The weekend after Thanksgiving is dedicated to putting the spotlight on New Canaan’s downtown. The Holiday Stroll was started by a group of local merchants 20 years ago and has evolved to be one of New Canaan’s most beloved traditions. The Chamber invites you to head downtown on Friday December 6th between 5:30 – 8:30 pm to walk under the lights, browse in the stores, watch a show performed by young local talent, eat delicious food, and take a selfie with Santa and Mrs. Claus. The Stroll functions as New Canaan’s answer to “Small Business Saturday”, reminding all of us to “think local first” when shopping for friends and family this Holiday season!
For young families we encourage you to come back to town on Saturday December 7th between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm to catch up with Santa who will be at Houlihan Lawrence at 161 Elm Street. While the Children wait to share their wish list with Santa, they will be entertained by a magician making balloon animals. Santa will also be taking donations to help make Christmas shine a little brighter for local families in need.
As New Canaan has been blessed with many new residents, we wanted to share our appreciation ahead of time, so everyone can understand how important this event is to our business district and how many people are involved in pulling it off.
The Chamber has worked for many months to produce the Stroll but could not possibly put on an event like this on without the support of the municipality and the time commitment and financial contributions of many.
As you walk through town over the next month, please look at the lights in the trees which are 100% funded by residents and businesses who every year collectively contribute close to $30,000 to have the lights carefully and artfully strung by Hutchinson Tree Service on Elm, Main, Locust, South, and Forest Streets. If you would like to contribute head to newcanaanchamber.com to donate!
Have you noticed the Lamp Posts? Each one was decorated garland hung by the dedicated team at the Department of Public Works. Check out the Garland Tags on each lamp post you will see the name of a business or a family who have “sponsored” that pole which helps the Chamber raise the necessary funds to put on the Holiday Stroll.
The Gingerbread Houses you see in the window were sourced and delivered by the Walter Stewarts team, purchased, and handed out by the New Canaan office of Brown Harris Stevens. 150 families spent their Thanksgiving weekend decorating the houses which are placed in stores who volunteer precious window space for the young architects’ creations.
Santa will be in New Canaan both Friday Night and Saturday thanks to a generous contribution from the New Canaan Office of Houlihan Lawrence. On Friday night Mrs. Claus will be here thanks to our friends at Camp Playland.
On Friday night you will see teams of Chamber Board Members and National Charity League volunteers selling “light up” garb and trinkets. In front of the Moreno Clock on Elm Street. When you buy one of these festive items you too will be helping fund the Holiday Stroll.
The Show, which will take place at the Elm/South Avenue intersection will be emceed by the Town Players of New Canaan and feature performances from New Canaan Music, New England Academy of Dance, The Studio for Performing Arts, The Performing Arts Conservatory, The New Canaan Dance Academy NCHS Jazz Band, NC Dance Clinics and even a Dance Performance by our friends at the new Fred Astaire Dance Studio. The New Canaan's 2024 Holiday Stroll will be held on Friday December 6th on Elm Street from 5:30 – 8:30 pm.
The highlight of Friday night will be a Holiday themed show with performers from many local theater and and dance groups. New Canaan Cares will be serving up S’Mores around the fire pit and the waffle cabin from Vermont will be selling fresh waffles.
Barvida - 137 Elm Street
Friday evening smoothie samples.
Claudette - 106 Main Street
Friday Wine, champagne, and lite bites with holiday music on Friday, Lite bites on Saturday.
Cobble Court Interiors - 21 South Avenue
Cobble Court Interiors invites you for a very special evening of COCKTAILS & HOLIDAY SHOPPING! Enjoy 25% OFF ALL HOLIDAY ITEMS!
Consider the Cook - 145 Elm Street
Friday & Saturday 15% off.
Craftbottlz - 1 Morse Court
Friday & Saturday wine tastings.
Element Medical Aesthetics - 80 Main Street
We have extended Black Friday for the Stroll! Pamper yourself or someone you love with an Element Gift Card! $1000 for $800, $500 for $425, $250 for $225.
Francos Wine Merchants - 130 Elm Street
Wine Tasting Saturday 1:00-5:00PM
Gates Restaurant & Bar - 10 Forest Street
Holiday Karaoke after the Stroll! 8:30 - 11:30pm. Free kids meal (under 12) with every adult entree purchase all day Saturday!
Houlihan Lawrence - 161 Elm Street
Friday, Festive Open House 5:30-8:30pm. "Nibbles & Cheer", Saturday visit with Santa. 10am-3pm
Manfredi Jewels - 72 Elm Street
Friday we will be handing out handing out candy watches, gold coins, and candy rings outside our store after closing. Saturday we will be hosting a trunk show at our store from 10am-4pm with Vendor "Mattioli" where we will have exclusive pieces not typically in store.
Morgenthal Frederics - 127 Main Street
Holiday Gift $100 off purchase of $350 or more.
New Canaan Healthfare - 2 Morse Court
Holiday Gift Baskets
New Canaan Music - 90 Main Street
Friday we will have drinks and light bites! Great sales on select Taylor and Fender guitars as well as other instruments and accessories! Saturday Cookies and refreshments. plus great sales on select Taylor and Fender guitars as well as other instruments and accessories continue!
No. 299 - 110 Main Street
Friday evening we will be serving a FESTIVE adult beverage and offering a gift with purchase while supplies last.
Ski & Sport - 139 Elm Street
Cider and cookies both Friday & Saturday
The Playhouse - 93 Elm Street
Giving out popcorn and hot chocolate, flyers and candy. Pub will be serving festive fare and there will be Christmas movies as well.
That Personal Touch - 102 Main Street
FREE Monogram on any of our Bamboo Cutting Boards!!
The Agency - 6 South Avenue
Gingerbread House Decorating Contest
Caregivers and kids are invited to join the holiday fun! Stop by our office to pick up a gingerbread house kit to take home and decorate. Once your masterpiece is complete, email us a photo along with your name and age. Stop by our office to pick up your kit either Friday 12/6 from Noon – 8:30 pm or Saturday 12/7 between 10:00 am – 3:00 pm. All entries will be featured on our social media pages, and we’ll announce the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners on Wednesday, December 18. Winners will receive New Canaan Chamber gift cards!
The Glass House Design Store - 199 Elm Street
Enjoy a-never-before-offer of 10% off all purchases starting at Noon on Friday! Prosecco will be served on Friday starting at 4:00pm along with a special presentation by Dominica P. Baharian, buyer and manager of The Glass House Design Store. This event is offered in collaboration with the New Canaan 2024 Holiday Stroll and all participants will receive 10% off all purchases made during the in-person event.
The Little Plucky - 111 Elm Street, Suite 1
Saturday - Holiday cookies and free handmade ornament with purchase of $50 or more
The Spice & Tea Exchange - 118 Main Street
Friday, we will have hot cocoa and mulled cider to-go. We are raffling off a holiday gift basket. Saturday will be the last day for our Holiday Sale. Spend $50 - Get a $10 Gift Card, Spend $75 - Get $15 Gift Card, Spend $100 - Get $20 Gift Card
The White Buffalo - 72 Park Street
Friday, extended happy hour. Saturday, early happy hour.
Togs - 9 South Avenue
Friday, Lite bites , refreshments and chance to win $100 gift card. Saturday, cookies.
Wave - 86 Elm Street
Friday evening Soiree with Lots of Cheer!! Saturday, Holiday Shopping at its Best!
William Raveis - 4 Elm Street
Friday Cookies and Treats
