SALISBURY — Whether you’re strolling down the sidewalks by day or cruising the city streets by night, in just a few short minutes, you’ll notice that it really does “look a lot like Christmas” in Downtown Salisbury.

New business Oxford and Lee picked up the best overall holiday decorations for drawing viewers in.

There’s truly something for everyone, from lighted topiaries, to  twinkling reindeer nodding from windows, traditional classic wreaths and sturdy snowmen; a tree bedecked with a black top-hat, a stuffed animal sloth happily hugging a shiny guitar; garlands and tall, colorful nutcrackers; snowflakes and a retro snow machine display, seen in years past at Bernhardt Hardware, now gracing a different venue, while rekindling memories; bookish bears and “home for the holidays” themes; western and modern chic; traditional reds and greens – new teals and mint; sparkly and/or subtle and unexpected.

The city gave kudos to downtown merchants and office building tenants who have put so much effort into dressing our city to reflect this holiday wonderland. As you are shopping locally, do plan an excursion downtown just to enjoy the creativity of this year’s holiday decorations and embrace the spirit of the season all around you.  Spaces that are not currently occupied by a business, have been decorated to showcase non-profit agencies of our community such as the YMCA and Rowan Public Library.

The Salisbury Community Appearance Commission thanked all the businesses for their extra efforts to create a downtown holiday wonderland. It was a very difficult task to select only a few to honor this year, the commission members said.

2019 Holiday Decoration Award Honorees are:

Best Holiday Branding: The Spice and Tea Exchange, 115 North Main Street

Best Traditional Christmas: Sweet Country Style Boutique, 105 West Innes Street

Best Nighttime Display: Textile Products,121 North Main Street

Best Non-Profit Display: Partners in Learning, 124 East Innes Street

It’s a Retro Christmas: Fine Frame Gallery, 105 South Main Street

Spirit of the Season: Anna Craig Boutique, 100 West Innes Street

Best Overall – Most Magnetic new Business: Drawing you in from the outside – Oxford and Lee, 106 East Innes Street

Honorable mentions:

Non-Profit: Rowan Public Library for their “Beary” wintry display – Empire Hotel Windows, 212 South Main Street

Civic Spirit – City Office Building, 132 North Main Street and County Administration Building, 130 West Innes Street

The commission gave special thank to those who always, every year, bring holiday cheer to the downtown through their festive decorations: The Lettered Lily, Caniche, Skinny Wheels Bike Shop, Salisbury Wine Shop and Griffin’s Guitars.