Downtown Milford plans holiday events
Downtown Milford will host a variety of events and activities this holiday season that support philanthropy and small business. Holiday programming will commence Thursday, Nov. 15, with The Big Reveal and the ongoing Dinner’s On Us program.
“At the core of what makes Milford, Milford, is the unique and thriving boutiques, restaurants and storefronts we have in our community,” said Ann Barnette, executive director of the Milford Downtown Development Authority. “The holiday season is a special time for us as we are able to showcase downtown through community events that create memories for families and support the local economy.”
Events in Milford will continue throughout December with Give Back Friday, Christmas Open House and more. Events this season include:
• Milford’s Big Reveal, Thursday, Nov. 15
Prepare to open a few presents early this year. Nearly 40 businesses between Library Street and Commerce Road along Main Street will have packaged the exterior of their windows as wrapped gifts for The Big Reveal. The Thursday before Thanksgiving, beginning at 6:30 p.m., children will then tear open the gift-wrapped storefronts revealing elaborately decorated holiday displays, some could even include live models and puppies as in years past. No one knows what’s under the wrapping paper until the community helps unveil the displays. As an added treat, participating stores will offer punch, cookies and other complementary snacks throughout the night.
• Dinner’s On Us, Thursday, Nov. 15 through Thursday, Dec. 20
To jump-start downtown’s holiday giving, businesses and community partners will show their appreciation for patrons dining in downtown Milford by picking up the tab for random diners through the Dinner’s On Us program. Every Thursday 5:30-9 p.m., Nov. 15 through Dec. 20, excluding Thanksgiving, a group representing downtown businesses and community neighbors will pay for nearly 90 customers’ meals throughout the season. The program helps give back and give thanks to those supporting local. The DDA supports this program with the help of donations received primarily from local businesses.
• Give Back Friday, Nov. 23
The Friday after Thanksgiving is a little different in downtown Milford, when more than 30 businesses participate in the third annual Give Back Friday event that puts a feel-good twist on Black Friday. Stores and restaurants will offer special sales, discounts and one-of-a-kind gifts throughout the day. Participating businesses will also donate a percentage of their proceeds to a local charity or nonprofit of their choice.
• Small Business Selfie, Saturday, Nov. 24
A day dedicated to supporting small business, downtown Milford will host its second Small Business Selfie social media giveaway kicking off on Small Business Saturday, Nov. 24. The downtown Milford Facebook page will share social media posts throughout the month encouraging people to submit selfies of themselves shopping or dining in downtown Milford. Participants can either comment on one of the posts or post to downtown Milford’s Facebook page with a photo of themselves shopping or dining in downtown Milford for a chance to win a $500 gift certificate to any downtown restaurant or shop of their choice. Selfies will be accepted until Milford’s Christmas Open House, Thursday, Nov. 29. The winner will be randomly selected.
• Christmas Open House, Thursday, Nov. 29
Downtown festivities will ramp up as the village prepares to welcome Santa Claus. The annual Christmas Open House will feature strolling musical entertainment, horse-drawn carriage rides, caroling and more. The evening will kick off with a Christmas tree lighting at 5:45 p.m. in the middle of Main Street at the Center Street Park. Soon after, Santa will arrive aboard a Milford Fire Department engine at 6 p.m. Throughout the night, many stores will offer holiday deals and refreshments, while patrons shop locally-made gifts, décor and children’s toys. During the event, donations of canned or dry foods will be accepted at the Center Street Park, benefiting the Community Sharing Outreach Center.
• Visits with Santa through Dec. 22
Santa will be at the Village Center Mall, 400 N. Main, behind the Village Toy Shoppe 6-8 p.m. each Thursday and from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Saturday until Dec. 22. Keep the memories alive and bring your own camera as a professional photographer will not be provided.
For more information, go to www.meetmeinmilford.com.