The old idiom "shop until you drop" applies.

It's Midnight Madness in downtown Hartford on Friday, December 12. Hartford Business Improvement District member Jason Wix told WTKM how important it is.

"It's all night long, it doesn't stop. People will hang around and shop those deals. It's really been a neat night as far as friends getting together and families getting together. We are encouraging people to shop local and support those downtown Hartford businesses."

This annual event begins at 6 p.m. and runs through midnight.

The bright and beautiful Riverwalk lights will also be on display.