Dowagiac’s Old-Fashioned Christmas Celebration opens today as shopkeepers host three days of in-store events and antique enthusiasts present the second-annual Old-World Market of Antiques at Round Oak Restaurant.

Participating shops are open Friday until 7 p.m., Saturday from 9 to 5 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 4 p.m., where shoppers can register to win $250 in Universal Dowagiac Gift Cards.

On Saturday, holday events for the family open at 10 a.m. in and around Beckwith Park.  An Old World Santa greets children from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Wood Fire Italian Trattoria, where they can register to win one of two giant gift baskets and the opportunity to appear with Santa in Dowagiac’s 100-unit Candlelight Parade.

New this year, on Saturday Mrs. Claus will appear at The Gift of Namaste, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., where children can make jinglebell bracelets.  Holly from Country Reindeer Farm will be at Beckwith Park, where holiday music and dance is performed from 10 to 2 p.m.  Dowagiac’s holiday celebration is hosted by the Chamber of Commerce, Borgess-Lee Memorial Hospital and the following corporate sponsors: Matthew Cripe Dental P.C., Dr. Charles Burling and Dr. Jon Gillesby, Family Fare, Leader Publications and The Timbers of Cass County.

For a full list of activities, visit DowagiacChamber.com.