8th Annual Upstairs Downtown Holiday Open House on the Square in Downtown Gainesville

8th Annual Upstairs Downtown Holiday Open House on the Square in Downtown Gainesville

Thursday, November 15

5:15 – 8:15 p.m.

Sponsored by Main Street Gainesville

The traditional beginning of the Christmas Season takes place on the Square in Downtown Gainesville on Thursday, November 15 with the 8th Annual Upstairs Downtown and Holiday Open House. This Greater Hall Chamber of Commerce’s Business After Hours takes place as the Downtown Gainesville Square comes alive with Christmas lights and festive decorations. Live music and delicious food from Downtown Gainesville’s best restaurants will highlight the event.

The tour begins at Main Street Market where registration takes place. This year’s tour will focus on some of the great new restaurants and retailers that have opened or expanded in the last year. Attendees can taste food samples from Sweet Magnolias Café and their new Cake Boutique as well as the Boiler Room. Entertainment will be provided by Connie Lane.

The Bradford Street side of the Square hosts the tour at the new Nature’s Reflection shop where Brian Ulrick will entertain. Food samples from The Happy Pickle will be featured there as well as in the restaurant two doors down. Happy Pickle will feature entertainment by Chad Bowmar. Next on Bradford, the tour stops at the popular Café ‘n Crepes Restaurant where delicious samples of crepes and coffee will be served.

The Washington Street side of the Square features two stops, first at the former Coffee Shop of Horrors now being converted into the new Inman Perk Coffee Shop (due to open by Thanksgiving). The final stop will be upstairs at the newly expanded Peach Room above Home Sweet Georgia where food, coffee and dessert will be served with entertainment by King Daddy Polecats.

Two drink tickets are included as part of the tour program, redeemable at The Boiler Room, The Happy Pickle, Seabone’s Restaurant or Luna’s. Registration for a drawing for a fabulous prize package will be available along the tour route. Horse & Carriage rides will be available around the Square at no charge to magically transport you back in time! Santa will make his first appearance Downtown for this Holiday season along with his Santa Train ride for the kids chugging around the Square for only a dollar. Photos with Santa will be available.

Tour charge is $5 for Chamber Members; Guests $10. Details, call the Greater Hall Chamber 770-532-6206 or Main Street Gainesville, 770-297-1141