Shops and businesses in Downtown Tryon welcome you this holiday season. The annual Christmas Stroll takes place on Friday, Dec. 2 from 5-8 p.m. throughout downtown Tryon.

There will be live music throughout the town with Swamp Rabbit Railroad and the Holy Cross Handbells at St. Luke’s Plaza. Janet & Clifford Joens on celtic harp and guitar and The Cigarette Holders will fill the Shops of Tryon with live music and Hoop’s Antiques and Vintage Collectibles will have wine and hors d’oeuvres. Ten percent of sales from Vines of Tryon will go toward Thermal Belt Outreach.

Make your way to The Nest Artisan Market for snacks and live Christmas music, and 17 S. Trade Street (Carolina Confections, Tryon Toymakers and Mills Mosseller Rug Studio) will be hosting the Schweitzer Strings violin class playing Christmas favorites. Manna Cabanna will have gingerbread men for sale that folks can decorate.

Other special events include: Thompson Garden Gallery will host a marshmallow roast, and Huckleberry’s Tryon will give out soup samples as well as having jams and jellies for sale. Owen’s Pharmacy will host a pop-up shop of Lularoe clothing and Paparazzi jewelry. Tryon Arts and Crafts will be set up for another pop-up shop at the former location of the Book Shelf at 94 N. Trade Street.

The Variety Boutique will be open and brand new at 98 N. Trade Street. Also visit new stores − Equitreasures at the former Saint Luke’s Thrift Store and Remi Danielle Modern Furniture across the street − for great finds, treats and more.

Be sure to stop in the great galleries in Tryon, including Upstairs Artspace and Tryon Painters and Sculptors. Tryon Fine Arts Center and GRO (Growing Rural Opportunities) will have tables set up with information on their nonprofit organizations.

Stop in La Bouteille for Sangria and warm mulled wine, and also find specials on the high-end wines. Main Street Insurance will have hot apple cider to bring in the holiday cheer.

At 5 p.m., the Tryon Riding and Hunt Club will place the iconic wreath on Morris and the Tryon Historical Museum will have Mini Morris out and about for photo opportunities.

Kids craft activities will be at Cielo Real Estate beside Hoop’s Antiques and Vintage Collectibles.

There is plenty to do in downtown Tryon for the holidays! Shop, dine and play locally and join the Tryon Historical Museum for their tour of historic homes on Saturday, Dec. 3 at Harmon Field.

TDDA works to revitalize and preserve downtown Tryon through economic development, quality design and preserving the historic nature of downtown, and promotion of downtown. We do this through partnerships with the Polk County Community Foundation, businesses, local government and governing boards, and more. For more information, please visit www.downtowntryon.org. To be a volunteer “elf” please call 828-859-6484.

– article submitted by Jamie Carpenter