10 a.m. to 5 p.m. :: Tours of the First Congregational Church
Where: First Congregational Church, 412 4th Street, Manistee
Step inside one of Manistee’s most treasured historic landmarks. Join us for a guided tour of the First Congregational Church of Manistee, featuring its breathtaking Tiffany stained glass windows and a climb into the iconic clock tower to experience the world-renowned clock crafted by legendary clockmaker Nils Johnson. Discover the history, artistry and craftsmanship that make this remarkable church a true community treasure.
Cost: Donations will be gratefully accepted to support a much-needed new roof and preserve this historic landmark for generations to come.

11 a.m. to 7 p.m. :: Family Holiday Photo Station
Where: Crafty Craft Creations, River Street Marketplace, 390 River Street, Manistee
Capture a little holiday magic during Victorian Sleighbell Parade & Old Christmas Weekend. Crafty Craft Creations is creating a festive winter scene at River Street Marketplace where families can stop in, strike a pose and take their own holiday photos using their cell phones. It’s a fun, free opportunity to capture special memories with family and friends!

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 to 7 p.m. :: Sleighbell Cookie Crawl
Pick up your collection bags and maps starting at 3:45 p.m. at West Shore Community College Downtown Education Center, 400 River Street, Manistee
Your maps and bags are your tickets to receive the signature cookies from the Sleighbell Cookie Crawl host businesses. Maps, bags, and posters will be color coded to help you find your way to the host businesses.
Cost: $10 donation
Note: Only 200 will be sold.
For more information, please visit the cookie crawl website.

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/

7:30 p.m. :: Sleighbell Spectacular
Where: Ramsdell Theatre, 101 Maple Street, Manistee
Kick off your holiday season at the Ramsdell with some festive fun at Sleighbell Spectacular! Presented by the Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts and directed by The Conservatory of Dance, this holiday show is the perfect way to celebrate the start of Sleighbell Weekend in Manistee. Bring the whole family for a joyful celebration filled with singing, dancing and a few magical surprises! Four performances you don’t want to miss.
Tickets: $10 to $35 and can be purchased online here: https://ramsdelltheatre.org/tickets/

7 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!

9 a.m. to 6 p.m. :: Sleighbell Warmup
Where: Beaches and Sunsets, 335 River Street, Manistee
Warm up and get into the holiday spirit with a cup of delicious mulled cider and homemade shortbread cookies. Stop by Beaches & Sunsets to enjoy the festive atmosphere and have your photo captured in your Victorian-inspired attire. They’ll be sharing photos of the wonderful costumes, smiles and special moments that make this nostalgic weekend so memorable. Adding to the festivities, The Spinning Mug mobile espresso bar will be inside the boutique serving specialty coffee, hot cocoa and delicious baked goods from Brown Farm Bakes. It’s the perfect stop to warm up, treat yourself and soak in the magic of Old Christmas Weekend!

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.

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. :: Tours of the First Congregational Church 
Where: First Congregational Church, 412 4th Street, Manistee
Step inside one of Manistee’s most treasured historic landmarks. Join us for a guided tour of the First Congregational Church of Manistee, featuring its breathtaking Tiffany stained glass windows and a climb into the iconic clock tower to experience the world-renowned clock crafted by legendary clockmaker Nils Johnson. Discover the history, artistry and craftsmanship that make this remarkable church a true community treasure.
Cost: Donations will be gratefully accepted to support a much-needed new roof and preserve this historic landmark for generations to come.

11 a.m. to 2 p.m. :: Guardian Angels Church Open House
Where :: Guardian Angels Church, 371 Fifth Street, Manistee
Step inside one of Manistee’s most beautiful landmarks during the Guardian Angels Church Open House. Guests are invited to enjoy self-guided tours through this stunning historic church, admiring its breathtaking stained-glass windows, intricate architecture and peaceful atmosphere. Whether you’re drawn by faith, history or simple curiosity, it’s a wonderful opportunity to experience a cherished part of Manistee’s heritage up close. Christmas music will be played on the historic pipe organ and the steeple chimes will play music. Guardian Angels Church was constructed in 1888, designed by architect Adolphus Druiding, and is one of Manistee’s tallest structures.

11 a.m. to 5 p.m. :: Family Holiday Photo Station
Where: Crafty Craft Creations, River Street Marketplace, 390 River Street, Manistee
Capture a little holiday magic during Victorian Sleighbell Parade & Old Christmas Weekend. Crafty Craft Creations is creating a festive winter scene at River Street Marketplace where families can stop in, strike a pose and take their own holiday photos using their cell phones. It’s a fun, free opportunity to capture special memories with family and friends!

11 a.m. to 8 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

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.

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 3 p.m. :: Meet the Alpacas
Where :: River Street, near The Outsider, 457 River Street, Manistee
“Alpaca” your bags and get ready for some fuzzy fun! The friendly faces from G&D Alpaca Farm are coming to town. Come say hello, snap some photos and fall in love with these sweet, gentle alpacas. They’re sure to make your day a little softer and a lot more smiley.

1 p.m. :: Sleighbell Spectacular
Where: Ramsdell Theatre, 101 Maple Street, Manistee
Kick off your holiday season at the Ramsdell with some festive fun at Sleighbell Spectacular! Presented by the Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts and directed by The Conservatory of Dance, this holiday show is the perfect way to celebrate the start of Sleighbell Weekend in Manistee. Bring the whole family for a joyful celebration filled with singing, dancing and a few magical surprises! Four performances you don’t want to miss.
Tickets: $10 to $35 and can be purchased online here: https://ramsdelltheatre.org/tickets/

3 to 5 p.m. :: Photos with Buddy the Elf
Where: Ramsdell Theatre, 101 Maple Street, Manistee
Santa’s got competition! Stop by the Ramsdell Theatre for a festive photo with Buddy the Elf and make a little Christmas magic during Victorian Sleighbell Parade & Old Christmas Weekend!
Cost is free, but donations to the Ramsell Theater are gladly accepted.

3:30 to 5:30 p.m. :: Patina’s Hot Cocoa Bar
Where: Patina, 321 River Street, Manistee
A little cocoa, a lot of Christmas magic! Stop by Patina and get ready for the 37th Annual Victorian Sleighbell Parade! Warm up at the Hot Cocoa Bar, soak in the holiday spirit and get ready for a magical weekend in downtown Manistee. And here’s a little holiday secret. Follow Patina on social media fr top-secret access to the Sleighbell Speakeasy. Because the best holiday traditions are even sweeter with a little cocoa and a touch of mischief.

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.

7:30 p.m. :: Sleighbell Spectacular
Where: Ramsdell Theatre, 101 Maple Street, Manistee
Kick off your holiday season at the Ramsdell with some festive fun at Sleighbell Spectacular! Presented by the Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts and directed by The Conservatory of Dance, this holiday show is the perfect way to celebrate the start of Sleighbell Weekend in Manistee. Bring the whole family for a joyful celebration filled with singing, dancing and a few magical surprises! Four performances you don’t want to miss.
Tickets: $10 to $35 and can be purchased online here: https://ramsdelltheatre.org/tickets/

10 a.m. :: Victorian Church Service
Where: First Congregational Church, 412 Fourth Street, Manistee
Worship Victorian style. Members are encouraged to dress in Victorian clothing as we celebrate and share Victorian church history. Everyone is welcomed to attend.

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

11 a.m. to 4 p.m. :: Family Holiday Photo Station
Where: Crafty Craft Creations, River Street Marketplace, 390 River Street, Manistee
Capture a little holiday magic during Victorian Sleighbell Parade & Old Christmas Weekend. Crafty Craft Creations is creating a festive winter scene at River Street Marketplace where families can stop in, strike a pose and take their own holiday photos using their cell phones. It’s a fun, free opportunity to capture special memories with family and friends!

1 p.m. :: Sleighbell Spectacular
Where: Ramsdell Theatre, 101 Maple Street, Manistee
Kick off your holiday season at the Ramsdell with some festive fun at Sleighbell Spectacular! Presented by the Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts and directed by The Conservatory of Dance, this holiday show is the perfect way to celebrate the start of Sleighbell Weekend in Manistee. Bring the whole family for a joyful celebration filled with singing, dancing and a few magical surprises! Four performances you don’t want to miss.
Tickets: $10 to $35 and can be purchased online here: https://ramsdelltheatre.org/tickets/