Downer Avenue celebrates Festive Friday on Dec. 4 (5-8 p.m.) with extended store hours, store specials, a Top Dog costume contest, activities for kids, an indoor farmers market, a fire pit, free hot chocolate as well as beer, brat and holiday cookie samplings. Sounds like fun, no? For more info visit historicdowneravenue.com.
Helping keep city businesses vital, both the second annual Our Milwaukee Buy Local Fair and the fourth annual Exchange Alternative Gift Fair will entice shoppers to the Lakefront Brewery Palm Garden on Dec. 6 (1-5 p.m.). Enjoy live music, brewery tours and complimentary snacks and beverages while shopping for gifts from more than 40 non-profits. 1872 N. Commerce St., outpostnaturalfoods.coop, ourmilwaukee.net.
On Dec. 4-6, Cedarburg will host Christmas in the Country, a nationally recognized and juried folk and fine arts show that offers a selection of original art, ornaments, wearable art, jewelry, home décor and delicious seasonal treats. Cedar Creek Winery N70 W6340 Bridge Rd., Cedarburg, 414-352-5655, mychristmasinthecountry.com.
The Historic Third Ward kicks off seasonal shopping with its 21st annual Christmas in the Ward celebration Dec. 4 (5:15-8 p.m.), featuring fireworks, Trinity Irish dancers, the Bel Canto Chorus, live reindeer, horse-drawn carriage rides, a tree lighting, a cookie sale and plenty of hot chocolate. On Dec. 5, it’s all about breakfast with Santa (call 414-271-1740 to RSVP) and a Holiday Bazaar with handmade arts and crafts. Photo ops with the big guy will continue at Jolly’s Gingerbread House through Dec. 12. For more info call 414-273-1173 or visit historicthirdward.org.
Shorewood’s business district swings into the holiday spirit Dec. 5 with a Holiday Shopwalk that offers store specials, complimentary refreshments, free trolley rides, carolers, a visit with Santa and about 20 sculptures along the Oakland Avenue and Capitol Drive business district created by internationally known ice carvers. For more info visit shorewoodwi.com.
If you missed last week’s terrific Art Vs. Craft show, don’t fret. You’ll find a great selection of locally made, out-of-the-ordinary arts, crafts and fashions at the Discovery World Holiday Artisan Market Dec. 5-6 (10 a.m.-4 p.m.). Besides shopping, enjoy live music, artist demos, make-‘n-take workshops, snacks, beverages and complimentary gift wrapping. 500 N. Harbor Dr., 414-765-9966, discoveryworld.org.
On Dec. 12, Diamond Designs throws a storewide cocktail party to celebrate its 20th anniversary, introduce three new jewelry collections and unveil an exquisite piece of European royal jewelry. Also, for the first time, the store will offer discounts of up to 20 percent. Don’t forget giveaways of thousands of dollars, December events like Free Jewelry Appraisal day and charity days when 5 percent of sales are donated to the Waukesha Animal Shelter or the Women’s Shelter of Waukesha. 18900 W. Bluemound Rd., 262-789-0801.
Like a cigar every now and again? Good news then, Prime Cigar Company will be hosting Paulfest 2009 on Dec. 5 at Famous Smoke Shop. This all-day event offers smoking aficionados and enthusiasts free Cohiba cigars, a holiday “buy three, get one free” special on all store inventory, a tasty hot buffet and plenty of raffles and prizes handed out Hooters hotties. RSVP at socialcigar.com. 1213 E. Brady St., 414-277-9904.
To ensure little ones look their best as the season unfolds, don’t miss the holiday sale Dec. 6 (10 a.m.-3 p.m.) at Florence Eiseman where it’s all about great deals on children’s designer fashions and fabrics. Save 50 percent on new fall and holiday fashions, 65 percent off all other apparel and get an additional $25 savings on purchases of $150 or more. 342 N. Water St. (fifth floor), 414-272-3222 ext. 236, florenceeiseman.com.
CHECK OUT:
Dec. 2-5 (Mequon location) & Dec. 9-12 (Brookfield location) at Faye’s: Shop the Kalibre trunk show for gorgeous statement-making jewelry. Choose from fabulous pearls, necklaces, rings, bracelets and earrings fashioned of sterling, gold and semi-precious stones. 1505 W. Mequon Rd., 262-241-8386 & 18900 W. Bluemound Rd., 262-432-0070, fayes123.com.
Dec. 3-6 at American Science & Surplus: Following an urge to explore the world up close or far out into distant galaxies is made easy during the store’s telescope and microscope sale. 6901 W. Oklahoma Ave., 414-541-7777, sciplus.com.
Dec. 3-5 at Blue Lapin: Shoppers are invited to drop off canned goods for the Wauwatosa Food Pantry, enjoy sweet treats, listen to music by Jimi Sellars on acoustic guitar and save 20 percent on all regularly priced items. 7600 Harwood Ave., 414-443-0977.
Dec. 4-5 at Zita: Save 10 percent on modern, sophisticated and timeless wedding attire during the Amsale Bridal trunk show. 211 E. Silver Spring Dr., 414-332-0126, zitabridal.com.
Through Dec. 5 at Harleys: Wow! Celebrating 61 years in business, the shop offers 61 percent off purchases of $250 or more. Quick, join the E-Club to receive a $25 savings certificate good toward an in-store purchase of $100 or more. 3565 N. Oakland Ave., 414-332-3404, harleys4men.com.
Dec. 5 (11 a.m.-3 p.m.) at George Watts: Purchase any piece of Sweden’s sparkling Kosta Boda or Orrefors crystal (priced $15 and up) and have master calligrapher Jon de Collibris engrave it for free with a romantic sentiment, favorite quote or personal message of your choice. 761 N. Jefferson St., 414-290-5700, georgewatts.com.
Dec. 5-13 at Fair Trade For All: Save 10 percent on purchases during Our Milwaukee Buy Local, Live Local Days. 5201 W. North Ave., 414-873-3832
& 8730 W. North Ave., Wauwatosa, 414-257-1077, fairtradeforall.net.
Dec. 5 at Open Book: Sample a selection of Anodyne coffees and vote for which should comprise the shop’s Café Blend to be created by master blenderSteve Kessler. 4093 N. Oakland Ave., Shorewood, 414-963-0847, openbookcoop.com.
Through Dec. 13 at Flaire: The boutique donates 10 percent of sales on men’s and women’s fashions to the Wisconsin Humane Society in the name of adorable shop dog Sophie and also tosses in a free pet goodie bag with every purchase. 407 E. Buffalo, 414-223-5100, shopflaire.com.
Through Dec. 19 at freckle face: Gift tags on the store’s giving tree inform shoppers of what Santa would like to deliver to Penfield Children’s Center and Ebenezer Child Care. In appreciation of donations, the store trims 10 percent off the cost of purchase. 244 N. Broadway, 414-298-1488, frecklefaceboutique.com.
Through Dec. 23 at Tree Men & A Lady: Find a fine selection of fresh wreaths, garlands and outdoor combination planters to dress your home for the holidays, and get a free poinsettia with purchase of any balsam or Fraser fir, scotch or white pine tree. Monday – Friday 4-9 p.m., Saturday & Sunday 10 a.m.-9 p.m. 4427 S. 6th St., 414-788-9135.
Through Dec. 24 at Milwaukee Harley-Davidson: Revving up holiday gift giving, get a complimentary 2009 Holiday Heritage Collection of pewter-finished bike miniatures ($75 value) with any $300 purchase. Spend $600 or more and receive a trio of 2007, 2008 and 2009 gift sets. 11310 W. Silver Spring Rd., 414-461-4444, milwaukeeharley.com.
Through December at Blush: Anti-oxidant, spicy Ginger Facial of the month perks up complexions for $60. Also, book any brow wax and receive a complimentary clean up during the month of January. Spend $150 or more and receive a free makeup lesson certificate. 249 N. Water St., 414-272-1718, blushmilwaukee.com.
Through December at East Towne Jewelers: Get a free Pandora snowman ornament with each $100 purchase of Pandora. Also save 25-50 percentoff nearly everything in the store (excluding Pandora and custom work by Mary Seramur) during the anniversary sale and enter to win weekly drawings for special gifts. 1515 W. Mequon Rd., Mequon, 262-241-8007, easttownejewelers.com.
