The 30-year tradition of Signal Mountain's holiday shopping event, "Saturday & Sunday on Signal," continues Nov. 11 and 12.
Fifteen mountain businesses are participating this year.
"That's the most restaurants and retailers that have participated in the five years I've been involved," said Patrick Holland, president of the Mountain Business Association and owner of Mountain Top Toys.
New restaurant Max's is participating for the first time, and Mayfly Coffee is back after taking a hiatus last year. Hummingbird Pastaria is participating Saturday only, and Pruett's is participating both days.
"There's more opportunities to eat and shop at the same time," Holland said, referencing the increase in the number of restaurants this year.
Costumeville, which typically does all its business online, will open to the public that weekend to allow people to try on costumes and check out the store's selection of accessories in person. The other businesses located in Ashley Plaza - Max's Restaurant, Freckled Peddler and Chattanooga Jewelry Company - are also participating.
Many stores will offer discounts, such as Accents, which will allow customers to draw from a grab bag containing a range of discounts to be applied to their purchase.
For the first time, Mountain Top will be hosting Santa just prior to the shopping event, allowing kids the opportunity to have story time with Ol' Saint Nick as well as hand over their wish lists in person.
"We'll also have a copy here, in case Santa can't get to all the gifts," Holland of the store's gift registries.
Santa's sleigh is set to touch down Friday, Nov. 10 at 4 p.m. and take flight back to the North Pole at 7 that evening.
Also preceding the specialized shopping event, Accents will stay open late Thursday, Nov. 9, until 7 p.m., and offer discounts starting that day to give shoppers a head start.
"It's the best time of year to shop; the stores should be full of inventory," Holland said, adding that in the toy industry especially, manufacturers often sell out of the most popular items early. "By the end of the weekend I hear people saying they're done, or almost done, with their holiday shopping. You just see the relief on their faces."
Participating businesses have been placed into one of four zones based on location, and shoppers who have their Saturday & Sunday on Signal postcards stamped at a store in each zone will be entered to win one of five $50 gift cards redeemable at participating businesses. Postcards were mailed to residents, but will also be available in participating businesses that weekend.