Residents walk by the Centennial Fountain in Central Park as it is decorated for the holidays. Photo by Sally Y. Hart

Downtown Washington will be in the holiday spirit Friday night with the annual Twilight Shop and Stroll.

Main Street Washington Director Sarah Grunewaldt shares what will be happening around the square, “Our retailers in downtown will be open from 5-8 p.m. on a Friday night, which is a little unusual. But each of them will have either a holiday special or a store special on a specific product. And really it’s a way for people to kick off their holiday shopping a little bit early, get in before the crowds get in. But also really see what beautiful and wonderful things we have in our stores in downtown for gifts, as well as home decor.” There are 11 businesses taking part in the event Friday.

Grunewaldt adds shopping locally helps the entire community, with 30% more of every dollar spent in the community staying local, which helps fund services like the police and fire departments. The Twilight Shop and Stroll is the first Showcasing Nights of Washington, or SNOW, event of the season.