Hundreds make their way to Berlin for a unique holiday tradition

Berlin is called "America's Coolest Small Town" and they are certainly living up to that title with their variety of unique holiday festivities. Among the most popular are the town's free holiday carriage rides.

Vince Tolbert, a carriage rider from Snow Hill, said, "Every year we come, there's always a long line, as you can see, a lot of people waiting to ride the carriage rides."

The free holiday Berlin carriage rides are always a big hit among both locals and out-of-towners alike. People say the carriage rides bring a timeless, magical feel to the streets of downtown Berlin.

Berlin local, Jayme Mahoney said, "I think they bring that charm. I think they bring that old word charm, that nostalgia, you know? It makes me think of Christmas cards that I grew up seeing and you don't really think it happens, but in this town it really happens, you know?"

Tolbert said, "It's great just to have that feeling of driving through on a horse driven carriage you know it's beautiful, it's a wonderful tradition and we just love the town."

For many, the carriage rides have become tradition. Most people told 47ABC they've been hopping in Berlin's holiday horse carriages for over a decade.

Jason Bratten, a horse carriage rider, said, "17 years. My wife and I have been married for 17 years and we've done it ever since we've had kids as well."

Tolbert said, "We come every year. We have since we've had kids. My oldest is 18 and my youngest is 12 and my middle one is almost 16 and we come every single year for the carriage rides."

Jayme Mahoney said, "We come every time we see one of the horses down here, my daughter is obsessed with horses, and we knew we wanted to get out here for the holidays."

The holiday event brings families together for a little old timey fun and following the free horse carriage ride, many people spend money at local businesses.

Mahoney said, "I think it helps to keep the local businesses going by bringing more traffic down here. I think it helps families come together, and yeah I think it just helps add to that childhood magic that comes alive when you see a horse and carriage."

Bratten said, "It brings a lot of tourism to the town it exploits the town what shops we have to offer, the antique shops, and there's a lot of good revenue for the town."

As for how the carriage company is able to provide these rides for free every year, the answer lies in the donations.

Zach Lewis, the carriage driver, said, "The more donations, the longer we can keep them free for everybody."

So if you're looking to do some holiday shopping and are interested in experiencing a timeless Christmas tradition, make your way over to Berlin. The carriage rides will be going on December 23rd and 24th from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.