(Chelsea Update would like to thank D&B Strategic Marketing for the information in this story.)
On Saturday, Dec. 7 from 8:30–10:30 a.m., children are invited to Bruce Szcodronski’s Breakfast with Santa at Chelsea Comfort Inn and Village Conference Center. Children can enjoy a free pancake breakfast and a chance to sit with Santa.
Parents are encouraged to bring their cameras to capture special moments.
All the Trimmings Artisan’s Holiday Show featuring unique local talent takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Chelsea Community Fairgrounds located at the corner of Old US Hwy 12 and Old Manchester Road.
Items for sale include woodcarvings, bears, tiles, folk paintings, textiles, jewelry, antiques and collectibles, rug hooking, and fresh Christmas greens. Free refreshments, free admission, and free parking.
Across the street, and also featuring local artists and crafts, St. Barnabas Church hosts the 6th annual Quilt Show and Sale from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 20500 W Old US Hwy 12.
By appointment, the Chelsea First United Methodist Church hosts the Material Girls Christmas Bazaar from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. during which children ages three years through 6th grade can shop for the holiday from thousands of affordable items priced one to five dollars.
The Pam Radcliffe Gingerbread House Workshop holds three decorating sessions between 11 a.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 have been reserved by calling the Chelsea Area Chamber of Commerce at 734-475-1145 or online at www.chelseafestivals.com.
For tweens ages 10 to 17, the Chelsea District Library presents a craft workshop from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m., where registered participants can make and wrap a personalized gift. Registration is required; call (734) 475-8732 or visit www.chelseadistrictlibrary.org for details.
Throughout Saturday, holiday festivities continue with various events planned in Chelsea’s shops. Look for the #ShopChelseaMich Gift Guide for holiday bargains, unique treasures, and giveaways. Business event details are at www.shopchelseamich.com.
On the reverse side of the gift guide flyer, explore the map of Custom Gingerbread Homes on display throughout local businesses.
The Chelsea Area Historical Society (CAHS) invites visitors to join a docent-led walking tour of historic homes starting at the museum located at 128 Jackson St. Tour tickets are $20 per person or $17 for museum members.
This year, the tour includes half a dozen older downtown area homes. Many of the homes have been recently updated and all retain their historic appeal and will be decorated for the holidays.
Details can be found at www.ChelseaHistory.org, by calling 734-476-2010, or by email at [email protected].
Saturday evening, the 15th 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 St. to the Chelsea Historic Depot on Jackson St.
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.
Ongoing Community Holiday Events
Santa’s Direct Mail Box is centrally located in Palmer Commons on Main Street, and children are welcome to mail their Christmas wish list direct to Santa. To receive a return letter, parents need to include an envelope complete with their mailing address and postage and place in the box before Dec. 15.
Chelsea Area Fire Authority will be collecting Presents for Pups 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.
Dec. 2-Jan. 5, the Chelsea District Library is coordinating a Teen Holiday Hygiene Drive. Help homeless children and teens this December by donating hygiene supplies to benefit Chelsea Faith in Action and the Ozone House of Ann Arbor.
Dec. 7-8: The annual Christmas on the (Waterloo) Farm showcases holiday’s traditions and includes tours of the ten-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.
Dec 7-8: Ballet Chelsea is celebrating its 22nd annual performance of The Nutcracker in collaboration with the Jackson Symphony Orchestra. The orchestra will provide live musical accompaniment to all four performances of this holiday classic.
Performances are Dec. 7-8 at 2 p.m. at Chelsea High School Performing Arts Complex, 740 N. Freer Road and Dec. 14 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 15 at 2 p.m. at the George E. Potter Center, 2111 Emmons Road, Jackson. Tickets range in price from $10 – $30 and are available online at balletchelsea.org or jacksonsymphony.org.
