Point Beach Tree Lighting and Longer Shopping Hours on Black Friday

The annual Christmas tree lighting, a visit from Santa and extended holiday shopping hours are just a few of the attractions in downtown Point Beach on Black Friday.

Santa is expected to arrive on a fire truck at 6 p.m. Friday.

The tree lighting, games, refreshments and music will be from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Arnold and Bay avenues. The rain date is Saturday.

There will also be free photographs with Santa, fire truck rides, face painting and horse and carriage rides at the annual event sponsored by the Point Beach Chamber of Commerce.

Six bicycles, donated by Cara Realty, will be raffled off at the end of the night.

Point Beach stores will be open until 8 p.m. every Friday night through Dec. 23.

Shop the downtown for everything from women's apparel to jewelry to specialty gifts. Nothing says Christmas like model trains, so don't forget to check out the Train Room, which owner Tim Ferrie describes as "a complete model railroad store" at 715 Arnold Avenue.

And shoppers don't need to leave the downtown area to pick up dinner or dine out.

The downtown has shops selling high-quality meat and other specialty items, in addition to hosting a number of fine dining establishments.

For fresh meat for those special holiday dinners, sauces and gravies, stop at 816 Arnold Ave., which will be open from noon to 6 p.m. on Friday. Veal cutlets, usually $19.99 per pound, will be $15.99 per pound all day Friday.

And if you get hungry but don't feel like cooking, stop at any one of the local eateries for a welcome break.

Blue Water Grill, 710D Arnold Ave., , 710 Arnold Ave., are BYOB establishments near the downtown shopping.

Blue Water Grill prides itself on using local, fresh-caught fish in its daily seafood specials, and fresh, local produce.

The restaurant often adds new menu items, such as a chicken entree being offered this week for the first time. The chicken is sauteed with capers, lemon, cherry tomatoes and served with spinach risotto. Blue Water also offers homemade desserts.

The Coal House has become known for its coal-fired pizzas, including signature specialties such as Pesto, Di Cippola, Bianca, Four Seasons and others. The Coal House also serves calzones, pasta, soups, paninis, salads and other items.