Community Calendar

Join Peter Payette for a conversation about the role of arts and culture in shaping and defining the identity of Northwest Michigan. Explore how the creative sector can move to become a central and celebrated aspect of our region's character in the way we think of dunes and cherries. Together, we’ll discuss strategies to amplify the impact of the arts and make them an integral part of what makes our community unique.

Facilitator: Peter Payette
Peter Payette is the Executive Director of Interlochen Public Radio, where he has led the station since 2016. With a journalism career spanning over two decades, he has reported extensively on issues critical to the culture and economy of northern Michigan. Under Peter's leadership, IPR is dedicated to uncovering and sharing the people and stories that shape the community's identity.

Audience: Who is this for?
This session is designed for:

Art & culture professionals / administrators
Individual creatives
Broader creative community

Click here to register.

Experience the Story of Christmas—from Creation to Bethlehem and beyond—during a 45-minute outdoor walking tour through the woods at New Hope Community Church.

Guided groups will encounter live actors, animals, and immersive scenes that bring the first Christmas to life.

Guests will witness Mary and Joseph’s journey, the shepherds’ awe as angels fill the night sky, the wise men on their pilgrimage, and a live nativity.

Please Note: This event is entirely outdoors. Dress warmly and wear appropriate footwear.

You’re Invited to Fishtown in Lights

To celebrate a milestone and a new adventure

Please join Fishtown Preservation as we light the shanty rooftops and celebrate the completion of the projects made possible by the 2017-2022 Campaign for Fishtown.

We will also honor those who have been instrumental in saving Fishtown and the work that it has taken to keep it here. At 6:00pm representatives of the youngest generation will turn on the lights.

The Little Traverse Historical Society will be holding their annual Christmas Open House on Friday, December 12 from 6:00 to 8:00 in the evening. The museum will be open to all and cocoa and cookies will be served. The Historical Society is kicking off the celebration of America's 250th Anniversary, our Semiquincentennial, just a little early with this event, as the large Christmas tree will be decorated in red, white, and blue. There will also be a display of official White House Christmas ornaments.

Howard Richards will return to play carols on the Hemingway piano and there will also be a group carol sing. Happy the Horse, formerly from the Circus Shop, will be on display as the perfect backdrop for your Christmas photos. St. Francis fourth graders will share a history lesson and "Mrs. Cushman" will share what it is like to prepare for the holidays at the Cushman Hotel. And, of course, there will be a visit from Santa Claus.

Petoskey Museum Executive Director Jane Garver says, "Our Christmas Open House is one of our favorite traditions. It’s a chance for everyone to visit the museum, enjoy the season, and connect with the stories that shaped Petoskey." Take advantage of this opportunity to visit the museum and learn a bit about the past this holiday season. The evening is free of charge and all exhibits will be open.

Community Holiday Sing

We’ll be singing the old songs and new, to celebrate unity, joy, and song.  Angus MacDonald will be playing his accordion, TCSings will be with us, and there will be hot cider and treats!  This fun is meant for the whole family!  Crafts for kids, too.

The Benzie Community Chorus presents December Up North "That one year.....".
Join us as we celebrate fifty years of heightening the spirit of the season through the power of music.

This golden anniversary is more than a milestone — it’s a joyful gathering that honors tradition, community, and the simple delight of sharing music.

For more information please visit https://www.benziechorus.org/

Matilda is a little girl with astonishing wit, intelligence and psychokinetic powers. She's unloved by her cruel parents but impresses her schoolteacher, with whom she forms a bond. Matilda's school life isn't all smooth sailing, though – the school's mean headmistress hates children and loves to punish those who don't abide by her rules. But Matilda’s courage and cleverness could be the school pupils' saving grace!

Known for their soaring harmonies, magnetic energy, and authenticity, The Bergamot’s A South Shore Christmas concert promises to be one of the most heartfelt and joy-filled shows of the season. The evening will blend classic carols with original songs that lift the spirit and stir the soul.

In a season overflowing with holiday performances, this one stands apart—a radiant mix of artistry, heart, and community that reminds us why we gather, sing, and celebrate together.

Tickets are on sale now at cityoperahouse.org/TheBergamot
Come be part of the light.

The 27th Annual Northern Michigan Trinity Lutheran Church & School Christmas Cookie Event
begins at 9 a.m., Saturday, December 13, at 1003 S. Maple Street, Traverse City.

Another year of 23,000 handmade and decorated traditional sugar and old world cookies are
offered in gift-giving boxes or available for hand selection.
Called the “premier cookie offering of northern Michigan,” the event is attended traditionally by hundreds of five-county area residents and friends even beyond those borders.

For more information contact Charlene A. Lutes, 231-499-9259. See you there!

Kick off the holiday season by creating a fresh wreath for your front door at our annual Wreath Workshop! This DIY experience allows you to create a beautiful wreath you'll be proud to hang in your home. Wreath form, a mix of fresh, locally-sourced evergreens, ribbon, instruction and tools will be provided. Attendees will take home their handmade wreaths at the end of the class.

When: Saturday, December 13th from 10:00am - 12:00pm

Where: Boardman River Nature Center, 1450 Cass Rd., Traverse City MI 49685

Registration: $50/person. Registration is required. Please visit www.natureiscalling.org/events. Space is limited.

Audience: Adults