Economic woes seem to not have defeated holiday spirit in Newburyport this year. Retailers and others are flying high following what is being described as the most successful Invitation Night ever in Newburyport on Dec. 4th. And the Maritime Society reported that bids are flying high in its annual wreath auction.

Caroleann McPherson, curator at the Custom House Maritime Museum, said: “I guess it’s a case of going beyond the monetary to the spiritual.”

Kevin Riley, owner of the Market Square Partridge in a Bear Tree gift and holiday shop, said: “By quarter to six the store was packed. The weather forecast was perfect - we haven’t had one that nice for a long time.” Riley added it was a big night for sales as well as those stopping in for a sip of his famous champagne punch. He can tell how many people came through by the number of cups they went through – he stopped counting after all 1,200 cups he bought were used.

Across the square at Brass Lyon owner Diane Gronbeck had much the same reaction, albeit for slightly fewer people. She ticked off 700 people coming through the door of the store, which sells reproduction nautical items, Chelsea ships clocks and other gift items.

Gronbeck said:  “We can also use the figures to judge what help we need.” She attributed the large turnout in her store to its location on the square, right near the Christmas tree and in general, “where it all happens.”

But businesses in all parts of downtown did well, said Ann Ormond, president of the Greater Newburyport Chamber of Commerce and Industry. She said that in her travels on Friday night she saw businesses up and down, right and left, doing well. She said even businesses that are not retail – banks, spas and insurance companies, for example – joined in the festivities.

Chase & Lunt Insurance went through five cases of popcorn, which staff passed out from a table on State Street and fitness buffs at Fuel Training Studios had a party. At John Farley Clothiers on Water Street, Ormond said, men were being measured for dress pants in the middle of the crowd that stopped in for snacks and maybe some mild drink.

Like Riley many owners went for serving light alcoholic beverages. Riley’s staff was “carding” people to make sure they were of proper age for sipping champagne punch; and if they weren’t, he offered a non-alcoholic version.

To sum it all up, Ormond said she saw lots of bags – as in, people who had made purchases. She said: “It was a fun night – a good vibe.”

At the Custom House Maritime Museum, Curator Caroleann McPherson said worries that wreaths donated to its annual silent auction fundraiser might not be as splendid as usual were allayed when the wreaths started arriving at the museum. Friends of the Maritime Society and others decorate and donate the wreaths, which are part of a silent auction in conjunction with the museum’s big annual event, the Holiday House Tour, which is on Dec. 12 this year.

McPherson said: “They are super; they’re gorgeous.” Wreaths were donated by businesses, families, doctors, school teachers, artists, fishermen – and all are on display at the museum until 5 p.m. on Dec. 12, when the silent auction ends.  McPherson added: “I was concerned about the quality because people said they had to cut back [this year], but I think it’s the best quality ever.”

The next Invitation Night is Dec. 11 and will be followed on Dec. 18 by “Men’s Night Out.”  The wreaths are hanging in the Custom House Maritime Museum.