City celebrates ‘Christmas Open House’

November 9, 2022 by G. Chambers Williams III

Friday and Saturday were quite busy last weekend for businesses in Historic Downtown Clinton as they kicked off the 2022 holiday season with the annual Christmas open house.

There was a strong and steady stream of visitors both days, including many from outside the local area, as merchants had holiday merchandise on display on sidewalk tables and throughout their stores.

Christmas decorations were in view all over downtown, inside and outside the various stores.

Visitors strolled the streets in pairs and groups, many pushing babies in strollers and leading toddlers by the hand.

Among the Saturday visitors were Lyla Finchum, 14, from Jefferson City, who came to Clinton with her family, including her sister Tallulah, 8, and with her friend Bella Kate, 12.

“We come here for this every year,” Lyla said. “We also come to the spring and fall festivals. We love coming to Clinton.”

B.J. Whaley and Michelle Case drove to Clinton from Sevierville on Saturday to check out the Christmas merchandise and decorations, and both said they were impressed with the detail that some merchants included in their displays.

They particularly enjoyed Hoskins in the Flat, they said, which had decorated sleighs and Christmas trees, and even free doughnuts and coffee for the guests.

There were some street vendors and even food trucks, as well.

Jessica Martinez set up her “Southern Sour” display table outside Tennessee Tulip Co. on Market Street, where she sold the makings for sourdough bread and rolls.

“It was super busy on Friday and it’s that way again today,” she said shortly after noon on Saturday. “This has been a great turnout.”

She brought her two children with her, Hannah, 7, and Immanuel, 2.