South End Holiday Stroll

By: Caroline Jones

Think holiday shopping has to be a drag? Think again. This Wednesday, December 8 from 4 to 8 p.m., your favorite South End boutiques will spread some cheer at the fourth annual South End Holiday Stroll. A dozen stores along Shawmut, Waltham, Washington, and Union Park streets will offer extended hours and great discounts. Participating businesses include Lekker Home, Looc, Skoah, Turtle, and Aunt Sadie’s. Two of the events coordinators, Megan and Moira Flynn, will be offering 20 percent off all jewelry and accessories at the sparkly Faire La Fete at M. Flynn.

“Our goal is to get people to really explore the neighborhood shops and show new visitors that the South End is a great place for people to get together,” says Megan, who has helped coordinate the event for the past three years. What began as a way to thank loyal customers and encourage people to support local businesses has grown into a community effort to attract new buyers to the area.

In between hitting the sales at participating boutiques, hungry shoppers can fuel up at neighborhood restaurants like Aquitaine, Gaslight, South End Formaggio, and the South End Buttery, which will offer one-night-only specials. The Flynn sisters hope events like this one will help get Bostonians excited about shopping again — and deals like these should help get everyone in a holly jolly mood.

Parking will be free at 400-450 Harrison Ave.; for a full list of participating businesses, visit southenders.com.