Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas … OH, MY! There is a major holiday at the end of each month for the rest of the year!
It truly is a season of traditions, family fun and festivities and with so many great events already scheduled, it’s wise to stay ahead of the game and get them on your calendar asap! Here are some of the local events you can plan to take part in as the 2023 holiday season begins.
Burton
For details, visit burtonmi.gov
Halloween Home Decorating Contest
Burton residents register by Oct. 20 for judging Oct. 23-24.
Trick or Treat Trail & Festivities
Oct. 21, Noon-3pm • Bentley High School • FREE
Enjoy cider & donuts, popcorn, a bounce-house, trick-or treating, small pumpkins, & balloon twister.
‘Twas the Lights Before Christmas Home Decorating Contest
Nov. 1 – Dec. 8
Untangle the lights and get busy creating the ultimate holiday curb appeal!
Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony
Nov. 25 • Water Tower Park
Join Santa and other Christmas characters to begin the holiday season and welcome the community tree!
Pizza with Santa
Dec. 2 Noon-3pm • Bendle High School • FREE
Pizza, cookies, popcorn, pictures with Santa, ornament & stocking decorating, balloon twister AND write a letter to Santa!
Davison
Drive-thru Trunk or Treat
Oct. 10-20, 4-7pm • Lake Callis Park
Fleece & Thank You
Nov. 11, 1-4pm • The Hub
Help bring some kiddos warmth and comfort! Join fellow community members to make fleece blankets for children spending time in Ascension and Hurley Hospitals.
Trail of Lights
Dec. 8-10 / 15-17 / 21-23 • Robert Williams Nature & Historical Learning Center
Get into the spirit with the breathtaking beauty of the season!
Gingerbread Building Contest
Dec. 21 • Robert Williams Nature & Historical Learning Center
It’s Craft Show Season!
The Davison Farmers’ Market will be hosting many holiday shopping opportunities!
Harvest Craft Show & Festival
Oct. 14 & 21, Nov. 4
Deer Widows Craft Show & Festival
Nov. 11
Thanksgiving Craft Show
Nov. 18
Holiday Craft Show
Nov. 25, Dec. 2 / 9 / 16
Christmas Craft Show
Dec. 23
Fenton
Witches Night Out
Oct. 13, 4-9pm • Downtown Fenton
Shop and dine, win prizes and enjoy Halloween treats provided by local merchants! Fundraiser for Fenton Firefighters Charities.
Halloween Arts & Crafts Market
Oct. 13, 5-8pm • Fenton Community & Cultural Center • FREE
Annual Witches & Wizards Ball
Oct. 13, 8-11pm • Fenton Community & Cultural Center • Tickets $10, $15 at the door
Costume contest, cash bar and live entertainment! Visit slpr.net
An Event So Good It’s Scary
Oct. 31 • Fenton & Linden Chamber Member Businesses • FREE
This laid-back, fright-tastic community event features trick-or-treating at participating businesses – look for the pumpkin signs!
3rd Annual Craft Show & Holiday Bazaar
Nov. 10-11 • St. Jude’s Episcopal Church • $3
Browse the wares of crafters from the area, St. Jude’s congregation members and their families. 50/50 Raffles and door prizes giveaways throughout both days.
Jinglefest
Dec. 2 • Downtown Fenton
Marvel at ice sculptures along Shiawassee Ave. and S. Leroy St., get a picture taken with Santa, enjoy the magic of a holiday parade and music from carolers and local bands, watch the fireworks behind the Fenton Community & Cultural Center, run or walk in the Jinglejog 5K, enjoy snacks and goodies from local vendors, win a holiday shopping spree sponsored by area Chamber members and much more!
Flint
Tree-Lighting Ceremony
Dec. 19, 5:15pm
Gather with the community at Flint City Hall to welcome the city’s official holiday tree!
Flint Handmade 16th Annual Holiday Craft Market
Nov. 25, 10am-4pm • Flint Farmers’ Market
On Small Business Saturday, 20+ local artisans will display unique, handmade goods such as vintage-inspired jewelry, hand-poured candles, natural bath and body products, knit & crocheted items, home décor and much more. Live music by Erik McIntyre and Shannon Wade.
Crossroads Village
Halloween Ghosts & Goodies
Oct. 25-26 / 30-31, 5-9pm
One of autumn’s greatest traditions! Through October, you’ll find treats & tricks, cider & doughnuts, little monsters and big fun for the whole family. From the magic show at the Colwell Opera House to the straw maze and the 20 treat stops throughout the Village, it’s sure to put you in the spirit of the season – all included with admission. Top off your visit with a 40-minute ride through the autumn countryside on the famous Huckleberry Ghost Train Express. For ticket pricing and information, visit exploreflintandgenesee.org
Christmas Holiday Magic
Nov. 24-26, Dec. 1-3 / 8-10 / 15-17 / 20-23 / 28-30, 4-9pm
A family tradition for over 30 years! The spirit of the season fills the streets and shops of Crossroads Village, with thousands of sparkling lights. Join friends and family for an evening ride on the Huckleberry Railroad and watch artisans make vintage crafts. You’re sure to find gifts for everyone on your list. Pre-registration required at least one day in advance. For tram times and pricing, visit geneseecountyparks.org
Flushing
Get Lost (in Our) Corn Maze
Now through Nov. 5, 10am-10pm, Flushing Farms
Enjoy acres of fall family fun as you twist and turn your way through corn mazes, pick your own pumpkins and more!
Harvestfest
Oct. 7, 9:30am-4pm • Downtown Flushing
An autumn extravaganza! Contests include Best Beard, Scarecrow, Window Decorating, Apple Pie & Sidewalk Chalk Art PLUS craft vendors and a Chili Cook-off!
Candle Walk
Dec. 7-8 • Downtown Flushing
One of Flushing’s premiere events brings people together to enjoy Christmas shopping and festivities – including Santa! – illuminated by thousands of flickering candles.
For-Mar
Fall Harvest Festival
Oct. 14, 10am-1pm
Enjoy Fall Harvest Garden Time, a Cider Making Demo and a harvest themed crafts & activity area. The combo includes the Fall Harvest Festival activities, as well as a colorful tram ride through the For-Mar Arboretum & Nature Preserve where you will learn fun fall nature facts and history of the For-Mar property. Pre-registration required by 10.13. For ticket prices, visit exploreflintandgenesee.org.
Goodrich
Downtown Christmas
Dec. 7
Join in the annual family fun including a parade, tree-lighting, caroling, a visit from Santa and much more!
Grand Blanc
Smetanka Fall Craft Show
Nov. 11, 10am-4pm • Grand Blanc High School East Campus • $3 Admission Age 14 & over
Get into the holiday spirit and find unique gifts as you browse many quality craft vendors.
Winterfest
Dec. 7, 5-8pm • Physicians Park
A jolly holiday celebration with Santa & Mrs. Claus, reindeer, food trucks, vendors and the tree lighting!
Linden
Zombies, Scarecrows & Monsters
Oct. 13, 6pm & Oct. 14, 10:30pm, Eagles Wooden Park
Two nights of frightful family fun starts with a Zombie Walk (start gathering near the Library at 5:30p) on Friday Night followed by a walk through the spooky trails – Trick-or-Treat Trail (for all ages) and the Scare Trail for those who like an adventure. Enjoy Heaven on a Roll and The Fry Guy food trucks, a “Thriller” Flash Mob Dance (Fri) and other activities in the pavilion.
Holiday Happening
Dec. 1 • Downtown Linden
Complete with a Lighted Parade & Frosty Fireworks, Santa & Mrs. Claus, moonlight shopping, food trucks and MUCH MORE, this is a can’t miss community event!
Swartz Creek
Jeepers Creekers 5K
Oct. 7, 10am-Noon • $30
This 5K COSTUMED fun run is an amazingly spooky good time for the entire family! Early sign-ups get a medal & shirt. The route is set to run through various areas of Creek and end downtown at the Cottage Market that will take place immediately following the run. The Trunk-or Treat will be later that evening.
