Mystic Stroll Lights Up The Town

Historic Downtown Mystic welcomed the holiday season with its annual Mystic Stroll on Dec. 7.

Merchants kept their shops open until 9 p.m. so that patrons could holiday shop while enjoying a free event with food, entertainment and the wistfulness of the holiday season. Lights, ornaments, garland and bows adorned storefronts and sidewalks.

A spectacular glimmering Christmas tree stood close to the center of town casting a reflection onto the water below. The weather was cold and crisp but the atmosphere was warm and filled with the spirit of the holiday.  

Attendance, estimated to be about 400, included families, couples, friends, teenagers and holiday shoppers looking for that special gift.

A variety of entertainment was the big draw this year for participants. The Ledyard High School Carolers and the Chamber of Commerce choir sang spreading the holiday cheer. The Sugar Plum Fairy from the Eastern CT Ballet's Nutcracker danced in the window of and the Snow Queen performed at My Sister's Wardrobe.

To the amazement of children, a saxophone playing Santa walked the streets playing his tunes. The sound of instruments was everlasting with live bands playing in and outside of storefronts. To the delight of attendants, there was plenty of complimentary food and drink including hot cider, wine, chowder soup, cookies and even strawberry champagne ice cream for those not bothered by the cold air. 

About 90 percent of Downtown Mystic businesses participated in the Stroll. It was sponsored by the Downtown Mystic Business Association and promoted by the .

"This event is equally important and beneficial for the community and businesses of Downtown Mystic," said Tricia Walsh of the Greater Mystic Chamber of Commerce.

Many Downtown Mystic business owners echoed Walsh.

When Mara Beckwith from Studio M, LLC was asked how she benefits by participating in this event, she said "obviously, attaining business is part of it but I also joined the Chamber of Commerce and participate in events like the Mystic Stroll so that people can get to know my business and exactly what I do here."

Rochelle La Rue, owner of Rochelle's of Mystic, which had their ribbon cutting the night of the Stroll, explained why she decided to get involved with the Mystic Stroll "well Christmas is my favorite holiday but I did it to get to know customers and put my store's name out there". 

So why do patrons take part in the Mystic Stroll? Here are just a few of participants' favorite things. A woman peering in a store window replied "I like to come here to see what the stores have to offer." A man holiday shopping said "the best part for me is the free food." Four ladies standing outside of a shop, one of whom had traveled from Westbrook for the event, all agreed "small town festivities are what we love most about the Mystic Stroll." A man watching the carolers with his son responded "the carolers are always great but the best part is just spending time with loved ones like my son out here."  

No matter what your favorite thing is about the Mystic Stroll, there is, without a doubt, something for everyone. Whether a merchant, customer, or someone just enjoying what the night's festivities had to offer, a good time was surely had by all. And if you were unable to attend, remember, there is always next year!