The next few weeks will be packed with seasonal fun all around Cheboygan County.
If you’re looking for tree lightings, concerts or downtown open houses taking place Nov. 26-Dec. 7, you can find it here.
Christmas in Indian River
Indian River is starting its holiday celebrations on Friday, Nov. 28 with a full schedule of festive fun.
To start the evening, there will be a decorated business open house from 3-7 p.m., a children’s Elf on a Shelf Scavenger Hunt from 3-6:30 p.m., children’s crafts and cookies at the Indian River Area Library from 4-6 p.m., storytime with Mrs. Claus at the township hall from 5-5:45 p.m., and warming stations with free soup and a cozy fire from 5:30-7 p.m.
The Christmas parade featuring Santa and Mrs. Claus will be at 6 p.m., and the tree lighting near the chamber cabin will follow the parade. Afterwards, you can visit with Santa at the township hall or enjoy the Northland Brewery afterparty with a live band from 7-9 p.m.
Christmas Tree Ship Send-Off in Cheboygan
You can help send some Christmas cheer to Chicago in the annual send-off of “The Christmas Tree Ship.”
The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw, which will be delivering 1,200 Christmas trees to families in need, will be leaving from Cheboygan at approximately 10 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 29.
The send-off party starts at 9:45 a.m. and will include cookies and cocoa provided by local Rosie the Riveters. The gathering will take place at the county marina parking lot, across the river from the Mackinaw.
This event is organized by the Coast Guard Connection. Guests should note the departure date and time are tentative, as weather or other operational factors could require schedule changes.
Mackinaw City Village Tree Decorating
You can take part in a morning of tree trimming and family fun during the Village Tree Decorating in Mackinaw City. Santa will also be in attendance.
The event takes place from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Nov. 29 at the Mackinaw City Recreation Center, 507 W. Central Ave.
Breakfast with Santa at the Indian River Golf Club
Guests can enjoy a breakfast buffet at the Indian River Golf Club, featuring seasonal specialties and a hot cocoa station. While you dine, Santa Claus will make an appearance to visit with children and pose for photos.
The breakfast will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 29. Tickets are $24.95 for adults, $14.95 for children age 12 and under, and free for children age 4 and under.
Space is limited. You must RSVP at 231-238-8515 by Tuesday, Nov. 25 to attend.
Holiday fun at the Cheboygan Area Public Library
The Cheboygan Area Public Library will host a gingerbread house workshop from 4-6 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 1. Registration is required for this event.
The library will also be having a special reindeer event from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 7, featuring live reindeer, hot cocoa and free books for kids.
Quite A Night Live Nativity
You can experience a walk-through of the first Christmas in Bethlehem during the “Quite A Night Live Nativity” at Faith Baptist Church, 1036 S. Western Ave., in Cheboygan.
The nativity will take place from 5:30-8:30 p.m. on Dec. 5 and 6 and from 4-6 p.m. on Dec. 7. Tours start every 7 minutes and are 30 minutes long. You can register in advance for a specific time or stop by. Refreshments will also be available.
Cookie sale at St. John
The St. John Lutheran Church Ladies Guild will host their annual cookie sale and craft show from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6.
The church is located at 8757 N. Straits Highway in Cheboygan.
Christmas in the Village
The Mackinaw Area Historical Society will host “Christmas in the Village” on Saturday, Dec. 6.
The celebration includes a chapel open house from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. where guests can take pictures and enjoy the holiday decorations.
This event is free, but donations are welcome.
Cheboygan’s Annual Parade of Lights & Community Christmas Party
Downtown Cheboygan will celebrate the holiday season with its annual Parade of Lights, which will begin at 5 p.m. on Saturday Dec. 6. The route will travel north on Main Street from Court Street to Mackinaw Avenue.
The Community Christmas Party will immediately follow the parade at Festival Square, with the official tree lighting, festive refreshments and other entertainment on the schedule.
“A Christmas Carol” with Allen Fitzpatrick
Allen Fitzpatrick will perform the Charles Dickens classic, “A Christmas Carol” at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 7 at the Cheboygan Opera House.
Tickets are $10-30.
This article originally appeared on Cheboygan Daily Tribune: Cookies, parades and Santa: Where to find holiday events in Cheboygan County
Reporting by Jillian Fellows, Cheboygan Daily Tribune / Cheboygan Daily Tribune
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
