Christmas kicks into high gear this weekend with tree lightings, parades, Santa visits and Madonna. So find your best ugly Christmas sweater and enjoy the spirit of the holidays. The snow is falling, Christmas music is playing…. It’s time to be jolly!
Nothing says Christmas like the Harbor Springs Holiday Tree Lighting happening on Saturday night, November 30th. It’s the 109th lighting of the tree on Main Street. Main Street closes at 3pm. Come downtown, shop, dine, drop off a letter to Santa at the Lyric Theater and check out all the store holiday decorations. The tree lighting is a 6pm followed by chili dinner in the Holy Childhood Parish Hall at 150 W Main Street, just adjacent to the tree, where you can also see Santa, enjoy homemade cookies and hot cocoa. Need more info? Go to HarborSpringsChamber.com.
In downtown Petoskey on Saturday, it’s a Christkidlmarket at Meyer Ace Hardware. The fun runs 4-8pm with a visit from Santa, crafts for the kids, special sales, and pop-up vendors in their back parking lots.
Another holiday tradition is the Light Parade and Santa visit in downtown Suttons Bay on Friday. Bring the kids for an afternoon full of holiday fun including from noon– 2 PM. They can visit with the Reindeer, drop Off Letters to Santa, help Decorate the Village tree and other Family Friendly Activities. The big guy pulls into town at 2 PM when Santa Arrives by Fire Truck. Then stick around to sing Carols with the Suttons Bay Public Schools Choir. More details at SuttonsBayChamber.com
Another fun tree lighting is Friday night in Boyne City. Downtown sparkles for a family fun event where you can shop and then stick around for the parade at 6pm. Join Santa as he travels to the tree lighting in Sunset Park.
You’ll also find tree lightings on Friday in downtown Elk Rapids and in Leland, And Saturday in Gaylord, Glen Lake, Alden and The Village at Grand Traverse Commons
If you’re looking for a different holiday event…. Check out Madonnativity! There are a number of shows during the season, but the first is Saturday night at the Elk Rapids town hall. A travelling troupe of actors aim to create an inclusive holiday themed show, incorporating music by Madonna and mixing in plenty of pop culture. Unfortunately, everything seems to be going wrong. It’ll take a miracle for this show to go on, but that’s what the season is all about, right? Think Waiting for Guffman meets a holiday pageant, but at its heart the show explores the importance of community and and connection even in the darkest times. This show is fun for the whole family! Get tickets here.
