The Christmas shopping season officially begins Thursday for Decorah retailers

Decorah's Holiday Open House Weekend, which starts on Thursday, kicks off the holiday shopping season for Decorah retailers.

Stores in Decorah will have special sales and extended holiday hours through this weekend. 

It will also mark the start of a new promotion, "Countdown to Christmas."   Shoppers will receive an entry form for each $50 they spend (limited to 10 entries per visit) at participating merchants throughout Decorah.  Each week, the Decorah Area Chamber of Commerce will collect all of the entry forms, hold a drawing for prize baskets, and contact those who win.

Drawings will be held every Friday during the promotion, which ends on Christmas Eve.  The dates of the drawings are November 26th, December 3rd, December 10th, December 17th and December 24th.  The prize baskets that are given away each week will be filled with items and gift certificates from local businesses. 

The promotion is open to retail, restaurants and specialty stores. It excludes groceries, gas, and professional services. Must be 18 or older to enter.