Calendar of Events

gerbil race, music venues and more. For more info, visit the Winterfest website. 26 Indoor Farm Market, Foundry Hall, 422 Eagle Street, South Haven. Buy winter produce and baked goods from area farm market vendors. Open each Saturday, 11am-3pm. For more info, call Darlene at 269-543-4658. 31 Owl Prowl with the Outdoor Discovery Center, Sanctuary Woods, 4750 66th Street, Laketown Township 6-8pm. Hike the dunes of Laketown Township's Sanctuary Woods in search of resident and migratory owls. The group will try to call in Eastern Screech, Barred and Great Horned Owls as they hike. Flashlights are welcome. Registration required - call 616-393-9453.    Unless otherwise indicated, all Lake Effect Living photographs are the work and property of Sharon Pisacreta.

December 2013 - January 2014

1	Festival of Trees, Muskegon Museum of Art, 296 W. Webster Avenue, Muskegon. Last day of the festival for visitors to the museum to view trees and wreaths decorated by local artists. A silent auction for these creations will be held. Other activities include a Teddy Bear Breakfast with Santa and a holiday movie festival. Ends December 1. Call 231-720-2570 for more information.
1	Holiday Tours of Muskegon’s Historic Sites. Enjoy tours of the Fire Barn Museum, the Hackley & Hume Historic Site and the Depression era Scolnik House. The sites are located at 484 W. Webster and 510 & 504 W. Clay, Muskegon. Travel between the sites via rides on a free horse-drawn carriage. Noon-4pm. Call 231-722-0278 for more info.
1	Circle of Trees, Walker Park, 1521 Ruddiman, North Muskegon. The annual lighting of the trees, community carol sing, dog parade and more. All day event. 231-744-1621.
1-7	Festival of Trees, City Hall, 539 Phoenix Street, South Haven. 269-637-4342. Annual fund-raising event offers holiday trees and wreaths for sale. Festival ends December 7th. 269-637-4342.
1-8	Mistletoe Market, South Haven Center for the Arts, 600 Phoenix Street, South Haven. This annual holiday boutique is a perennial favorite with lakeshore shoppers. Over 40 local artists represented. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Center for the Arts. Market runs through Dec. 8th. Open Mon-Sat. 10am-5pm, Sun. Noon-5pm.
1-22	The Santa Train Excursion, Coopersville & Marne Railway, 311 Danforth Street, Coopersville. Train runs Saturday and Sunday through Dec. 22nd. Elves escort children to sit with Santa who has a reserved seat in each of the train’s vintage passenger cars. A princess will read from The Polar Express. Every child receives a gift. Cars are heated; each car has a restroom. Children under 2 ride free. Adults $14.50, Children 2-12 $11.50, Seniors 60+ $13.50. Call 616-997-7000 for ticket information.
1-24	Santa’s House, the corner of State and Pleasant Streets, downtown St. Joseph. Bring the little ones to visit Santa. Thursday-Friday: 4-6pm. Saturday: Noon-5pm. Sunday: Noon-3pm.
1-24	Santa’s House, the corner of River and 8th Street in downtown Holland. It’s time for the little ones to meet Santa and get a holiday photo with him. Bring your own camera! Call 616-394-0000 for days and times.
1-28	Grand Haven Nativity Scene, Waterfront Stadium, downtown Grand Haven. One of the largest Nativity Scenes in the world. Eight minute program of music, narration and visual display runs continuously from 7-9pm, with a 2 minute break between presentations.
1-31	Christmas & Holiday Traditions Around the World, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Grand Rapids. 300,000 lights, 40 international holiday displays and trees, carolers, horse-drawn carriage rides, nativity scenes, The Railway Garden exhibit with new buildings, trolley rides, enhanced Nativity displays. Holiday display runs thru Jan. 5. Call 888-957-1580 or visit www.MeijerGardens.org
3	Parade of Lights, downtown Holland. Santa arrives accompanied by floats, bands and holiday lights. 6:30pm. 616-796-1210 for details.

5-7	Singing Christmas Tree, Frauenthal Center of the Performing Arts, 425 W. Western Avenue, Muskegon. Evening shows – 7pm. Saturday matinee - 3pm. Celebrate the season with the annual Mona Shores High School Singing Christmas Tree.
5-21	Santa House, the Plaza next to the Grand Haven Fifth Third, 233 Washington Ave., Grand Haven. Visit Santa and his elves. Photos. Wed-Fri 6-8pm, Sat 11am-4pm.
6	33rd Annual Nighttime Christmas Parade, downtown Coopersville. 7-9pm. This year’s theme is ‘Peace on Earth.
6	Light Up The Bluff, Lake Bluff Park, downtown St. Joseph. 6:30pm. Help usher in the holiday season with the lighting of the community Christmas tree and the other decorations in Lake Bluff Park. 269-985-1111 for more info.
6	Live Mannequins! downtown St. Joseph. 7-8:30pm. The store windows come alive with live mannequins posing in scenes from classic holiday stories.
6	Sinterklaas Eve Procession, downtown Holland. Riding his great white horse, the traditional Dutch folk Sinterklaas arrives at Eighth Street Marketplace to lead a procession along 8th Street, then to Central Avenue and on to Centennial Park. After the mayor welcomes him at the park, everyone is invited to visit the Holland Museum for cookies, hot cocoa and a visit with Sinterklaas. 7pm. 616-394-0000.
6-7	Holidays in Lakeside, on the shores of Muskegon Lake, 1845 Lakeshore Drive, Muskegon. Holiday activities, carriage rides, Santa, carolers, bake sale and more. 11am-5pm. Call 231-755-1202 for details.
6-7	‘The Nutcracker’, Knickerbocker Theatre, 86 East 8th Street, Holland. The Nutcracker Ballet is presented by the Hope College Ballet Club. To reserve a free ticket, call 616-395-7890.
6-7	40th Annual Christmas Arts & Craft Show, Grand Haven Community Center, 421 Columbus, Grand Haven. Fri: 10am-6pm. Saturday 10am-3pm. $1 entry fee.
7	Winter Greenmarket, Saugatuck Center for the Arts, 400 Culver Street, Saugatuck. 10am- 2pm. Fresh holiday greenery, Christmas cookies, a visit from Santa, Victorian carolers, spiced cider, ornaments, handmade cards, wreaths, swags, live trees. 269-857-2399.

7	Annual “Whoville” Christmas Parade, Butler Street in downtown Saugatuck. 1pm. Holiday floats, Snow Shovel Brigade, Peppermint Stick Drill Team, Santa. Followed by a Christmas Cookie Tour of 18 area inns. Bridge lighting at 6pm. 269-857-1701.
7	Christmas Cookie Tour, Saugatuck/Douglas. Following Saugatuck’s Christmas parade, visit the open houses at 18 area inns which will be decorated for the holidays and serving homemade Christmas cookies. 2-5pm. Tickets: $12. Call 269-857-1701.
7	Indoor Farm Market, Foundry Hall, 422 Eagle Street, South Haven. Buy winter produce and baked goods from area farm market vendors. Open each Saturday, 11am-3pm. For more info, call Darlene at 269-543-4658.
7	Jingle Bell Parade, downtown Grand Haven. Mr. and Mrs. Klaus, lighted holiday floats. Parade ends at Central Park for the lighting of the Christmas tree…and hot chocolate. 6-7pm. 616-842-4910.
7	61st Annual White Lake Area Christmas Parade, Whitehall. Begins at 2pm at Whitehall City Hall. Approx. 80 entries in the parade. Includes Santa arriving on his sleigh. 231-893-4585.
7	Chicago Chic Fashion Show at the Felt Mansion, 6597 138th Ave., Laketown Township. The Felt Estate hosts a Chicago themed luncheon, followed by a fashion show in the ballroom featuring gowns by Chicago designer Borris Powell, as well as vintage gowns dating from the 1920s loaned by the Cindy Hogg Collection. For more details, call 616-335-8982.
7	Sensational Saturday, downtown Douglas and Saugatuck. Get your holiday shopping done as downtown stores stay open late.
7	Holland Farmers Market, Eighth Street Marketplace, 150 West Eighth Street, downtown Holland. Local farmers sell winter produce along with freshly grown holiday garlands, trees and wreaths. Market opens at 8am on December 7 and December 14. Call 616-355-1138 for more info.
7	Holiday Kerstmarkt, Eighth Street Marketplace, downtown Holland. Open-air European Christmas market selling Dutch festive treats, crafts, one of a kind items. Call 800-506-1299 for days and times, or visit kerstmarkt.wordpress.com.
7	Reindog Parade, State Street, downtown St. Joseph. Costumed pets and their owners join Santa in the Annual Reindog Holiday Parade. Prizes awarded for Best Dressed Pet and Best Dressed Group. Bring your pup, fill out an entry form at 3pm, and join the 4pm parade. Call 269-985-1111 for more details.
7	22nd Annual Nouveau Fest, Fenn Valley Vineyards, 6130 122nd Avenue, Fennville. 1-4pm. Sample the newest Fenn Valley vintages. Guided tours of the wine cellar. Free. No reservations necessary. This year, the fest will celebrate homemade pizza recipes and the best “pizza wine”. 269-561-2396.

7	Holiday Heritage Home Tour, Muskegon. Self-directed car tour that begins at the downtown Union Depot. Map is provided. Refreshments at selected stops. Noon-5pm. Tickets: $10. Free for children 12 and under.
7	Muskegon Saturday Farmers Market, 700 Yuba bet. Spring & Marquette, off Seaway Drive, Muskegon. Every Saturday thru Christmas. 6am-3pm.
7	Pioneer Christmas in the Log Cabin, DeGraaf Nature Center, 600 Graafschap Road, Holland. Enjoy snacks and stories in the Center’s log cabin while learning about how the early Pioneers celebrated Christmas. 2pm. 616-355-1057.
7-8	Holiday Tours of Muskegon’s Historic Sites. Enjoy tours of the Fire Barn Museum, the Hackley & Hume Historic Site and the Depression era Scolnik House. The sites are located at 484 W. Webster and 510 & 504 W. Clay, Muskegon. Travel between the sites via rides on a free horse-drawn carriage. Noon-4pm.Call 231-722-0278 for more info.
8	Lakeshore Community Chorus, 4th Annual ‘Holiday Reflections’ Concert, Saugatuck Center for the Arts, 400 Culver Street, Saugatuck. 3pm & 6pm. Tickets: Adults: $18, Children (12 and under): $8. 269-857-2399. Visit www.lakeshorecommunitychorus.org for more information.
13	Up On the Rooftops, Downtown Holland. Visitors tour the upper floors of historic downtown buildings. Appetizers and drinks served afterward at the Fifth Third Bank building. Tickets are $20 and must be purchased in advance. Tour: 6:00-9:30pm. Reception: 8:00-9:30pm. Call 616-394-0000 for more information.
13-14	‘Swinging Holiday Celebration’, West Michigan Symphony, Frauenthal Theater, 425 W. Western Avenue, Muskegon. 7:30pm. Call 231-727-8001 for ticket info.
14	Sensational Saturday, downtown Douglas and Saugatuck. Get your holiday shopping done as downtown stores stay open late.
14	Holland Farmers Market, Eighth Street Marketplace, 150 West Eighth Street, downtown Holland. Local farmers sell winter produce along with freshly grown holiday garlands, trees and wreaths. Market opens at 8am on December 7 and December 14. Call 616-355-1138 for more info.
14	Holiday Kerstmarkt, Eighth Street Marketplace, downtown Holland. Open-air European Christmas market selling Dutch festive treats, crafts, one of a kind items. Call 800-506-1299 for days and times, or visit kerstmarkt.wordpress.com.

14	Shopping Jam, downtown Holland. Stores on 8th Street will open at 8am to offer customers early morning bargains. The special shopping spree lasts from 8am-10am.
14	Winterfest at the Felt Mansion, 6597 138th Ave., Laketown Township. The Felt Estate hosts a family fun day including free hot dog lunch, visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus – and take a free horse-drawn wagon ride through the Shore Acres Park. For more details, call 616-335-8982.
14	Indoor Farm Market, Foundry Hall, 422 Eagle Street, South Haven. Buy winter produce and baked goods from area farm market vendors. Open each Saturday, 11am-3pm. For more info, call Darlene at 269-543-4658.
14	Muskegon Farmers Market, 700 Yuba bet. Spring & Marquette, off Seaway Drive, Muskegon. Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday thru November. 6am-3pm. Thanksgiving-Christmas, Saturdays only.
14	Holiday Celebration Concert, Dimnent Chapel, 277 College Ave., Holland. Two concerts by the Holland Symphony and Holland Chorale at 3:30pm and 7:30pm. Call 616-494-0256 for ticket info.
14	3rd Annual Paw Paw Area Rotary 5K Santa Run & 1M Fun Walk, downtown Paw Paw. Santa suits will be given to all participants. Enjoy the fun as hundreds of Santas run through downtown Paw Paw. Registration: 7:30am. Run begins at 9am.
14	Christmas Fair 2013, Coopersville Farm Museum, 375 Main Street, Coopersville. 10am-2pm. Mrs. Claus will decorate Christmas cookies with the children while aduls shop for unique craft items and decorations. Hot cocoa, Christmas carols. 616-997-8555.
14	Ferrysburg Carol Sing, William Ferry Park, Ferrysburg. Celebrate the season with Christmas carols, hot chocolate and a visit from Santa. 6-7pm. 616-842-5803.
14	Homestead Holiday at DeGraaf Nature Center, 600 Graafschap Road, Holland. Learn how to make pioneer era holiday crafts and gifts such as German wax ornaments and cornhusk dolls, or dip and roll candles. No registration necessary. Fees for crafts are .50 each to $2 each. Hot chocolate and cookies await visitors at the nature center’s log cabin. 11am-3pm. 616-355-1057.
14-15	Holiday Tours of Muskegon’s Historic Sites. Enjoy tours of the Fire Barn Museum, the Hackley & Hume Historic Site and the Depression era Scolnik House. The sites are located at 484 W. Webster and 510 & 504 W. Clay, Muskegon. Travel between the sites via rides on a free horse-drawn carriage. Noon-4pm. Call 231-722-0278 for more info.
14-15	Victorian Christmas Tea, Cappon House, 228 W. 9th Street, Holland. 1-4pm, reservations required. $10 per person, children 5 and under $6. Call 616-796-3329.

19	‘The Nutcracker’ performed by the Grand Rapids Ballet, Frauenthal Theater, 425 W. Western Avenue, Muskegon. 7pm. Call 231-727-8001 for ticket info.
20-22	Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” performed by the Saugatuck Village Players at the Saugatuck Woman’s Club, 303 Butler (at the corner of Butler & Hoffman), Saugatuck. Fri-Sat. 8pm, Sat. Matinee 2pm, Sun.7pm. For tickets, call 269-857-701 on weekdays.
21	Sensational Saturdays, downtown Douglas and Saugatuck. Get your holiday shopping done as downtown stores stay open late.
21	Muskegon Farmers Market, 700 Yuba bet. Spring & Marquette, off Seaway Drive, Muskegon. Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday thru November. 6am-3pm. Thanksgiving-Christmas, Saturdays only.
21-22	Holiday Tours of Muskegon’s Historic Sites. Enjoy tours of the Fire Barn Museum, the Hackley & Hume Historic Site and the Depression era Scolnik House. The sites are located at 484 W. Webster and 510 & 504 W. Clay, Muskegon. Travel between the sites via rides on a free horse-drawn carriage Noon-4pm. Call 231-722-0278 for more info.
21	Indoor Farm Market, Foundry Hall, 422 Eagle Street, South Haven. Buy winter produce and baked goods from area farm market vendors. Open each Saturday, 11am-3pm. For more info, call Darlene at 269-543-4658.
22	‘A Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis’, Mendel Center at Lake Michigan College, Benton Harbor. The group performs live for one performance only. 4:00pm. Call 269-927-8198 for ticket info.
23-27	Christmas Break Fun Camp, Tri-Cities Family YMCA, 1 Y Drive, Grand Haven. Activities for ages 4-13. Sports, swimming, arts & crafts, games and more. 9am-4pm. Visit www.tcfymca.org or call 616-842-7051 for more information.
28	Indoor Farm Market, Foundry Hall, 422 Eagle Street, South Haven. Buy winter produce and baked goods from area farm market vendors. Open each Saturday, 11am-3pm. For more info, call Darlene at 269-543-4658.
28-29	Holiday Tours of Muskegon’s Historic Sites. Enjoy tours of the Fire Barn Museum, the Hackley & Hume Historic Site and the Depression era Scolnik House. The sites are located at 484 W. Webster and 510 & 504 W. Clay, Muskegon. Travel between the sites via rides on a free horse-drawn carriage. Noon-4pm. Call 231-722-0278 for more info.
31	New Year’s Eve Swim & Ski Party, Tri-Cities Family YMCA, 1 Y Drive, Grand Haven. 6pm-10pm. Fun activities for the whole family include swimming, obstacle course, basketball, dodge ball, bounce house, crafts, wallyball. Pizza at 9pm, followed by DJ Dance Party. Visit www.tcfymca.org or call 616-842-7051 for more information.

1	Sergeant Preston Race, Yukon King 6 Mile/5K Memorial Run Walk over the snowy dunes along the shores of Lake Michigan. Muskegon State Park, Winter Sports Complex. For more info, call Jeep Osborn at 231-206-5571.
1-5	Christmas & Holiday Traditions Around the World, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Grand Rapids. 300,000 lights, 40 international holiday displays and trees, carolers, horse-drawn carriage rides, nativity scenes, The Railway Garden exhibit with new buildings, trolley rides, enhanced Nativity displays. Holiday display runs thru Jan. 5. Call 888-957-1580 or visit www.MeijerGardens.org
2	Celebrate Winter at the Sarett Nature Center, 2300 Benton Center Rd., Benton Harbor. Join Sarett naturalists for a look at winter and snow. Spend the morning learning about animals in winter, snow and winter survival. Spend the afternoon on skis and snowshoes if there's snow. You must call to register 269-927-4832. For kids 6 years and older. $3/student for 9:30am-noon, $6/student for 9:30am-2:30pm
2-3	Christmas Break Fun Camp, Tri-Cities Family YMCA, 1 Y Drive, Grand Haven. Activities for ages 4-13. Sports, swimming, arts & crafts, games and more. 9am-4pm. Visit www.tcfymca.org or call 616-842-7051 for more information.
5	2014 Shoreline Bridal Fair, Holiday Inn, downtown Muskegon. Wedding and bridal experts from West Michigan talk about the services available from their businesses. 3pm. Free.
5	Indoor Farm Market, Foundry Hall, 422 Eagle Street, South Haven. Buy winter produce and baked goods from area farm market vendors. Open each Saturday, 11am-3pm. For more info, call Darlene at 269-543-4658.

10-11	6th Annual Ice Sculpting Competition, 8th Street, downtown Holland. This Collegiate Ice Sculpture Invitational draws students from around the country. Marvel at the elaborate ice sculptures lining the streets of downtown.
12	Indoor Farm Market, Foundry Hall, 422 Eagle Street, South Haven. Buy winter produce and baked goods from area farm market vendors. Open each Saturday, 11am-3pm. For more info, call Darlene at 269-543-4658.
17	Wine About Winter, downtown Grand Haven. Walking tour of downtown stores that will showcase West Michigan artists, along with wine tasting and hors d’oeuvres. 5-9pm.
18	15th Annual Chili Cook-off and Cellar Clearance Sales, Fenn Valley Vineyards, 6130 122nd Avenue, Fennville. Compete for the best chili in several categories. Those who don’t want to compete are invited to bring an appetizer or pot of chili for the ‘wine lovers’ potluck’. Chili contestants must pre-register. Potluck begins at 2pm. 269-561-2396.
19	Indoor Farm Market, Foundry Hall, 422 Eagle Street, South Haven. Buy winter produce and baked goods from area farm market vendors. Open each Saturday, 11am-3pm. For more info, call Darlene at 269-543-4658.
23-26	Winterfest 2014, Grand Haven. Annual long weekend of winter fun with indoor and outdoor activities. Human Sled Race, Family Dog Pull, Cardboard Sled Race, Skiing, Snowboarding, Euchre Tournament, Kid’s Day, snow angel contest, winter luau, hamster/gerbil race, music venues and more. For more info, visit the Winterfest website.
26	Indoor Farm Market, Foundry Hall, 422 Eagle Street, South Haven. Buy winter produce and baked goods from area farm market vendors. Open each Saturday, 11am-3pm. For more info, call Darlene at 269-543-4658.
31	Owl Prowl with the Outdoor Discovery Center, Sanctuary Woods, 4750 66th Street, Laketown Township 6-8pm. Hike the dunes of Laketown Township's Sanctuary Woods in search of resident and migratory owls. The group will try to call in Eastern Screech, Barred and Great Horned Owls as they hike. Flashlights are welcome. Registration required - call 616-393-9453.

Lake Effect Living

Life along the shore of Lake Michigan…