2017 is winding down. In just 31 short days, we will have a chance at a clean slate. A “fresh start”, if you will.
2018 is sure to be as amazing as this past year! However, with 31 days left to pack full of FUN for the family, let’s get going!
Check out December’s amazing Guide for things to do, not only in Genesee County, but in many of our neighboring areas, too!
December 1st
First Friday Festival of Lights
Head to Grand Blanc, Physicians Park to be exact, from 4 mp until 7 pm. This a free event for families and is sure to kick off the holiday season in style! We hope to see you here!
WinterFest in Historic Downtown Lapeer
This annual event, running through 12/2, is enjoyed by many families to get us in the holiday spirit! Visit with Santa, enjoy a free carriage ride, WinterFest Treat Walk, Tree Lighting and annual Christmas Parade! All of this over two days! December 1 – Let’s start this month off right.
Dryden Christmas Light Parade
Head over to Dryden from 6:30 until 8:30 pm to celebrate the spirit of the season! Santa will be on hand after the parade for pictures at the Fire Hall. Stop out for the festivities and cookies and hot chocolate! See you there!
December 2nd
Home Depot Kids Workshop
Head out to your local Home Depot today from 9 am until 12 pm for this free event! Your child(ren) will make a Gingerbread House today, no frosting required! Be sure to register ahead of time so that your Store has enough supplies to go around!
LHS Athletic Boosters 2017 Craft Show
Head east on I-69 towards Lapeer today from 9 am until 4 pm at Lapeer High School. Admission is $1 and benefits the athletics of Lapeer High School. There are sure to be lots of gift ideas for those hard-to-buy people on your list this year! We hope to see you here!
Christmas on Main Street
Did you finish your Kids Workshop early, or not get a chance to go? No worries. Santa is coming to town! Head towards Downtown Davison from 11 am until 3 pm! The parade will start at 11, with activities to follow at noon. Fun for the entire family!
Santa at the Flint Farmers’ Market
Bring your wishlist and your camera, you aren’t going to want to miss this! The Big Man himself is going to be at the Flint Farmers Market! Head down from 11 am until 2 pm to snag a picture with Santa, do some shopping and participate in other holiday activities! This is an all ages event.
YMCA Family Santa Run/Walk
Thousands of Santas will descend the streets of Downtown Flint! The race will start at 12 pm. Participants will be given a 5 piece Santa suit to wear during the event {be sure to register}. Join the YMCa in raising money for more than 8,000 youth, families and seniors who use services at the Y!
Build a Gingerbread House
If you haven’t packed enough into your Saturday, or if you haven’t had a chance to make it to another event because of a busy schedule, check out Michael’s today from 1 until 3 pm for Gingerbread House building with your kiddos! All supplies are included, you just buy the Gingerbread Kit. The Michael’s MAKEbreak events are a hit in our home! We hope to see you here!
Holly Jolly Christmas Festival
Travel north on M-15 just a little to Vassar and celebrate from 1 until 7 pm. There will be games, food and of course, Santa and Mrs. Claus will be arriving! We’ll look for you here!
Oxford Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade
The theme is “Christmas on the Big Screen” so come on out and see the fun and creative floats or be a part of the parade on Saturday, December 2nd at 2 pm in downtown Oxford. Enjoy the Christmas Parade and meet Santa and Mrs. Clause in the warming station in centennial park along with the live reindeer after the parade.
Christmas Parade in Downtown Pontiac
The annual Downtown Pontiac Christmas Parade starts down Saginaw Street at 10 am, Arrive early to get a place to park!
Lapeer Christmas Parade
2017 Annual Christmas Day Parade on Nepessing Street in Downtown Lapeer. Parking available on Nepessing Street and municipal parking lots. A great event for the entire family, from 11 am until 1 pm!
20th Annual Almont Holly Day Light Parade
Almont’s very own Rob Stone from 99.5 WYCD Detroit’s # 1 Country Music Station will be announcing the Holly Day Light Parade on Saturday, December 2nd. Parade starts at 7 pm, but arrive early as Santa will arrive at Southeastern Heatmor by 4 pm and the Almont Historical Society will be open starting at 4:30 pm for children to make Christmas Decorations and also write a letter to Santa. Downtown Main St. will be closed earlier for the Float line up.
December 3rd
Holiday Wreaths Event
Couldn’t make it to their MAKEbreak event yesterday? No worries! Michael’s has you covered today from 1 until 3 pm with some creative crafting! Welcome winter with a beautiful wreath created by you/your child{ren}. You buy the wreath base and all other materials are on hand for you to use!
Rochester Hometown Christmas Parade
The 66th annual Rochester Hometown Christmas Parade is always a family favorite! It will march down Main Street at 2 pm. Stick around for an early dinner at to see the famous LIGHTS lining Main Street!
December 5th
Someone’s Cooking!
The Pollywogs Preschool Class is hosting today’s class at Robert Williams Nature & Historical Learning Center from 10 until 11 a. Cost is $3 per child {resident} and $5 per child {non-resident}. Be sure to register ahead of time. We hope to cook up some fun with you there!
Holiday Walk 2017
From 5:15 until 8 pm, head to the Flint Cultural Center! This is a free community event, however, if you are able, please bring personal care items, clothing and non-perishable food items to be donated to the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan. The Holiday Walk will include the Tree Lighting in Durant Plaza, Santa, music, crafts, holiday activities and more! A wonderful way to kick off the holiday season!
December 6th
Winter Wine & Stein
Potter Park Zoo is home to this fun event from 5 until 8 pm. Grab your tickets and come on out for a casual after hours bash at the Zoo. Enjoy beer and wine tastings and sample some amazing hors d’oeuvres while listening to holiday music and strolling through the Zoo. This is a 21 and older event, so round up your Mom Tribe and head there!
December 7th
Ladies’ Night at Williams Gun Sight in Davison
Ladies take over the indoor range. All skill levels are welcome, you are just asked to RSVP to this event ahead of time.
2017 Flushing Candlewalk
December 7th and 8th. The event kicks off this year with a Parade of Lights down Main Street at 6 pm. Santa will receive the key to the city, the official Christmas Tree is lit and then heartwarming traditions to be had by all! Candles will light your way, music will ring in your ears, ice sculptures, wood carvings, s’mores, carriage rides and chestnuts roasting on an open fire! We hope to see you here over this 2 day event!
December 8
Randy Wise Buick GMC Ladies Night Out, Fenton
An amazing Charity Shopping Event from 7 until 9 pm. Shop LulaRoe, RubyRibbon, Usborne Books and so much more! Not to mention raffle tickets for some pretty great prizes. Proceeds benefit Toys for Tots.
Magic in Metamora
Bring the family and head to Metamora from 7:30 until 9 pm. The night will consist of magicians, laughs, cookies, treats and a special guest after the show. Seating is limited so be sure to get your tickets now for this event in the Historic Old Town Hall!
Christmas in the Park at McCurdy Park in Corunna
In its 9th year of providing Christmas music, the Sheldon family will host this annual event! Spanning two days, from 6 until 8 pm, with music and the opportunity to tour Corunna’s beautiful historic district. All buildings will be heated, decorated and are open to the public to walk through and experience the nostalgia of days gone by. We hope to see you here and maybe sing a Christmas carol or two with you!
December 9
Star Wars Party
Celebrate the release of the newest Star Wars film at the Genesee-Johnson branch of the Genesee District Library from 1 until 2 pm with fun, games, stories and crafts. May the Force be with you!
Unicorn Poop Sugar Scrub Make and Take
The Flint Township-McCarty branch of the Genesee District Library is hosting a class today where you can make and gift to a friend or keep for yourself! This free class is recommended for ages 8 and up.
Here Comes Santa Claus
Two of our favorite things. Santa and Cook’s Farm Dairy! From 1 until 5 pm the jolly ol’ man himself makes his way to the farm! Young and young-at-heart are sure to have a great time as they visit Santa. The family tradition will continue as Cook’s will hand out free egg nog to visitors today! We cannot wait!
Trail of Lights
Head over to the Robert Williams Nature and Historical Learning Center in Davison from 5:30 until 9 pm. You will have an opportunity to enjoy thousands of holiday lights, as well as lots of family activities, holiday music, live reindeer, crafts, hot chocolate and of course, a picture with Santa! Cost is $10 per person. Be sure to register in advance to ensure tickets are not sold out. We hope to see you and your family here!
December 12
Story Time with Miss Sandy
From 10:30 until 11:30 am at the Clio Area branch of the Genesee District Library. There will be stories, songs and so much more! We hope to see you and your little ones there!
December 13
Coloring Club
A fun event at the Swartz Creek-Perkins branch of the Genesee District Library. From 2 until 4:30 pm, come and find out why adult coloring is enjoyed by so many! It truly is a relaxing art.
December 15
Night at the North Pole
Head north a bit – to Frankenmuth, that is! The Frankenmuth Farmers Market will host tonight from 5 until 8 pm. Cost is $5. Everyone is welcome! There will games, crafts, selfies with Santa, hot cocoa, cookies and so much more!
December 16
Breakfast with Santa
Head over to the Metamora Lions Club today from 9 until 11 am and join the Justice for Lily team for this special event! Donations are suggested. Your morning will include breakfast, a picture of your kiddos with Santa and other Christmas activities!
Flint Institute of Music for Hops & Pops
Take a break from the holiday rush and join the fun! Admission is $30 in advance and includes 5 drink tickets and a commemorative glass. Craft beers, delicious food and music to your ears. Plan a night out with your significant other or friends! Proceeds from this event will benefit the FIM.
Breakfast with Santa at Cops and Robbers in Flushing
Join the fun from 9 am until 1 pm. Santa and his Elves have a limited number of seats for this 2 day event, so be sure to make your reservations. Tickets are $12, and that includes $5 in “Cops Cash” to use in the Gift Shop. Children under 2 are free with a paid adult.
Santa and Mrs. Claus visit the Davison Farmers Market
We love the Davison Farmers Market and this event is no exception! From 11 am until 2 pm, this free event will also be accepting donations for Toys for Tots. Bring your camera so you can be sure to get the perfect picture and then round out your day with some shopping!
Sugar Scrub Class
At the Beecher-Vera B. Rison branch of the Genesee District Library from 2 until 3 pm. You can join in this free class and make a sweet-essential, oil-based sugar scrub to give as a gift or keep for yourself. Recommended for ages 13 and older. Be sure to register ahead of time, as seats are limited!
Christmas Party
This annual event, at the Davison Area branch of the Genesee District Library, is happening from 2 until 3 pm. Come for food and fun!
Clarkston Holiday Lights Parade
Presented by Team RUSH 27 Robotics, the Holiday Lights Parade is a community-based parade in Clarkston where floats follow a STEM-based theme. This years theme is A Galactic Holiday Celebration. Fun for the entire family from 6:30 – 7:30 pm.
December 18
Doris’s Popcorn Reading Club
Read to win from 3 until 5:30 pm at the Swartz Creek-Perkins branch of the Genesee District Library. Join the club, grab a few books and enjoy reading!
December 19
Family Game Night
Are you “board”? Head out to this event at the Beecher-Vera B. Rison branch of the Genesee District Library from 4 until 6 pm. There will be board games for all ages. Snacks will be provided, too!
December 23
We Are Stars at Longway Planetarium
Learn what we are made of, where it all came from and explore the secrets of our cosmic chemistry! Be sure to check out other times this is available, too! Admission is $4 to $6.
December 24
2017 Santa Experience at the Peacock Road Family Farm
Head out to Laingsburg today from 10 am until 4 pm and take the Peacock Express to see Santa. Tickets are $8.50 per person and each person is invited to enjoy some hot cocoa and marshmallows over the fire after visiting with Santa. What a perfect way to prepare the festivities tomorrow brings!
December 28
Slow Flow Yoga
Ready to wind down after the holiday rush? Looking to find your Zen? Head out to All Natural Healing in Flint from 5 until 6 pm. Cost is $8 and open to all fitness levels.
December 31
Flinttown Countdown to 2018
Can you believe 2018 is here?! From 8 pm until 2 am. A 21 and older event. General admission is $35 and includes entertainment, lower level access, party favors, a midnight pizza buffet and fireworks. Cash bar and snacks for sale.
Potter Park Zoo’s Wonderland of Lights
All month long! Thursday through Sunday, from 5 until 8 pm, you will have the chance to see thousands of lights on display around the Zoo. There will be cookies, crafts and animal encounters. Admission is $7 for adults and $5 for kids, ages 3 through 12. If you get a chance, head to Lansing and experience this amazing, local event!
Christmas at Crossroads, Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad
Friday through Sunday, from 4 until 9 pm, you and your families are welcomed to the streets of GCMB favorite, Crossroads Village. You will find costumed villagers, live entertainment, craft demonstrations, and of course Santa himself! Tickets range from $9 to $16 and advance tickets are highly recommended as they do sell out. Come out and experience the magic of Christmas right in your own backyard!
Kids Skate Free
This is also a perfect month, with school breaks, to check out the website! If you haven’t already, sign your kids up and take advantage of the free skating events at local rinks if you are looking to fill your weekend or if you find the weather is not the best for outside play!
Cosmic Christmas at Longway Planetarium
Enjoy a Christmas light show made right at Longway Planetarium! Featuring 16 songs to fill you with cheer, including holiday classics, some new hits, and a few fun oddities, all set to stunning 4k visuals in a festival of Christmas splendor. Recommended for ages 6 and older. Tickets range from $4 – $6 per person.
Adventures with Clifford the Big Red Dog at Sloan
As the website says, “Climb aboard the ferry and listen to seagulls as you approach Birdwell Island. Encounter a colossal nine-foot tall Clifford and slide down his tail. Children can work together to fill Clifford’s big dog bowl, and gain self-confidence on stage with Clifford and his pals. Explore T-Bone’s beach, find buried treasure, and build a sandcastle. Start a dance party and play instruments in the Musical Marina. Crawl through the tunnel in Cleo’s Backyard and try shape-sorting and matching activities. Browse the Norman Bridwell Art Retrospective –and create some art of your own! See 51 years (that’s 357 dog-years!) of artwork and stories by the creator and award-winning author of Clifford The Big Red Dog.” A must see exhibit!
Winter Wonderland at Sloan
Experience an enchanting Dickens Village, sprawling with over 200 miniature buildings, people, and lights, all set to holly-jolly music. Let speeding miniature locomotives guide your eyes and ears through this wee world. This exhibit is located in the Sloan Museum lobby and is included with general admission to the museum.
Is there something happening in or around Genesee County that you would like to see included in our Events Calendar? Please contact us and we will be sure to add it!
If you enjoy any of these events, be sure to tag us in the pictures you share, using #GCMB!
Wishing you and your families a beautiful holiday season!
