In an effort to brighten up empty storefronts this winter, local businesses collaborated with Love from Uptown for its “Uptown WInter Wonderland” campaign. Winter holiday-themed storefronts can be seen at 24 different locations around Uptown. The buildings that formerly housed Victoria’s Secret and Juut Salon are included in the winter cheer.

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The former Victoria’s Secret store front lights up with snowflakes at night. Photo courtesy of Lucent Blue Events and Design.

The empty space on the first floor of the MoZaic East building on Lagoon Avenue also has a floor-to-ceiling installation that features hand-made paper ornament sculptures and twinkle lights.

Festive decorations fill the empty store front at the MoZaic East building. Photo courtesy of Lucent Blue Events and Design.

“We tried to design something unique for each empty space, both as a nod to the artistic roots that this neighborhood has had over the years, as well as to showcase the potential that these spaces have for the future,” said Michaella Holden, who designed the storefronts with Love from Uptown.

Passersby can post photos of the storefronts for a chance to win a gift certificate from a local business. More information about the campaign and a map of participating businesses can be found on Love from Uptown’s website.

This year’s Uptown Winter Wonderland participants are: Barbette, Lake & Irving Restaurant & Bar, The Rainbow Building, The Morton Building (Victoria’s Secret),  Granada Theater, Amazing Thailand, Penzeys Spices, Paper Source, La La Homemade Ice Cream, 2947 Hennepin Avenue (Juut Salon), Seven Points, People’s Organic, Primitiva Collective, Curioso Coffee, Landmark's Lagoon Cinema, MoZaic East, Fire House Uptown, Uptown Lake Apartments, The UPS Store, Orangetheory Fitness, Sencha Tea Bar, AAA Labor, Uptown Balloons, and ChiroCenter Chiropractic.