SPRINGFIELD — The Springfield Business Improvement District (BID) and the Springfield Central Cultural District are set to unveil the first annual Downtown Springfield Holiday Market. On Wednesday, Dec. 2 from 5 to 8 p.m., they will hold an official ribbon-cutting event with the Springfield Regional Chamber at the Springfield Gift Store, located at 1341 Main St. Refreshments will be served.

The retail sector employs more than 550,000 individuals in Massachusetts alone. With a succesful holiday market in the heart of downtown, the BID hopes to not only contribute to the revitalization efforts of downtown Springfield, but also encourage economic growth within the region by establishing downtown as a holiday shopping destination.

The month-long shopping event includes dozens of local retailers selling a wide variety of gifts, including a Springfield Gift Store selling items like downtown Springfield restaurant gift certificates, Springfield Falcons merchandise, toys from Springfield Museums, CityStage and Symphony Hall tickets, and much more. In addition, an Artisan’s Gallery offers dozens of handmade gifts, while full-time retailers such as Forget Me Not Florist, Simply Grace, Lux Boutique, Dilaura Naturals, and Walking in a Winter Wonderland are participating as well.

Santa Claus will visit the Springfield Gift Store every Saturday from 1 to 3 p.m. Visit the Springfield BID’s website, springfielddowntown.com, for other events happening in the Holiday Market.