NOVEMBER 29 - DECEMBER 31 BEAR LAKE'S SPARKLE IN THE PARK. Visit this Holiday Showcase at the lakeside Village Park. Nearly 50 lighted displays. Ideal for family "walks through our winter wonderland" or leisurely drive-thru. No admission - donations welcome at Pavilion. Sponsored by Bear Lake Promoters, for information contact Pauline Jaquish at 231-864-3766 or pjaquish@coslink.net
DECEMBER 4-7 VICTORIAN SLEIGHBELL PARADE AND OLD CHRISTMAS WEEKEND: A whole weekend of excitement including; Sleighbell Parade with horse drawn entries, historic building tours, special Christmas production at the historic Ramsdell Theatre, Festival of Trees, concerts, museum and art exhibits, and much more. Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce, 231-723-2575; 800-288-2286. E-mail - chamber@manistee.com; web address - www.manisteecountychamber.com
DECEMBER 5-7 ALICE IN WONDERLAND: A main stage musical. Historic Ramsdell Theatre, 101 Maple St., 231-723-9948.
DECEMBER 7 OPEN HOUSE AT THE KALEVA ART GALLERY: Noon-5:00 pm. The Kaleva Art Gallery will host an open house on Sunday, in the historic drug store building, downtown Kaleva. Arts and crafts demonstrations and refreshments will be served. From Manistee take US 31 north to Nine Mile Road east.
DECEMBER 7 CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION AT THE KALEVA BOTTLE HOUSE: The Kaleva Bottle House Museum will be open on Sunday, December 7, from noon to 5:00 pm for a special Christmas celebration. Traditional decorations, the Finnish Heaven, music and refreshments will make this a memorable visit. The Bottle House is located at the corner of Wuoksi and Kauko streets in Kaleva.
DECEMBER 12-13 ALICE IN WONDERLAND: A main stage musical. Historic Ramsdell Theatre, 101 Maple St., 231-723-9948.
DECEMBER 13 CHRISTMAS IN BEAR LAKE: Bear Lake School, Cody Street. County's original living nativity procession, pageant, sing-along, live music concert, jingle bell race, arts & crafts, face painting, children's games, hay rides, chili cook-off, sloppy Joe concession. Visit with Santa, puppet show. Presented by Bear Lake Promoters, Gloria Edwards, 231-864-3127, www.bearlakemichigan.com
DECEMBER 21 WINTER SOLSTICE: Celebrated in Kaleva by lighting the cemetery with over 600 luminaries. This tradition is a community effort to light the longest night by placing candles in paper bags on loved ones graves in the Kaleva cemetery. Meet at 4 pm. across from the cemetery on Kaleva St. to help. The beautiful, moving sight can be enjoyed the whole evening, 231-362-3793.