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DOWAGIAC — Venue 132 and Flowerfield Farmstead are teaming up to host a holiday wreath-making class in downtown Dowagiac on Thursday, Dec. 7, as specialty shops host an evening of shopping, dinner and merriment.

The third-annual Extended Hours Holiday Shopping Event, featuring Jolly ‘Ole St. Nick and strolling musicians, is being hosted by 13 downtown businesses, including Venue 132.

“We are delighted to host this special night of shopping and entertainment beneath the holiday lights of our central business district,” said organizer Vickie Phillipson, owner of Cottage Gallery. “Customers will enjoy leisurely and personalized service at each of our specialty shops, some of which will offer savings, treats and beverages.”

Families can register for the fresh evergreen wreath-making class by calling Michelle Milnamow, owner of Venue 132, at (269) 262-1444 or by visiting FlowerfieldFarmstead.com.

Cost for the class, which includes all supplies, along with snacks and a complimentary glass of wine is $70. The class runs from 6:30 to 8 pm. Also located at Venue 132, from 5 to 6 p.m., Santa will greet families for photos before he joins strolling musicians on the street.

Performing from 5 to 7 p.m. will be members of the Dowagiac Union High School Choir, under the direction of Hunter Schuur, along with Dowagiac graduate and clarinetist Sara Torbet, who now attends Southwestern Michigan College, and guitarist and singer Jeff Neumann of Farm Bureau Insurance. Phillipson said a few former and current members of the high school band, may also join festivities.

Specialty shops participating in the Dec. 7 extended hours promotion include: The Baker’s Rhapsody, Caruso’s Candy Kitchen, Cottage Gallery, Deck the Halls, Dowagiac Pharmacy, The Marshall Shop, Oh My Old Made New, Olympia Books, Rosy Tomorrows, Salted Words on Division Street, Venue 132, Who Knew? Consignment and Yarn on Front.

Phillipson said the Dec. 7 evening of music, merriment and shopping can be wrapped up by dining at any one of Dowagiac’s fine and casual dining restaurants, all of which will be open for the event.