Holiday events have returned with a bang. There’s a fun experience for anyone who needs some festive cheer.
PARADES
Nov. 22: Battle Creek Christmas parade
It’s your first chance to see Santa. Find a spot near the intersection of Michigan Avenue and McCamly Street – the parade starts rolling at 5:30 p.m. from the corner of Washington Avenue and Champion Street. It’s also the first night the lights turn on for the International Festival of Lights.
Dec. 1: Marshall Christmas parade
Downtown Marshall’s quaint main street is perfect for an old-fashioned parade. They start at the fountain circle and head downtown at 7 p.m. This year’s theme is Christmas Stories.
Dec. 4 and 5: Albion Aglow
Albion Aglow begins with a big celebration from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday. It includes horse-drawn carriage rides and the official lighting ceremony in Bournelis Park at 6 p.m. The next night, line up along Superior Street for the parade at 6 p.m. Santa will be at Kids ‘N’ Stuff after the parade.
CHEER
Nov. 21-22: Cookie tin walk
Buy a cookie tin for $15 at Handle and Hinge, then walk through downtown Marshall collecting cookies.
Dec. 6: Winter Wanderland
One night of holiday magic in downtown Battle Creek. There will be free carriage rides to see the lights (3 to 8 p.m.). A craft show (2 to 8 p.m.) will fill the Double Tree atrium, with activities like cookie decorating. Admission is free.
Dec. 7: Tea with Mrs. Claus
Kids can enjoy high tea with Mrs. Claus at Kellogg Manor on Gull Lake. Travel back through time in this sumptuous historic building, where Mrs. Claus will tell stories and lead a singalong. Reservations are required, space is limited.
Dec. 9 and 16: Holiday Spice Tea
Sip on the Kellogg Manor’s famous Holiday Spice Tea. It’s served alongside an impressive teatime assortment of savory bites and sweet treats, such as cucumber sandwiches and scones with strawberry jam and cream. Reservations are required, space is limited.
Dec. 13: 4 Elf Party
Dress up in your best elf gear for the release of Plead the 5th and other rum barrel-aged beers at Dark Horse Brewing Co. in Marshall. Arrive at 11 a.m. if there’s a brew you want, because supplies are limited. Besides the best craft beer that Dark Horse has to offer, there will also be live music and costume contests.
Dec. 20: Copper Christmas Sing-along
Gather at Copper Athletic Club (a bar, not a gym) and sing along to your favorite Christmas songs. Festive attire encouraged.
STROLLS
Saturdays Nov. 22-Dec. 20: W.K. Kellogg Manor Holiday Tours
Take a self-guided tour through the historic summer home of former cereal magnate W.K. Kellogg. There will be docents on hand to answer your questions (be sure to ask about the number seven). End your trip with hot spiced tea. The Holiday Market will be open, too. It’ll be free from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 3.
Dec. 6-7: Marshall Candlelight Tour
Tickets sell out fast for this Marshall Historical Society event, so pre-order ASAP. A tour guide will lead groups through four historic houses and a museum, all beautifully decorated for the holiday season.
LIGHTS
Nov. 22: International Festival of Lights
A long-standing Battle Creek tradition, downtown Battle Creek is festooned with strings of lights and decorations. Favorites include the synchronized light show at Mill Race Park, the 12 Days of Christmas at Kellogg House and Santa on the rooftop of Clara’s on the River. Make sure you stop by Cafe Rica for a hot chocolate. If you have a letter for Santa, drop it into the red mailbox outside of the Battle Creek Welcome Center with a return address and he’ll write back!
Nov. 29-Jan. 4: Winter Wonderland
Gilmore Car Museum in Hickory Corners is setting up a tunnel of lights for you to drive through. A ticket includes a tour through the festive grounds, a visit with Santa, a maze of holiday inflatables and a chance to see the museum’s world-class car collection. Themed nights include Firework Fridays.
Dec. 4-28: Merry Mile
The first day of December means Marshall gets merry with a mile of light displays at the fairgrounds. It’ll be open Thursday through Sunday for all of December (not including Christmas day). There will be special events throughout the month, including visits from Santa, crafts and a live nativity. Admission is $10 per car or $20 for vehicles with 9-15 passengers.
CONCERTS
Dec. 6: Brass Band of Battle Creek
Join the world-renowned Brass Band of Battle Creek for a magical evening featuring some of your favorite holiday classics at the W.K. Kellogg Auditorium.
Dec.12-21: Christmas Cabaret
Barn Theatre opens up every December for carols, dessert and hot cocoa. Your favorite actors will be there for an evening of Christmas songs in the Rehearsal Shed.
Dec. 9: 90s hits and Xmas Riffs
Mark McGrath (Sugar Ray), Kevin Griffin (Better than Ezra) and Emerson Hart (Tonic) have teamed up for a nostalgic concert at FireKeepers Casino and Hotel.
Dec. 12: A Country Christmas
Jason Michael Carroll will perform original country songs and Christmas classics at Franke Center for the Arts.
Dec. 13: Home for the Holidays
Enjoy local vocalists, a 100-piece choir, the Shari Rarick Dancers and special guest pianist Brandon Fitzpatrick for holiday classics.
SHOWS
Nov. 6-Dec. 21: “The Naughty List”
In this Turkeyville musical, Sparkles the Elf is always the star of the annual Christmas Pageant at Santa's Workshop. But when a new, talented elf comes onto the scene and threatens to steal the spotlight, Sparkles is overwhelmed with jealousy, and that might land her on the Naughty List! You can buy a ticket for the show only or buy a ticket that includes a turkey dinner.
Dec. 11-21: “A Swingin’ Christmas: The Holiday Music of Tony Bennett”
Great Escape Stage Company is celebrating the holidays with the music of Tony Bennett. There will be 18 classic songs, along with Bennett’s most popular hits, such as “I Left My Heart In San Francisco.”
Dec. 12: “A Christmas Carol” live radio production
This will be a stage performance of the classic story reading using a live cast at the Battle Creek Regional History Museum. The evening will include self serve food in a dinner theatre environment.
Dec. 19: “It's a Wonderful Life” live radio production
This will be a stage performance of the classic story reading using a live cast at the Battle Creek Regional History Museum. The evening will include self serve food in a dinner theatre environment.
Dec. 19: Jingle Bell Laughs
Laugh out loud during the Jingle Bell Laughs comedy show, featuring Ron Taylor. Opening acts include: Blain Hill, Kevin Johnson, Ree Ledbetter, Patty Rooney. The show starts at 8pm at Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek. Guests must be 18 years old to purchase tickets.
SHOPPING
Nov. 1-Dec. 22: Art Center Holly Mart
For unique handmade gifts, the Art Center of Battle Creek is filled with crafts and art from Michigan makers.
