The Downtown Palatine Business Association is kicking off the 2009 holiday shopping season by hosting "Holidays on the Town" Friday and Saturday, Nov. 20-21. This two-day event will feature wine, music, food, special holiday sales, events and demonstrations from more than 20 downtown businesses.

Restaurants, retailers and other downtown Palatine merchants will open their doors for the Holiday Wine & Taste Walk on Friday, Nov. 20, from 5-9 p.m. Grab your friends and get in the holiday spirit as you enjoy a sampling of wines, beverages, appetizers and desserts. On Saturday, Nov. 21, from 10 a.m.-5 p.m., experience A Very Merry Shopping Event with holiday-inspired demonstrations, special sales, and entertainment. Admission is free both days. Pick up an event passport at any participating location and enter to win valuable raffle prizes. On Saturday, you can end your day with a trip to Towne Square for the Children's Chorus and Village tree lighting ceremony.

Participating merchants include Anne's Unique Boutique, Bodi Bronz Tanning Salon, Chandelier Boutique, Dobby's Worldwide Liquors, The Drum Pad, Durty Nellie's, Emmett's Tavern & Brewing Co., Facets of Isis, Foxglove Cottage, Harrington Manor, The Heritage of Palatine, Lamplighter Inn Tavern & Grille, A Little Something Sweet, Monson Jewelers, The Music Room, The Nelson Group, Palatine Bank & Trust, Patti's Pretties, Polished Nail Salon & Boutique, Salon MMM and Nancy Summers, Attorney at Law. Event sponsors include Dobby's Worldwide Liquor and Harris Bank.

"This is a great opportunity to get to know the unique shops, salons, restaurants and businesses that keep our downtown vibrant," said Carol Cook, president of the association and owner of The Music Room. "And in these difficult economic times, no one appreciates your business more than small local businesses."

For more information about all of our member businesses and the Holidays on the Town event, visit downtownpalatine.org and sign up for e-newsletter.