Downtown businesses kicked off the Christmas season Nov. 5-6 during the Hartselle Chamber of Commerce’s Christmas Open House.

Merchants extended their regular shopping hours into Saturday night for a preview of the event and then opened on Sunday afternoon to usher in the Christmas season.

Mayor Dwight Tankersley said the people lined the streets on Sunday afternoon to get a jump on their holiday shopping.

“Stores were busy on Sunday afternoon,” Tankersley said. “We saw lots of people in downtown and many of them were carrying shopping bags of gifts they purchased. I think it was a good start to the season.”

The handbell choir from Hartselle First United Methodist Church entertained the crowds at the historic Depot on Sunday. In addition, Santa, Mrs. Claus and an elf were on hand for pictures and visits with children.

The Christmas season is the most important season for many retailers. In fact, Tankersley said the city takes in its largest sales tax revenues during January following the holiday season.

“It’s an important time for many retailers in our city,” Tankersley said. “We hope this is the start of a great season.”