Are you ready to begin the most Wonderful Time of Year? Downtown Minot is not wasting a single minute of the Holiday Season by hosting a magnificent celebration on the first official day of the Christmas Season -otherwise known as Black Friday- the day after Thanksgiving. November 24 this year will be one for the books as the Minot Downtown Business and Professional Association hosts their gigantic welcome to the Christmas season, the Christmas Open House. The community-style event will feature the Christmas tree lighting, hot chocolate, carol singers, music, cookies, Santa and of course, LOTS of shopping and special deals all in downtown Minot!

Seasoned shoppers know that Black Friday is the peak time to get some unheard of deals and grab the gifts of the season on this once a year day. Almost every single business in Minot Downtown is gearing up for their biggest shopping day and sales of the year with unbeatable gifts and prices. Plus, the casual window shopper can still get into the spirit by viewing all the lovely holiday themed window displays. The Downton Open House will be greeting guests from 3-8pm and the downtown parking garage will be open to parking for free all evening too!

Margie’s Art Glass at 109 S. Main St. will be featuring live music with Jordan Pederson along with shopping and ceramic painting.

Main Street Books will be bursting at the seams with sales and fun with Early Bird Deals from 10am-3pm, buy one get one 1/2 off kids’ books, $5 fill-a-bag of used books, free apple cider and candy canes, 20% off one regularly priced item (some exclusions may apply) and free apple cider and candy canes.

Over at Gourmet Chef, Guitarist Gene Putnam will be playing in the shop from 4-7pm.

Down on the corner, Mainstream Boutique will have their fleece pull-over as a doorbuster, hot chocolate and chex mix during the tree lighting.

Oliver’s Attic will be serving their delicious chili outside until 4pm or until they run out, along with 15% off purchases for the day.

Bray’s Saddlery will offer cookies all day & a significant boot sale.

Ricks Jewelry will be open 2- 8pm and will be celebrating their 35th Anniversary in business with storewide savings, lots of specials and gifts with purchase. Additionally, you can get a $5 off coupon if you bring a new toy for the Horn of Plenty.

The Cozy Shop will be open on Friday, Nov 24 from 12-7pm. They will have coffee and chai tea for sampling, and also have an area set up for taking selfies and group pics. It will definitely be a chance to get into the holiday spirit!

Bernina Plus is keeping it simple with Black Friday Savings throughout the store.

The Blue Rider Bar is offering FREE meatballs around 4pm and Live Music at 9pm!

Keeping it classy, Liens Jewelry will host Holiday Jazz with Erik M Anderson from 5:30pm-7pm, a Black Friday Balloon Pop Event, savings of up to 20% off all day and hot cinnamon apple cider and cookies too!

Bring the kiddos to The Spot between 2-5pm for Hot Cocoa, S’mores and have a chance to see live reindeer! Drink specials and free pool for the adults from 3-8pm.

The Downtown business will offer more than great steals, it will host the over 50 year traditional Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony at 6:05pm. In Minot custom, the light switch for the magical tree lights will be switched on by the Minot AFB wing commanders. Before the big moment, guests will be treated to a mix of live music including a Christmas sing along by Chloe Marie.

This festive event is outside, but most businesses welcome guests inside for free treats and a chance to warm up from the bitter wind. Not only will this event be the perfect chance to start the holiday season, a special guest will be coming in all the way from the North Pole that is not to be missed! (wink)