As the days grow shorter until the winter solstice on December 21 there are all sorts of strategies to keep spirits from sagging. A candlelight tour of shops in downtown is one such idea. The idea, conceived by Business Improvement District Board Member Drew Claxton, takes place Saturday, December 10 at 5 p.m

Tours will leave from the office of the Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber of Commerce and will be led by Chamber Executive Director Carloe Voisey. A second tour will be led by Peekskill Deputy Mayor Patricia Riley. They will cover as many businesses as possible and finish at the Peekskill Arts Alliance Holiday Boutique at 925 South Street. Carolers will be accompanying the tours, said BID Executive Director William Powers.

“The BID wanted to showcase the unique retailers we have in the downtown, some on the second or third floors and not necessarily visible from the street. We are encouraging shoppers to discover great holiday gifts, presented by local retailers who they know, and who can provide personal service,” said Powers.

People can register as indicated on the flyer at [email protected]. Or they can take the list and go on their own self-guided tour by scanning the QR code or by going to shopdine.discoverpeekskill.com

And for those wanting to get inside and see What’s New in 2022, an exhibition from the Peekskill Arts Alliance, there is a reception at the Field Library Gallery on Saturday from 2 to 4. The show runs through January 25.