OPEN HOUSE SET — Those involved with the Historical Society of Mount Pleasant gathered in the Elizabeth House Mansion Museum’s dining room to prepare for the village’s upcoming holiday open house marketplace. Members included, from left, Lynn Barron, Nina Sutherland, Annette Kendle and President Tom Haynes. -- Contributed

MOUNT PLEASANT — Christmas is the season in which to shop.

Area residents are out looking for that special something they can give to all of those hard-to-buy-for people on their list.

Those who are searching for items that are a little out of the ordinary, should perhaps pause and consider visiting a place which they typically wouldn’t think about, a place which probably hasn’t event crossed their minds.

The Historic District of Mount Pleasant has announced the village will be holding its annual Christmas Open House and Marketplace, Friday and Saturday.

The village will be bustling with activity during this annual tradition, as people from throughout the Ohio Valley will visit its local shops, hoping to find that unique, hard-to-find item.

Tom Haynes, president of the Historical Society of Mount Pleasant, explained in addition to the many items on display in the Elizabeth House Mansion Museum’s gift shop, will be a variety of pottery pieces that include the town’s name.

The first floor of the museum will be decorated for Christmas and include sale items in every room.

Buckeye Local High School students will occupy the dining room, selling cookies and hot coffee to shoppers.

Paige McElroy will have quilted gifts, table runners, homemade fudge, toffee and cookies available for purchase in the living quarters of the 1804 Harris-Bone store.

The Log House of Mount Pleasant also will be open Friday and Saturday. The gift shop and studio is owned by Angela and Don Feenerty.

The 1846 Gill House, owned by the Friends Church, will be open and decorated for Christmas. Guests can relax in the parlor, dine in the tearoom or browse the gift shop for affordable hostess gifts. Take out will be available.

The Mount Pleasant shops will not disappoint those who are looking for a piece to gift from long ago, officials stated.

Something vintage and something practical will be offered to visitors, including Rada cutlery and sunflower dishcloths.

Friday’s open house event will have shops open between 5 p.m. and 8 p.m., officials announced. Shops are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. The Gill House will be open earlier to serve coffee and will remain open later in the day, selling a variety of soups, sandwiches and desserts.

The local Garden Club, which provides natural flora and greenery, decorates the exterior of Mount Pleasant’s historic buildings every year.

The village is on the National Register of Historic Places, designated as a National Historic Landmark District of the Underground Railroad.