Downtown Bristol will have an open house on Monday to welcome the holiday shopping season

BRISTOL, Tenn. – Jane Daniel was trying not to panic Friday about Monday night’s downtown Christmas Open House.

In addition to running her Just Divine Goods antique store, Daniel was making sure the refreshments she’d ordered and other preparations would be ready in time.

"I’ve been here three years, and the first year I’d opened the week before the open house, so it was a nightmare," Daniel said. "I’m worried, but it always comes together – somehow."

The seventh annual open house is scheduled from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Monday and sponsored by Believe in Bristol – a group of business and property owners, city officials and interested residents.

The event includes carolers, free carriage rides, refreshments at many merchants and visits from Santa Claus, said Christina Blevins, Main Street Bristol’s executive director.

"I think it grows every year, as we get more and more new businesses down here," Blevins said. "We had a great turnout last year."

Daniel estimates about 300 people came into her store during last year’s event.

"It’s wonderful for our business. Not only does it get people in the Christmas spirit, but it gets them downtown and looking to see what we have available," she said.

Not every merchant shares her enthusiasm.

"It doesn’t do much for us because the antique shops and other folks serve food," said Joe Bell, owner of Manna Bagel. "But it gets people downtown, and we do get some dinner business."

Events like the Rhythm & Roots Reunion music festival and Food City Family Race Night are "huge" for his restaurant, but less helpful for antique stores, Bell said.

Robert Pilk, owner of Mountain Empire Comics, said he plans to remain open later Monday, but doubts the open house will generate extra business.

"It never does. We’ve been downtown 23 years and it’s never a big deal for us," he said.

For information, call (423) 573-2200.

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