Before you head out for the holidays, wouldn’t it be nice if you could enjoy and celebrate all things local in Boston? Of course it would. Which is why I bring you tidings of holiday shopping joy – a.k.a. this year’s annual Arts Stroll & Shop at The Street in Chestnut Hill.

Starting tonight – Friday, December 13 at 6 p.m. the Arts Stroll & Shop event will take place in celebration of the local community and (of course) the holiday season. You can begin the night with hot chocolate from Shake Shack and/or steaming hot apple cider from Rosie’s Bakery. All whilst positioned against a stunning background and holiday light installation, Luminescence, created by renowned artist Pandora LaCasse.

And to jump start your holiday spirit, the local celebration will feature a live brass quintet from the New Philharmonia Orchestra as well as holiday carolers. As you begin your stroll through The Street, you’ll find plenty of sweet and savory bites, wine tastings, complimentary gift-wrapping stations (I need that), art demonstrations and pop-up performances. It sounds as though there will be enough going on to both entertain and satisfy every last stroller.

And if you’re a habitual gift shopping procrastinator (guilty as charged), then you’ll be glad to know that there there will be 40 stores and restaurants offering unique holiday gifts for everyone on your list.

For the artists and art lovers, the event will feature an outdoor Art Garden and Live Art Alcove with artists from New Art Center, Newton Open Studios and New ArtAssociation. As well as live performances from local musicians like Liz & Friends, Newton South Newtones, Newton North Melocotones, and the Charles River Wind Ensemble.

And to top it off, you can also help give back this holiday season at the stroll by donating to The Home for Little Wanderers’ Big Wishes Toy Room. The organization is looking to fulfill the holiday wishes for some of the most vulnerable children and families in Massachusetts. And if you choose to donate a toy, you’ll receive a complimentary cupcake from Treat Cupcake Bar. Win/win in my opinion.

The Arts Stroll & Shop will take place for three days: Friday, December 13 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday, December 14 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday, December 15 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. See you there!

Photo credit: Eric Levin