As he has for decades, Santa will arrive in Downtown Lawrence the Friday after Thanksgiving, landing on top of Weaver’s department store to officially open the holiday season.

Downtown is different than it was 20 or 30 years ago, but it’s still a special place at Christmastime. The garlands and bows on the streetlights give a festive look to the area during the day, and the lights festooning the trees add some dazzle to the evening hours.

In a dragging economy and competitive retail market, some downtown businesses are struggling. One of Lawrence’s retail landmarks, Arensberg Shoes recently decided to call it quits. Even with the continuing turnover of businesses, however, Lawrence has managed to maintain one of the most attractive and active downtowns in the state, a place that draws many people to its stores and restaurants, especially during the holiday season.

Downtown is looking great. Hopefully, businesses downtown and throughout Lawrence will benefit both from local shoppers doing their holiday spending at home and out-of-town shoppers drawn to Lawrence’s holiday ambiance.