all day :: Mail Your Letters to Santa!
Where :: Manistee County Library, 95 Maple Street, Manistee
Drop off your letters to Santa in our magical mail box that delivers straight to the North Pole! Please make sure to include an easy-to-read name and full mailing address. We’ll accept letters until Dec. 13 to make sure you are able to hear back from Santa before his BIG day! Feel free to drop off your letters at any branch throughout the county. Our elves will make sure it gets to the Big Guy!

11 a.m. to 4 p.m. :: Drop-in Pottery Painting: Paint a Sleighbell Parade Keepsake Ornament
Where :: The Purple Paintbrush, 338 River Street, Manistee
Drop in for some creative fun! Join us for some relaxing pottery painting. Many items to choose from. Featuring our limited edition Victorian Sleighbell Parade ornaments. Acrylic painted or glazed and fired options are available. Our last seating is one hour before closing. Find The Purple Paintbrush on social media or visit https://artful-creations-2.square.site/
Call or text Joann at 231-747-9430 with any questions.
Cost :: Prices vary

11 a.m. to 5 p.m. :: Holiday Book Nook Show at the Manistee Library
Where :: Manistee County Library, Manistee Main Branch, 95 Maple Street, Manistee
Manistee County Library is celebrating Old Christmas Weekend with its first ever Holiday Book Nook Show. Local artists, crafters and yuletide enthusiasts of all ages have created models and diorams in the theme of their favorite holiday story, movie and song. The team of elves at the Manistee Library have decorated all the book nook entries with fairy lights to make them even more magical. The book nooks will be tucked away in bookshelves throughout the main floor of the library. The public is invited to come into the library to tour the shelves and vote for their favorite entry.
Cost :: Free

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

4 p.m. to 7 p.m. :: Sleighbell Cookie Crawl
Where :: Manistee Downtown Education Center, West Shore Community College, 401 River Street, Manistee
Cost :: For a $10 minimum donation, you get a box and a map with all the cookie locations across Manistee. Take that box and follow the map to area retailers for your cookies! That’s a lot of cookies!
Note :: Lineup for boxes is at 3:45 p.m.

4 p.m. to 7 p.m. :: Sleighbell Scavenger Hunt
Find the hidden ornament at participating downtown stores and win a prize!
Participating stores :: Redeemed Furniture, Art and Decor

4 p.m. to 7 p.m. :: Smitten Party
Where :: The Vogue Theatre, 383 River Street, Manistee
Bring scarves, hats, mittens and gloves for all ages to the Vogue and receive a free popcorn. All the items collected will be donated.

6 p.m. :: Ceramic Christmas Tree Painting Party
Where :: The Purple Paintbrush, 338 River Street, Manistee
Join The Purple Paintbrush for a Ceramic Christmas Tree Painting Party. Choose a tree and decorate, trees come with colored bulbs and light kit. Many different styles and sizes to choose from. Acrylic painted or glazed and fired options are available. Fired items take up to one week for completion. Find The Purple Paintbrush on social media or visit https://artful-creations-2.square.site/ for more information or to reserve your seat. Call or text Joann at 231-747-9430 with any questions. We are Social District friendly.
Cost :: Prices vary
Note :: Seating is limited, reservations are required.

7 p.m. to 9 p.m. :: Season’s Greetings Bash at The Outsider
Where :: The Outsider, 457 River Street, Manistee
Join us Friday for a festival holiday party featuring holiday trivia with prizes, live holiday music and prizes for top pinball scores in our decorated arcade room! Wam up by fires on the patio, sip our brand new holiday cocktails and celebrate the season in true Outsider style.

7:30 p.m. :: The Nutcracker
Where :: Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple Street, Manistee
The Nutcracker is a two-act classical ballet that tells the story of young Clara and her Nutcracker doll, which comes to life and takes her on a magical adventure on Christmas Eve. Directed by Ingrid Bond and presented by the Ramsdell Theatre, the Nutcracker involves more than 150 regional cast members and volunteers.
Admission :: $10 to $30
Tickets :: Online at ramsdelltheatre.org or in person at the box office.

7:30 p.m. :: Karaoke Fun at the Moose Lodge
Where: Manistee Moose Lodge, 1010 Robinson Street, Manistee
Keep the holiday spirit going with Karaoke at the Moose Lodge during Manistee’s Victorian Sleighbell Parade and Old Christmas Weekend! Gather your friends, warm up your vocal cords and sing your favorite tunes in a festive, friendly atmosphere. It’s the perfect way to celebrate community, laughter and a little holiday cheer after a magical day downtown. The Moose Lodge will be open to the public. So join in on the fun.
Note :: The Moose Lodge opens at 4 p.m. and will have Sloppy Joe’s, homemade pizzas and appetizers available for purchase. (Non-members may enjoy cocktails from 7-11 p.m..)

7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. :: Lakeside Club of Manistee and the Civic Players present “1885 Murder Mystery at the Ramsdell Ballroom” 
Entertainment, hors d’oeurves, cash bar. Victorian attire suggested.
Where :: Ramsdell Theatre, 101 Maple Street, Manistee
Tickets :: $70 per person; or $135 for a couple
Details :: Please visit this link for tickets or information.

all day :: Mail Your Letters to Santa!
Where :: Manistee County Library, 95 Maple Street, Manistee
Drop off your letters to Santa in our magical mail box that delivers straight to the North Pole! Please make sure to include an easy-to-read name and full mailing address. We’ll accept letters until Dec. 13 to make sure you are able to hear back from Santa before his BIG day! Feel free to drop off your letters at any branch throughout the county. Our elves will make sure it gets to the Big Guy!

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!

9 a.m. to 4 p.m. :: Sleighbell Scavenger Hunt
Find the hidden ornament at participating downtown stores and win a prize!
Participating stores :: Redeemed Furniture, Art and Decor

10 a.m. :: Jingle Bell Jog 5K Run/Walk
Where :: Manistee Elementary School, 550 Maple Street, Manistee
Lace up those sneakers and get ready to race! Or not. It’s the Jingle Bell Jog! And it’s sleighbell weeekend, so you decide … Do you run? Or do you walk? … Do either one because it’s for a good cause. All proceeds benefit Manistee Area Public Schools Cross Country program.
Cost :: $20 (prices increase to $25 after Nov. 30)
Sign up here :: https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/Manistee/ManisteeJingleBellJog5K

10 a.m. :: Saturday Family Matinee at The Vogue: “Arthur Christmas”
Where :: The Vogue Theater, 383 River Street
“Arthur Christmas” is a comedy film about Santa’s clumsy but good-hearted son, Arthur, who goes on a mission to deliver a forgotten present to a child before Christmas morning.
Cost :: Free

10 a.m. to 3 p.m. :: Holiday Book Nook Show at the Manistee Library
Where :: Manistee County Library, Manistee Main Branch, 95 Maple Street, Manistee
Manistee County Library is celebrating Old Christmas Weekend with its first ever Holiday Book Nook Show. Local artists, crafters and yuletide enthusiasts of all ages have created models and diorams in the theme of their favorite holiday story, movie and song. The team of elves at the Manistee Library have decorated all the book nook entries with fairy lights to make them even more magical. The book nooks will be tucked away in bookshelves throughout the main floor of the library. The public is invited to come into the library to tour the shelves and vote for their favorite entry.
Cost :: Free

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, Centuy 21 Northland Realty.
Cost :: Free

11 a.m. to 4 p.m. :: Drop-in Pottery Painting: Paint a Sleighbell Parade Keepsake Ornament
Where :: The Purple Paintbrush, 338 River Street, Manistee
Drop in for some creative fun! Join us for some relaxing pottery painting. Many items to choose from. Featuring our limited edition Victorian Sleighbell Parade ornaments. Acrylic painted or glazed and fired options are available. Our last seating is one hour before closing. Find The Purple Paintbrush on social media or visit https://artful-creations-2.square.site/
Call or text Joann at 231-747-9430 with any questions.
Cost :: Prices vary

11 a.m. to 8 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

11 a.m. to close :: Holiday Fire Lounge at The Outsider
Where :: The Outsider, 457 River Street, Manistee
Gather around our fires and celebrate the season at The Outsider with hot food, season drafts and signature cocktails. Enjoy our holiday-decorated pinball arcade and grab a drink in a Social District cup and explore Downtown Manistee.

noon to 2 p.m. :: St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Open House
Where :: St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 313 Fourth Street, Manistee
Vsit one of Manistee’s oldest churches, built in 1890. Receive a free Christmas ornament. The church will be serving free cookies and hot chocolate.
Admission: Free

noon to 3 p.m. :: Free Carriage Rides on River Street
Step back in time to the Victorian Era and take a free carriage ride along historic River Street. Carriage rides are first-come, first served and can be picked up at two locations on River Street: near Greenbush Street and just past Maple Street.
Note :: Last rides are prompt so the horses can get ready for the parade.
Cost :: Cost is free, but please consider tipping your horse and driver.

noon to 4 p.m. :: Santa’s Workshop 
Where :: Manistee Municipal Marina, 480 River Street, Manistee
Step into the magic of Santa’s Workshop. Kids (and kids at heart) can share their Christmas wishes with Santa himself and snap the perfect holiday photo to capture the moment.
Note :: Santa has to leave promptly at 4 p.m. so he can get to the parade on time!

1 p.m. :: The Spirit of the Season: Readings and Carols by the Manistee Civic Players
Where :: Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple Street, Manistee
Experience the warmth and wonder of the holidays as the Manistee Civic Players present The Spirit of the Season: Readings and Carols at the Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts. This heartfelt performance blends classic Christmas readings with beautiful carols, celebrating the joy, reflection and togetherness that make the season so special.
Cost ::

1 p.m. to 3 p.m. :: A Very Merry Card-Making Workshop
Where :: Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple Street, Manistee
Join us at the Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts during the Victorian Sleighbell Parade and Old Christmas Weekend for a festive, hands-on holiday experience! Create your own beautiful, handmade Christmas cards inspired by the charm of the Victorian era. All materials are provided, and artists of all ages and skill levels are welcome. Come enjoy the warmth of creativity, holiday music and seasonal cheer as you craft heartfelt cards to share with family and friends.
Cost ::

2 p.m. to 4 p.m. :: Holiday Magic Show
Where :: The Vogue Theater, 383 River Street, Manistee
Step into the wonder of the season at the historic Vogue Theater for a Holiday Magic Show during Manistee’s Victorian Sleighbell Parade and Old Christmas Weekend! Enjoy an enchanting performance filled with illusions, laughter and festive surprises the whole family will love. It’s a perfect way to experience the joy and sparkle of Manistee’s most magical weekend!
Cost :: Free

2 p.m. to 6 p.m. :: Victorian Sketches at Backstage Hobbies and Games
Where :: Backstage Hobbies and Games, 419 River Street, Manistee
Step back in time during Manistee’s Victorian Sleighbell Parade and Old Christmas Weekend with Victorian Sketch Sessions at Backstage Hobbies and Games! Sit for a few moments as a talented artist Bay Anderson captures your likeness in a charming Victorian-style sketch — a perfect keepsake from this magical weekend. It’s a fun and memorable way to take a piece of Manistee’s holiday spirit home with you.
Cost :: $5

5:30 p.m. :: The 36th 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.

6 p.m. :: Jingle Jam
Where :: American Legion Post 10, 10 Mason Street, Manistee
Keep the holiday cheer going at Jingle Jam! Head over to the American Legion for an evening of festive fun, live music, dancing and fantastic company. Warm up with your favorite drinks, enjoy post-parade merriment and celebrate the start of the season.
Cost :: $10 cover charge or a new, unwrapped toy for a tot or a new, unwrapped gift for a teen.

7:30 p.m. :: The Nutcracker
Where :: Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple Street, Manistee
The Nutcracker is a two-act classical ballet that tells the story of young Clara and her Nutcracker doll, which comes to life and takes her on a magical adventure on Christmas Eve. Directed by Ingrid Bond and presented by the Ramsdell Theatre, the Nutcracker involves more than 150 regional cast members and volunteers.
Admission :: $10 to $30
Tickets :: Online at ramsdelltheatre.org or in person at the box office.

8 p.m. :: Live Music at the Moose Lodge – Aces and Eights
Where :: Manistee Moose Lodge, 1010 Robinson Street, Manistee
Join the fun at the Moose Lodge during Manistee’s Victorian Sleighbell Parade and Old Christmas Weekend for an unforgettable night of live music with Grand Rapids’ own Aces and Eights! This high-energy band brings their signature blend of classic rock and country favorites to the stage, keeping the dance floor packed and spirits bright. It’s the perfect way to cap off a festive weekend in downtown Manistee! The Moose Lodge will be open to the public. So join in on the fun.
Note :: The Moose Lodge opens at 4 p.m. and will have Sloppy Joe’s, homemade pizzas and appetizers available for purchase. (Non-members may enjoy cocktails from 8 p.m. to midnight.)

all day :: Mail Your Letters to Santa!
Where :: Manistee County Library, 95 Maple Street, Manistee
Drop off your letters to Santa in our magical mail box that delivers straight to the North Pole! Please make sure to include an easy-to-read name and full mailing address. We’ll accept letters until Dec. 13 to make sure you are able to hear back from Santa before his BIG day! Feel free to drop off your letters at any branch throughout the county. Our elves will make sure it gets to the Big Guy!

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, Centuy 21 Northland Realty.
Cost :: Free

11 a.m. to 8 p.m. :: Free Pinball at The Outsider
Where :: The Outsider, 457 River Street, Manistee
Enjoy free pinball all day at The Outsider. Challenge yourself (and your friends) on all 27 machines in our holday-decorated arcade. Happy holiday from all your friends at The Outsider!

noon to 4 p.m. :: Drop-in Pottery Painting: Paint a Sleighbell Parade Keepsake Ornament
Where :: The Purple Paintbrush, 338 River Street, Manistee
Drop in for some creative fun! Join us for some relaxing pottery painting. Many items to choose from. Featuring our limited edition Victorian Sleighbell Parade ornaments. Acrylic painted or glazed and fired options are available. Our last seating is one hour before closing. Find The Purple Paintbrush on social media or visit https://artful-creations-2.square.site/
Call or text Joann at 231-747-9430 with any questions.
Cost :: Prices vary

1 p.m. to 3 p.m. :: A Very Merry Card-Making Workshop
Where :: Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple Street, Manistee
Join us at the Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts during the Victorian Sleighbell Parade and Old Christmas Weekend for a festive, hands-on holiday experience! Create your own beautiful, handmade Christmas cards inspired by the charm of the Victorian era. All materials are provided, and artists of all ages and skill levels are welcome. Come enjoy the warmth of creativity, holiday music and seasonal cheer as you craft heartfelt cards to share with family and friends.
Cost ::

1 to 4 p.m. :: Santa’s Workshop 
Where :: Manistee Municipal Marina, 480 River Street, Manistee
Step into the magic of Santa’s Workshop. Kids (and kids at heart) can share their Christmas wishes with Santa himself and snap the perfect holiday photo to capture the moment.

2 p.m. :: The Nutcracker
Where :: Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple Street, Manistee
The Nutcracker is a two-act classical ballet that tells the story of young Clara and her Nutcracker doll, which comes to life and takes her on a magical adventure on Christmas Eve. Directed by Ingrid Bond and presented by the Ramsdell Theatre, the Nutcracker involves more than 150 regional cast members and volunteers.
Admission :: $10 to $30
Tickets :: Online at ramsdelltheatre.org or in person at the box office.