Join us for festive holiday events December 3-6, 2026.
This page will be updated regularly closer to the event.
To add your event to the schedule, please send an email to: VictorianSleighbellParade@gmail.com
Thursday :: December 3
1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. :: Lakeside Club of Manistee presents The Festival of Trees and Holiday Decor
Where :: Ramsdell Theatre Ballroom and Hardy Hall, 101 Maple Street, Manistee
Step into a winter wonderland at the Lakeside Club of Manistee’s annual Festival of Trees! This enchanting display features beautifully decorated Christmas trees, wreaths and holiday décor created by local artists, businesses and community groups. Stroll through the sparkling exhibit, vote for your favorite trees with canned goods that will be donated, bring unwrapped gifts for Toys for Tots (win a prize!) and bid in the silent auction … all while supporting local causes and spreading holiday cheer!
Admission :: minimum $2 donation
5 p.m. to 7 p.m. :: Chamber Untapped – Holiday Edition
Where :: Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple Street, Manistee
Join the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce and kick off Victorian Sleighbell Parade and Old Christmas Weekend. Connect with business professionals and enjoy the Lakeside Club of Manistee County’s Festival of Trees.
Cost :: $15 for chamber investors; $25 for future-investors
For tickets, please visit: https://business.manisteechamber.com/events/details/chamber-untapped-holiday-edition-2025-2703
7 p.m. :: Manistee Choral Society Christmas Concert
Where :: First Congregational United Church of Christ, 412 4th Street, Manistee
Kick off Victorian Sleighbell Parade and Old Christmas Weekend with an evening filled with classic Christmas carols and festive works performed by talented voices of the Manistee Choral Society in the beautiful, historic setting of First Congregational Church. The concert features a mix of traditional, popular and gospel Christmas music, both sacred and secular. This cherished holiday tradition captures the warmth and spirit of Christmas for the whole community.
Cost: There is no charge, but a donation will be accepted.
Friday :: December 4
1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. :: Lakeside Club of Manistee presents The Festival of Trees 🎄
Where :: Ramsdell Theatre, 101 Maple Street, Manistee
Step into a winter wonderland at the Lakeside Club of Manistee’s annual Festival of Trees! This enchanting display features beautifully decorated Christmas trees, wreaths and holiday décor created by local artists, businesses and community groups. Stroll through the sparkling exhibit, vote for your favorite trees with canned goods that will be donated, bring unwrapped gifts for Toys for Tots (win a prize!) and bid in the silent auction … all while supporting local causes and spreading holiday cheer!
Admission :: minimum $2 donation
7:30 p.m. :: 1925 Speak Easy Murder Mystery with the Lakeside Club of Manistee
Where :: Ramsdell Theatre Ballroom, 101 Maple Street, Manistee
Step back in time to the roaring 1925s for an evening of intrigue, glamour, and suspense. Amid the glow of Christmas trees and the charm of the Ramsdell Theater, uncover secrets, solve clues and discover who among the guests is hiding more than just a flask.
Admission: Please buy tickets in advance here. https://www.lakesideclubmanistee.org/
Saturday :: December 5
8 a.m. to 8 p.m. :: RIVER STREET WILL BE BLOCKED AND CLOSED TO ALL TRAFFIC
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. :: Sleighbell Craft Bazaar
Where :: The Wagoner Center, 260 St. Mary’s Parkway, Manistee
Check out the variety of crafters and artisans at this annual event — and just in time for Christmas!
10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. :: Nativity Visuals of Christ’s Birth
Where: Trinity Lutherann Church, 420 Oak Street, Manistee
Visit Trinity Litheran Church and browse dozens of Christmas Nativities (manger) scenes. Also, walk through the church the story of Jesus’s life life depicted in the stained glass windows. Nativity craft, Christmas music and light refreshments available.
Admission is free.
noon to 2 p.m. :: St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Open House
Visit one of Manistee’s oldest churches, built in 1890. Receive a free Christmas ornament, hot chocolate and cookies.
Admission is free.
5:30 p.m. :: The 37th Annual Victorian Sleighbell Parade presented by Filer Credit Union
Historic River Street comes alive with horse-drawn sleighs, carolers and Christmases of yesteryear as downtown Manistee transforms into a Hallmark movie scene for one of the greatest parade traditions in the country. Caroling, the lighting of the official tree and fireworks follow.
Note :: Tree lighting and fireworks will follow as soon as the horses are safely away from the parade route.
Sunday :: December 6
10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. :: Lakeside Club of Manistee presents Festival of Trees PICKUP
Where: Ramsdell Theatre, 101 Maple Street, Manistee
Winning bidders may pick up their trees before 12:30 p.m.
11 a.m. to 2 p.m. :: Scandinavian Christmas Open House and Tiny Towns and Trains
Where: Old Kirke Museum, 304 Walnut Street, Manistee
The Scandinavian Christmas Open House is an opportunity to see Christmas trees decorated in traditional Swedish, Norwegian and Danish styles while sampling cookies and enjoying the opening weekend of Tiny Trains and Towns. This event is underwritten by Gini Pelton, Century 21 Northland Realty.
Cost :: Free