<strong>From staff reports</strong>

The Spirit of an old-fashioned Hometown Christmas is being celebrated Friday, Dec. 4, with late-night shopping, dining, and fun hosted by the Downtown Beaufort Merchants Association.

The night air will be filled with the sounds of Holiday melodies to set the mood for shoppers to explore downtown, have a meal and spend time checking out the eclectic mix of specialty stores, boutiques, galleries, restaurants and treat shops. Participating merchants will stay open until 9 p.m.

Downtown merchants have filled their shop windows with beautiful, festive, and creative decorations to show off their holiday spirit.

Shoppers will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite holiday-scape. A gallery of photos of the decorated windows will be posted on the association’s Facebook page.

Merchants participating in the contest have gone all out to make downtown shine bright this season making this a fun way to spend time strolling along Bay St. and surrounding blocks to take in the sights.

Finding that special holiday gift will be especially fun and rewarding this Friday. In addition to seasonal items, many merchants will feature locally crafted, one-of-a-kind, and specially curated items to make selecting gifts and treats easy. Many will offer specials and promotions as well.

For more information about Hometown Christmas First Friday and the Merchants Association’s Holiday window decorating contest, visit https://www.downtownbeaufortsc.org/. This and all First Friday activities are free and open to the public.