Courtesy of Maplewood Chamber of Commerce
Get your December celebrations underway this Friday in Maplewood with the 2016 Maplewood Christmas Tree Walk. For the 15th year, downtown Maplewood will offer plenty of old-fashioned holiday charm.
Jeannine Beck, executive director of the Maplewood Chamber of Commerce, says the atmosphere is reminiscent of A Christmas Carol. “The Christmas Tree Walk is one we don’t like to mess with,” Beck says. “It’s so great!”
Starting at 6 p.m., Santa will light the tree. Afterward, tour downtown Maplewood via horse-drawn carriage. Elementary-, middle-, and high-school students from Maplewood Richmond Heights School District will carol throughout the night, adding to the Currier & Ives-style vibe.
“It’s so adorable," says Beck. "The choir directors do a really nice job of preparing them."
Participating retailers will set up wooden trees outside and offer specials and treats inside. (Don't miss samples from Kakao Chocolate and the Mexican Hot Fruit Punch in front of Las Palmas.)
“It’s a good way to encourage everyone to shop small and bring attention to our downtown business district,” Beck says.
A holiday window display competition will take place throughout the night. A group from the Maplewood Chamber of Commerce will choose the first-, second-, and third-place winners.
“It’s become competitive in recent years,” Beck says.
The Christmas Tree Walk kicks off a Maplewood initiative called the 12 Days of Shopping Small. If you live nearby, check the mail for a punch card. If you purchase something from a qualifying small businesses, get your card punched. Filled cards can be entered for a chance to win a gift card.
