Stroll Bristol During Two-Night 'Holiday Preview'

Bristol’s 12th annual Holiday Preview runs for two nights this weekend.

“It’s the first time we’ve had it for two nights,” said Lynn Shaw, the owner of Harbor Body and Bath at 251 Thames St. and the event coordinator for the Bristol Merchants Association along with Linda Arruda of Paper Packaging and Panache on Hope Street.

“In the past, it’s been so crowded,” Shaw said. “We thought two nights would be better.”

The preview starts Friday, Nov. 22, and continues Saturday, Nov. 23, from 5 to 9 pm each night.

More than two dozen stories are participating in the annual night for strolling, shopping and dining on refreshments to be offered at each store. Shaw, for instance, is serving homemade stuffed quahogs with wine.

“You just follow the luminaries,” Shaw said. “The stores that are taking part will have luminaries in front of the store.”

Friday night is also the kickoff for the annual Snowflake Raffle, now in its fifth year. 

“Look for the large snowflake in participating merchants’ windows,” she said.

Shoppers get one raffle ticket for each $25 in purchases – two raffle tickets for the first night only on Friday for each $25 purchase. 

Shoppers can accumulate raffle tickets through Dec. 21. Winners will be chosen on Dec. 22 at a stage set up at the bottom of State Street. Merchants are giving away $6,000 in prizes – including a $3,000 first prize, Shaw said. 

You must attend to win, she said. If you can’t attend, you can donate your raffle tickets to several charities: Bristol-Warren Education Foundation, the Bristol Good Neighbors Food Pantry and Soup Kitchen, and the East Bay Food Pantry.

You can get information on the preview at the Bristol merchants’ Facebook page or on Explore Bristol, the BMA’s website.