With every holiday season comes the daunting task of shopping for gifts for all those special people in your lives.

Stressful, right?

Well, this year, it doesn’t have to be.

With the annual “Midnight Madness” event being held on Dec. 2 in downtown Ann Arbor, patrons can find great deals at all their favorite local stores while spending an evening strolling downtown.

“Throughout downtown the mood is festive,” said Maura Thomson of the Main Street Ann Arbor organization.

“The holiday lights are in the trees and downtown glistens.”

According to Thomson, during this event stores typically run storewide sales of 10 – 20 percent off, and most stores extend their hours—sometimes until midnight.

And, if you’re lucky, you might just run in to Santa Claus himself.

The big guy will be roaming the streets from 7 – 9 p.m. accompanied by live entertainment. Sidewalk performances include the University of Michigan Women’s Glee Club, the Huron A Capella Choir and The Ring of Steel Action Theatre and Stunt Troupe.

“Visitors can expect sidewalks packed with people, shop owners eager to please, great deals on holiday gifts and an authentic, feel good, holiday experience,” Thomson said.

“And of course fabulous dining to top it all off.”

If you’re not able to make it out for all the madness, don’t worry. The Main Street Ann Arbor organization is sponsoring several events over the holidays that are sure to provide fun and entertainment.

On Dec. 9 and 16, there will be horse-drawn carriage rides through downtown along with sidewalk entertainment from 7 – 9 p.m.

If the holidays are putting you in a giving mood, check out the “12 Days of Giving”  happening on Dec. 12 – 23. If you shop at any of the participating stores during that time, a portion of the sales will be donated to the one of the 12 participating non-profits.

For more information on “Midnight Madness” or any of the other events happening this holiday season, please visit mainstreetannarbor.org.