Harbor East Holiday Choral Series Encourages Shopping Local

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- City sidewalks become busy sidewalks when they're dressed in holiday style. That's just when the shops at Harbor East want when they kick off a seasonal choral series this month.

Gigi Barnett explains why the event happens on Hump Day.

In Baltimore's Harbor East, buildings are dressed in bows with Christmas lights aglow. But add a choir or two, some acrobats and letters to Santa and it instantly becomes Merriment and Melodies, Harbor East's holiday choral series.

"We're in the holiday spirit," said Harbor East Director of Marketing Megan McCloskey.

On Wednesdays of the month, the shopping area transforms, bringing new customers to the high-end district.

"There's a lot of great incentives for shoppers to come down ," McCloskey said, enjoy the music performances, the shopping specials."

Organizers say they planned the event for the middle of the week -- because who wouldn't enjoy a little holidays on hump day.

"Having it on a Wednesday what do you want to do after getting off of work before the holidays ," said South Moon Under manager Cat Constantine, "you just want to get some of that shopping knocked out so you can enjoy your weekend.

South Moon Under saw a boost in customers during the free event last year. She believes the Christmas music may have had something to do with that.

"I love hearing holiday music. It makes it fun to shop. Once a year, you really get to enjoy all of that music," she said.

Merriment and Melodies starts on December 9 and ends on December 16.