Holiday events brighten Christmas season in Lenawee County

Music, food, lighted decorations and opportunities to support charities are highlights of the many events scheduled in Lenawee County to celebrate the Christmas season.

To add an event to this list, email the information to news@lenconnect.com.

Now through Dec. 31

Drive-thru light display at Heritage Park

• WHEN: Dusk to 10 p.m. daily; last entry at 9:45 p.m.

• WHERE: Heritage Park, 3321 N. Adrian Highway (M-52)

• COST: Free, but donations are accepted and are put toward the Heritage Park Christmas light displays.

Now through Jan. 7

Nite Lites at MIS

• WHEN: 5:30 to 9 p.m., Sunday-Thursday and 5:30 to 10 p.m. Friday-Saturday.

• WHERE: Michigan International Speedway, 12626 U.S. 12, near Brooklyn. 

• COST: $35 per passenger vehicle, $50 per limo/motorhome/minibus; $100 per tour bus; cash and all major credit cards accepted.

• TICKETS: nitelitesshow.com

• ENTRY: Westbound: use Lot 8 entrance; eastbound: use Graves Farm entrance.

• ALSO: The Nite Lites Express is a train that runs rain or shine through the display. The train seats four to a bench, and children can ride on an adult’s lap. Tickets are $15.75 each. Kids younger than 5 ride for free.

Nov. 27

Community Christmas Tree Lighting

• WHEN: Event begins at 6:30 p.m. with lighting at 7 p.m.

• WHERE: Old Lenawee County Courthouse in downtown Adrian.

• ALSO: Church bells across Lenawee County will toll at 7 p.m. to coincide with the tree lighting.

Nov. 27 to January

Clinton Hat, Glove and Scarf Tree

• WHERE: Winter hats, gloves and scarves can be donated or selected at the Clinton Village Office, 119 E. Michigan Ave.

• INFO: Items are free to anyone. Donations should be placed in a reclosable, plastic bag and labeled the with the item’s size.

Nov. 30-Dec. 2

Clinton Christmas in the Village Holiday Lights & Décor Contest

• WHEN: Applications due by Nov. 30, judging will take place Dec. 1, and winners will be announced Dec. 2.

• WHERE: Homes and businesses in Clinton

• WIN: Prizes awarded to the top three residents and top three businesses will consist of a credit on their village utility bill: First place, $100; second place, $50; third place, $25.

• INFO: villageofclinton.org

Dec. 1

Holiday Light Parade

• WHEN: 7 p.m.

• WHERE: Downtown Adrian

• ALSO: Takes place during the monthly First Fridays in downtown Adrian, with activities and specials at downtown businesses starting at 5 p.m.

Comstock Christmas Riverwalk lighting

• WHEN: 7:30 p.m.

• WHERE: Comstock Park along West Maumee Street between West Church Street and College Avenue.

• ALSO: Santa Claus will be available to meet with children at the park’s gazebo near College Avenue and Church Street following the riverwalk lighting.

Tecumseh Christmas Parade

• WHEN: 7 p.m.

• WHERE: Downtown Tecumseh, along Chicago Boulevard between Maumee and Union streets.

• ALSO: Santa Claus can be visited at the Santa House at the corner of Chicago Boulevard and Pearl Street after the parade and other times throughout the holiday season.

Dec. 1-3

Oh These Irish Hills! Christmas Gala

• WHEN: 4 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 1, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Dec. 2, and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 3

• WHERE: Irish Hills Eagles, 9500 Wamplers Lake Road, Brooklyn.

• ADMISSION: Free, but food pantry donations will be accepted.

• ALSO: Silent auctions and $5 and $10 “buy now” tables, dinners, chicken or ribs dinner on Dec. 1, baked potato bar and DJ trivia on Dec. 2, breakfast on Dec. 3 with Mrs. Claus, crafts and performances will be offered throughout the weekend. Proceeds will benefit Brooklyn Food Pantry & Oh These Irish Hills! community projects.

• INFO: otih.org, Facebook, or call 517-403-5358.

Christmas Cantata, “Go Sing It on the Mountain”

• WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1 and 2, 3 p.m. Dec. 3.

• WHERE: Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 207 S. Market St., Hudson.

• INFO: Performed by the Hudson Area Choir and Orchestra.

Dec. 2

Blissfield "Light up the Park"

• WHEN: 5:30 p.m.

• WHERE: Ellis Park in Blissfield along U.S. 223 and the River Raisin.

• INFO: "Light up the Park" is a fundraiser for the Blissfield Parks and Recreation Department. Decorated trees will be on display from Dec. 2 through Jan. 1, 2024. A "First Light Party" on Dec. 2 will have hot chocolate, cookies and music as the trees will be lighted for the first time. Businesses, churches, service groups, individuals and families are eligible to decorate a tree.

Charity Track and Toy Drive

• WHEN: 9 a.m. to noon.

• WHERE: Michigan International Speedway, 12626 U.S. 12, near Brooklyn.

• WHAT: Donate a non-perishable food item or a new, unwrapped toy in exchange for a drive around the track in your personal vehicle. The event supports the Brooklyn Food Pantry, St. Mary’s of Good Counsel Parish Food Pantry, Jackson County Toys for Tots and Lenawee County Toys for Tots.

• INFO: tinyurl.com/MISToyDrive23

Christmas in the Village

• WHEN: 9 a.m. into the evening.

• WHERE: Throughout Clinton.

• INFO: Arts and crafts, a bake sale, a holiday home tour  a gingerbread house competition and a collection of non-perishable food items will take place during the day. The movie “Elf” will be shown for free at 5 p.m. at the Clinton Theatre. The Christmas parade is at 7 p.m. followed by the lighting of the village Christmas tree at Veterans Park by Santa. Children can then visit with Santa at the village office.

• ONLINE: facebook.com/villageofclintonMI

Siena Heights University Holiday Band Concert

• WHEN: 5 p.m.

• WHERE: Sister Kevin McLaughlin Hall inside the Spencer Performing Arts Center.

• ADMISSION: Free.

Devils Lake Christmas Lights Parade and Christmas Tree Lighting

• WHEN: 6 to 8 p.m.

• WHERE: Parade will travel down Devils Lake Highway, Walnut Street and North Lakeview Boulevard and end in Manitou Beach Village. The Christmas tree lighting will follow the parade.

• ALSO: Santa and Mrs. Claus, the Santa Lucia Girls from Addison High School and an ugly sweater contest will be at Two Lakes Tavern.

Holiday Kickoff in Morenci

• WHEN: 6 p.m.

• WHERE: The Lighted Holiday Parade, hosted by the Morenci Area Chamber of Commerce, begins at 6 p.m. at Morenci High School. The parade route is west on Coomer Street, south on North East Street and west on Main Street, ending at Wakefield Park. Parade participation forms are available at Morenci City Hall, City Service, or at the lineup at 5:15 p.m. at the high school parking lot.

• ALSO: Following the parade, join the Morenci MS/HS Marching Band around the Community Christmas Tree at Wakefield Park for the tree-lighting ceremony. General Broach is the sponsor for the evening, providing doughnuts and warm cider for guests.

After the parade and tree-lighting, enjoy cookies, gifts and photos with Santa at Wakefield Park, hosted by the Morenci Area Chamber of Commerce. Each family will be entered in a free raffle, giving away two turkeys, two hams and other prizes. One ticket per family.

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Dec. 3

Anderson-Marry Funeral Home Christmas Open House

• WHEN: 2 to 5 p.m.

• WHERE: 3050 W. Beecher Road, Adrian

• INFO: Attendees are asked to bring a donation of either canned goods, toys or games (new), or monetary contributions to support Associated Charities of Lenawee County.

Tecumseh Pops Orchestra & Community Chorus’ holiday concert, “Christmas Far and Near”

• WHEN: 3 p.m.

• WHERE: Tecumseh Center for the Arts, 400 N. Maumee St.

• TICKETS: $10-$12.

• BUY: thetca.org, 517-423-6617, at the box office noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday.

• INFO: Selections include “Merry Christmas, Darling,” “The Holiday Season,” “Pat-a-Pan," “Joy to the World,” “O Holy Night,” “Sleigh Ride,” “Fantasy on Auld Lang Syne,” “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” “Around the World at Christmastime,” “Kay Thompson’s Jingle Bells,” and the Hallelujah Chorus from “The Messiah.”

Siena Heights University Lessons and Carols Choir Concert

• WHEN: 5 p.m.

• WHERE: Holy Rosary Chapel at the Adrian Dominican Sisters Motherhouse

• ADMISSION: Free

• INFO: University Chorale, Chamber Singers and SHU Brass Ensemble will perform.

Christmas in Deerfield tree-lighting event

• WHEN: 5:30 p.m.

• WHERE: Deerfield Village Park.

• INFO: "Lighting Up Deerfield" has been moved to the village's park. Approximately 30 individually decorated trees, sponsored by the Deerfield Firefighters Association, will be lit.

Adrian College Lessons and Carols Service

WHEN: 7 p.m.

WHERE: Herrick Chapel.

ADMISSION: Free.

INFO: The performance will include “Tidings of Comfort and Joy!” “Christmas Morning Suite,” “O Come, O Come Emmanuel,” “A Most Wonderful Christmas” and other holiday favorites.

A traditional Christian worship service begins at 7:30 p.m. with a choral processional in candlelight, followed by readings and carols.

This year’s officiant is the Rev. Alice Ford.

Dec. 5

Advent prayer service for the Amazon

• WHEN: 11:30 a.m.

• WHERE: St. Dominic Chapel, Siena Heights University.

Dec. 7

Adrian Public Schools Winter Concert Series

WHEN: 7 p.m.

WHERE: Julianne and George Argyros Performing Arts Center at Adrian High School.

WHO: Springbrook Middle School Choir.

Dec. 7-25

Morenci Holiday Lights Tour

• WHEN: Daily

• WHAT: Home and business owners can decorate for the holiday season and register to be included in the Holiday Lights Tour, sponsored by the Revitalize Morenci Initiative. This self-guided tour will take place in town and the area around Morenci.

• REGISTER: The cost to be included on the tour map is $10, with proceeds being donated to Kiwanis of Morenci, benefiting the Wishing Tree Project. Maps will be available on Revitalize Morenci Initiative's Facebook page and at city hall starting Dec. 7. Winners will be chosen Dec. 21. Prizes will be awarded in four categories: People's Choice, Clark Griswold, Traditional Favorite, and the Best & Brightest Business.

Dec. 8

“The Thrill of Hope” Christmas Cantata

• WHEN: 7 p.m.

• WHERE: St. John’s Lutheran Church, 3448 N. Adrian Highway (M-52), Adrian.

• WHAT: A collaboration between St. John’s and Covenant Church of Tecumseh.

• ADMISSION: A freewill offering will be accepted for Neighbors of Hope.

Wassail Fest

• WHEN: 6 to 8:30 p.m.; registration starts at 5:30 p.m.

• WHERE: Downtown Blissfield.

• TICKETS: $30.

• BUY: At the village office or online at tinyurl.com/WassailFest2023

• ALSO: Wassail contains alcohol so much of the festival is for people 21 or older, but some locations will have non-alcoholic beverage options.

Dec. 9

Music in the Village

• WHEN: 10 am. to noon.

• WHERE: Manitou Beach Village.

• WHO: Addison Band Group.

Santa comes to Deerfield

• WHEN: Noon to 2 p.m. at the Deerfield Municipal Building, 101 W. River St.

• INFO: Firefighters will parade with Santa Claus to the municipal building as they will hand out candy to children. After Santa departs at 2 p.m., the firefighters will make their yearly rounds of the township delivering gift baskets to elderly residents and shut-ins.

Parade of Lights

• WHEN: 7 p.m.

• WHERE: Downtown Blissfield

• ALSO: The Snow Queen will be available for photos at 6 p.m.

Three Men and a Tenor “Ha Ha Holidays”

• WHEN: 7:30 p.m.

• WHERE: Tecumseh Center for the Arts, 400 N. Maumee St.

• TICKETS: $28-$33.

• BUY: thetca.org, 517-423-6617, at the box office noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday.

INFO: Highlights include popular holiday standards, a reggae-style version of “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” a serenade from Elvis, audience participation in “Silent Night,” and catchy originals like “Frosty the Bluesman” and an unforgettable version of “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer.”

“The Thrill of Hope” Christmas Cantata

• WHEN: 7 p.m.

• WHERE: Covenant Church, 5290 Milwaukee Road, Tecumseh.

• WHAT: A collaboration between Covenant Church and St. John’s Lutheran Church of Adrian.

• ADMISSION: A freewill offering will be accepted for Neighbors of Hope.

• ALSO: There also will be a cookie walk before the performance with donations going to Community Learning Connections to be used to purchase coats, shoes and boots for Tecumseh students in need.

Adrian Symphony Orchestra’s “Ho-ho-holidays” concert

• WHEN: 7:30 p.m.

• WHERE: Dawson Auditorium at Adrian College

• TICKETS: $23/$31/$37.

• ORDER: adriansymphony.org

Dec. 8-9

Merry and Bright Holiday Lights Contest

• WHERE: Various locations in Tecumseh

• WHAT: Tecumseh homeowners can decorate for the holiday season and register to be included in the contest. Register online by Dec. 3 at mytecumseh.org/residents/merry_and_bright_map.php. The final address list and map will be released by Dec. 6.

• VOTING: 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 8 and 9 at the Tecumseh Area Historical Museum, 302 E. Chicago Blvd.

• PRIZES: First-, second- and third-place winners will be announced Dec. 12, and yard signs will be delivered.

• ALSO: Donations of canned food for the Tecumseh Service Club will be accepted at the museum.

Dec. 10

TCA Big Band & VocalAires holiday concert, “Sounds of the Season”

• WHEN: 2 p.m.

• WHERE: Tecumseh Center for the Arts, 400 N. Maumee St.

• TICKETS: $10.

• BUY: thetca.org, 517-423-6617, at the box office noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday.

• INFO: Led by conductor Mark Felder, the TCA Big Band & VocalAires will perform such favorites as “Frosty the Snowman,” “Let It Snow,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus,” “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,” “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “The Christmas Song,” “Santa Baby” and “Hot Chocolate” from the movie “Polar Express.”

River Raisin Ragtime Revue’s “A Ragtime Christmas” concert

• WHEN: 4 p.m.

• WHERE: Julianne and George Argyros Performing Arts Center at Adrian High School.

• TICKETS: $20 general admission; $10 for youth 18 and younger.

• ORDER: ragtimeband.org/calendar

• ALSO: R4 will be joined by the Adrian High School Balladiers and Santa Claus.

Dec. 13

Adrian Public Schools Winter Concert Series

WHEN: 7 p.m.

WHERE: Julianne and George Argyros Performing Arts Center at Adrian High School.

WHO: Adrian High School Choir.

Dec. 14

Adrian Public Schools Winter Concert Series

WHEN: 7 p.m.

WHERE: Julianne and George Argyros Performing Arts Center at Adrian High School.

WHO: Adrian High School Band and Orchestra.

Dec. 15-17

Fair Fantasy Lights drive-thru

• WHEN: 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 15-16 and 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 17.

• WHERE: Lenawee County Fair & Event Grounds, 602 N. Dean St., Adrian.

• COST: $5 per car load.

• ALSO: See Santa and enjoy the lighted displays from local businesses and fair board members.

Fair Fantasy Lights craft show

• WHEN: 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 15, 2 to 8 p.m. Dec. 16-17.

• WHERE: Merchants Building at the fairgrounds.

• ALSO: Vendors should call 517-263-3007 or email lenfair@gmail.com for information. Spaces are 10 feet by 10 feet and are $60 for the weekend. Payment is due by Nov. 30.

Dec. 16

Dashing Thru the Lights 5K Fun Run/Walk

• WHEN: 5 to 6 p.m. Dec. 16

• WHERE: Lenawee County Fair & Event Grounds.

• COST: $25

• ALSO: Register by Dec. 1 to receive a T-shirt; hot chocolate and cookies will be served at the end of the run.

• REGISTER: tinyurl.com/LenFairLights5K23

Dec. 18

Adrian Public Schools Winter Concert Series

WHEN: 7 p.m.

WHERE: Julianne and George Argyros Performing Arts Center at Adrian High School.

WHO: Seventh and Eighth Grade Band and Orchestra

Dec. 23

Caroling in Manitou Beach Village

WHEN: 1 to 3 p.m.

WHERE: Start and finish at Lakeside Cafe, 135 Devils Lake Highway

INFO: All ages are welcome for community caroling in Manitou Village. Hot chocolate and holiday treats will be served.

This article originally appeared on The Daily Telegram: Holiday events brighten Christmas season in Lenawee County