Hundreds flocked to Downtown Worcester Saturday, December 4 as small businesses boosted themselves with deals and activities as part of the canal District’s Holiday Stroll.

“Our neighborhood has been growing and growing over the past 15 years,” said Amy Chase, who is the second vice president of the Canal District Alliance. “It’s important to celebrate all the great businesses down here. New and old!”

The Holiday Stroll started in 2017 after the Canal District Alliance wanted to grow and highlight different areas of its neighborhood. This was the first year the Stroll added dog friendly events.

“Our neighborhood is very dog friendly, and we are hosting photo booths at some of the area businesses,” Chase said.

Crompton Collective, The Queen’s Cups, Bay State Brewery, Worcester Wares, and Thomas Rothwell offered photo booth locations for dogs. Birch Alley hosted a donation drive for Pawfect Life Rescue. There was a dog-themed pop up in the Cozy Nook Booth, and Maddi’s Cookery and TapHouse and Haberdash both offered treats for passing by pups.

This year, more than 50 businesses in the neighborhood participated and offered deals and raffles throughout the day.

“I came to enjoy all of the things here today, the raffles,” said Peggy Supermor, and that it’s “great” that the city was able to host the event again this year after a hiatus due to Covid-19 in 2020.

There were deals like 30 percent off at Alan James or 10 percent off at the newly opened Canal District Wines. Compass Tavern hosted a toy drive for Friendly House, St. Agnes, and the Boys and Girls Club. Many stores, like Creative Cakes Cafe, Seed to Stem, and Birch Tree Bread hosted raffles for gift baskets. Many of the Worcester Public Market stores were also up and running with different discounts and raffles.

Looking back, Chase, who owns Crompton Collective, recognized that there were few small businesses in the area.

“We dreamed of one day being part of a stroll with a bunch of other businesses,” Chase said. “It’s so cool to see that come to fruition and there’s so much to offer here in The Canal District.”

In addition to Crompton Collective’s typical goods and antiques that supports 70 local makers and dealers, the store hosted a craft fair called Makes Like a Girl, which supported female-owned businesses, adn a pop up with 90+ Cellars with rose and wines on hand while people shop. Crompton Collective also sold the Worcester Monopoly game, with profits going to Worcester Animal Rescue League.

“I think it’s important to shop small every year and all year but even more so important after the past few years have been so hard on all of us,” Chase said. “It’s so special to do an event celebrating all the cool small businesses in our neighborhood and we hope that our customers can find another small business that they love right next-door to us and keep them coming back for years to come.”

A street away from Crompton Collective, The Queen’s Cups offered visitors the chance to enter a holiday raffle to win $25 toward a Christmas order.

“The stroll is important to The Queen’s Cups because we get to see a lot of customers, old and new. As we all know it, life has changed and so has business,” Owner Renee King said. “Days like that of the Canal Stroll are reminiscent of the ‘good old days’ pre-covid.’”

Dogs were welcomed at The Queen’s Cups, with pup photos taking place in front of a holiday backdrop with Santa. Dogs also received a mini pupcake.

“We can’t wait to see our four legged friends and they’re adorable photos in our shop!” King said. “We love seeing all of our neighborhood businesses bustling and people in great moods.”

In the opposite direction from Crompton Collective, the WooSox opened its doors for discounted prices on its fan store items.

“We’re happy to be showing our support for an event that’s taking place right in our backyard,” saisd Joe Bradlee, WooSox’s Vice President of Baseball Operations and Community Relations. “We hope that fans will continue to use Polar Park and Worcester’s thriving Canal District as a community gathering place throughout the course of our off-season.”

In addition to the shopping and browsing, attendees were able to watch The Canal District’s tree lighting in Kelly Square. The tree continues to reside on the island in the multiple-intersection roundabout.

If locals weren’t able to attend the event though, Chase said that’s not something to worry about.

“Obviously The Canal District Alliance wants you to support small businesses all year round,” she said. “If you can’t come out and support them in person, many of them can ship you gift cards or you can shop online. We are happy to help you find anything that you’re looking for for gifts at one of our local businesses.”

To find out more, reach out to The Canal District Alliance on their Facebook or Instagram at @thecanaldistrict.