A DeKalb tradition will be taking place this weekend to start off the Christmas season.

The DeKalb Downtown Open House will be held Saturday and Sunday during special business hours that vary with each store.

“It’s the official start of the Christmas season for the businesses of DeKalb,” said Allyn Davenport, executive vice president of the Downtown DeKalb Association.

“Stores decorate and sometimes hold promotions during the open house,” he said.

Davenport said it’s an event the downtown business community enjoys getting involved in.

“The city gets involved by helping with advertising the events businesses hold and promoting the event as a whole to the DeKalb community,” he said.

They also decorate downtown DeKalb with a Christmas theme.

Davenport said there has been a good reaction to the open house from the community.

“The open house has become a tradition that DeKalb residents expect and look forward to,” he said. “Residents come out to support their local merchants during the open house weekend.”

He said the retail stores report the open house weekend is a top sales day.

Lance Hanson, owner of Lansirs on Lincoln, 112 E. Lincoln Hwy., said his store has participated in the open house tradition since it started in 1986.

“This year we are planning a storewide discount on merchandise, free gift wrapping and will serve refreshments,” Hanson said. “Stores like to put on their best for the residents, but each store decides what special event it will hold during the open house.”

“Our store has lots of special merchandise, such as angel items like books, T-shirts and jewelry,” said Lauren Woods, owner of Cracker Jax, 118 N. Third St.