Event Calendar for Manistee, Mason, Benzie, western Lake and western Wexford counties

Tell them you saw it in the Freshwater Reporter! 

Email event items to us at any time for our online calendar.  Our next printed calendar covers Jan. 1-Jan. 31, and the deadline is Dec. 8 .  Email items to: editor@freshwater-reporter.com. ALWAYS check with the venue (call ahead) before making plans to attend events. Despite our best efforts, human errors occur. 

EVENT CALENDAR IMAGE: “Gert” next to a small balsam tree. Photo: Christine Stapleton. (File photo)

Click on the GREEN links to be taken to the event website or for ticket information.

ONGOING EVENTS (Scroll for Daily Events)

Thru Dec. 14  

Snow Snake Art Exhibition, Manistee
Free. Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple St.

Thru Dec. 18 

Art of Giving Holiday Market, Ludington
Free. Sale of gifts made by local artists. Ludington Area Center for the Arts, 107 S Harrison St.

Thru Dec. 22

Christmas Supplies Drive, Manistee
To benefit Choices of Manistee County, a domestic violence agency, and the Lighthouse Pregnancy Center of Manistee. Drop needed items at the Civic Club, 671 Mee St., Filer City. Call 231-887-4045 with questions. Items needed: Kitchen towels, bath towels, twin blankets, twin sheets, new pillows, cell phone chargers, $10 Meijer gift cards.

Thru Dec. 24  

Winter Market Holiday Artisan Boutique, Frankfort 
Free. Unique handmade gifts, cards, ornaments & more from regional artists. Oliver Art Center, 132 Coast Guard Rd.

Thru Dec. 31  

Sparkle in the Park, Bear Lake
5-10pm. Free/donations gladly accepted on the site. Drive through 50 or so Christmas displays with over 80,000 lights. Hopkins Park Campground, 7727 Hopkins Dr. (just off US-31).

Ludington Area Festival of Lights, Ludington
$10/car. Drive-through light display. Proceeds go to local nonprofits. Mason County Fairgrounds, 5302 US-10. For dates & times: checkoutthelights.com

Thru Jan. 2

Arcadia Community Center (formerly PVCC) Fall Art Show, Arcadia 
Free. Arcadia Community Center, 3586 Glovers Lake Rd.

Thru Jan. 31

Small is Beautiful Miniature Art Exhibition, Ludington
Free. Ludington Area Center for the Arts, 107 S Harrison St.

 Dec. 5-Jan. 3    

Annual Winter Member Art Exhibition, Frankfort
Free. Oliver Art Center, 132 Coast Guard Rd. Sponsored by Freshwater Reporter.

Dec. 14-Jan 5.      

126th Annual Christmas Bird Count: Cadillac, Lake County, Ludington, Manistee, Benzie
Help the Audubon Society collect data about local bird populations. Locate the circle on the map where you want to participate. (See “map” below.)  Contact the compiler by email to sign up and find a specific day for group counting in your local area. Info: https://tinyurl.com/y9z6nmpy  Zoom in on the map: https://tinyurl.com/nan6f8z5  Read the story for details: https://freshwater-reporter.com/first-time-birders-welcome-during-christmas-bird-count/

DECEMBER

3

Small Empires Entrepreneurship Workshops, Manistee 
6:30-730pm. $30. “Smart Investments.” Classroom A, Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple St. Info/Register: ramsdelltheatre.org

 26^th Annual Live Auction Gala, Ludington 
6:30-8:30pm. $50. Appetizers, dinner, dessert, cash bar, auction. Lincoln Hills Golf Club, 1527 N Lakeshore Dr. Proceeds benefit the Rotary Club’s STRIVE Program and college scholarships. Tickets: https://tinyurl.com/53kmszdy

4

Super Full Moon
The Moon rises higher in the sky and is brighter and bigger. This phenomenon won’t occur again until 2042.

Coffee with the Councilors, Ludington 
5pm. Free. Learn about city updates, share ideas & connect with city council members. Book Mark, 201 S Rath Ave.

After Hours Book Club, Manistee
7pm. Meets every first Thursday of the  month. This month, meet at The Outsider, 457 River St., to discuss “Moloka’i” by Alan Brennert. Must register in advance for this event. Go to: manisteelibrary.org and click on Calendar, Dec. 4, After Hours Book Club, and register.

Victorian Christmas Concert, Manistee
7pm. Free. First Congregational Church, 412 Fourth St.

Healing Through Story and The Science of Sharing, Ludington 
7pm. Free. Join Dr. John Moore for an inspiring session that explores how writing & speaking about difficult experiences can promote healing and personal growth. Part of WSCC’s Humankind Series. Ludington Public Library, 217 E Ludington Ave.

The Venue presents: Jimmie Allen, Cadillac 
7-11pm. The Venue Event Center, 902 W 13^th St. Tickets: thevenueeccadillac.com

4-7

Victorian Sleighbell Parade & Old Christmas Weekend, Manistee
Numerous family-friendly holiday activities in various locations. Info: manisteesleighbellparade.com

5

Near & Farr Friends, Onekama 
11am-1pm. Free. Vera Petrusha of UCARE program to support Ukrainian children impacted by war. Onekama Township Hall, 5435 Main St.

Holiday Card Workshop, Beulah
Two sessions: 5-6pm, 6:30-7:30pm. 15 people per session. $25 for 5 handmade cards, includes cards, envelopes, stamps for mailing, decorations & embellishments. Get into the spirit with Ridley and Aunt Jenn at St. Ambrose Cellars, 841 S. Pioneer Rd. Create something meaningful for your gift list or kick off the season with a crafty good time. Make festive, one-of-a-kind cards while enjoying the ambiance of the Cellars. Bring your ideas, grab a seat, and leave with handmade cards that are ready to mail.5 people per session

1885 Murder Mystery, Manistee
7:30pm. $70/person, $135/couple. Heavy hors d’oeuvres, cash bar, thrilling performances while solving a murder in the ballroom. Period dress encouraged. Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple St. Tickets: www.LakesideClubManistee.org

5-6

Inaugural Holiday Craft & Vendor Market, Cadillac 
4-7pm Friday, 10am-4pm Saturday. Proceeds benefit Foster Closet of Michigan Wexford/Missaukee. Revival Center Church, 5676 E M-55.

5-7

The Nutcracker Ballet, Manistee 
7:30pm Friday & Saturday, 2pm Sunday. $10-30. Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple St. Tickets: ramsdelltheatre.org

6

Manistee Sleighbell Craft Bazaar , Manistee
9am-3pm.  Wagoner Community Center, 260 St. Mary S Pkwy.

10th Annual Holiday Arts & Craft Show, Ludington
10am-2pm. Free. Lunch is available for $7. Ludington Senior Center, 308 S Rowe St.

Holiday Craft Fair, Scottville
10am-3pm. Scottville Senior Center, 140 S Main St.

Santa’s Workshop, Manistee
12-4pm. Manistee Municipal Marina, 480 River St.

Spirit of the Season Theatrical Readings & Carols, Manistee
1pm. Join the Manistee Civic Players for a celebration of the holidays. Readings from “The Gift of the Magi” and “The Night Before Christmas” paired with seasonal songs.

Snapshots with Santa, Ludington 
2-6pm. In exchange for a photo, please bring a donation of diapers or wipes for families in need. Photos by JanelleMarie Photography at West Shore Family Support, 603 E Tinkham Ave.  Space is limited and registration is required: https://tinyurl.com/3euz5jj4

Winter Celebration, Frankfort 
3:30-5:30pm. Free. Family-friendly event featuring live music, caroling, sweet treats, prizes & a 10% discount on all purchases through the gallery, gift shop & winter market. Oliver Art Center, 132 Coast Guard Rd.

Winter Sounds, Thompsonville 
5-7pm. $10/adult. Kids free. Family-friendly celebration of the season with hot cider, bonfire, hike through the woods, outdoor performance of Traverse City West Middle School Madrigal Singers. Michigan Legacy Art Park, Crystal Mountain Resort, 7300 Mountainside Dr. Dress warmly, bring a travel mug or Thermos for cider & camp chair or blanket.

 Michigan Mandolin Orchestra Christmas Concert, Ludington 
7pm doors, 7:30pm concert. $20 Adv, $25 Door. Ludington Area Center for the Arts, 107 S Harrison St. Tickets: ludingtonartscenter.org

Kenny G in concert, Manistee 
8-9:30pm. $50-80. Little River Casino Resort, 2700 Orchard Hwy. Tickets: lrcr.com

6, 7

Cadillac Fish Decoy Show, Cadillac
9am-2pm. At the Carl T. Johnson Hunting & Fishing Center, 6087 M-115. Meet the carvers, ask questions, and buy directly from them. Duck decoys, spears, jig sticks and much more.

Pet Photographs with Santa, Onekama 
12-2pm. No appointments. Sign in & wait in your car. Fundraiser for Homeward Bound Animal Shelter. Patina Designs, 4850 Main St.

A Very Merry Card-Making Workshop, Manistee 
1-3pm. $1/person. Create your own beautiful, handmade holiday cards. Artists will guide participants of all ages & skill levels. All materials will be supplied. Classroom A at the Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple St.

WSCC’s Holiday Rock Spectacular IV, Scottville 
2 & 8pm Saturday, 2 & 6pm Sunday. $30-35. Center Stage Theater at West Shore Community College, 3000 N Stiles Rd. Tickets: www.westshore.edu/performing-arts/

7

WUWU Whoop-De-Do Fundraiser, Frankfort 
5:30-8pm. Free with donations encouraged. Live music by The Handstanders, a silent auction, food & drink & door prizes throughout the evening. All proceeds benefit the Elberta Labor Heritage Center & WUWU Community Radio who are raising funds to buy the Elberta Mercantile Building. Their goal is to create a home for local history, radio production & cultural events. Oliver Art Center, 132 Coast Guard Rd.

8

WSCC Wind Symphony & Drumline, Manistee
7:30pm. Free. Manistee High School auditorium, 525 12th St.

9

Blessings in a Backpack, Manistee
11am. Wagoner Community Center, 260 St. Mary’s Parkway. Volunteer to help pack the backpacks.

Mariner Band Holiday Concert 5th & 6th Grades, Manistee
7:30pm. Manistee High School Auditorium, 525 12th St.

10

Ladies Night, Manistee
4-8pm. Downtown merchants feature specials, drawings, and spirits for the ladies. Downtown Manistee.

Small Empires Entrepreneurship Workshops, Manistee 
6:30-730pm. $30. “Cognitive Distortions.” Classroom A, Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple St. Info/Register: ramsdelltheatre.org

Mariner Band Holiday Concert 7th-12th Grades, Manistee
7:30pm. Manistee High School Auditorium, 525 12th St.

11

Manistee Book Club, Wellston
2pm. Meet at the Wellston branch of the Manistee County Library, 1273 Seaman Rd., to discuss “The Emperor of Gladness” by Ocean Vuong.

Christmas in Sweden: A Musical Lecture, Benzonia
4pm. Presented by Lisa & Ingemar Johannson, featuring music and stories of past & present celebrations. The pair is best known as members of the musical group Song of the Lakes. Hosted by the Benzie Historical Society as part of its Benzonia Academy Lecture Series. For more info, go to:  https://benziemuseum.org

12-14

The Nutcracker Ballet, Manistee 
7:30pm Friday & Saturday, 2pm Sunday. $10-30. Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple St. Tickets: ramsdelltheatre.org

13

MCC Band Boosters Christmas Expo, Scottville
9am-3pm. Free. Mason County Central Schools, 210 W Broadway

Family Holiday Crafts with Mrs. Claus, Frankfort 
11am-2pm. Free. Family-friendly crafting including printmaking, beeswax candles, ornaments, greeting cards & more. Oliver Art Center, 132 Coast Guard Rd.      

Kaleva Christmas Marketplace, Kaleva
11am-4pm. Maple Grove Township Community Center, 9208 Kauko St. Local folks, businesses and products. Get a “passport” stamped at the center, the Bottle House Museum and Kaleva Art Gallery to be entered in a drawing.

Cookie Walk, Ludington 
1-5pm. $20/person. Only 100 tickets available. Stroll downtown Ludington and sample delicious cookies. Ticket price includes over 2 dozen cookies and a cookie bag. Info/tickets: downtownludington.org.

That’s a Wrap End-of-Season Party, Onekama 
2-4pm. Patina Designs, 4850 Main St.

Cornhole Tournament, Onekama
3pm. $40 per team. Fundraiser by the Onekama Lions Club to benefit Onekama Schools Softball. Sign up using Scoreholio app or at the event. Food, silent auction and drawings. Takes place at the Onekama Lions Den, 7587 1st St.

Lantern-Lit Hike, Ludington 
6-8pm. Free. Begins at the Warming Shelter. Approx. 1 mile of lighted trails for walking, cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. Bonfires are at the Warming Shelter & the Amphitheater, free warm beverages at the Amphitheater. Ludington State Park, 8800 M-116. MI Recreation Passport required for vehicle entry.

COVE’s Annual Holiday Party Fundraiser – “Framed in Strength”, Ludington 
6-9pm.  $50. Benefit for Communities Overcoming Violent Encounters. Stories of survival become portraits of strength. Timeless Picture Framing, 103 E Ludington Ave. Tickets: Eventbrite.com

The Venue presents: Esham with special guest Lil Lon, Takeheart & Young C, Cadillac 
7-11pm. The Venue Event Center, 902 W 13^th St. Tickets: thevenueeccadillac.com

13 & 14

Geminid Meteor Shower
Dress warmly. Find a dark location. Let your eyes adjust for at least 20 minutes. Up to 120 meteors per hour can be seen if conditions are right. Active until the 24th with fewer meteors.

14

We’ll Be Home for the Holidays, Ludington
2pm. Free. Annual concert held at Ludington Area Center for the Arts in the Bob & Kay Neal Performance Hall, 107 S. Harrison Ave.  Performances by 80 Cows, Stinks, Beef Diggers, Ludington Youth Choir, Rabbit and Susan Ryan, West Michigan Woodwind Ensemble, West Michigan Clarinet Choir, Evan Allen, Paula Jury Jarvis, Ella Plummer and others.

Benzonia Area Community Emergency Fund Concert, Benzonia 
4-6pm. Free with donations encouraged. Uncle Ted’s Crawlers & Carter Creek String Band in concert to benefit the emergency fund & the Mills Community House, 891 Michigan Ave.

Deer Hunter’s Dinner, Branch Township 
5:30-7pm. Dine-in or carry out. Sponsored by the Evergreen Women’s Group. Proceeds benefit local charities. Evergreen Covenant Church, 7396 S Evergreen Rd.

16

WSCC Concert Choir, Scottville
7:30pm. Free. Center Stage Theater, West Shore Community College, 3000 N Stiles Rd.

17

Manistee Book Club, Onekama
5pm. Meet at the Onekama branch of the Manistee County Library, 5283 Main St., to discuss, “The Serviceberry” by Robin Wall Kimmerer.

Men’s Night, Manistee
5-8pm. Downtown merchants feature specials, drawings, and spirits for the gents. Downtown Manistee.

Small Empires Entrepreneurship Workshops, Manistee 
6:30-730pm. $30. “Building Your Circle.” Classroom A, Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple St. Info/Register: ramsdelltheatre.org

18

Manistee Book Club, Manistee
2pm. Meet at the main branch of the Manistee County Library, 95 Maple St., to discuss “Theo of Golden” by Allen Levi.

WSCC Jazz Ensemble I & II, Scottville
7:30pm. Free. Center Stage Theater, West Shore Community College, 3000 N Stiles Rd.

19

Manistee’s Christmas Bird Count, Manistee County
No experience necessary. Contact Dr. Brian Allen: 231-510-9380.

United Way’s Feeding America Food Truck, Brethren 
11am. Free. Prepackaged bags of healthy food for anyone who needs help with groceries. Lakeview Church of the Brethren, 14094 Coates Hwy.

Christmas Vendor Expo, Ludington 
11am-6pm. Vendor Row, 5762 W US-10.

The Venue presents: A Man Named Cash (Johnny Cash Tribute), Cadillac 
7-11pm. The Venue Event Center, 902 W 13^th St. Tickets: thevenueeccadillac.com

20

Ludington Christmas Bird Count, Mason County
No experience necessary. Contact David Dister by emailing david.dister(at symbol)gmail.com or calling 231-845-7574.

Taste of Finland, Kaleva
12-4pm. The Bottle House Museum, 14551 Wuoksi Ave.

21

Metropolitan Opera Live/Encore in HD presents Arabella (Strauss), Manistee
1pm, $15-25. Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple St. Tickets: ramsdelltheatre.org

Christmas Concert, Ludington 
3-5pm. Free with donations gladly accepted. Daniel Ball & the Friends at United Methodist Church of Ludington, 5858 Bryant Rd.

5th Annual Fire & Seed Winter Solstice, Kaleva
3-8pm. Yule poetry, Sequoia tree music, Fire performance, Oak King & Yule Queen Costume Contest, vendors, yule crafts, Fire & Seed workshop. Takes place at Northern Natural Cider House & Winery, 7220 Chief Rd.

Winter Solstice Luminaries in the Cemetery, Kaleva 
4pm. Free. Kaleva St. across from Maple Grove Cemetery. Info: www.kalevamichigan.com/upcoming-events

31

New Year’s Eve Balloon Drop, Ludington 
5-8pm. $15/person or $60/immediate family. Fun activities & refreshments for the whole family with a balloon drop to celebrate New Year’s Eve. Sandcastles Children’s Museum, 129 E Ludington Ave. Tickets: (231) 233-9326.

Family New Year’s Eve Party, Ludington 
8:30-11pm. Free party includes games, crafts, and snacks. Ludington Library, 217 E Ludington Ave.

New Year’s Eve Ball Drop, Ludington 
9pm-1am. Street party with live music, beer tent, ball drop & fireworks at midnight. Downtown Ludington, 100 Ludington Ave.