The spectacular weekend of Nov. 7–10 provides a special time to get a jump on the holiday season by shopping locally with participating Lexington businesses. Known as the annual Lexington Holiday Open House Tour, this year's event is being handled by professionals at Midlands Media Group and the Greater Lexington Chamber & Visitor’s Center. Refreshments, door prizes and unique treasures await at participating stores and establishments during this weekend filled with sales and special deals—all geared toward getting everyone into the holiday spirit.
Marie Stover, Midlands Media’s vice president of marketing and client services, says it's the company's first year to coordinate and promote the Holiday Open House.
"We wanted to get involved because, we too, are a fellow business based in Columbia," she says.
"When Wally at Wingard's Market asked us to take over coordinating this annual tradition, we were thrilled. As a locally owned media company, we believe in giving back to our community, and this is a great way to showcase a lot of local merchants as we kick off the holiday shopping season," says Kirk Litton, Midlands Media's managing partner.
Kirk says they are supporting the Lexington Holiday Open House on all of their outlets: 93.1 FM The Lake, 94.3 FM The Dude and ColaDaily.com.
Connor Watkins, multimedia strategist with the Greater Lexington Chamber & Visitor’s Center, says chamber representatives became the presenting sponsor of this event because they truly enjoy being advocates for local businesses.
"During the holidays, local businesses can get overshadowed by Black Friday and Cyber Monday, but we all know that great deals can be found locally, rather than just online," he adds.
Following are the current 2019 participating merchants, with varying hours of operation. Check for new gift item ideas, raffles, promotions, gift wrapping and plenty of holiday cheer. More businesses also may participate; continue checking online for updates and hours of operation at LexingtonHolidayOpenHouse.com.
Blush Boutique and Home
5175 Sunset Blvd., Suite 7 • 803.520.0643
Farmhouse Market & Antiques
1610 W. Main St. • 803.490.9201
Free Bird Boutique
5175 Sunset Blvd. • 803.609.9744
Gifts Galore & So Much More
170 Corley Mill • 803.606.7082
High Class Consignment
5495 Sunset Blvd. • 803.951.7453
James and Eloise Fine Children’s Boutique
5175 Sunset Blvd., Suite 8 • 803.399.8408
Lexington Jewelers
134 E. Main St. • 803.359.6068
O’Hara’s Public House
131 E. Main St. • 803.785.4025
Old Mill Brew Pub
711 E. Main St. • 803.785.2337
Pink Pineapple Boutique
1704 W. Main St. • 803.996.0186
Tera’s Merle Norman
427 Columbia Ave. • 803.359.7755
The Auburn Mermaid – A Unique Boutique
115 E. Main St. • 803.996.6717
The Classy Cruet Olive Oils & Vinegars
5175 Sunset Blvd., Suite 10 • 803.785.7887
The Nifty Gifty
104 Andrew Corley Road • 803.808.2380
Wild Birds Unlimited
435 Columbia Ave. • 803.951.2070
Wingard’s Market
1403 N. Lake Drive • 803.359.9091
Additionally, remember that Small Business Saturday 2019 will be Nov. 30, presenting a second special opportunity to secure items from these local stores during the month.
