Downtown Businesses Host Holiday Open House Weekend

The businesses of downtown Fredericksburg will host their annual Holiday Open House Nov. 9 - 10, 2013.  The annual tradition marks the official start of the holiday shopping season in the city.  Come enjoy the decorated store fronts, shopping specials, holiday lights, festive music and Santa.

The weekend also kicks-off Window Wonderland 2013.  Participating businesses display in their decorated shop window a riddle related to a holiday tradition.  Solve the riddles as you view each window, record your responses, list your top three favorite decorated storefronts, submit your completed entry and you could win $1,000 or one of many other prizes totaling over $3,000.

The contest runs Saturday, Nov. 9 through Tuesday, Dec. 31.  Entry forms are available for download here, for printing from this article or for pick-up at the Fredericksburg Visitor Center, 706 Caroline St.

Santa will visiting Olde Towne Carriage Tours of Fredericksburg, sharing holiday treats and stories about the holidays during the Colonial and Civil War periods.  Meet at 706 Caroline St.

Guests may then join Santa for a 50 minute carriage ride to see the downtown decorations. The Santa Experience begins during Holiday Open House Weekend at 12 p.m and 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.  In addition, Jingle Bell Rides are available every evening except Monday, through Jan. 3.  Reservations for the carriage rides are recommended. 

Downtown street parking with signage for a free two hour limit will be extended to four hours beginning Saturday, Nov. 9, and continuing through Jan. 1, 2014.

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