The holiday season in Midland is officially underway, with a full calendar of festive events offering something for everyone. From cocoa crawls to window art and even the chance to name a snow plow, here’s a look at what’s happening this month.
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Holiday Open House and Brush Monkeys window art
Downtown Midland’s annual
Holiday Open House invites shoppers to discover unique holiday merchandise, special menu items, and services on Friday, Nov. 8, from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., continuing through Saturday. Shoppers can also enter to win custom-decorated holiday wreaths on display in participating stores, which will be awarded at the end of the event.
Returning by popular demand, Ann Arbor-based artists
Brush Monkeys will bring their artistry to Downtown Midland from Nov. 5 through Nov. 9, transforming store windows with festive holiday scenes.
Brush Monkeys will paint over 30 businesses, including Amazing Deli, Joyful Tantrum, Heather 'n Holly, and more. The Downtown Development Authority encourages residents to stop by, watch the artists in action, and enjoy the unique holiday décor that makes Downtown Midland the perfect backdrop for holiday photos.
Vote for the 2024 ‘Name the Plow’ Finalists
The City of Midland is inviting residents to help name its snowplow fleet. After nearly 300 creative submissions, voting is open for the community’s favorite names
online. Residents without internet access can vote by contacting the Community Affairs office at (989) 837-3307.Voting will close on Friday, Nov. 8, at 5 p.m.
The five names with the most votes will join past winners, including Blizzard Lizard, Ron Brrrgandy, Grace A. Plow, The Big Leplowski, Scoop Dogg, and Clearopathra, in the city’s snow removal fleet. Winning names will be announced on Nov. 25.
Dow Gardens Gift Shop Open House
Dow Gardens invites you to the 2024
Gift Shop Open House on Nov. 20 from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Enjoy exclusive discounts, delicious food and drink samples, and a variety of unique holiday gifts. From imaginative toys to exquisite Michigan-made jewelry and captivating art pieces, this event is a must for nature enthusiasts and garden lovers alike.
Not sure what to choose? Gift cards are also available. No registration or admission is required.
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Cocoa Crawl and Santa Parade
The holiday cheer kicks off with the annual
Santa Holiday Parade on Saturday, Nov. 23, starting at 10 a.m. Immediately following the parade, the Downtown Midland Business Association invites families to the Cocoa Crawl from noon to 2 p.m.
Sample hot cocoa creations from local businesses, vote for your favorite, and help crown the winner of the coveted Golden Mug Trophy. Admission to the Cocoa Crawl is free, and supplies are limited, so come early to enjoy a sweet start to your holiday shopping.
Holiday Art Fair
For unique gifts and local art, the
Holiday Art Fair at Midland Center for the Arts offers a unique selection of handmade items. The fair will run on Nov. 23, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Nov. 24, from noon to 5 p.m. Proceeds support the Center’s arts and education programs.
Admission is $5 for a one-day pass and $8 for a two-day pass, with free entry for museum members and guests 17 and under. Contact the Center’s Ticket Office at 989-631-8250 for more details.
Greater Midland Coleman Family Center’s Craft Bazaar
Celebrate local crafters at the
Greater Midland Coleman Family Center’s Craft Bazaar on Saturday, Nov. 9, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Admission is free, offering a variety of handcrafted items perfect for holiday gifting. The event takes place at 4839 N. Coleman Schools Drive in Coleman.
Grace A. Dow Memorial Library’s Battle of the Books
The
Grace A. Dow Memorial Library’s Battle of the Books invites young readers to compete in this year’s literary challenge. The season kicks off with an “Introduction to Battle” Brunch on Nov. 9 at 10 a.m., followed by the release of this year's book list.
Teams can register until Dec. 9, with online and in-person rounds, including a final showdown filmed by MCTV. Top-performing teams will win prizes, including up to $500 for their school libraries.