Spend shopping weekend strolling along Nashua’s streets

Telegraph photo by Stanton M. Paddock ^^ After walking down Main Street in Nashua with lighted candles, the crowd counted down the lighting of the tree in Rail Road Square.

Downtown Nashua will be bustling on Saturday evening with thousands of residents and visitors eager to kick off the holiday season and show their spirit.

The 16th annual Winter Holiday Stroll, hosted by Great American Downtown, will take place from 5-10 p.m. Saturday, November 28. This family-friendly event is free for all to enjoy and includes a candlelit walk led by Santa Claus, the lighting of the city’s Christmas tree, diverse entertainment acts, food vendors, free shuttle rides, a beer garden, raffle,and a Spirit of Giving donation area.

Great American Downtown is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing coordination, collaboration and partnerships that unify the entire Nashua community around a common vision for an attractive downtown that is vibrant, viable and truly reflects the character of the city.

Since 1993, the Winter Holiday Stroll has served as Nashua’s official kickoff to the holiday season, and Great American Downtown has served as the event sponsor since 2002. It is one of the largest holiday events in the region, drawing nearly 30,000 people from across New England each year.

The fun starts off with a candlelit walk to Railroad Square, where the city’s official Christmas tree is lit. Much of the downtown area is closed to traffic for the evening, allowing attendees to walk to various artistic and cultural performances, sample cuisine from street vendors, dine in downtown’s many restaurants and shop.

In keeping with the holiday spirit, there will also be a collection area in front of Citizens Bank where strollers can donate items such as canned goods, disposable diapers and new, unwrapped toys for local charitable organizations.

This year the beer garden has been moved to High Street and the raffle area will be headquartered in 2 separate locations on Main Street. This year, more than 25 venues will host a variety of performers, including the ManchVegas Roller Girls, in addition to costumed characters and entertainers on the street. Restaurants serving menu items outside their establishments will include Fody’s Tavern, Saffron Bistro, Thousand Crane, Black Orchid Grille, Vietnam Noodle House and San Francisco Kitchen.

Free parking and bus transportation to and from the event can be found at Rivier College and Holman Stadium. Courtesy of First Student and Nashua Transit.