Come Join Me at North End Holiday Shopping Stroll

What’s more fun than the holiday season shopping and food? Not much, I’m afraid.

This year, I had the honor to enjoy a little foretaste of the ninth annual North End Holiday Shopping Stroll in Boston, and bring you my first-hand experience of this truly fun event.

The actual event will take place on Friday, December 4th from 6-11pm. The free event is designed to fête the arrival of the holiday season. Shoppers will have the chance to explore the narrow streets, trendy boutiques, wine stores, design studios, galleries, and specialty shops of Boston’s Little Italy.

Admittedly, today, online shopping has become such a major part of my life that I almost forgot the delight of hopping in a brick-and-mortar store to feel the fabric and see the fit. For me, the Holiday Stroll will be the perfect occasion to appreciate local characters and recollect that joy.

After strolling through some of the participating boutiques, I picked up an outfit from the quaint clothing boutique Twilight. I decided to go with some sleek black satin – what else is new?!

I adore the clean lines on the wrap top by Nicole Miller. Its high neckband collar is my favorite part. The almost matching pants by Michael Stars have the gorgeous slouchy silhouette finished with the sporty track-pant leg openings.

With my new holiday outfit put together, we were offered to check in at The Battery Wharf Hotel around the corner to put our feet up and enjoy a night over.

 

Check-in and the luggage service were smooth and efficient. We loved how their personalized service and genuine hospitality made our stay feel at home.

The light fare we sampled at the restaurant downstairs was impeccable. The artisan cheese and charcuterie boards with the cocktails are perfectly festive.

And my favorite part of our stay at the hotel is definitely waking up to the most scrumptious breakfast in bed and an unbeatable view from the window. Did I mention that the beautiful hotel at the Waterfront has the most soothing view of the waters?

My little photo documentary is only able to capture this much, but come join me at the event for much more! The festivities will kick off at 6pm throughout the streets of the north end. The neighborhood stores will stay open late to serve holiday refreshments and offer special promotions and discounts.

Most important: don’t forget to pick up your shopping passport at any of the participating shops.

All merchants participating in the Holiday Stroll will display balloons outside of their storefronts to let shoppers know where they can get their passports stamped. Individuals that stop to shop (and get their passport stamped) at all of the participating locations will be entered to win the grand prize gift basket filled with goodies donated by the local businesses. There will be complimentary hot chocolate and Santa will be on his pedicab at the corner of Hanover and Cross Street.

Now does that sound like a festive holiday to you? If you happen to be in Boston, come and say hi. Hope to see you all at the Stroll!