Holiday cheer, lights, and decorations keep Downtown Bay City merry and bright

Shoppers in Downtown Bay City are being treated to decorations, sales, and even carriage rides in November and December. 

Ashley BrownGreen pine boughs and red ribbons give the streets a traditional look

It all started when Santa Claus arrived, turned the lights on for a tree in Wenonah Park, and visited with kids on Fri., Nov. 29.

Ashley BrownDo everything local is one theme of the holidays in Bay City.
Ashley BrownWindow shopping is a little more fun when the windows are filled with lights and ornaments.

Drydock Beer Garden, 113 Center Ave., is typically only open in the summer, but the fundraising facility made an exception. It opened on Fri., Nov. 29 to serve adults before and after Santa’s arrival. Inside the park, hot cocoa and coffee were available for adults and children.

Ashley BrownIt takes a village, or at least the village's business community, to keep downtown decorated for the holidays.
Ashley BrownThe Bay Area Chamber of Commerce adorned its windows with festive scenes for the season.

A day later, on Sat., Nov. 30, was Small Business Saturday. Area businesses celebrated with special sales at shops, boutiques, and eateries.

Ashley BrownA sleigh of gifts, displayed in the Herter Music Center window, went to one lucky winner.

Later that same weekend, the annual Sundays in the City celebration kicked off on Sun., Dec. 1, with a Holiday Movie Marathon at the State Theatre, 913 Washington Ave.

Ashley BrownWindow paintings showcase both Bay City artists and businesses.

Sundays in the City ends this weekend, Sun., Dec. 22, so if you're not quite ready for the holidays, don't fret. You've got this weekend, plus a couple of weekdays, before Christmas. Many stores are extending their hours and offering shoppers special deals.

Ashley BrownAt the edge of Wenonah Park, in the heart of downtown, you'll find a tall tree filled with brilliant, colored lights.

Even if you don’t need to pick up any last-minute gifts, there still are opportunities to enjoy the holidays in Downtown Bay City.

Ashley BrownThe State Theatre is under new ownership and hosted several holiday events this year.Upcoming events include:

• The 2nd Annual Festivus Celebration at Americana Company Antique Mall, 912 N. Water St. The event runs 6 to 9 p.m. Fri., Dec. 20. You’re invited to shop and enjoy snacks while airing your grievances.
• The Harmony Diversity Choir performs at 7 p.m. Fri., Dec. 20 at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 405 N. Saginaw Road in Midland. This is a Blue Christmas service, which acknowledges the complex emotions that can arise during the holidays.
• The Delta College Planetarium, 100 Center Ave., offers several shows this month. Choose between “Let It Snow” – which features classic (and modern) holiday music set to animated scenes; and “Season of Light” – which tells the story of how our holiday traditions connect to the constellations.
• The Historic Masonic Temple, 700 N. Madison Ave., offers non-traditional holiday events such as a Midnight Monster Movie featuring “New Year’s Evil,” at 9 p.m. Sat., Dec. 21 and 1:30 a.m. Sun., Dec. 22. The Temple also hosts a Holiday Drag Show Fundraiser from 7 to 11 p.m. Sat., Dec. 28.
• Studio 23/The Arts Center, 901 N. Water St., offers several different drop-in classes yet this month. Click here for the schedule.

Ashley BrownHerter Music Center is one of the downtown businesses that always goes all out for its holiday window display.