Chelsea Area Festivals & Events welcomes everyone to a garland of festive events during the 32nd Annual Chelsea Hometown Holiday weekend.
Sponsored by Rick Taylor Real Estate – Reinhart Realtors, the weekend includes a jam-packed calendar of joyful events including holiday music, visits with Santa, gift making and so much more. The city will be decked in holiday splendor to warm the hearts of visitors and to put us all in the holiday spirit.
Saturday, Dec. 1
Throughout Saturday, holiday festivities continue with various events planned in Chelsea’s shops. Look for “Lights Up & 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 $1-$5 dollars. In addition to Saturday’s appointments, early shopping will be offered on Nov. 29 for families 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, 121 East Middle St. 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 Chelsea Area Chamber of Commerce at 734-475-1145 or online at www.chelseafestivals.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 (CAHS) 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. All proceeds from this event will go toward the CAHS 2019 Match Campaign. This year, the tour includes half a dozen older downtown area homes along with an inside tour of the historic Welfare Building, which sits alongside the Clock Tower. Many of the homes have been recently rehabbed and all retain their historic appeal and will be decorated for the holidays.
Details can be found at the CAHS website www.ChelseaHistory.org, by calling 734-476-2010, or by email [email protected].
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 Road. 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 Episcopal Church hosts the 5th annual Quilt Show and Sale from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 20500 W Old US Hwy 12.
Saturday evening, the 14th 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 Street and travels north along Main Street to the Chelsea Historic Depot on Jackson Street. 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.
Through the weekend
Chelsea Area Fire Authority will be collecting donations (not tax deductible) for the Mikey & Me Foster Dog Rescue. Donations can be dropped off at the fire station located at 200 W. Middle St. through Dec. 24.
On Saturday and Sunday, the annual Christmas on the (Waterloo) Farm showcases holiday’s traditions and includes tours of the 10-room farmhouse, the authentic log house, eight outbuildings, and the one-room Dewey School. Hand-crafted greens, homemade baked goods, and gift items will be available for purchase. Free refreshments and live music will be among the offerings for this homespun weekend.
Ballet Chelsea is celebrating their 21st annual performance of The Nutcracker in a collaboration with the Jackson Symphony Orchestra. The orchestra will provide live musical accompaniment to all four performances of this holiday classic. Visit www.balletchelsea.org for tickets.
For a complete schedule of events visit www.chelseamich.com and www.chelseafestivals.com.
