Midland is ringing in the holiday season with a full slate of arts, shopping, and community events through the first two weeks of December, including activities at Creative 360, downtown festivities, and seasonal concerts at the Midland Center for the Arts.
Visit Santa at his house through Dec 23. Photo: Kim Bennett
Santa arrives downtown
Santa Claus will arrive in a procession from the Tridge to Main Street on Tuesday, Dec. 2, culminating in a lighting ceremony at the Midland County Courthouse and the opening of the Santa House, which remains open for free visits through Dec. 23.
Sensory-friendly nights will be offered Dec. 3-5, providing a calm environment for individuals with sensory sensitivities. Families may contact the Midland Area Community Foundation at 989-839-9661 to schedule visits.
Jingle Bell Fun Run/Walk
Thursday, Dec. 4, 6:30-8 p.m., Downtown Midland at McDonald and Main St. A free, festive one-mile run or walk. Participants are encouraged to wear holiday gear. Strollers and pets are welcome. Donations of nonperishable food items are encouraged in place of a registration fee. Sign-up is available online.
Holly Jolly Days, downtown shopping weekend
Holly Jolly Days takes place Friday-Sunday, Dec. 5- 7 in downtown Midland, featuring extended store hours, holiday window displays, pop-up vendors, carolers, and Santa. The event is designed to support local retailers and give families a festive shopping experience.
Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl
On Friday, Dec. 5, bars and restaurants in downtown Midland will host an Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl. Participants are encouraged to wear their most outrageous holiday sweaters; participating venues will offer drink specials and seasonal entertainment. Organizers emphasize that ID checks will be enforced at establishments serving alcohol.
Swim with Santa
Start the holiday season with a splash at the Greater Midland Community Center on Friday, Dec. 5, from 5 to 7 p.m. Participants can swim with Santa, play reindeer antler ring toss, make snowflake crafts, and write letters to Santa.
The event costs $7 per person or is free for members. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Advance registration is required. Volunteers are also welcome to help run game and craft stations.
Sanford’s “Wiseguy Winter Wonderland” Christmas Ball
Sanford will host its third annual Christmas Ball on Friday, Dec. 5, from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Sanford American Legion Post 443, 2080 N. Meridian Rd. This year’s theme is “Wise Guy Wonderland,” inspired by a festive mafia motif.
The event is a fundraiser for Toyz for Kids, a group that provides toys to Midland County children through schools, family centers, and the Santa House at the Sanford Centennial Museum.
Tickets are $30 per person and include an Italian buffet, DJ and dancing, a self-serve Christmas-themed photo op, a silent auction, and raffles throughout the evening. A cash bar will also be available. Attendees must be 18 or older, and the dress code is casual or festive mafia-themed. Tickets are available online or in person at Briggs in Sanford.
Creative 360 festivities
Creative 360 will host several family- and community-focused events in early December:
Roane brings Celtic Christmas spirit to Creative 360. Photo: Roane
- Big Band Holiday Dance: Monday, Dec. 1, 6–8 p.m. An evening of big-band standards with Blast From the Past and vocalists Lisa Miller, Jessica Nichols, and Emma Longoria. Guests can dance or listen
- 6X6 Small Works Fundraising Sale: Friday, Dec. 5, 7–8:30 p.m. Free admission. Visitors can browse small-scale artworks available for purchase, with proceeds supporting local arts initiatives.
- Holiday Art Fair: Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 6–7, 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Free admission. Attendees can explore a wide variety of handmade crafts, gifts, and seasonal decorations.
- Roane Celtic Holiday Concert: Saturday, Dec. 6, 7 p.m. Tickets required; registration is available in advance. Enjoy Celtic holiday music in a festive setting. Admission is free, and the last entry each evening is 7:30 p.m.
- A Christmas Carol Staged Reading: A staged reading of A Christmas Carol will be presented on Thursday and Friday, Dec. 11–12, from 7 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. A $30 “Sustainers Option” includes a ticket plus a donation to support local programs.
Dow Gardens Christmas Walks
Dow Gardens invites visitors to stroll its candlelit pathways and enjoy seasonal music:
- Dec. 4–6: Christmas Walk with carolers and Santa’s reindeer.
- Dec. 11–13: Silent Nights, offering a calm, candlelit walk with lights and music.
Warm beverages from Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee of Saginaw will be available for purchase outside the Visitor Center.
Dow Home & Gardens Holiday Tour
On Saturday, Dec. 6, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., visitors can explore the home of Herbert H. and Grace A. Dow, decorated for the holidays. The self-guided tour features docents available to answer questions, festive music, and refreshments.
Admission is $5 for adults and $3 for children or students with ID, in addition to regular garden admission. Space is limited, and due to the historic nature of the home, it is not handicap accessible. Tickets are available in advance.
Holiday Concerts and Performances
The Midland Center for the Arts (MCFTA) will host several seasonal concerts:
- Men of Music Christmas Concert — Sunday, Dec. 7, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., at the Midland Center for the Arts.
- Youth Honor Choirs Holiday Concert — Sunday, Dec. 7, 3 p.m., MCFTA.
- Mannheim Steamroller: Christmas by Chip Davis — Wednesday, Dec. 10, at 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., MCFTA.
- Midland Symphony Orchestra Holiday Pops — Saturday, Dec. 13, with a relaxed noon performance and an evening concert featuring Broadway artist Arielle Jacobs.
- Midland Community Orchestra Holiday Concerts — Sunday, Dec. 7, 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., Bullock Creek Auditorium. The Elite Arts Company will perform selections from The Nutcracker Suite alongside the orchestra.
- Midland Concert Band Holiday Concert — Monday, Dec. 15, 3 p.m., MCFTA. “Just Trombones” performs pre-concert music at 2:30 p.m. Tickets available through the MCFTA box office.
High School Holiday Performances
- Dow High Holiday Concert — Wednesday, Dec. 3, 7:30 p.m., Central Auditorium.
- Midland High Holiday Concert — Thursday, Dec. 4, 7:30 p.m., Central Auditorium.
- Dow High Orchestra Concert — Tuesday, Dec. 2, 7:30 p.m., Central Auditorium.
- Midland High Orchestra Concert — Friday, Dec. 5, 7:30 p.m., Central Auditorium.
