North End Holiday Stroll is December 7

The 6th Annual Buon Natale North End Holiday Stroll will be held Friday, December 7 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Nineteen boutiques, shops, galleries and speciality stores will try to entice shoppers with discounts, gifts with purchase, cocktails, refreshments and much more during the stroll.

Marian Klausner, owner of Shake The Tree, says the Holiday Stroll is a great way to support neighborhood small business owners.

“One of the great things about the North End is there are hardly any chain stores.  You see things in the North End you don’t see everywhere.  There are local artisans and a real personal flavor,” said Klausner.

Participants who pick up a passport stroll card and get it stamped by all of the 19 businesses (no purchase necessary) will get a chance to win a gift basket or gift certificate from each of the stores.  A raffle will be held after the stroll.

Elaine DiGangi, owner of Heart and Soul on Hanover Street who grew up in the North End, says the North End has become a shopping destination.

“The North End is still a neighborhood and has become a place to shop.  Now when people come to eat here, there are places to shop,” said DiGangi.

New business owners Tara Shea and Jenn Reuss, opened Cocoanuts Boston, a specialty dessert shop, in July and say business has been great.

“Our customers are both tourists and locals,” said Shea.  “The North End is a shopping experience,” added Reuss.

Cocoanuts Boston was recently featured on the WCVB-TV Channel 5 show Chronicle as one of the best dessert venues in Boston.

Merilee Wolfson, owner of High Gear Jewelry on Hanover Street, has seen alot of changes over the past 15 years.

“There are more shops now in the North End, it’s not just restaurants,” said Wolfson.  “Business is wonderful.  People can shop after they eat.  A lot of businesses are open late,” added Wolfson.

The festivities kick off at 6 p.m. with the holiday tree lighting and a surprise visit from Santa at the corner of Cross and Hanover Streets  The tree lighting is being sponsored by the North End Beautification Committee.  Hot chocolate and cookies will be served.

For more information about the North End Holiday Stroll, contact Marian Klausner at 617-742-0484.