Make a date for Christmas Walk Dec. 7

The annual Boca Grande Christmas Walk has been pushed back to Dec. 7 to better support local businesses. In the past, the Christmas Walk has been held the Saturday after Thanksgiving because a lot of visitors were in town, said Chamber Executive Director Gary Cross.

“It seemed through conversations with local businesses that to do Thanksgiving, Black Friday and then Christmas on Saturday was tough,” Cross said.

This gap between Thanksgiving and the Christmas Walk will spread out business for local shops. “This year is extra important after everything that has happened,” Cross said, referring to Hurricanes Helene and Milton. “The more people we can get out for the walk, the more support these businesses will get.”

Santa will drive through town in the firetruck around 5:30 p.m., streets will be closed off for Christmas shopping and children will be able to sit on Santa’s lap. 

Businesses typically stay open until 8 p.m., and while not every store will be ready to be operational for the walk, most have expressed enthusiasm for the annual event.