Kick off the holiday season with an all-day shopping event, the Holiday Shop Hop, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. this Saturday. This event will include special offers from your favorite downtown retailers, along with complimentary refreshments.

This year, the event will add a Wassail Stroll as a new way to explore The District and potentially earn District Business gift cards. Wassail is a beverage made from hot mulled cider, ale or wine and spices, drunk traditionally as an integral part of wassailing, an ancient English Yuletide drinking ritual and salutation involved in door-to-door charity-giving or used to ensure a good harvest the following year. From 2-5 p.m., you can taste Wassail samples at participating businesses, as well as pick up a ballot to vote for your favorite. The winner gets bragging rights and a poster to prove it.

Afterward, make your way to The District Holiday Lighting, where each of the large holiday decor pieces will be lit up in sync at 7 p.m. The locations include The Columns on Walnut St., Serendipity Salon & Gallery, Fretboard Coffee & Wishflour Bakery and Alley A. There will also be volunteers at each location to drop off your ballot votes for the Wassail competition.

Finally, the horse-drawn carriages are back with rides starting at 4 p.m. in the the North Village Arts District courtyard by Fretboard Coffee. Arrive early to get your free tickets before they run out.