The snow is here, and so is that Christmas feeling! Businesses and home are a glow with holiday lights, and folks are making their lists for friends and loved ones as they get ready to buy gifts for those special people in their lives. It’s the season of giving, and many Up North towns are ready to help you celebrate the season. With that, here are five ideas for you on my Weekend Fun Five.
On late Friday afternoon, into the evening, Light Up East Jordan for Christmas will start at 5pm in Downtown East Jordan. Downtown will come alive with the joy of Christmas. There will be a lighted parade, live reindeer, soup cook-off, Community Christmas Tree lighting, Santa visit and much more. Santa & Mrs. Claus will be in the front of City Hall following the Lighted Parade down Main Street to hear the Christmas Lists. Soup Cook-Off will be at The Depot Teen Center. Reindeer will be in the parking lot near Charlevoix State Bank. Complete details at EJChamber.org
Tree lighting with Santa and holiday music is the name of the game at the Downtown Petoskey Holiday Open House on Friday, staring at 6pm. You are invited to join Downtown merchants for a festive evening of hospitality and shopping. Bring your friends and neighbors and enjoy the holiday season! Prior to the Tree Lighting with Santa, there will be a special jazz performance by Laura Crowe at 5pm in Pennsylvania Park. During the event, the streets will be closed to traffic, and the merchants will open their doors to offer warm holiday greetings and hospitality. The Petoskey High School Steel Drum Band will be making their annual appearance. The windows will be decorated in holiday style, and the streets will be filled with a festive atmosphere.
As we move into Saturday, The 2025 Merchants Holiday Open House take place on Saturday, from 6 till 9pm in Downtown Harbor Springs. Enjoy a fun-filled evening of shopping on Main and State Streets, as they will be closed to allow the community to stroll between stores and enjoy a relaxing evening of tradition. There will be special music by the Petoskey High School Steel Drum Band. Come be a part of a wonderful local tradition this season and celebrate the holidays in Harbor Springs! HarborSpringsChamber.com for more details.
Heading over to Bellaire we have a “two in one” event… The 1st Annual Polar Plunge starts at 11:30AM at Riverside Marina. This year’s theme is CANDY. It’s chilly, it’s silly, and it’s all good community fun — plus, bragging rights are guaranteed along with prizes for Best Costume, Most Spirited Team and Coolest Plunger! 11:15am check in and 11:30am Plunge. Water, snacks and coffee to warm you up afterwards. Prizes for Best Costume, Most Spirited Team, and Coolest Plunger. To register and get complete details, go to BellaireChamber.org. And while you are in Bellaire, take some time to head to the 16th Annual Light up the Night & Soup Cook Off happens from 4 till 7pm on Saturday, on Broad Street in downtown Bellaire. Taste 11 soups for $15. Tickets available at area businesses. You can also enjoy the Bellaire Christmas tree lighting & parade, visit with Santa and enjoy downtown festivities.
To wrap up our Fun Five, you can visit Charlevoix the Beautiful for their Holiday Merchant Open House & Hot Cocoa Contest, starting at 10am. Kick off the holiday season with a full day of festive fun, shopping, and community spirit in downtown Charlevoix with these events…
• Holiday Merchant Open House | All Day – Explore charming shops offering all-day specials, giveaways, and holiday refreshments. Find the perfect gifts and enjoy a cozy day of shopping local.
• Free Community Movie | 10:30 AM – Start your day with a family-friendly holiday movie at Charlevoix Cinema III—free for everyone! Bring a canned good or an unwrapped toy for admission!
• Hot Cocoa Run | 11 AM – Get moving before the cocoa sipping begins! Join in this fun run through downtown Charlevoix to benefit local causes.
• Hot Cocoa Contest | 12–4 PM – Warm up as you sample delicious cocoa creations from participating businesses. Vote for your favorite and help crown Charlevoix’s Best Hot Cocoa! Check back for the Cocoa Trail.
So, dress warmly, have fun, and enjoy the unique Christmas splendor that is unique to Northern Michigan!
John Kelly
