Photo taken at previous Holiday Open House.

The Augusta Road Business Association (ARBA) will kick off the season with Holiday Open House on Sunday, November 18 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Holiday Open House was created in the 1980’s by the first Augusta Road Business Association members and it continues each year, making Augusta Road the place where families experience the beginning of the Christmas season. Holiday Open House takes place each year the Sunday before thanksgiving. On Sunday, November 18 from 1:00-5:00 p.m., participating businesses will host special events to celebrate the upcoming holidays. Shoppers can get in the holiday spirit with a visit from Santa, music, carriage rides, hot cocoa, door prizes, holiday treats, make-your-own s’mores, special gift ideas for Christmas, and more. It is a fun day for all ages.

The Annual Holiday Open House Instagram contest will be going on during Holiday Open House. Attendees can snap photos or selfies while at Holiday Open House and post on Instagram and tag @onlyonaugusta and #hohonaugusta2018 to win more than $500 in gift certificates to businesses along Augusta Street.

ARBA also celebrates this kickoff each year by helping a fellow Augusta Road organization. Participating ARBA members will be setting out donation collection boxes at each participating business during Holiday Open House to help The Samaritan House. The Samaritan House provides residents in the Augusta Road area with help by coordinating the solicitation, collection, organization, management, and distribution of food and clothing to those in need. For a list of current items needed please visit http://www.thesamaritanhous.org/