Matthew Burnette, Staff Writer

The Christmas activities continue in Manchester as the annual Downtown Christmas Stroll returns to the historic square on Dec. 12 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

A festive way to celebrate local businesses heading into its fourth year, the Christmas Stroll is organized by the Manchester Area Chamber of Commerce.

Chamber Executive Director Katy Riddle explained that the event has two goals.

“The goal of the event is twofold,” she said. “We want to encourage people to shop and dine locally, and we want to celebrate the Christmas season with fun activities that give people a reason to visit our lovely downtown district.”

Riddle describes the Christmas Stroll as “the perfect way to celebrate the season.”

This year’s Stroll will feature horse-drawn carriage rides, strolling Christmas characters, beautifully decorated storefronts, food trucks, and visits with Santa.

New this year, there will be family photo sessions available at The Church at 117 and caroling by a local homeschool choir.

Riddle says that her favorite thing to do during the Stroll each year is to just pause and look around the Historic Manchester Square.

“I see people holding shopping bags from some of our great local boutiques, children and adults riding carriages and smiling from ear to ear, and both residents and visitors enjoying a Hallmark-esque evening in Manchester,” she envisioned. “That’s what a successful Downtown Stroll looks like to me.”