Arts, benefits, and festivals: Discover December holiday events in Mt. Pleasant

As snow begins to fall across the mid-Michigan area, don’t let the weather put a damper on the holiday season! From Christmas celebrations for the whole family to charity fundraisers, there’s plenty of fun to be had in Mt. Pleasant this December.

Winter Wonderland Family Photos
Take a trip to the Veterans Memorial Library from December 1 through 3 during business hours for a free family photo opportunity. There will be a winter-wonderland themed background for visitors to take photos, take-and-make crafts, as well as a winter-themed play area for children. Patrons will be expected to use their own phone, camera, or other digital device for photos, however a tripod will be accessible and a CRDL staff member will be available to take photos. More information on this event can be found here.

Downtown Mt. Pleasant Christmas Celebration
Spread Christmas cheer at Mt. Pleasant’s 2023 annual Christmas Celebration happening December 1 and 2. The celebration begins Friday, December 1 from 5 to 8 p.m. with a Winter Market including crafts, food vendors, children’s games, family activities, and live performances. Santa and his reindeer will also make an appearance Friday night to top off the evening. 

Saturday, December 2 will include the Jingle All-The-Way Kids Fun Run and the adult 5K. Registration must be completed online. Races will begin at Max and Emily’s at 7:50 a.m., 8:25 a.m., and 8:30 a.m. All proceeds will go towards Toys for Tots.

The lighted parade which begins at 6 p.m. on December 2, starts at the First United Methodist Church, travels north on Main Street, east on Broadway Street, south on Lansing Street to Michigan Street. The Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation’s Women’s Initiative will serve as parade Grand Marshal in honor of their 20th anniversary supporting women and girls in Isabella County.

For Arts Sake’s Winter Market and Scavenger Hunt
During the weekend of December 1 and 2, For Arts Sake will be hosting a Winter Market on their second floor. December 1 hours are from 4 to 8 p.m. and December 2 hours are from 2 to 6 p.m. (before the downtown lighted parade). For Arts Sake also invites the community to participate in a holiday scavenger hunt. The scavenger hunt list will be announced during the Winter Market on Saturday and winners will be announced after the downtown lighted parade via Facebook Live on their Facebook page.

Juletide at Central Michigan University
Get in the holiday spirit by attending Juletide, a holiday-themed concert performed by students from the CMU School of Music. This event will take place on December 2 from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at Staples Family Concert Hall on CMU’s campus. Tickets are $10 for general admission and $7 for students, youth, and seniors. Tickets can be purchased at Ticket Central

Cram-a-Cruiser 
Join the Mt. Pleasant Police Department to “Cram-a-Cruiser” with new, unwrapped, unopened toys benefiting Toys for Tots. Toy drop-offs will take place on Wednesday, December 6 from 3 to 5:30 p.m. at Krapohl Ford & Lincoln, as well as Thursday, December 14 from 4:40 to 6:30 p.m. at the Division of Public Safety Building located at 804 E. High St. 

Make-and-Take Homemade Gifts
Visit the Chippewa River District Library on December 7 from 3 to 7 p.m. to make homemade gifts including literary ornaments, a hand-stamped book bag, a glass etched piece, or a snowglobe. All crafting supplies will be first-come first-serve. This event is open to all ages. More information can be found here.

Mt. Pleasant Markets Arts and Crafts Show 
Visit Cornerstone Church located at 2214 Lincoln Rd. in Mt. Pleasant on December 9 beginning at 9 a.m. for an arts and crafts show featuring local, handmade items from small businesses and local artists. All vendor fees from this show will be donated to the Humane Animal Treatment Society (HATS). For those interested in becoming a vendor and purchasing a booth, more information can be found here.

Teen Take & Make: DIY Stuffed Snowman
Teens in grades 6-12 are invited to the Chippewa River District Library for a make-and-take snowman craft all day on Tuesday, December 12. Supplies and instructions will be provided. Registration for this event will close December 12 at 12:00 a.m. To register, click here.

Christmas Outreach 2023
Christmas Outreach of Isabella County is a non-profit organization that provides essential items such as coats, hats, bedding, household items, and Christmas items for those in need during the holiday season. Items for donation can be dropped off at Morey Courts on December 13 and 14 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monetary donations can be mailed to Christmas Outreach of Isabella County, PO Box 1227, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48804. 

Isabella County Winter Festival 
Celebrate the first day of Winter at the Isabella County Winter Festival! Music and sweet treats will be provided at this family friendly event. The event will take place on December 21 within the Isabella County Commission on Aging building at 2200 S. Lincoln Rd. in Mt. Pleasant from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

Holiday Drag Bingo 
Join Karma Kat Cafe and Beauty Beyond Drag for Holiday Drag Bingo at 3 p.m. on Saturday, December 23 at 612 E Broadway St in Mt. Pleasant. This event, hosted by local drag queens, is open to all ages and will feature bingo and prizes, as well as plenty of holiday cheer. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased here. A portion of all proceeds will go back to Karma Kat Cafe to help with cat care. 
 
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Read more articles by Adison Reder.

Adison Reder is a student at Central Michigan University. She is studying English and Political Science with a focus in Creative Writing. She enjoys writing about LGBTQ+ Rights, American Political Happenings, and Women’s Rights Advocacy. In addition to writing, her smaller passions include coffee, dogs, and collecting vinyl records. You can contact Adison at reder1al@cmich.edu.