Holiday magic and seasonal festivities will come alive in downtown Thomasville this year as the traditions of the past merge with new experiences, all designed to create the perfect setting to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year. This year, the magic of the holidays in downtown Thomasville will continue with new Holiday Sip and Shop events that will be held each Friday evening in December leading up to Christmas (December 4th, 11th, and 18th).
“Downtown Thomasville is well known for our many highly anticipated events that are held each holiday season,” said April Norton, Director of Economic Development. “This year, we are excited to offer a new way for our community to continue their holiday traditions in downtown Thomasville. Our downtown is truly special, and it just wouldn’t be the holiday season without a special opportunity to enjoy the perfect setting for shopping and dining with your favorite downtown merchants.”
Beginning at 5:00 p.m. on Sip and Shop evenings, guests are invited to grab their favorite beer or wine from a participating downtown merchant and enjoy sipping and shopping throughout the downtown. “New outdoor seating areas have been added throughout the downtown area to encourage guests to relax and stay awhile,” said Christy Owens, Main Street and Special Events Manager. “Enjoy the festive feeling of the season as you dine under our trees canopy of lights and explore what’s inside our downtown shops.”
The Sip and Shop nights will feature a passport activity to encourage guests to visit as many establishments as possible. “On Sip and Shop nights, everyone is encouraged to grab a passport from a participating downtown merchant,” said Owens. “Once you have your passport filled out, you can enter for a chance to win $100 in Downtown Dollars.” Downtown Dollars are gift certificates that can be used at over one hundred shops and restaurants in downtown Thomasville.
Sip and Shop events were created in collaboration between the Main Street office, downtown merchants, and the Main Street Advisory Board. “These events are a fun and festive way for guests to continue their beloved holiday traditions in downtown Thomasville, support local businesses and check off items that may be on their Christmas lists,” said Norton. “Shopping local is important year-round, perhaps even more so during the holidays. For every $100 you spend at a locally-owned business, $68 will stay in our community. The same spend at a national chain will keep only $43 locally. Shopping local helps support our local economy and job market, and it also keeps downtown Thomasville the unique destination that it has become. Our small local businesses are the backbone of our community.”
In addition to sipping and shopping, downtown Thomasville will be decorated for the season with lights, wreaths, and larger-than-life photo ops. “Each year we look forward to celebrating the holidays in downtown Thomasville with the most beautiful decorations,” said Owens. “This year, we are creating even more fun, festive decorations, such as oversized photo ops that will provide the perfect opportunity to snap a holiday picture with friends and loved ones.” Guests are invited to take advantage of the enchanted atmosphere that has become synonymous with downtown Thomasville during the holidays. The Show Must Go On as we continue the celebration on Saturdays with our downtown merchants having special events inside their shops and restaurants and extended hours on Sundays. “This year, more than ever, we need the magic of the holiday season,” she said. “The holiday traditions you know and love will still be celebrated in downtown Thomasville this year.”
All City sponsored events will follow the CDC guidelines for public health as well as the Executive Orders from the Governor. “Guests are encouraged to practice safe social distancing and good hand hygiene while enjoying the festivities,” said Norton. “There are handwashing stations located throughout the downtown area, as well as regularly sanitized public restrooms and outdoor seating areas. We remain committed to our guests’ health and safety while still allowing socially distanced outdoor opportunities to support our downtown merchants.”
For more information about the Holiday Sip and Shop events, visit www.downtownthomasville.com or call the Thomasville Visitors Center at 229-228-7977.