Downtown Traverse City Welcomes Santa’s Arrival With Tree Lighting, Open House and More

The magic lights up Downtown Traverse City to kick-off the holiday season. Spend the evening shopping and strolling through the downtown shops and restaurants, serenaded with holiday music beginning at 5pm.

5:45pm Gather at the Christmas tree for a community sing-a-long of favorite holiday carols. The excitement continues with Santa’s arrival!

6pm Santa arrives and helps light the tree.

6:15-9pm Petoskey Steel Drum band performs on Cass St. Horse and Carriage rides throughout the evening.

6-8pm Ice sculptures created by former World Champion and Traverse City resident Steven Berkshire are on display on Front Street along with a live ice carving demonstration.

6-8pm Live Reindeer may be found in front of Red Ginger.

6:45pm The State Theatre offers FREE Holiday cartoons.