Oxford Square Transforms to Holiday Wonderland on Black Friday

By Alyssa Schnugg
News editor
alyssa.schnugg@hottytoddy.com

Oxonians crowd the Square for the 2017 annual lighting of the Christmas tree. This year’s events will be on Nov. 29.

Instead of spending the first official day of the Christmas season inside busy, cramped chain stores on Black Friday, the Oxford Square Alliance is inviting everyone to the Square to kick in the holiday season Oxford-style.

The annual Christmas Open House features a host of family-friendly activities and events to usher in the holiday season, as well as great places to shop for loved ones.

“We encourage people coming out to the Square and support local business and keeping the tax dollars here in Oxford, but especially during the Square Alliance Holiday Open House. New parking garage is open, with free parking on 2,3 and 4 floors, plenty of convenient parking.” says Mark Huelse, Oxford alderman and member of the Oxford Square Alliance. “It’s very a special, unique day on the Square.”

Sponsored by Belles and Beaus, the Open House will feature a free digital photoshoot with Santa who will arrive at the Square at 11 a.m., escorted by the Oxford Fire Department.

Photos, taken by Brandall Laughlin Photography, will be taken from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on the Lafayette County Courthouse Lawn where little ones can decorate Christmas tree ornaments with their own handprints.

Horse-drawn carriage rides around the Square will begin at 2 p.m. and last until 6 p.m., sponsored by FNB and Something Southern.

Christmas music on the steps of City Hall will start at 11 a.m. With the Oxford Civic Chorus performing from 4 to 6 p.m., sponsored by Elite Cabinetry.

After Santa arrives at the Square, he will land his antique sleigh on the lawn of the Lafayette County Courthouse where citizens young, old and in between can sit and take photos.

Oxford Mayor Robyn Tannehill will lead the Christmas tree lighting in front of City Hall at 6 p.m.

Immediately following there will be a Square Dollars raffle with $500 worth of gift certificates being awarded. Shoppers earn raffle tickets while shopping in the stores around the Square on Friday. You must be present at the drawing to win.

Have someone on your list who is hard to buy for? Square Dollars can also be purchased, like gift certificates, which can be used at any of the retail shops and restaurants that are members of the Oxford Square Alliance. Square Dollars can be purchased at Visit Oxford on the Square all year long.

For more information on the Holiday Open House visit the Oxford Square Alliance on Facebook.