & Puff Trucking Polar Express truck that was featured in this year’s Christmas Parade being parked on the Square.

“Kids will be able to see that and have pictures opportunities,” says Anderson. “That’s pretty awesome. We’re excited about that.”

“Every year it’s just growing, and it’s been bigger and better, and we just keep adding more things every year,” she added.