The snow blanketing the city over the previous two days relented on Saturday, giving way to chilly but clear weather— perfect for a little winter fun.

A group of visitors from the North Pole arrived in downtown Dowagiac that morning, eager to greet children visiting the Greater Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce’s annual Christmas Open House Weekend during its Family Activities Day.

Taking up camp inside the Wood Fire Italian Trattoria, Jolly Ol’ Saint Nick (played by Dick Schinkel)

invited children to tell him what they had on their wish list for Christmas. Instead of bringing his elves with him, though, he received a helping hand from local royalty — the members of the 2014 Miss Dowagiac Court, including Miss Dowagiac herself, Mackenzie Whitmyer.

Meanwhile, at Caruso’s, Mrs. Claus was also busy meeting with children. Played by Debbie Peters, she and other members of the royal court helped visitors craft jingle bell bracelets.

Across the street, Holly the Reindeer made her triumphant return for the holiday season. Children had the opportunity to see one Santa’s fabled steeds in the flesh, as Carrie and Joshua Brueck of Country Reindeer Farm again brought the animal to Dowagiac for children to pet.

The day of activities was part of the three-day shopping extravaganza, with shops across the downtown district offering deals for customers. Shops such as the Marshall Shop, Olympia Books and Booth’s Country Florist extended hours throughout the weekend, offering some of the best deals of the year to customers.

The open house weekend was the first in the chamber’s three-part Dowagiac Christmas Celebration. It continues with Small Business Saturday on Saturday, Nov. 29, and concludes with the Candle-light Christmas Parade on Friday, Dec. 5.