Palatine celebrates with Wine and Taste Walk Nov. 19

You'd never know the holidays were upon us given temperatures in the high 60s this week, but the Downtown Palatine Business Association is nonetheless gearing up for a celebration.

Holidays on the Town will kick off with a Wine and Taste Walk from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 19, with complimentary wine tasting, treats and savings at local merchants.

It will wrap up with a tree lighting ceremony at 5 p.m. at Towne Square, located at Palatine Road and Smith Street, complete with activities and appearances by Santa Claus, Mayor Jim Schwantz and council members.

In between, shoppers are invited to take part in A Very Merry Shopping Event from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. that Saturday, featuring demonstrations, special offers, complimentary food and beverages, fashion and home-decor ideas.

Pick up a passport at any participating business for $1 and present it to merchants for a stamp that enters you in a store's raffle.

Participating businesses can be identified by their candy cane-striped bows. They include Emmett's Brewing Co., Cookie Cards Inc., Lamplighter Inn Tavern, The Music Room, Anne's Unique Boutique, Bead World and about 15 more.

For a full list of participating businesses and more details, go to downtownpalatine.org.