It's that time of year again when merchants throughout the Village are stocking up on merchandise and dressing up storefronts with blinking lights and ribbon-covered wreaths in preparation for what some call the second busiest night of the year.

Big Basin Way will be overflowing with merriment and good cheer on Nov. 28 as villagers take part in the city's tree-lighting ceremony and celebrate the annual Holiday Open House.

"The sidewalks are going to be packed," said Donna Collins, owner of Henrietta Hens and co-coordinator of the event. "It's the next biggest thing to Celebrate Saratoga. But the best thing about the event is seeing people in the holiday spirit."

The celebration will kick off with a tree-lighting ceremony at 5:30 p.m. next to the recently remodeled Memorial Arch in Blaney Plaza. There, Mayor Nick Streit will touch upon a number of issues surrounding the ceremony's theme—The End of One Tradition and the Beginning of a New One. Streit and some well-known figures in Saratoga, including the president of the Saratoga Rotary Club, Dane Christensen, will be leading the spectators in two countdowns, one to bid the Rotary-donated metal tree farewell and the other to welcome a new addition, a living, 20-foot blue spruce holiday tree.

The new tree was made possible through a generous donation by an active couple in the community, Phil and Susan Boyce.

This year's event will mark the city's third tree-lighting ceremony. Based on the attendance in the previous year, which doubled that of the first year, Economic Development Coordinator Danielle Surdin, who started the tradition, said she anticipates a successful turnout.

"The event builds more and more momentum each year," she said. "It's truly a special night for our local residents and visitors. It's when downtown Saratoga really comes alive."

During the ceremony, Surdin will be distributing gift bags containing discount coupons, coloring books, crayons and complimentary items from participating businesses.

The open-house celebration will take place from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and will feature a variety of activities. Local church groups and students from several schools will be rocking the Village with classic holiday tunes, while children will have an opportunity to capture special moments with Santa Claus in a photo offered in front of Blue Rock Shoot. For $5, visitors can hop into a horse-drawn carriage for a romantic 15-minute ride, which starts at the Saratoga Chamber of Commerce office and runs through downtown Saratoga.

"Carriage rides are one of the more popular attractions," said the chamber's executive director, Kristin Davis. "There are usually long lines for the rides."

Several stores will be offering special treats, including hot cider, tea, cookies, pudding, popcorn and gift certificates.

"This is one of my favorite times in the year," Davis said. "It's great to see people strolling about the Village."