Westport Downtown Merchants Announce 2017 Holiday Activities

The Holidays are upon us and the Westport Downtown Merchants Association is pleased to share the festive and convenient activities happening in Downtown Westport this season. Expect to see the return of seasonal valet parking on Main Street, Holiday horse and carriage rides, additional lighting and festivities on the West Side of the Saugatuck, and the debut of the Nutcracker Festival at Branson Hall. 

The WDMA has partnered with Valet Park America for the second year in an effort to support our merchants during the busy holiday season. Patrons will enjoy the convenience of valet parking as they shop and dine at downtown Westport’s 125+ retailers and our renowned restaurants and cafes. 

The beloved Holiday Horse and Carriage Rides will also return this year on Saturday, December 16 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Passengers can board the carriage at the Bedford Square turning circle on Elm Street, located across from Serena and Lily, where they will enjoy warm beverages provided by the Westport Historical Society, and a festive holiday environment while waiting to take a ride up Main Street. 

Alongside the horse and carriage rides, the WDMA is supporting The Connecticut Theater Dance Nutcracker Festival, happening in Branson Hall at Christ and Holy Trinity Church on Saturday the 16. Inside Branson Hall there will be two Nutcracker Tea seatings, the Sugar Plum Fairy, a Snowflake Boutique featuring local businesses and artisans, and two child-friendly performances of “Land of the Sweets” at the Seabury Center next door. Santa will arrive aboard a Westport Town Fire Truck at 9:00 a.m. to kick off the festivities. 

In addition, the Downtown Merchants are sponsoring a Holiday Window Contest for our merchants awarding the best holiday windows across three categories: national chains, independent retailers, and restaurants and cafes. The winners will receive a cash prize, one year free WDMA membership, and promotional opportunities on WDMA owned properties. Our West Bank merchants have taken the competition to heart, exhibiting beautiful lighting and window displays for shoppers and travelers to enjoy, and hosting their own “Holiday Strolls” on Wednesday and Saturday nights throughout the holiday season. On these evenings shops will stay open until 8 PM offering various events and promotions. 

Valet parking will be available from 12 p.m. - 6 p.m. beginning on Black Friday and running every Saturday through December 23. The drop off point is located at the junction of Main Street and Elm, and the charge is $5 per car plus discretionary gratuity.

Christ and Holy Trinity Church is located at 75 Church Lane, Westport. The Nutcracker festival doors will open at 9:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturday, December 16. Tickets available at www.nutcrackerfestival.com.

Please visit the WDMA website at www.westportdma.com for more information on Holiday activities in Downtown Westport.

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Submitted by Westport, CT

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