There is just something about shopping in downtown Ann Arbor that makes it special. Maybe its knowing that the shop owners will go out of their way to give that something extra, or maybe it’s the ambiance of city shopping, but at the annual Midnight Madness event, you can expect that “something special“ factor to double.

Midnight Madness is a night of fun and shopping Ann Arbor style. You can expect great sales and many stores open till midnight, but that is just the beginning.

This Friday December 4th, from 5 pm till midnight the city will be alight with Holiday festivities. Witness the spectacular lighting of Main Street’s holiday lights at dusk, and stick around to enjoy some of the free live entertainment along the shopping corridors of our downtown. Between 7 and 9 pm, you can find Santa, street performers (like jugglers on Liberty and stunt artists on Main), holiday music groups, and old-fashioned carolers!

Many shops offer sales up to 40% off on one of-a-kind items to buy for yourself or give as a gift. You can also find discounts like 10% off of your entire purchase, at Bella Rosie Boutique on 255 E. Liberty Street.

The Kerrytown district, at North Fifth and Kingsley, is offering something new to Midnight Madness this year; KindleFest. Drop in on the Ann Arbor Farmers Market from 6pm-10pm and find artists, farmers, food fare, and live music, as well as fire pits to keep warm and roast s’mores!

And what good is a celebration without food and drink? Shops in Kerrytown and throughout downtown have been known to offer food, wine, and other treats to late night shoppers. Visit Heavenly Metal on Ann, or Red Shoes on Ashley for distinctive goods and yummy bites. Clay Gallery, 335 S. Main, will be serving tea and accompaniments in handmade ceramic tea cups.

I love to shop the downtown area for one of a kind gift, and there is no better time to do so. Virtually every downtown shop participates in some way or another. Basically Midnight Madness turns Ann Arbor into a city full of happy shoppers.

More information about Midnight Madness: ENTRTAINMENT LISTING: Center Stage, theatrical performers: In front of Annabelle Jewelers on Main The Arbor Consort, meandering Victorian caroling group Elvis, The King: In front of Elmo’s on Main Ring of Steel, stunt artists: In front of Black Pearl Jugglers: In front of Antelope Antiques and Bella Rosie Boutique on Liberty St. Michael Monford, saxophonist: In front of Hooper Hathaway on Main / Washington St. Mister Laurence Experience, children’s music: In front of 4 Directions on Main Rudolf Steiner School of Ann Arbor's String Quartets: Schakolad

Didn’t get enough shopping? Hit Main Street Ypsilanti for their Starlight Shopping Spree also this weekend!

Lead Shopping Blogger Angie Smith will hunt for deals and dish on the latest in retail in Ann Arbor. Readers will attain notices of great deals, and store happenings in and around the city. To report a news item or tip contact her at angieannarbor@gmail.com