The Uptown Normal Business Association has coordinated a holiday open house to take place in Uptown Normal from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Nov. 12 and Nov. 13.

The event will display some holiday items such as clothing, ornaments and cards among other things for shoppers to take full advantage of. A few Uptown restaurants will be sampling seasonal foods, cheeses and coffee.

Joe Tulley, Uptown marketing manager, explained there is “something for everyone.” On Saturday, Santa Claus will be walking around Uptown Normal chatting with children while handing out candy canes and a free showing of “Santa Claus Conquers the Martians” will play at the Normal Theater.

Popcorn and soda will be sold for one dollar, which is half of the usual price.

On Sunday, free carriage rides will be offered and a horse-drawn carriage will take individuals for rides around town.

“The whole idea is the whole family can come and spend the day. The teenagers could go to the comic shop while mom and dad did shopping somewhere else. The younger children can go to the Children’s Discovery Museum,” Tulley said.

He added families can then go grab lunch and then catch the movie in the afternoon.

Area choirs in the community will be in attendance on both Saturday and Sunday singing holiday music to those in attendance.        

“A lot of the businesses will be running special sales. Everything will be lit up so we want people to come out and enjoy themselves during the holiday season,” Tulley said.

Goodie bags will be given away that will consist of items from Uptown businesses as well as coupons, Tulley added.

Tulley said this is a family-friendly event geared toward everybody. He said he wants people to be able to enjoy Uptown in its holiday splendor.

There will be plenty of parking available, he added.

For more information on the event or to find out how to get involved, contact Tulley at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call (309) 454-9557.