Route 17 businesses are kicking off the most wonderful time of the year this weekend.

Bon Vivant Market, A. Dodson’s, Smithfield Gardens, O’Doodledoo’s Donuts and The Market are holding their holiday open houses Saturday and Sunday.

The businesses will be welcoming customers to enjoy special events and deals during each of their normal business hours.

“We just hope to get people out and get their shopping done early and see the unique shopping opportunities we have here in North Suffolk,” said Bon Vivant owner Brenda Gillihan.

Gillihan’s shop, as well as A. Dodson’s and Smithfield Gardens, will be decked out with holiday decorations to get people in the seasonal mood.

“It’s our official kick off of our Christmas season,” said Alison Dodson, the owner of A. Dodson’s. “For us, it’s the biggest weekend of the year.”

In addition to the decorations, A. Dodson’s will have refreshments, and customers will get 25 percent off one item.

At Smithfield Gardens, there will be refreshments, door prizes and special sales. Also, workers will help create holiday wreaths, swags and bows, and there will be two free classes on bow tying and basic home landscape design.

“I hope that we can create some action to go up and down Route 17,” Dodson said. “It gets bigger and better every year.”

This has been a long-time tradition for Bon Vivant, A. Dodson’s and Smithfield Gardens, but O’Doodledoo’s and The Market joined the open house this year.

O’Doodledoo’s owner Reeva Luecke said she wanted to take part in the open house to continue to get the word out about her shop.

“For us, it’s still a lot of ‘Did you know we were here,’” she said. “It’s important for me that I partner with other local businesses and getting the word out that we’re open.”

For more information, contact any of the five participating shops.