There are events going on every weekend in December. Whether you’re looking for Santa, sparkling lights or ugly sweaters, we’ve got you covered. For a complete list of events, follow our calendar.
Today-Dec. 21: Art Center Holly Mart
For unique handmade gifts, the Art Center of Battle Creek is filled with crafts and art from Michigan makers. It will be open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays and Saturdays.
Today-Dec. 21: Winter Wonderettes
At Cornwell’sTurkeyville, an all-girl singing group has to save the party when Santa goes missing. You can buy a ticket for the show only or buy a ticket that includes a turkey dinner. Features ’60s versions of holiday classics such as “Jingle Bell Rock” and “Winter Wonderland.”
Dec. 5-15: A Christmas Story
Great Escape Stage Co. in Marshall is busting out the leg lamp for a musical adaptation of the beloved 1983 film.
Dec. 5-29: Merry Mile
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. There will be special events throughout the month, including visits from Santa and a live nativity. Admission is $10 for up to eight passengers or $20 for nine to 12 passengers
Dec. 6: Albion Aglow
There’s a reason Albion’s parade on Dec. 6 is called Albion Aglow: it begins with the ceremonial tree lighting in Bournelis Park at 6 p.m. Afterward, line up along downtown’s Superior Street to see the parade.
Dec. 6: Albion Aglow After Party
Kids can write letters to the North Pole and meet with Santa, with other holiday activities planned right after the Albion parade. Don’t miss out on the Gingerbread Gallery, featuring builds from local bakers. You can decorate your own gingerbread cookie to take home. Event is free and from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Dec. 6: Santa Stop
Santa will be stopping in several places around Marshall. Be sure to stop by and get your picture taken. Dec. 6 is 6 to 8 p.m. at Great Lakes Candy & Cones. For a complete list, check out Facebook
Dec. 6-7: Winter Wanderland
Two nights of holiday magic in downtown Battle Creek. There will be free wagon rides and a mini Polar Express to see the lights. The holiday bazaar is both days at Kellogg Arena, with activities for kids like bounce houses and a Santa meet-and-greet.
Dec. 7: Tinsel Toes 5K
Cereal City Athletics has created a family fun-run that weaves through the Festival of Lights – starting and ending at Full Blast. Don your best tinsel and prizes will be awarded for the most festive individual, the most festive family, the most lit up, the ugliest Christmas sweater and the bah-hum-bug award.
Dec. 7: 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. 7-8: 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.
Dec. 8: 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. 10: 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. 13-22: 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. 14: Linked up with Santa and Mrs. Claus
Bring a donation of hats and gloves, and receive a free photo with Santa. Donations will go to students at Battle Creek Public Schools.
Dec. 14: Tales of Christmas Past
Storytellers take the stage at the Battle Creek Regional History Museum. They’ve picked Christmas stories and poems written more than 100 years ago to get you in the holiday spirit. There are two performances and seating is limited, so pre-purchase your tickets.
Dec. 14: Battle Creek Symphony Orchestra: Holiday Joy
Gold Company, the award-winning vocal jazz group, will join the orchestra for holiday favorites. The night will end with a carol sing-along and a visit from the man in red.
Dec. 14: Handmap’s Holiday Singalong and Ugly Sweater Party
Join Handmap for a pub singalong in your best holiday outfit. There will be prizes for most festive and the ugliest sweater.
Dec. 14: Historic Adventist Village Christmas Stroll
Candles burn brightly in the windows of village buildings and lanterns light the path on this special day at Historic Adventist Village. Each building has a special storyteller to inspire the spirit of Christmas. After the tour, there will be a bonfire with hot chocolate and cookies served in one of the historic buildings.
Dec. 14: 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. Besides the best craft beer that Dark Horse has to offer, there will also be live music and costume contests. It’s $10 if you’re an elf, $15 for those without costumes. The cover price includes a buffet served between 2 and 10 p.m.
Dec. 14-15: Paws and Claus Holiday Brunch
Meet Santa, get your picture taken and eat brunch at Binder Park Zoo. There will be festive crafts and activities and a chance to see some snow-loving animals outside. Brunch tickets are $10-$25, free for those younger than 2 years old. Or if you just want a chance to see the zoo in winter, it’ll be open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for $5 admission.
Dec. 15: Meet Santa and his reindeer
Horrocks is hosting the man in red, plus his furry friends, from 1 to 4 p.m. Horrocks is a great place for holiday shopping. They’ll have Christmas trees, holiday treats and poinsettias.
Dec. 20: Jingle Bell Laughs
SamRose Entertainment presents a night of comedy with holiday headliner Dean Edwards (Saturday Night Live, Netflix). So, gather your friends, put on your ugliest sweater, and come prepared for a night of holiday humor that will have you laughing all the way home.
