2021 Event Schedule

December 4
Letters to Santa Craft – Noon – 5:00 PM
Downtown Delights, 457 River Street
See December 3 event details. Facebook page
Cost: Free 

December 4 
Tours of the Ramsdell Theatre – 2:00 PM &  4:00 PM 
Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple Street 
See December 3 event details or for more information – Click Here. 
Cost: Free – $5 Admission

December 4 
The Nutcracker Ballet – 8:00 PM 
Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple Street 
See December 3 event details or to purchase tickets – Click Here. 
Cost: $10 – $30 Per Person

December 4
Cookie Fun for Everyone – 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Manistee United Methodist Church, 387 First Street 
Support your local Habitat for Humanity and decorate Christmas Cut Out Cookies. The cookies are already baked and we provide the sprinkles and frosting.  Decorate and leave the mess for us or pre-order a dozen email us at habitat.manistee.county@gmail.com or call 231-723-74587.
Cost: $11.00/Dozen or $6.00/Half-Dozen

December 4
Holiday Craft Show – 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Wagoner Community Center, 260 St. Mary’s Parkway
Large Craft Show with various different crafters and artists.  To be a vendor or get more information call: Marlene McBride at 248-331-7917 or Kathy Yoder at 231-510-3320 Coucil on Aging Facebook page
Cost: Free Admission

December 4
Jingle Bell Jog 5K Run/Walk – 10:00 AM (race begins)
Kennedy Elementary School, 550 Maple Street 
Hosted by the Manistee HS Cross Country team, this year’s Jingle Bell Jog Run/Walk 5K race will benefit the Manistee cross-country runners. To sign up in advance, Click Here
Cost: $20.00 per person

December 4
The Vogue “Nickelodeon” &  FREE Classic Christmas Movies
10:00 AM Christmas Cartoon Classic
1:00 PM Traditional Christmas Movie
7:00 PM Christmas Comedy 
Vogue Theatre, 383 River Street 
The Vogue Theatre continues the Sleighbell Tradition of FREE Classic Christmas Movies! Choose from three classic genres: Family, Traditional, or Comedy. FREE Nickelodeon tickets for movies (titles announced on Friday, December 3) will be available starting 24 hours ahead of the showtimes – first come, first served.  For more information visit: https://voguetheatremanistee.org/
Cost: FREE!  (or 5-cents per “Nickelodeon” tradition!)

December 4
Lakeside Club’s Festival of Trees & Holiday Decor 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts Ballroom, 101 Maple Street
See Friday for event details. Bidding closes tonight at 8pm.   Enjoy “The Nutcracker Ballet” at 8 pm at the Ramsdell Theatre. Come early! For more information please call (906) 440-6770 or email us festivaloftreeslakeside@gmail.com
Admission: Donation – $1 minimum 

December 4
Sleighbell Fun at the Moose – Noon – Close
Manistee Moose Lodge 1128, 1010 Robinson Street 
Come have some fun at the Manistee Moose Lodge 1128 during this fun weekend! Featuring homemade pizzas and Sloppy Joe’s starting at Noon on December 4th.  *Open to the public* Facebook page
Cost: No Cover Charge

December 4
St Paul Lutheran Church Open House & Tour – Noon – 2:00 PM
St Paul Lutheran Church, 313 4th Street 
Guided tours of one of the oldest church buildings in Manistee.  There will be a Christmas ornament craft for children and refreshments will also be served.  For more information – Click Here
Cost: Free 

December 4  
Santa’s Headquarters sponsored by RE/MAX Randy Zakrajsek 1:00 PM – 3:45 PM
Manistee Marina, 480 River Street 
Santa will be available for all good boys and girls to visit him and receive your Christmas lists! Parents don’t forget to bring your camera or get your phone ready for photos. Santa will leave promptly at 4:00 PM to line up for the Victorian Sleighbell Parade. 
Santa’s Headquarters will also be open December 5, 11, 12, 18 & 19 from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM. 
Cost: Free 

December 4
Warm-up with some Hot Cocoa on River Street / Before the start of the Parade at 5:30 PM
City2Shore Real Estate (Port City Associates), 340 River Street 
Join us downtown before the parade starts with some donuts, cookies, hot chocolate, and coffee to stay warm! Pets are welcome as we will have an offering for the four-legged friends too. Facebook page
Cost: Free but donations are accepted

December 4
Bell Ringing 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Guardian Angels Church, 371 Fifth Street 
Guardian Angels Church’s 12-bell chime will ring Christmas carols to call everyone downtown to attend the Sleighbell Parade. For more information Click Here 
Cost: Free but donations are accepted

December 4
Victorian Sleighbell Parade sponsored by West Shore Bank –  5:30 PM
Downtown Manistee on River Street 
Start your holiday season with this authentic victorian era parade organized by the Sleighbell Committee.  Experience the horse-drawn carriages, turn of the century characters, 30 ft Christmas Tree pulled upright down the street by a beautiful horse team, elf on stilts, high school marching bands, and plenty of other delightful surprises!  The parade runs from Division to Spruce Street (just past the fountain).  Follow the last entry down River Street for community caroling and lighting of the Tree!
Cost: Free 

December 4
Sleighbell Fireworks sponsored by Jeff Reau Edward Jones
Immediately following the Sleighbell Parade, Caroling, and Tree Lighting 
Manistee Municipal Marina Area 
Celebrate Sleighbell Weekend with a Fireworks Show, organized by the Sleighbell Committee! 
Cost: Free

December 4
Jingle Bell Jam / following the Sleigh Bell Parade 
American Legion Post 10, 10 Mason Street 
Live entertainment that will feature four bands that will raise funds for Toys for Tots for Teens.  Facebook page
Cost: $10.00 or a new unwrapped gift 

December 4
Old Kirke Museum Open House – 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM 
Old Kirke Museum, 304 Walnut Street 
Scandinavian Christmas Open House with traditional Danish, Norwegian and Swedish trees and treats in the oldest Danish Lutheran Church in America along with exhibits of Tiny Towns and Trains and the Madsen Lumbering Dioramas.  This Church was established in 1868 and holds the honor of being the oldest Danish Lutheran Church in America still with its doors open to the public. 
Cost: Free

December 5
Old Kirke Museum Open House – 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM 
Old Kirke Museum, 304 Walnut Street 
Scandinavian Christmas Open House with traditional Danish, Norwegian and Swedish trees and treats in the oldest Danish Lutheran Church in America along with exhibits of Tiny Towns and Trains and the Madsen Lumbering Dioramas.  This Church was established in 1868 and holds the honor of being the oldest Danish Lutheran Church in America still with its doors open to the public. 
Cost: Free

December 5
Mom2Mom / Holiday Craft Sale – 9:00 AM – 2:00PM
Conservatory of Dance, 321 Oak Grove St
See December 4 event details.  Facebook Page
Cost: Admission of $1, children 10 and under free

December 5
Lakeside Club’s Festival of Trees & Holiday Decor – 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM (closed to the public)
Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts Ballroom, 101 Maple Street
This is pick-up time for Winning Bidders only, please pick up your items promptly.  For more information please call (906) 440-6770 or email us festivaloftreeslakeside@gmail.com

December 5
Letters to Santa Craft – Noon – 5:00 PM
Downtown Delights, 457 River Street
See December 3 event details.  Facebook page
Cost: Free 

December 5
The Nutcracker Ballet 2:00 PM 
Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple Street 
See December 3 event details. To purchase tickets – Click Here. 
Cost: $10 – $30 Per Person

*Please note* Each event listed is individually organized and run, if you have questions on an event please contact the organizer directly, links are included below.  This site is a place to promote all the local events in one location for the Sleighbell Parade and Old Christmas Weekend.

Thanksgiving – December 5 
Sleighbell Silent Auction – Time: When the theatre lobby is open 
Vogue Theatre, 383 River Street
Come out to bid on some cool prizes in support of Manistee’s non-profit movie theatre!
Prizes include:  Round-trip tickets to Chicago via Cape-Air airlines; Round-trip passenger fare on the S.S.Badger; A complimentary stay at The Dempsey Manor; Vogue Membership and much, much, more! Bids close on December 5 at 8:00 pm. For more on the Vogue information visit: https://voguetheatremanistee.org/
Cost: Your generosity 

November 26 – January 1, 2022
Manistee County Community Christmas 
Manistee County
The Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce and 4Front Credit Union would like you to spread holiday cheer by decorating your house, yard, get your neighbors together to decorate your block, driveway, mailbox, store windows, school, church, organization, business, or even a bus.  We will be creating a virtual car parade route map through the county with all the entries.  All entries will be assigned a number to be used for voting.  Prizes will be awarded for both the first place residential and non-profit entries.  Businesses we haven’t left you out there will be a traveling trophy which gives you bragging rights!  Get on the Map by Clicking Here or follow on Facebook

December 1
The Vogue Theatre Wednesday Classic Film – 10:00 AM & 7:00 PM
Vogue Theater, 383 River Street 
Each Wednesday the Vogue Theatre offers a Classic Movie selection on the big screen. In the spirit of Old Christmas Weekend the Classic Film for Wednesday, December 1 will be LITTLE WOMEN (1994) with two showtimes.. Set the stage with the quintessential elements – warmth and traditional storytelling!  For more information visit: https://voguetheatremanistee.org/
Cost: Always great, Always $2.00 

December 2 – 3
Toy Drive – 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM 
North Channel Brewery, 86 Washington Ave.
Bring in a new toy to donate to a child in need and get 10% off your food purchase on December 2 and 3 at North Channel Brewery!  Vist our website: https://northchannelbrewing.com/ 

December 3
Lakeside Club’s Festival of Trees & Holiday Decor – 1:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts Ballroom, 101 Maple Street
Come view & bid on creatively decorated Christmas trees, wreaths, gift baskets, and seasonal decor designed by local holiday enthusiasts. “Buy it Now” options are available. Bring canned goods to vote for your favorite entry for the “People’s Choice” award. Canned goods will be donated to Matthew 25:35 Food Pantry.  Bring unwrapped toys for FiveCAP’s “Toys for Tots/Gifts for Teens”.  Enter for a prize drawing with each toy donated.  All proceeds from Festival of Trees & Holiday Decor will go to Manistee County Humane Society’s Homeward Bound Animal Shelter and the Armory Youth Project.  Bidding for the event closes on December 4 at 8:00 pm.  “The Nutcracker Ballet”  opens is at 8 pm at the Ramsdell Theatre. Come early to visit the Festival of Trees & Holiday Decor.  For more information please call (906) 440-6770 or email us festivaloftreeslakeside@gmail.com
Admission: Donation – $1 minimum

December 3
Letters to Santa Craft – Noon – 5:00 PM
Downtown Delights, 457 River Street
Kids of all ages can stop in to color and fill out a fun letter to Santa craft.  After the craft is completed, the child can deliver to Santa Headquarters, which is just across the street!  
Visit our Facebook page
Cost: Free 

December 3 
Tours of the Ramsdell Theatre – 2:00 PM & 4:00 PM 
Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple Street 
Tour the historic Ramsdell Theatre! Learn about critical figures such as Thomas Jefferson Ramsdell, James Earl Jones, and Toni Trucks! Explore the architectural beauty that the Ramsdell Theatre has offered the community for over 100 years.  For more information – Click Here 
Cost: Free – $5 Admission

December 3
Festive Fun and Cocoa-to-go at Manistee County Library!  – 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM 
Manistee County Library, 95 Maple Street
We’ll provide fun activities for children, and a nice place to warm up while touring our beautiful downtown area! Come tour our historic Carnegie library, as we are right within walking distance for your convenience! For more information, please see our website at manisteelibrary.org. 
Cost: Free 

December 3 
Armory Christmas Dance – 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
The Armory, 555 First Street 
The Armory Youth Project’s Dance is for students in grades 6-12 we will provide a safe environment for youth to socialize and have fun. This Christmas-themed dance will have games, refreshments, and, of course, great music! Admission, popcorn, and punch are free.  Concessions will be available for purchase. Prizes for costumes and games will be provided by area businesses, and all proceeds benefit the Armory’s after-school programs. The Armory Youth Project is a non-profit 501c3 organization entirely funded by generous donors and grants.  Visit our website: https://www.armoryyouthproject.com/
Cost: Free – Donations Generously Accepted!

December 3 
The Nutcracker Ballet – 8:00 PM 
Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple Street 
Tchaikovsky’s original ballet premiered in 1892 and was staged by Russian choreographer Marius Petipa. Dancers from Manistee, Mason, and Benzie counties present Tchaikovsky’s holiday classic “The Nutcracker Ballet ” at the Historic Ramsdell Theatre in Manistee. The production is a collaborative Holiday celebration directed by Ingrid Bond and involves over 150 cast members and volunteers from across county lines. Tschaikovsky’s score and the ballet premiered at nearly the same time the Ramsdell was built. That’s why this version is set in the Victorian era heyday–to enable the audience to see some of the unique features of the Ramsdell stage. The brief solo called, “Dance of the SugarPlum Fairy ” is the original Marius Petipa choreography. It was gifted to Ingrid through Carol Greenaway, a Frankfort native who had an incredible ballet career. The solo was taught and gifted to her by the legendary Alexandra Danilova. Carol is a master teacher and greatly looks forward to collaborating with Ingrid Bond and the Ramsdell on this project.  To purchase tickets – Click Here. 
Cost: $10 – $30 Per Person

December 4
Letters to Santa Craft – Noon – 5:00 PM
Downtown Delights, 457 River Street
See December 3 event details. Facebook page
Cost: Free 

December 4
Tours of the Ramsdell Theatre – 2:00 PM &  4:00 PM 
Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple Street 
See December 3 event details or for more information – Click Here. 
Cost: Free – $5 Admission

December 4
The Nutcracker Ballet – 8:00 PM 
Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple Street 
See December 3 event details or to purchase tickets – Click Here. 
Cost: $10 – $30 Per Person

December 4
Cookie Fun for Everyone – 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Manistee United Methodist Church, 387 First Street 
Support your local Habitat for Humanity and decorate Christmas Cut Out Cookies. The cookies are already baked and we provide the sprinkles and frosting.  Decorate and leave the mess for us or pre-order a dozen email us at habitat.manistee.county@gmail.com or call 231-723-7458.
Cost: $11.00/Dozen or $6.00/Half-Dozen

December 4
Holiday Craft Show – 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Wagoner Community Center, 260 St. Mary’s Parkway
Large Craft Show with various different crafters and artists.  To be a vendor or get more information call: Marlene McBride at 248-331-7917 or Kathy Yoder at 231-510-3320 Council on Aging Facebook page
Cost: Free Admission

December 4
Mom2Mom / Holiday Craft Sale – 9:00 AM – 2:00PM
Conservatory of Dance, 321 Oak Grove St
A variety of homemade crafts and artisan items we will be pairing with moms selling gently used items. Join us in this festive and unique holiday sale. We have a little something for everyone under your tree and cookies for Santa too! Facebook Page
Cost: Admission of $1, children 10 and under free

December 4
Jingle Bell Jog 5K Run/Walk – 10:00 AM (race begins)
Kennedy Elementary School, 550 Maple Street 
Hosted by the Manistee HS Cross Country team, this year’s Jingle Bell Jog Run/Walk 5K race will benefit the Manistee cross-country runners. To sign up in advance, Click Here
Cost: $20.00 per person

December 4
The Vogue “Nickelodeon” &  FREE Classic Christmas Movies
10:00 AM Christmas Cartoon Classic
1:00 PM Traditional Christmas Movie
7:00 PM Christmas Comedy 
Vogue Theatre, 383 River Street 
The Vogue Theatre continues the Sleighbell Tradition of FREE Classic Christmas Movies! Choose from three classic genres: Family, Traditional, or Comedy. FREE Nickelodeon tickets for movies (titles announced on Friday, December 3) will be available starting 24 hours ahead of the showtimes – first come, first served.  For more information visit: https://voguetheatremanistee.org/
Cost: FREE!  (or 5-cents per “Nickelodeon” tradition!)

December 4
Lakeside Club’s Festival of Trees & Holiday Decor 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts Ballroom, 101 Maple Street
See Friday for event details. Bidding closes tonight at 8pm.   Enjoy “The Nutcracker Ballet” at 8 pm at the Ramsdell Theatre. Come early! For more information please call (906) 440-6770 or email us festivaloftreeslakeside@gmail.com
Admission: Donation – $1 minimum 

December 4
Sleighbell Fun at the Moose – Noon – Close
Manistee Moose Lodge 1128, 1010 Robinson Street 
Come have some fun at the Manistee Moose Lodge 1128 during this fun weekend! Featuring homemade pizzas and Sloppy Joe’s starting at Noon on December 4th.  *Open to the public* Facebook page
Cost: No Cover Charge

December 4
St Paul Lutheran Church Open House & Tour – Noon – 2:00 PM
St Paul Lutheran Church, 313 4th Street 
Guided tours of one of the oldest church buildings in Manistee.  There will be a Christmas ornament craft for children and refreshments will also be served.  For more information – Click Here
Cost: Free 

December 4
Santa’s Headquarters sponsored by RE/MAX Randy Zakrajsek 1:00 PM – 3:45 PM
Manistee Marina, 480 River Street 
Santa will be available for all good boys and girls to visit him and receive your Christmas lists! Parents don’t forget to bring your camera or get your phone ready for photos. Santa will leave promptly at 4:00 PM to line up for the Victorian Sleighbell Parade. 
Santa’s Headquarters will also be open December 5, 11, 12, 18 & 19 from 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM. 
Cost: Free 

December 4
Warm-up with some Hot Cocoa on River Street / Before the start of the Parade
City2Shore Real Estate (Port City Associates), 340 River Street 
Join us downtown before the parade starts with some donuts, cookies, hot chocolate, and coffee to stay warm! Pets are welcome as we will have an offering for the four-legged friends too. Facebook page
Cost: Free but donations are accepted

December 4
Bell Ringing 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM
Guardian Angels Church, 371 Fifth Street 
Guardian Angels Church’s 12-bell chime will ring Christmas carols to call everyone downtown to attend the Sleighbell Parade. For more information Click Here 
Cost: Free but donations are accepted

December 4
Victorian Sleighbell Parade sponsored by West Shore Bank –  5:30 PM
Downtown Manistee on River Street 
Start your holiday season with this authentic victorian era parade organized by the Sleighbell Committee.  Experience the horse-drawn carriages, turn of the century characters, 30 ft Christmas Tree pulled upright down the street by a beautiful horse team, elf on stilts, high school marching bands, and plenty of other delightful surprises!  The parade runs from Division to Spruce Street (just past the fountain).  Follow the last entry down River Street for community caroling and lighting of the Tree!
Cost: Free 

December 4
Sleighbell Fireworks sponsored by Jeff Reau Edward Jones
Immediately following the Sleighbell Parade, Caroling, and Tree Lighting 
Manistee Municipal Marina Area 
Celebrate Sleighbell Weekend with a Fireworks Show, organized by the Sleighbell Committee! 
Cost: Free

December 4
Jingle Bell Jam / following the Sleigh Bell Parade 
American Legion Post 10, 10 Mason Street 
Live entertainment that will feature four bands that will raise funds for Toys for Tots for Teens.  Facebook page
Cost: $10.00 or a new unwrapped gift 

December 4 – 5
Old Kirke Museum Open House – 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM 
Old Kirke Museum, 304 Walnut Street 
Scandinavian Christmas Open House with traditional Danish, Norwegian and Swedish trees and treats in the oldest Danish Lutheran Church in America along with exhibits of Tiny Towns and Trains and the Madsen Lumbering Dioramas.  This Church was established in 1868 and holds the honor of being the oldest Danish Lutheran Church in America still with its doors open to the public. 
Cost: Free

December 5
Mom2Mom / Holiday Craft Sale – 9:00 AM – 2:00PM
Conservatory of Dance, 321 Oak Grove St
See December 4 event details.  Facebook Page
Cost: Admission of $1, children 10 and under free

December 5
Lakeside Club’s Festival of Trees & Holiday Decor – 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM (closed to the public)
Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts Ballroom, 101 Maple Street
This is pick-up time for Winning Bidders only, please pick up your items promptly.  For more information please call (906) 440-6770 or email us festivaloftreeslakeside@gmail.com

December 5
Letters to Santa Craft – Noon – 5:00 PM
Downtown Delights, 457 River Street
See December 3 event details.  Facebook page
Cost: Free 

December 5
The Nutcracker Ballet 2:00 PM 
Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple Street 
See December 3 event details. To purchase tickets – Click Here. 
Cost: $10 – $30 Per Person

2021 Downtown Manistee Merchant Specials 

December 4
Northern Spice Company – Old Time Favorites
378 River Street 
Visit the Northern Spice Company, where everything is made locally, during the most wonderful time of the year to spice up your holiday baking! Come in to sample some of our specially spiced Hot Cocoa and baked goods.  Visit our website https://www.northernspiceco.com/

December 4 – 5
Port City Emporium – “Spin the Wheel” –  10:00 AM – 6:00 PM 
308 River Street 
Stop down and come check out our unique finds. We will be featuring “Spin the Wheel” for a chance for you to win prizes and discounts!  Facebook Page

Dec 4: Cozy Christmas Mini Session 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Dec 5: Cozy Christmas Mini Session 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Alissa Saylor, 457 River St. Manistee (Same building as Downtown Delights)

• 5 slots are available every 30 minutes allowing each family about 5 minutes.

• You will receive a minimum of 3 images in a gallery within a week of your session. Download all high-resolution images from your gallery + a print release allowing you to print your images anywhere!

• Cost: Session fee $99 (non-refundable)

Schedule your slot today – Click Here