Holiday Spirit Bringing More People Into The City

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- The holidays are in full swing, and people are flocking to the city to see the lights, get some shopping done and help give back.

Meghan McCorkell has more on what's bringing people in.

The holiday spirit is always alive on 34th Street in Hampden, and officials hope those kinds of displays help bring more people into the city.

It's beginning to look a lot like the holidays in Harbor East. The area is decked out to try and draw in more shoppers.

"A lot of people have heard about the shopping or heard about the restaurants and just kind of need that added incentive to make a night of it," said Meghan McCloskey, Harbor East.

Free treats and performers on the streets--all to bring in business. At Handbags in the City, they're happy to see the added foot traffic, especially this season.

"Huge. It's our busiest, most craziest time of the year, but we love it," said Bree McNerney, Handbags in the City.

From giving, to giving back. Over at City Hall, hundreds of toys are under the tree.

"It means so much to me because I would love to see the smiles on those kids' faces when they wake up in the morning. It's like Christmas for me all over again," said Jack Young, Baltimore City Council President.

From bikes to balls to dolls, $40,000 in toys is donated to Toys for Tots for children in need.

"To bring that to someone that didn't have that experience, it's a really good feeling," said Cpl. Jeremiah Baham, Toys for Tots.

All of these toys will be collected by the U.S. Marines and distributed to children across the city.

It was the inspiration of children that brought Governor Larry Hogan out to a special Hanukkah party. Chai Lifeline helps children fighting life threatening illnesses--like the cancer the governor just beat.

"They inspire me. They're really wonderful. They're fighting tougher battles than I ever went through," said Hogan.

Now he hopes to be a bright light in their holiday season.

This Saturday, the governor will hold a holiday open house at the governor's mansion.

The open house is free, but the first family will hold a collection of unwrapped toys to donate to Toys for Tots.