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DOWAGIAC — Jolly ‘Ole St. Nick, strolling musicians and a holiday workshop will be featured in downtown Dowagiac on Thursday, Dec. 12, from 5 to 7 p.m., as specialty shops host an evening of music, merriment and personalized shopping.

The fourth-annual Extended Hours Holiday Shopping Event was organized by Vickie Phillipson, owner of Cottage Gallery.

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

“We are thrilled to welcome Dowagiac Union High School’s choir, under the direction of Hunter Schuur. 

Students will stroll in and out of the participating Front and Commercial Street businesses caroling. Also performing will be the Dowagiac Jazz Band, under the direction of Benjamin VanRoekel; and guitarist and singer Jeff Neumann of Farm Bureau Insurance and his wife Mary.”

Santa will greet children from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Venue 132, located next to Caruso’s Candy Kitchen. “We invite families and children to then join Jolly ‘Ole St. Nick, as he visits each of our specialty shops.”

Families can get ready for Christmas by attending that evening’s workshop at Venue 132 as Flowerfield Farmstead leads a hands-on class with participants making a fresh evergreen centerpiece to take home with them. The workshop runs from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Flowerfield Farmstead is a small-scale flower and vegetable farm in Three Rivers. Advance registration is required by calling 269.271.6329 or by visiting FlowerfieldFarmstead.com. Space is limited.

Specialty shops participating in the Dec. 12 extended hours promotion include: The Baker’s Rhapsody, Bow Wow Bakery & Bath, Caruso’s Candy Kitchen, Cottage Gallery, Deck the Halls, Flowers by Anna, The Marshall Shoppe, Oh My – Old Made New, Olympia Books, Rosy Tomorrows, Venue 132, Vincent J. Jewelers, Who Knew? Consignment and Yarn on Front.

“At this time of the year, there’s an added excitement in the air during the early evening hours when lighted lamppost garlands light your way into our specialty shops,” Phillipson said. “The interiors of our late-1800s buildings share the same magical feeling.”

The Dec. 12 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.