Tryon Christmas Stroll set for 5-8 p.m. Friday downtown

TRYON — Local residents are invited to get in the Christmas spirit Friday evening by attending the annual Tryon Christmas Stroll.

The stroll will be from 5-8 p.m. Friday downtown.

Beginning at 5 p.m., the Tryon Riding and Hunt Club will place the iconic wreath on Morris the horse. Morris’ “reindeer” Hermione and Shaylee, two rescue mini horses, will be on hand as well.

A tuba quartet will join the festivities near Morris at 5:30 p.m.

The stroll is sponsored by the Tryon Downtown Development Association and will include downtown businesses staying open late with their own festivities.

“TDDA and Tryon Riding and Hunt Club are proud to partner on new and old traditions around the equestrian community in Tryon,” said TDDA Executive Director Jamie Carpenter.

Carpenter said during the 1970s, a group of neighbors on Wilderness Road began making a “horse collar” wreath to put on the parade horse as part of their Christmas season socializing.

“In the wee hours of Christmas morning, the ‘Wilderness Road Gang’ would go out to stealthily place their wreath around the horse’s neck,” Carpenter said. “We’re bringing the gang together for everyone to enjoy during the stroll.”

At 6 p.m., the lighting of the Christmas tree at St. Luke’s Plaza and the Tryon Fountain will take place, as well as Santa making his appearance.

Also at the plaza will be Goodspeed Music, playing from 5-8 p.m., and Singcerely, a caroling quartet, who will be roaming around spreading holiday cheer. Huckleberry’s will also have smoked salmon and corn chowder as well as holiday cocktails.

Many businesses will be open late and will offer discounts and music, including at the Shops of Tryon. Vines of Tryon is celebrating 23 years of business, with 10 percent of its sales being donated to Thermal Belt Outreach.

Brett Auston Flowers is offering 10 percent off along with food and drink and a photo opportunity outside.

The Book Shelf is hosting a book signing with Sally Hursey, and Lavender Bistro will have live music with TJ Jeter at 6:30 p.m., with Sweet Mother Fudgers giving out free samples outside.

Hoop’s will also have food and drinks; the Nest will have a trunk show with wearable art; The Tryon Bottle will have its Friday night wine tasting; the Schweitzer Strings violin class will be playing Christmas favorites at 17 S. Trade St. (Carolina Confections, Tryon Toymakers and Mills Mosseller Rug Studio); DuJour will have gingerbread men decorating; Main Street Insurance will have hot apple cider; Clover Acupuncture and Wellness Studio will have food and drinks; A Taste of Olives and Grapes will have food, drink and a Kristin Mode live painting and popup shop; and Harper Eatery and Pub will have the Cigarette Holders playing at 6 p.m.

Carpenter also said area children can enjoy crafts at Grace Foothills Church, and the Tryon Arts and Crafts School will have a pop up at the Shops of Tryon with gift items for sale and crafts for children.