This year, the Brookline Chamber is putting a unique spin on its annual holiday party. Harry Robinson, Executive Director of the Brookline Chamber of Commerce states "in place of a traditional holiday party the Chamber wanted to celebrate Brookline by encouraging everyone to shop in Brookline stores and in this manner to celebrate the holidays." To this end, from 5:00 to 8:00 pm tonight, Tuesday, December 8th, it is hosting a 'Shop Local, Celebrate Broookline Holiday Extravaganza'. The public is invited to join in a fun night out, celebrate the season, and support the local economy.

The 'Shop Local, Celebrate Brookline Holiday Extravaganza' begins at the Coolidge Corner Arcade building at 5:00 pm.

The event begins at the Coolidge Corner Arcade at 318 Harvard St. From 5:00 to 6:30 pm, participants may register, receive a map of Coolidge Corner stores and enjoy a hot drink compliments of Panera Bread before setting out.

The shopping event itself runs throughout the area until 7:00 pm. Participants can take in the holiday atmosphere and patronize the businesses of their choice. Each receipt from a Brookline store earns shoppers a raffle ticket. Receipts for purchases made in Brookline between December 1st and 8th will be accepted, so shoppers are encouraged to bring them along as well. Receipts must be valued at a miniumum of $5 in order to qualify for a ticket, though.

Raffle prizes include gift certificates from: Brookline Booksmith, Beacon Street Tavern and Epoch Senior Healthcare of Chestnut Hill and a $100 Gift Cheque donated by Bank of Canton.

Everyone will next meet up at Chef Chow's House at 230 Harvard Street for a party from 7:00 to 8:30 pm. Admission is $10 per person. Hor 'dourves and cash bar will be offered. Shoppers may obtain their raffle tickets during the festivities at Chef Chow's.

The Chamber will tally the amount spent locally by members and supporters alike to show what percentage of these dollars remain in the community.  While enjoying the evening's celebration, participants can see first hand how they contributed in keeping Brookline strong.

The evening's events are made possible through the support of Chef Chow's House, Panera Bread , Beacon Street Tavern , the Bank of Canton , Eureka! Puzzles , Brookline Booksmith and Epoch Senior Healthcare of Chestnut Hill.