Palatine kicks off holidays with shopping, Santa

Thanksgiving may not be until next week, but that’s not stopping Palatine from kicking off holiday festivities this weekend.

The Downtown Palatine Business Association’s A Very Merry Shopping Event will be from 5- 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18, and continue from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, immediately followed by the village’s tree-lighting ceremony in Towne Square, at Smith Street and Palatine Road.

To take advantage of the special sales, demonstrations and treats, shoppers must buy a “passport” for $1 at a participating business. Presenting the document at different stores also enters you into their raffles.

Businesses taking part in the association’s event are: Nelson Group Salon, Salon MMM, Arete Salon, ManeStreet Hairstyling, Emmett’s Brewing Co., Cookie Cards Inc., Positive Strokes Art School and Gallery, Harrington Manor, Shay’s Closet, the Music Room, Anne’s Unique Boutique, Patti’s Pretties, Foxglove Cottage, Monson Jewelers and Palatine Bank and Trust.

Once shopping bags are in hand, head over to Towne Square, where Santa Claus, Mayor Jim Schwantz and council members will lead the tree-lighting ceremony.

For more information, downtownpalatine.org.