Businesses in downtown Hartselle participated in Christmas Open House Nov. 8, an annual event sponsored by the Hartselle Area Chamber of Commerce.  

Originally known as Hartselle for the Holidays, the event promotes both Hartselle downtown retail businesses and local restaurants to kick off the Christmas selling season, according to HACC director Missy Evans.  

Evans said the event has historically happened the first Sunday in November and has been held for more than 25 years.  

“While we did not include the Taste of Hartselle module this year, the intent still remains to provide an environment for our community to gather and our local businesses to prosper,” she said. “Hartselle is the City of Southern Hospitality, so this event highlights Hartselle’s exceptional hospitality to both its residents and visitors. The Chamber hosts a visit from Santa so children and families are able to share their wishlists and grab photos for their Christmas cards.” 

As the “community’s crossroads” Evans said downtown Hartselle is a special place – “the place in our hearts and minds that helps define our identity as Hartselle.  

“It is our unique tradition to come together downtown to support our local businesses and celebrate this special season,” she added. “Small business is the lifeblood of Hartselle and benefits our entire community. The Chamber is committed to creating an environment for our local businesses to work together and market cooperatively so they all succeed. It makes Hartselle a place where we all want to live, work and play.”  

Evan said because of the unique issues 2020 has presented, the event was a welcomed encouragement to a weary community. For protective measures, the Chamber moved Santa outside and imposed social distancing measures.  

“We had 120 families come to the Depot to see Santa, and the downtown businesses saw an encouraging number of shoppers,” Evans said. “The feeling from all those who participated was that it was a huge morale boost and economic success.”