Homewood kicks off the holiday season with Open House celebration [VIDEO]

Hundreds of shoppers headed to Downtown Homewood Thursday night for the Holiday Open House. The event, sponsored by the Homewood Chamber of Commerce, featured extended store hours and discounts at participating retailers along 18th Street. 

Violin players and Christmas carolers helped fill the night with the spirit of the holidays. Santa and his helpers also stopped by, handing out baked goods and posing for pictures with eager children. 

Several stores left their doors open from 5:30-8:30 p.m. and showcased merchandise outside, inviting shoppers in. Restaurants along the street passed out samples and other refreshments to the gathered crowd. 

The Homewood for the Holidays Trolley helped transport shoppers along the street and back to various parking areas.