all day: Santa’s Mailbox is open
Drop off your letters to Santa. There is a mailbox downtown near Riverside Toys, 390 River Street, Manistee.

10 a.m. to dusk: Ice skating rink is open
Step back in time and experience the charm of a Victorian winter at our enchanting ice skating rink! Open for this special event, the rink offers a festive atmosphere to transport you to a bygone era. Glide gracefully across the ice in the crisp evening air. Bring your own skates and celebrate the magic of the season.
Location: Downtown

11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Meet the Author
Author Don Hansen will be at Hoot and Honey Bookstore for a meet and greet for his new book “Meg and the Manistee Christmas.”
Location: Hoot and Honey Bookstore, 358 River Street, Manistee

11 a.m. to 10 p.m.: Holiday Market and Beer Garden at The Outsider
Fires, food, hot cider, cold beer and holiday market vibes at The Outsider.
Location: The Outsider, 457 River Street, Manistee

1 to 3 p.m.: 12×12 Community Art Exhibition
Celebrate local artists as they showcase original pieces of work displayed throughout Hardy Hall Gallery at the Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts. Location: Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple Street, Manistee
Cost: Free

1 to 3 p.m. Wine Tasting at the Ideal Kitchen
Taste some of the very best wines at one of Manistee’s premiere culinary stores.
Location: The Ideal Kitchen, 421 River Street, Manistee
Cost: Free, but you must provide proper identification to sample the wines.

1 to 9 p.m.: Lakeside Club of Manistee County’s Festival of Trees & Holiday Decor
View and bid on creatively decorated Christmas trees, wreaths and seasonal decor and gifts, all made by local artists and organizations. Bring canned goods to vote for your favorite entry for the “People’s Choice” award. Bring unwrapped toys for Five CAP’s “Toys for Tots/Gifts for Teens” and enter in a prize drawing. Auction bidding closes 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7. Proceeds from the 2024 Festival of Trees will go to Manistee County Historical Society/Museum, Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts and Lakeside Club High School Scholarship for Service.
Location: Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts Ballroom, 101 Maple Street, Manistee
Cost: Please consider a $1 minimum donation.

4 to 7 p.m.: Cookie Crawl
Purchase a cookie collection box and stop by local businesses to gather specially designed and crafted signature cookies to fill that box. Only 100 cookie boxes will be sold; that box is your ticket! You’ll receive a listing of participating businesses where you will claim one signature cookie from each business. Just show the box and you’ll get a cookie!
Participating businesses include: Northern Spirits Gifts, Redeemed Manistee, Riverside Toys, Vogue Theatre, The Ideal Kitchen, Hoot and Honey Bookstore, P&L Sammich Barista, Ramsdell Theatre, Blue Fish Kitchen + Grille, Glenwood Market, Bee Smooth Cafe and Beachside Massage, Northern Spice Co., Happy Hippie, Art Ware, Festival of Trees – Lakeside Club of Manistee, Taco ‘Bout It Mexican Fusion, Munson Hospital Manistee, Pomeroy and Fricano’s.
Cost: Purchase a cookie collection box by donation.
Note: Pick up cookie collection boxes at West Shore Community College, downtown Manistee campus.  

4 to 7 p.m.: Make and Take Holiday Bracelet
Pick out your beads, pick out your charm and we will help you make your very own holiday bracelet. (Or make a bracelet for someone else!)
Location: Northern Spirits Gifts, 389 River Street, Manistee
Cost: Free

4 to 7 p.m.: Sleighbell Scavenger Hunt
Search for the sleighbell ornament throughout downtown Manistee participating businesses. Find the ornament, claim a special prize. There is one ornament per business per day.
Hint: Don’t forget to check out Redeemed Manistee.

4 to 7 p.m.: Smitten Party at the Vogue
Bring new hats, gloves, socks and scarves to decorate our Christmas tree. All items will be donated to area organizations serving those in need. Participants will receive free popcorn and festive stickers.
Location: The Vogue Theatre, 383 River Street, Manistee
Cost: Free

4 to 7 p.m.: Manistee Art Stroll
Kick off the magical Christmas weekend with the inaugural Manistee Art Stroll. Grab some friends and stroll around town enjoying local art in the downtown stores, galleries and historic buildings. Pick up your art guide at Port City Emporium (354 River Street) or Redeemed Manistee (172 Memorial Drive) and fill it up the art guide  by visiting each spot. Return your art guide to The Piping Plover (385 River Street) for a special gift. For more information, please contact Anita at Port City Emporium, (231) 655-2006.

4 to 7 p.m.: Jack’s Shirt Shack Pop-Up Shop
Check out some cool T-shirts and get a jump on your holiday shopping with these custom Tees.
Location: The lobby of the Ramsdell Inn, 399 River Street, Manistee

4 to 9 p.m.: Santa’s Workshop hosted by Lighthouse Title is open
Meet Santa and get a photo!
Location: Municipal Marina, 480 River Street, Manistee

5 to 8 p.m.: Friday Fish Fry at the Elks Lodge
Get ready for Sleighbell with a diverse and tasty fish fry at the Elks. Choose from crab stuffed salmon to shrimp to perch to haddock. The Elks is open to the public.
Location: Manistee Elks Lodge, 432 River Street, Manistee
Cost: Prices vary

6 p.m.: Ceramic Christmas Tree Painting Party
Join us for a Ceramic Christmas Tree Painting Party! Choose a tree and decorate. 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. Seating is limited, reservations are required. Find us 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!
Location: The Purple Paintbrush, 338 River Street, Manistee
Cost: Prices vary

6 to 8 p.m.: Open House at Pomeroy Floral
Check out examples of holiday centerpieces and wreaths. Preorder your holiday decor and receive a 10% discount. Stick around for refreshments.
Location: Pomeroy Floral, 259 Fifth Street, Manistee

7 to 9 p.m.: Jingle Bell Karaoke by Phattrax DJs
Merriment for all ages! Join the Lakeside Club of Manistee County for a fun evening among the Festival of Trees & Holiday Decor. Sing holiday songs, 50/50 raffle, Fortune Teller, and photo op with Radar the Reindeer.
Cash bar: wine, beer and soft drinks. Pizza by the slice. Bidding on auction items continues during this event.
Location: Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts Ballroom, 101 Maple Street, Manistee
Cost: Participation by donation.

7:30 p.m.: Manistee Civic Players Present “Matilda the Musical”
Showing at the historic Ramsdell Theatre, Matilda tells the story of an extraordinary girl who, armed with a sharp mind and vivid imagination, dares to take a stand to change her story with miraculous results.
Location: Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple Street, Manistee
Cost: $10 to $40 

8 p.m. to midnight: Karaoke at the Moose Lodge
Manistee Moose Lodge 1128 is open to the public for karaoke fun. There will be food available. Doors open at 4 p.m., with karaoke starting at 8 p.m.
Location: Manistee Moose Lodge, 1010 Robinson Street, Manistee
Cost: Free

8 p.m. to midnight: Sleighbell Social Holiday Bash at The Outsider
Holiday cocktails, beer and food specials. Santas (or anyone in costume) will receive 10% off. Live music with Raylin Vance (6-8 p.m.), Sleighbell spins with DJ Bitz’n, vinyl holiday classics starting at 8 p.m.
Location: The Outsider, 457 River Street, Manistee

all day: Santa’s Mailbox
Drop off your letters to Santa. There is a mailbox downtown near Riverside Toys, 390 River Street, Manistee.

8 a.m. to noon: Flapjacks and Firehats Pancake Breakfast
This third annual breakfast of pancakes, eggs, sausage, biscuits and gravy and orange juice benefits the Filer Township Fire Department.
Location: Manistee VFW, 1211 28th Street, Manistee

9 a.m. to noon: Breakfast with the Elks
It’s not Sleighbell Saturday without breakfast. The Manistee Elks Lodge is open to the public for its famous breakfast buffet. Bloody Marys and mimosas are avilable for an additional charge ($6 each).
Location: Manistee Elks Lodge, 432 River Street, Manistee
Cost: $12 per person

9 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Holiday Craft Show and Bazaar
Purchase crafts and gifts from local artisans at this fantastic, annual event.
Location: Wagoner Senior Center, 260 St. Mary’s Parkway, Manistee
Cost: Free
Note: Vendor spots are sold out for this year! 

9 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Sleighbell Scavenger Hunt
Search for the sleighbell ornament throughout downtown Manistee participating businesses. Find the ornament, claim a special prize. There is one ornament per business per day. 
Hint: Don’t forget to check out Redeemed Manistee.

10 a.m.: Saturday Morning Matinee at the Vogue Theatre
Catch the holiday classic “Prancer” for free at the historic Vogue Theatre.
Location: The Vogue Theatre, 383 River Street, Manistee
Cost: Free

10 a.m.: Jingle Bell Jog 5K and Run/Walk
Join us for a 5K run/walk to benefit Manistee Schools Cross Country.
Location: The Tabernacle Church, 77 Hancock Street, Manistee
Cost: $20 and includes a long-sleeved T-shirt or hat.
To enter, please visit https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/Manistee/ManisteeJingleBellJog5K.

10 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Sleighbell gathering for families and youth at the Rec at Sands Park
The Rec at Sands Park will be hosting a silent auction and bake sale, and will have its concession stand open throughout the day, all in an effort to support area youth projects and need of the Rec throughout the year.
Location: The Rec at Sands Park, 580 Maple Street, Manistee

10 a.m. to dusk: Ice skating rink is open
Step back in time and experience the charm of a Victorian winter at our enchanting ice skating rink! Open for this special event, the rink offers a festive atmosphere to transport you to a bygone era. Glide gracefully across the ice in the crisp evening air. Bring your own skates and celebrate the magic of the season.
Location: Downtown

11 a.m. to 10 p.m.: Holiday Market and Beer Garden at The Outsider
Fires, food, hot cider, cold beer and holiday market vibes at The Outsider.
Location: The Outsider, 457 River Street, Manistee

11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Meet the Grinch
Location: Hoot and Honey Bookstore, 358 River Street, Manistee
Cost: Free

11 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Meet the Author
Author Dan Hansen will be at Hoot and Honey Bookstorefor a meet and greet for his new book “Meg and the Manistee Christmas.”
Location: Hoot and Honey Bookstore, 358 River Street, Manistee

11 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Scandinavian Christmas Open House and Tiny Trains and Towns at the Old Kirke Museum
Join us for a Scandinavian Christmas Open House with traditionally decorated Danish, Norwegian and Swedish Christmas trees and cookies. An exhibit of miniature villages and toy trains in the “Tiny Towns and Trains“ is also available for viewing.
Location: Old Kirke Museum, 304 Walnut Street, Manistee
Cost: Free 

11 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Open House and Self-Guided Tours of Guardian Angels Church
The Guardian Angles Historic Preservation Project will host an open house and self-guided tours of the church. The historic, 1909 pipe organ and steeple chime will provide music throughout the duration of the open house. This church was built in 1888 and is on the National Register of Historic Places, and a must-see for all.
Location: Guardian Angels Church, 371 5th Street, Manistee
Cost: Free

11 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Drop-in pottery painting – Paint a keepsake ornament
Drop in for some creative fun! Join us for 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 us on social media or visit https://artful-creations-2.square.site/ Call or text Joann at 231-747-9430 with any questions.
Location: The Purple Paintbrush, 338 River Street, Manistee
Cost: Free

11 a.m. to 8 p.m.: Lakeside Club of Manistee County’s Festival of Trees & Holiday Decor
View and bid on creatively decorated Christmas trees, wreaths and seasonal decor and gifts, all made by local artists and organizations. Bring canned goods to vote for your favorite entry for the “People’s Choice” award. Bring unwrapped toys for Five CAP’s “Toys for Tots/Gifts for Teens” and enter in a prize drawing. Auction bidding closes 8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7. Proceeds from the 2024 Festival of Trees will go to Manistee County Historical Society/Museum, Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts and Lakeside Club High School Scholarship for Service.
Location: Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts Ballroom, 101 Maple Street, Manistee
Cost: Please consider a $1 minimum donation.

11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Meet Buddy the Elf! 
Meet your favorite elf, Buddy! And get a photo with him.
Location: Riverside Toys, 390 River Street, Suite 101, Manistee
Cost: Free

noon to 2 p.m.: St. Paul’s Lutheran Church Open House
Visit one of Manistee’s oldest churches, built in 1890 and receive a free Christmas ornament.
Location: St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 313 Fourth Street, Manistee
Cost: Free

noon to 3:30 p.m.: Free carriage rides on River Street
Catch a free carriage ride along River Street.
Cost: Rides are free, but please consider tipping your driver (and the horses!)

noon to 4 p.m.: Santa’s Workshop hosted by Lighthouse Title is open
Meet Santa and get a photo!
Location: Municipal Marina, 480 River Street
Note: Santa has to leave by 4 p.m. so he can get ready for the Victorian Sleighbell Parade!

1 to 3 p.m.: 12×12 Community Art Exhibition
Celebrate local artists as they showcase original pieces of work displayed throughout Hardy Hall Gallery at the Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts.
Location: Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple Street, Manistee

1 to 4 p.m. Chestnuts Roasting on an open fire
Warm up and taste some holiday fun. We have chestnuts along River Street.
Cost: Free
Thank you to Kendra C. Thompson Architects for providing the free chestnuts.

2 p.m.: “The Haunting of Ebenezer”
The Ramsdell Theatre invites the community to an acoustic concert retelling of Dickens’ classic tale, “The Haunting of Ebenezer.” This performance includes 16 original Americana songs that guide the audience through Ebenezer Scrooge’s haunting and transformation.
Location: Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple Street, Manistee
Cost: $15

2 to 3 p.m. Stilt Walker
Join us on River Street for views of the Stilt Walker.

2 to 5 p.m. Gift Giving Silent Auction to Benefit Armory Youth Project
While you’re downtown for the Victorian Sleighbell Parade, pop in at City2Shore Port City Associates for free refreshments and place your bids on items in a silent auction to raise money for the Armory Youth Project. Items include lift tickets to Crystal Mountain, a weekend stay at Traveler’s Motel in Onekama, a homemade quilt and more. (Advance bids can be placed on the Armory Youth Project’s Facebook page, Dec. 2-6.)
Location: City2Shore Port City Associates, 340 River Street, Manistee
Cost: Free

3 p.m. “Little Sleighbell” Family Parade
Be part of the shortest Christmas Parade in Michigan (that we know of). Families are invited to march in the Little Sleighbell and play in our Old Christmas Kazoo Band. We’ll be lining up in front of Riverside Toys. Be sure to get there early as kazoo supplies are limited.
Location: Meet in front of Riverside Toys, 390 River Street, Manistee
Cost: Free 

3 p.m.: Magic Show
The magic of Christmas extends to this fun magic show.
Location: Vogue Theatre, 383 River Street, Manistee

3 p.m. MaxwellTown Brass
Catch the MaxwellTown Brass play all your favorite holiday tunes. This 15-member group of brass, percussion and sleigh bells will play all the holiday hits.
Location: Look for them on River Street near Surroundings, The Ideal Kitchen and Wellnested. 

3 to 6 p.m.: Warm up at West Shore Community College
Spread the holiday cheer with the staff and volunteers of WSCC prior to the Victorian Sleighbell Parade. Water, cookies and a space for warmth will be available.
Location: West Shore Community College Downtown Education Center, 400 River Street, Manistee
Cost: Free

3 to 8 p.m.: Hot dogs and sloppy joes with The Elks
If you’re hungry before the parade, pop in at the Elks Lodge for hot dogs and sloppy joe sandwiches.
Location: Manistee Elks Lodge, 432 River Street, Manistee
Cost: $7

4 to 5 p.m.: Warm up before the Sleighbell Parade
Grab a cup of hot chocolate at the Vogue Theatre before the big show!
Location: The Vogue Theatre, 383 River Street, Manistee
Cost: Donation

5:30 p.m.: The 35th Annual Victorian Sleighbell Parade
Join us along Manistee’s historic River Street for the Victorian Sleighbell Parade.
Once the horses are safely away, there will be fireworks.

• Thank you to Patrick Swidorski Trucking LLC and Zupin Crane LLC for assistance with our trees!
• Thank you to Kendra C. Thompson Architects P.C. for the chestnuts!
• Thank you Ken Armour for helping stage all the horses.

7 p.m. Jingle Jam
Continue the fun with live bands and entertainment at this annual Manistee tradition. Bring a toy to donate and make a child’s Christmas special.
Location: American Legion, 10 Mason Street, Manistee
Cost: $10 per person or a donated toy. (Doors open at 3 p.m.)

7:30 p.m.: Manistee Civic Players Present “Matilda the Musical”
Showing at the historic Ramsdell Theatre, Matilda tells the story of an extraordinary girl who, armed with a sharp mind and vivid imagination, dares to take a stand to change her story with miraculous results.
Location: Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple Street, Manistee
Cost: $10 to $40

8 p.m. to midnight: Live Music at the Moose Lodge
Manistee Moose Lodge 1128 is open to the public for live music with Aces and Eights and Manistee’s own Jay Fortier. Food is available. Doors open at 4 p.m.
Location: Manistee Moose Lodge 1128, 1010 Robinson Street, Manistee
Cost: Free

10 a.m. to dusk: Ice skating rink is open
Step back in time and experience the charm of a Victorian winter at our enchanting ice skating rink! Open for this special event, the rink offers a festive atmosphere to transport you to a bygone era. Glide gracefully across the ice in the crisp evening air. Bring your own skates and celebrate the magic of the season.
Location: Downtown

10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Lakeside Club’s Festival of Trees & Holiday Decor Pick-Up
Pick-up time for winning bidders. Please pick up your items promptly. We wrap trees for easy transport. Don’t want the tree? Take the ornaments and we will keep the tree for next year.

10:45 a.m.: Yoga and Mimosas
Moonlit Yoga and Blue Fish Kitchen + Bar invite you to a fireside morning yoga practice. Bring your own mat and props. Brunch, mimosas and zero-proof refreshments included. Reserve your spot by calling (231) 887-4188.
Location: Blue Fish Kitchen + Bar, 312 River Street, Manistee
Cost: $25 per person

11 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Scandinavian Christmas Open House and Tiny Trains and Towns at the Old Kirke Museum
Join us for a Scandinavian Christmas Open House with traditionally decorated Danish, Norwegian and Swedish Christmas trees and cookies. An exhibit of miniature villages and toy trains in the “Tiny Towns and Trains“ is also available for viewing.
Location: Old Kirke Museum, 304 Walnut Street, Manistee
Cost: Free 

11 a.m. to 8 p.m.: Free pinball at The Outsider
Have some food and fun, and unwind from Sleighbell with free pinball.
Location: The Outsider, 457 River Street, Manistee 

noon to 4 p.m.: Drop-in pottery painting
Drop in for some creative fun! Join us for pottery painting. Many items to choose from. Acrylic painted or glazed and fired options are available. Find us on social media or visit https://artful-creations-2.square.site/ Call or text Joann at 231-747-9430 with any questions.
Location: The Purple Paintbrush, 338 River Street, Manistee.
Cost: Prices vary

noon to 8:30 p.m.: Smitten Party at the Vogue
Bring new hats, gloves, socks and scarves to decorate our Christmas tree. All items will be donated to area organizations serving those in need. Participants will receive free popcorn and festive stickers.
Location: The Vogue Theatre, 383 River Street, Manistee

1 to 3 p.m.: 12×12 Community Art Exhibition
Celebrate local artists as they showcase original pieces of work displayed throughout Hardy Hall Gallery at the Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts.
Location: Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple Street, Manistee

2 p.m.: Manistee Civic Players Present “Matilda the Musical”
Showing at the historic Ramsdell Theatre, Matilda tells the story of an extraordinary girl who, armed with a sharp mind and vivid imagination, dares to take a stand to change her story with miraculous results.
Location: Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple Street, Manistee
Cost: $10 to $40

3 p.m.: Lessons and Carols 
Experience The Advent and Christmas Story in Word and Song at Trinity Lutheran Church.
Location: Trinity Lutheran Church, 420 Oak Street, Manistee
Cost: Free