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Dec. 1-3: Chelsea Hometown Holiday packed with community celebrations

(Chelsea Update would like to thank Bridgett Favre for the information in this story.)

Chelsea Area Festivals and Events is preparing to welcome a garland of festive events during the 31st Annual Chelsea Hometown Holiday weekend, Dec. 1-3.

Sponsored by Golling Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Chelsea, the weekend includes a jam-packed calendar of joyful events including holiday music, visits with Santa, gift making and so much more. The City of Chelsea will be decked in holiday splendor to warm the hearts of visitors and to put us all in the holiday spirit. 

Photo by Burrill Strong. The 2015 Chelsea Community Fair Queen Alyssa Trinkle lights the Christmas tree in Pierce Park.

Friday, Dec. 1
Festivities begin at 6 p.m. on Friday with a Tree Lighting Ceremony under the gazebo in Piece Park on Main Street. Santa makes a special appearance when he arrives in the Chelsea Area Fire Authority ladder truck, and leads the crowds with a community holiday sing-along.

At 6:30 p.m., Santa heads to the Chelsea Historic Depot on Jackson Street where he will spend the evening listening to special wishes from Chelsea’s children during Santa’s Workshop. The Chelsea Children’s Co-op Preschool sponsors free craft projects for the children – parents are encouraged to bring their camera for photo opportunities with Santa.  Drop-in visitors are welcome, however it is suggested to pre-register for times to see Santa at www.ChelseaFestivals.com.

Across from the train depot, Chelsea Farmer’s Supply welcomes the community for Mrs. Claus’ Christmas story-telling led by Chelsea District Library from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Mrs. Claus and Santa’s helper will make the magic of the holidays come alive with stories and songs. Bring your camera for a photo with Mrs. Claus.

The Live Nativity Scene moves to the Clocktower Gazebo this year with shows starting at 7 and 7:30 p.m. The cherished outdoor community event includes live animals and a community Christmas choir.

Chelsea ATA Martial Arts,  located at 420 North Main St, provides a fun place to decorate free sugar cookies donated by Chelsea Bakery from 6:30-8:30 p.m. ATA Martial Arts instructors and students will be performing demonstrations throughout the event. Next door, Ink Frenzy invites visitors to warm-up inside while making a free hot chocolate ornament.

Also on Friday, stop by the Chelsea District Library from 7 to 8 p.m. to listen to the musical group, Common Chords. The heartwarming holiday performance by the hand bell choir is accompanied by light refreshments.

File photo by Burrill Strong: Santa Claus is just one of the highlights of the annual Hometown Holiday Light Parade.

Saturday, Dec. 2
Throughout Saturday, holiday festivities continue with various events planned in Chelsea’s shops. Look for “Lights Up and Shop Local” signs for holiday bargains, unique treasures and giveaways. Business event details can be found in the Chelsea community calendar at www.chelseamich.com/calendar.

Saturday morning, from 8:30-10:30 a.m., children are invited to Bruce’s Breakfast with Santa at Chelsea Comfort Inn and Village Conference Center, sponsored by Lake Trust Credit Union. Children enjoy a free pancake breakfast and a chance to sit with Santa. The breakfast’s festivities celebrate Bruce Szcodronski and his impact on this cherished Hometown Holiday event. Parents are encouraged to bring their cameras to capture special moments.

The Chelsea First United Methodist Church hosts the Material Girls Christmas Bazaar from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday. Children ages 3 years through 6th grade can shop for the holiday from thousands of affordable items priced one to five dollars. In addition to Saturday’s appointments, early shopping will be offered on Nov. 30 for children who would benefit from a quieter shopping experience. Limited appointments are available on both days and children must register in advance at www.chelseafestivals.com.

The Pam Radcliffe Gingerbread House Workshop holds three decorating sessions between 11a.m and 2 p.m. at First Congregational Church (FCC), 121 East Middle Street.  Families work together to decorate a pre-built gingerbread house for the holidays. Only 100 houses are available, and must be reserved by calling the FCC at 475-1844 or online at www.chelseafcc.com.  The 3rd session, open at 1 p.m. is intended for special needs families and adults.  The Gingerbread House Workshop is sponsored by Bill Ballagh, State Farm Insurance Agent.

For tweens ages 10 to 17, the Chelsea District Library presents a craft workshop from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, where registered participants can make and wrap a personalized gift.  Registration is required; call (734) 475-8732 or visit www.chelseadistrictlibrary.org for details.

Chelsea Area Historical Society invites visitors to join a docent led walking tour of historic homes starting at their museum located at 128 Jackson St.  Tour tickets are $20 per person or $17 for museum members, and are available in advance at the museum or The Garden Mill, Chelsea Hometown Pharmacy, or online at www.ChelseaHistory.org. Four turn-of-the-century homes and one uniquely designed home built in the 1940s will be on the tour.   Beginning in November, featured homes can be viewed on the website at www.ChelseaHistory.org. The tour is sponsored by Chelsea Family Dentistry, Heydlauff’s Appliances, and Merkel Furniture and Carpet One.

A wonderful artisans’ show featuring unique local talent takes place at the Chelsea Fairgrounds located at the corner of Old US Hwy 12 and Old Manchester Rd. All the Trimmings Artisan’s Holiday Show includes woodcarvings, bears, tiles, folk paintings, textiles, jewelry, antiques and collectibles, rug hooking, and fresh Christmas greens. Free refreshments, free admission, and free parking.

Also featuring local artist and crafts, St. Barnabas hosts the 3rd annual Quilt Show and Sale from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 20500 W Old US Hwy 12.

Saturday evening the 13th Annual Holiday Light Parade begins at 6 p.m. with fabulous lighted floats and marching units. The parade will have the same route this year, starting at Chelsea State Bank’s south lot on the corner of Old US Hwy 12 and Main St, and travels north along Main St. to the Chelsea Historic Depot on Jackson St.  The parade will not cross to the north side of the railroad tracks.

Immediately following the parade, the community is invited to a “Lights Out” celebration in the Clocktower Commons.  Live music, s’mores and hot chocolate will be provided by Main Street Church at 320 N. Main. 

Sunday, Dec. 3
On Sunday, Dec. 3, the Robin Hills Holiday Extravaganza will take place 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Robin Hills Farm, located at 20390 M-52, just north of downtown Chelsea. The new on-site Nest Restaurant will be serving a farm-to-table brunch throughout the morning.  Horse drawn carriage rides will offer guided tours along the trails of the 129-acre eco-destination farm while The Marketplace will be open with holiday gifts from local producers and artisans. Register for an on-site wreath decorating classes with Jenny Bollinger of Chelsea Village Flowers and bring home your own hand-decorated holiday wreath. More details at www.robinhillsfarm.com.

Chelsea Chamber Players present free performances at the First United Methodist Church at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.  The special holiday performance features “Jubilate Deo” by Dan Forrest, “Serenade in G Minor” by Carl Reinecke, and a Christmas Carol sing-a-long. Presented by the Chelsea Chamber Players along with students from the Chelsea High School Orchestra (Jed Fritzemeier, conductor), the Chelsea High School Choirs (Steve Hinz, conductor), the Chelsea FUMC Chancel Choir (Mark Loring, conductor), and the Detroit Renaissance High School Choirs (Patricia DeBose, conductor). Please call Chelsea FUMC at 734-475-8119 for more information.

Along with creche displays from around the world, the Church of Latter-day Saints presents two brief musical programs on Sunday at 2 p.m. and again at 5 p.m. The performances will feature classical and traditional Christmas music and showcase tenor Stanford Olsen, formerly of the Metropolitan Opera, and currently chair of the Voice Department at the University of Michigan. See details about the special musical programs at www.ChelseaChristmasMusic.com.

Chelsea’s Hometown Holiday also helps collect gifts for local children in need through its annual drive, Toys for Tots and Teens.  Donations of new, unwrapped toys can be dropped off at Palmer Auto Service, located at 222 S. Main St., or at Allstate Insurance located at 1161 S. Main St., through Dec.16.  The donations are then distributed locally through Faith in Action.

The Chelsea Area Fire Authority will be collecting donations (not tax deductible) for the Mikey and Me Foster Dog Rescue.  Donations can be dropped off at the fire station located at 200 W. Middle St. through Dec. 24.

For a complete schedule of events visit www.chelseamich.com.

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