Local power crews decked the streetlights with evergreen and white lights this week, signaling the official start of the season in cozy downtown Culpeper.

The annual holiday open house is Sunday, offering sleigh-loads of activities guaranteed to get you in the spirit.

Sponsored by Culpeper Renaissance, the downtown event runs from noon to 5:30 p.m. and will be headquartered at the Depot on Commerce Street. Besides shopping opportunities galore, the day's events offer something for the whole family.

Jessica Brewer with CRI encouraged Culpeper to come out for a day of holiday fun while supporting homegrown merchants and shops.

"What you'll find downtown are unique items that you won't find anywhere else," she said, and not only that, "The people who run the shops are welcoming and warm."

Many downtown shops open for business on Sunday

» Buy a bath for your pet and get a free holiday picture at Wash and Wag
» Georgie Mae's will raffle off a festive table centerpiece
» Win a $25 gift certificate to Clarke Hardware
» Chef David Pottle demonstrates his craft at The Frenchman's Corner
» Tea Lace and Roses serves up its signature chicken salad sandwiches with chips, fruit, ice tea and dessert for $10
» Check out colorful paintings, rugs, pottery and stationary at the Sara Schneidman Gallery
» Foti's Restaurant will be open, serving up fine dining with a local flair
» And so will the Hazel River Inn Restaurant
» Find everything you need to make your house feel festive at K Designers Choice
» Or stop by The Cameleer for gifts from around the world
» The Country Store knocks 20 to 50 percent off certain items
» It's Vera Bradley Handbag central at Pepperberries; free light refreshments
» Reigning Cats and Dogs gives 25 percent off all boxed dog and cat treats
» Get free gift-wrapping at The Jewelry Box
» Relax at Chateau du Reaux with free wine tasting and pumpkin pie eating
» Go green at the Purple Parrot Backyard Galleria
» Celebrate unique fashion at Lula Blu Botique
» Or pick up some cosmetics at Merle Norman
» Janal Leather will also be open, offering 20 percent off everything in the store
» Step back in time and get great discounts at the Culpeper Antique Marketplace
» David Eddy's slashes 20 percent off any $20 purchase

Here are some things that will be happening Sunday in downtown Culpeper. Unless otherwise noted, all events are free:

» Wagon rides, departing from the Depot noon to 5 p.m. ($3)
» Trolley rides with various stops around town; 1 to 4 p.m.
» Pictures with Santa at the Depot; 1 to 4 p.m. ($5)
» Windmore Festival of Trees at the Depot; noon to 5 p.m.
» Museum of Culpeper History Open House: games, stories, cider and cookies; noon to 5 p.m.
» Toys for Tots campaign at the Depot, sponsored by Clore-English Funeral Home and JROTC; noon to 5 p.m.
» Brandy Manor Miniature Horses at the Depot; noon to 5 p.m.
» Skyline Harmony Chorus performs outside at the Hazel River Inn, East Davis Street; 1 to 2 p.m.
» Culpeper High School Band performs outside at the Hazel River Inn; 2 to 4 p.m.
» Community Christmas Tree Lighting at the Depot with music by the Piedmont Brass Ensemble and Blue Ridge Chorale; 5:30 p.m.