It’s another weekend with so many ways to celebrate the season!

You’ll find holiday fun at the Fairgrounds in Petoskey this Friday, or catch some spirited dancing performances at the City Opera House in TC! You can add a new four-legged friend to the family this weekend with the Empty the Shelters event, or stock up for a winter of great reading at the Village at Grand Traverse Commons. Then on Sunday, treat the kids to a Christmas flick at the State Theatre!
 
The North Pole Holiday Festival, Friday, December 13th, 4-6pm, Emmet County Fairgrounds, Petoskey
Take a photo with Santa, make crafts, and enjoy a chili cook-off featuring local restaurants. Additional samples and bowls of chili may be purchased at the door. Guests will vote for the best chili. Admission is $5 per person. Find more info at http://www.petoskeychamber.com/events/details/north-pole-holiday-festival-22109
 
Swingshift and the Stars, Friday, December 13th, 7-11pm, City Opera House, Traverse City
This is a dancing competition featuring a live swing band. Each couple dances for donations for a different local non-profit organization. Enjoy desserts and coffee during the performances. Tickets are $25 and up. Get yours at swingshiftandthestars.org
 
Empty the Shelters, December 13th and 14th, 10am to 5pm
Hosted by the Bissell Pet Foundation at over 100 participating organizations, including the Little Traverse Bay Humane Society, Harbor Springs. Adopt a pet for $25, (excluding puppies) and Bissell will sponsor the remaining adoption cost. Plus all adult cats are FREE these days. No adoptions past 4:30pm. Get more info at ltbhs.com
 
2nd Annual TC Holiday Books and Music Festival, Sunday, December 15th, Noon-4pm, The Village at GT Commons, TC
Come out to the Mercado at GT Commons, where more than 30 local offers will sign and sell copies of their books.                                                                              There will also be performances from local musical acts. Learn more at thevillagetc.com
  
Polar Express PJ Party at the State, Sunday, December 15th, 1pm and 4pm
Come catch a holiday movie in your PJ’s! This annual showing of the Polar Express includes hot cocoa and cookies, and a sleigh bell to take home! These showings typically sell out-get your tickets early! Learn more at https://www.stateandbijou.org/calendar