Elizabethton Sparks Holiday Spirit with Annual Christmas Open House
Elizabethton, Tennessee, is once again embracing the festive season with its highly anticipated Christmas Open House. This delightful event is shining a spotlight on the town’s vibrant small business scene, inviting locals and visitors alike to explore the unique offerings from 35 different shops scattered throughout the charming downtown area.
A Warm Welcome into the Holiday Season
Organized by Main Street director Courtney Bean, the Christmas Open House is much more than an ordinary shopping event. “We have such a variety in our downtown,” she explains. “So we really want to invite everyone down here to see what we have to offer.” And what a variety it is! Storeowners have decked their halls with plenty of holiday-themed treasures, enticing eager shoppers ready to snap up gifts for loved ones.
This time of year can be incredibly busy for small businesses, and shop owners are feeling the love from the community. As Whitney Johnson, owner of The Wicked Whit, shares, “The amount of support we get down here as small businesses is just incredible. The locals will come here before going to a big box store or Amazon.” There’s something special about shopping local, and it’s clear that the community appreciates the unique flavors and personal touches that these shops provide.
Not Your Average Shopping Experience
What makes Elizabethton’s shopping scene truly stand out? Abigail Francis, the owner of Mountain Made, captures it perfectly: “It’s not a one-stop, ‘I came, I looked, I left,’” she says. “But ‘I came, I saw, I bought, I came back, I bought a friend, they buy it.’” This culture of returning to explore more and share experiences makes holiday shopping a joyous occasion rather than a mundane chore.
Resilience in the Face of Adversity
This year’s event carries an added significance as local businesses have been bouncing back from recent challenges, including severe storms that led to flooding and disruptions. Many shop owners faced tough decisions, sometimes closing their doors temporarily to assist their community in recovery. In light of these struggles, Francis highlights the importance of continuing to support local creators. “I’ve got a lot of makers in here that were either directly or indirectly affected by the flooding,” she explains. “And being able to have their things in here for people to shop their businesses has been a way for them to be able to make up for the losses.”
Johnson echoes this sentiment, emphasizing that their continued operation is about more than just the financial aspect. “Being open in situations like this helps us more than just financially,” she says. “But we also get to see everybody, so it kind of hits home.”
Supporting Local Matters Now More Than Ever
As the holiday season unfolds, Bean urges the community to keep the spirit of local shopping alive. “It’s going to be really important as our community continues to recover that we showcase the importance of supporting our small businesses and staying here in our community,” she asserts. With Small Business Saturday scheduled for November 30, there are even more opportunities for shoppers to show their love for local stores and artisans.
Join the Festivities
As Elizabethton lights up with holiday cheer, there’s no time like the present to dive into the local shopping experience. From unique gifts to handmade treasures, this small town has captured the holiday spirit that’s all about community, resilience, and togetherness.
So, mark your calendars and come on down to Elizabethton to shop local, support small businesses, and embrace the magic of the season!
