Downtown Merchants create a festive holiday experience with free stocking stuffers, holiday drink recipes with tasting, free elf dollars, plus a $1000 shopping spree.

With the holidays approaching, the Downtown Canandaigua Merchants Association is creating a holiday open house experience. The event is Friday, November 21- Sunday November 23^rd in downtown Canandaigua. The weekend event is their holiday kick off, unveiling Main Street’s holiday decorations, holiday themed gifts, apparel, and art. This year they have planned a fun adventure. A holiday drink recipe contest invites the public to go to participating merchants to sample a holiday drink with recipe. Consumers will also vote on the best. There is also a free stocking stuffer giveaway from participating merchants. The free stockings and stocking stuffers are one to a family while supplies last. A live elf will liven things up by giving away free “Holiday Elf Dollars” that can be redeemed by merchants. And for the third year, consumers can register to win a $1000 shopping spree for the holidays.

“This is the whole experience,” Don Stevens, president of the Downtown Merchant Association explains. “The old historic buildings, the unique shops, restaurants, and galleries, and quaintness bring people together.” As a business owner himself, he looks forward to a bright holiday season. “The horse drawn wagon rides, the newly renovated Santa’s House, and the friendly merchants make downtown Canandaigua a holiday destination.”

The Holiday Open House is a time when the merchants display their holiday themed products, whether it’s apparel, gifts, or art. This is a time when Main Street is decorated with holiday lights, and represents a kick-off to the holiday shopping season. Having more activities, such as the holiday drink contest, free stocking stuffers, and elf dollars create a more festive atmosphere for consumers.

For a list of participating merchants for the holiday drink contest and free stocking stuffer giveaway visit http://www.downtowncanandaigua.com