‘Tis the holiday season and according to the forecast, we’ll kick it off with some snow, which will make for a delightful glow of the colorful Christmas lights as a few of our Up North communities gather to see their trees light up for the first time this season. Plus, we’ll have our usual black Friday and Small Business Saturday events. With that, here are five events I think you’ll enjoy this Thanksgiving weekend.
We’ll start with Downtown Charlevoix’s Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting on Friday, from 3pm till 7pm. Join your friends and family at the Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting Celebration. This event with start at 3pm with photos with Santa at Charlevoix State Bank and Holiday Craft at the Circle of Arts. Afterwards, Hot Cocoa in the Park at 5pm, the Holiday Parade at 5:30, and the Tree Lighting at 6pm.
Over towards Elk Rapids on Friday, the Christmas Tree Lighting & Santa’s Arrival take place from 6 till 8pm in Downtown Elk Rapids. You can kick off the holiday season with one of Elk Rapids’ most beloved small-town traditions! Head over to downtown and see Santa Claus and light up the village Christmas tree in the heart of River Street. Enjoy a festive evening filled with caroling, hot cocoa, plus a Meet & Greet with the Second Chance Mushers and their amazing sled dogs. Bring the family, bundle up, and make lasting memories under the glow of the holiday lights.
As far a holiday shopping goes this weekend, there will be plenty of deals as you check off your list. Holly Jolly Boyne on Friday, starting at 5pm in Downtown Boyne City,
will see businesses staying open later with great deals. There will be a parade that begins at 6pm. Follow Santa for a visit as he makes his way to the tree lighting at Sunset Park.
The following day will be Small Business Saturday in TC, and there will be plenty of stores with doors to shop. Starting at 10am, you’ll be able to support downtown merchants and kick off the holiday shopping season with incredible deals. Whether you’re looking for distinctive gifts or seasonal savings, you’ll find something special in downtown shops, restaurants, and other venues. Shopping local means you support economic growth, job creation, developing our downtown culture, and the building of businesses by your friends and neighbors FOR your friends and neighbors. Go to: DownTownTC.com/black-friday-small-business-Saturday… for participating merchants & special offerings.
And to wrap up our Fun Five, see Ralphie attempt to get his Red Ryder during the Tree Lighting Matinee Special on Saturday at The Lyric Theatre in Harbor Springs, starting at 11am. “A Christmas Story” will be shown in all three theaters. Advance tickets are required. Tickets are FREE and available in-person in advance only by stopping by the Lyric anytime we are open. And, stay for a visit with Santa as he arrives on the Harbor Springs Fire Department Fire Truck after the movie! Go to: LyricHarborSprings.org to the “coming soon” page.
Have a safe and wonderful weekend,
John Kelly
