The air is cold, the lights are bright, and the smiles are full of cheer.
Here are some fun and festive activities in the Blue Water Area to keep the holiday spirit alive.
Winter Celebration at Pine Grove Park (Now-Jan 2 from 5 p.m to 10 p.m)
Begin the season with a stroll through
Pine Grove Park in Port Huron where there are over 30 holiday displays created by local businesses and organizations.
People can visit Santa and his elf on a shelf on December 14 from 5-7 p.m. There will also be a Letters to Santa Mailbox for those who want to send a letter to Santa. The mailbox will be at the park until December 16.
History of the Christmas Tree Walk (Now-Dec 22)
History of the Christmas Walk.
In Algonac, take a self-guided tour around the custom-built 9,500-square-foot log home to see over 300 trees and around 130,000 ornaments. Inside the home, visitors will find holiday decorations and displays that give an insight into Christmas history that dates back to the 1850’s.
“The founders of the Christmas Walk, Al and Diane Kodet, collected everything Christmas for over 40 years. Up until he passed away, Al was on the lookout for unique and historical Christmas decorations,” says Nicole Szymczak, president of ABC Home & Commercial Services and one of the event’s sponsors. “The tradition of The History of the Christmas Tree Walk is being carried on by Brett Kodet, and his family, in memory of his father, mother, and older brother. We look forward to seeing all our visitors.”
The walk runs the first three Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays of December, for a total of 14 days. Tickets are available on their
website upon availability.
Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl (Dec 6, starting at 6 p.m.)
Get festive with the Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl, hosted by the Marine City Chamber of Commerce and Diane Hintz. At $25 a
ticket, participants will get one drink, a souvenir shot glass, and pizza. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Hintz Hope, an organization that helps local families in need.
Businesses involved in the bar crawl are Inn on Water Street, Gords Bar, Riviera Restaurant, Anita’s Restaurant, The Sweet Tooth Cafe, Marine Fish Company, Waterstreet Winery, Gars Bar, and Newport Pub.
Jingle Bell Run (Dec 7 at 9 a.m.)
The Jingle Bell Run.
Join the
YMCA of the Blue Water Area on a run along Lake Huron. Participants can choose to either run 5k or 10k. The top three male and female runners will receive a medal. There is also a 2k fun walk. Tickets are available
here.
There will also be a breakfast with Santa, kids' arts and crafts, and reindeer.
City of Marysville Lighted Christmas Parade (Dec 7, starting at 5 p.m.)
There can’t be holiday spirit without a parade. Beginning at Village Green Plaza at 5 p.m., the City of Marysville Lighted Christmas Parade will consist of local businesses, churches, and schools with fun displays and Santa Claus.
The parade will move throughout the city and end at Marysville Park Amphitheater where families and friends can join Santa to light up the decorations in the park.
Port Huron Civic Theatre’s Production of “The Sound of Music” (Dec 13-15)
Enjoy some live theatre with the showing of The Sound of Music. The inspirational story, based on the memoir of Maria Augusta Trapp, follows an ebullient postulate who serves as governess to the seven children of the imperious Captain von Trapp, bringing music and joy to the household.
Left to Right: Emily Holth (Maria Rainer), Christy Kreidler (Mother Abbess), Aaron Dennis Smith (Captain von Trapp).“This cast is quite tremendous. Both in talent and personality. In so many ways it feels like a reunion as there are connections in multiple facets of people's lives. I love that and really is my true joy in creating music together,” says Vocal Director, Michelle Carlson. “There is deep value for community when we can experience intergenerational relationships, and this show's cast does not disappoint.”
The show will take place at the McMorran Place Theater in Downtown Port Huron. Tickets are on sale now on their
website.
Christmas Market in St. Clair (Dec 14-15)
For those who love crafts, St. Clair’s Chamber of Commerce will host a Christmas Market, showcasing specialty craft vendors from
Beav’s Bees to
Rustic Roots Boutique. There will also be Christmas carolers, face painting, a Christmas tree stroll raffle, brunch and pictures with Santa, and festive food.
Rustic Roots Boutique
The event will be at the Riverview Plaza at 201 N. Riverside Avenue on Saturday, December 14 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, December 15 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Check their
Facebook for updates.
Yule Tide Ball (Dec 20, from 7 p.m. to Midnight)
Dance the night away at the Yule Tide Ball at CityFlatsHotel in downtown Port Huron. Dress in all-black semi-formal attire and enjoy specialty cocktails, a full-service cash bar, Hor d’oeuvres, and seasonal dishes.
The Ballroom at CityFlatsHotel.
"We're beyond excited to host our first Yuletide Ball at CityFlatsHotel,” says General Manager Melissa Shafran. “Guests can look forward to a night of dancing and lively music, paired with specialty cocktails and seasonal cuisine crafted just for this occasion. It's going to be a night to remember, highlighting the magic of the winter season and the perfect way to celebrate the longest night of the year!"
Attendees must be 18 or older to attend.
Tickets are on sale starting at $50.
New Year's Eve Family Fun and Skate Party (Dec 31 from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.)
End the holiday season with rollerskating at
Family Fun and Skate’s New Year's Eve Party in Kimball. It’s $15 per person and includes a skate rental, a slice of pizza or a hotdog, a drink, and beads/party noise makers.
There will also be free popcorn, games, music, and prizes.