Shoppers with a sweet tooth for chocolate might want to stop by downtown Sycamore this weekend.

The annual Chocolate Weekend sponsored by Discover Sycamore will take place Friday through Sunday. Chocolate treats, chocolate-themed giveaways and chocolate promotions will be offered as well as regular products and services by the many member businesses that are involved with Discover Sycamore during this upcoming weekend.

Discover Sycamore Director Lauren Diehl explained Chocolate Weekend started five years ago to promote Sycamore shopping.

“Chocolate Weekend was promoted as a kick-off to the holiday season,” Diehl said. “It was to show our appreciation for the shoppers of Sycamore.”

The annual event was designed with the chocolate lover as the center of attention, Diehl added.

“Chocolate greeters will be in downtown Sycamore to pass out tasty morsels from the Confectionary,” Diehl said. “Businesses will delight shoppers with special events and promotions featuring delicious deals and holiday gifts for all as well as charming shops and dazzling chocolate demonstrations.”

Diehl said Chocolate Weekend usually attracts thousands of visitors, all eager to get a taste of a sweet chocolate treat.

A Walk with Santa down State Street and the annual Courthouse Tree lighting ceremony held in downtown Sycamore will kick off the festivities for Chocolate Weekend.

Sweet Earth Jewelry and Gifts, 341 W. State St., and Sweet Dreams Desserts, 1969 DeKalb Ave. #B, will team up for a cookie tasting event that will take place from 6 to 8 p.m Friday.

Roseann Para, owner of Sweet Earth Jewelry and Gifts, said everyone loves Chocolate Weekend.

“Chocolate Weekend is a wonderful theme for merchants to participate in, from chocolate drinks at the restaurants to receiving chocolate colored crystal earrings in our store,” Para said.

“Customers of course love chocolate, and they seek out the elves around town handing our real handmade chocolate leaves from our downtown Sycamore Confectionery.”

Para explained she wanted Sweet Earth Jewelry and Gifts to help kick-off Chocolate Weekend.

“We invited Sweet Dream Desserts to our store to kick-off Chocolate Weekend for a cookie tasting,” Para said. “We thought it would be a fun treat for all the families downtown greeting Santa.”

There will be Chocolate Tours both on Saturday and Sunday at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m.