EAST LONGMEADOW, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -- Center Square Grill is offering customers a new way to combine holiday shopping with dining through a Christmas Market Local Vendor Showcase that is running nightly through December 23.

The restaurant’s bar area transforms into a marketplace from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. each evening, featuring a different local vendor selling handmade goods ranging from jewelry and magnets to specialty items like bourbon smokers. “For me, this time of year is always great to really decorate the place and make it festive and give people a little escape from the craziness of work and home and all that stuff,” said Bill Collins, owner of Center Square Grill. “Yeah, we’re just pumped to shed some light locally on some other businesses.”

The motive behind the nightly showcase is pretty simple. “I figured if you’re here having a cocktail over the holidays and you told somebody you were shopping, at least you weren’t lying, right? You know, so no, I just thought it would be fun, and, you know, if you’re here having a drink, it gives a small business or maybe a starting business an opportunity to make a couple of bucks,” Collins explained.

The showcase offers items including coffee mugs and woodwork alongside the restaurant’s regular food and drink menu. “Eat local, shop local, live local, feel good. You know?” Collins said.

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