Thanksgiving may be next week, but the holiday season officially begins this weekend, with fun events planned across Northern Michigan!
Kick off the weekend with a night out in Downtown Petoskey-it’s Ladies Opening Night! From 4 to 8pm you can shop, sip, and stroll the streets of the Gaslight District. While the guys are out in the woods, hang out with your girlfriends getting a jump on your holiday shopping, playing games, and winning prizes! Get more info at petoskeydowntown.com.
There’s more great shopping out there on Saturday-Brother Dan’s Handmade Holiday Craft Show happens from 9am to 4pm at the Emmet County Fairgrounds…The Community Building will be open, featuring vendors with all kinds of handmade items for sale. Admission is just $2, or a non-perishable food item to benefit Brother Dan’s Food Pantry.
A little later in the day, you can enjoy Christmas shopping AND cocktails at the Grand Traverse Resort and Spa in Acme, with the annual Traverse City Shop and Sip! From 2:30 to 7pm, stroll through the handmade market featuring more than 100 vendors, plus snacks, drinks, and a visit from Santa! Admission is just $5.
Saturday night is the big night for the annual Christmas tree lighting in downtown Traverse City. Santa will help the mayor light the tree at 5:30, then the annual Light Parade makes it’s way down Front Street, featuring illuminated floats and musical performers. And after the parade, don’t forget to take the little ones to visit Santa’s house at Rotary Square!
Then on Sunday, why not wrap up the weekend with a little music? Moxie Strings is playing at the Old Art Building in Leland. One of the country’s leading instrumental acts, they topped Billboard’s Classical Crossover chart last year. This performance will celebrate their newest album “Live & Plugged In.” Tickets are $25 for members, and $30 for non-members at oldartbuilding.com. Showtime is 6pm.
