Beginning December 2 and running through Sunday, December 7, be sure to take in the many holiday events in the area.
On Tuesday, December 2, it's the Macomb Middle School holiday concert at Fellheimer Auditorium beginning at 7 p.m., followed by Macomb High School's Winter Choir concert on Wednesday, December 3, at 7 p.m. at Fellheimer Auditorium.
On Friday evening, the Annual Dickens on the Square event begins with the arrival of Santa Claus on the Zephyr Express. The events start at 4:30 p.m. at the Crafty Coop, where you can paint your own ornament, then head to Copperfields for roasted chestnuts on your way to the North Pole Square family event held at the Macomb Arts Center.
Santa will arrive at 6:17 p.m. at the train station and will visit children at the Community Room in Macomb City Hall from 6:45-8 p.m.
Don't forget to stop by the St. Paul Cookie Walk while in City Hall!
Horse-drawn carriage rides, living windows, strolling Victorian characters and carolers, a live nativity scene and more will all be happening around the historic downtown square. Be sure to drop off a few toys at B & K Associates — it always makes you feel good to make someone's Christmas special!
On Saturday, the Children's Shopping Mall takes place at Clock Tower Bank from 10 a.m. -noon - a great event for area children's shopping needs with presents for everyone on their list, all under $25. St. Paul Cookie Walk continues at City Hall, as well as visits with Santa. The United Way's North Pole Village will be taking place at Park Place.
New this year — a free children's holiday movie at The Penny will be held at 11 a.m.
Holiday crafts will be at the Macomb Arts Center and at Macomb Public Library, plus the Friends of the Library Book Sale from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. A huge assortment of activities will be going on at the WI Museum all day, including the Tuba Christmas performance — a can't miss! Horse-drawn trolley rides continue, and specials at a variety of retailers make this event extra special! The Holiday Festival of Choirs at the Wesley United Methodist Church will host two shows: at 2 p.m. and at 7:30 p.m.
For more information on Dickens on the Square events go to the City of Macomb events web page or pick up a Holiday Happenings book, which includes all the area holiday events at the Community News Brief, 13 E. Side Square - and take in shopping local art and vintage while you're there!
Christmas at the Barn at the 4-H Center will take place both Friday and Saturday, Dec. 5 and 6, from 5:30-8 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday. Be sure to bring the family for family activities and writing letters to Santa, plus a wide selection of handcrafted merchandise.
Saturday evening, December 6, head to Bushnell for the Parade of Lights leading to the arrival of Santa. Sunday, December 7, is Bushnell's Christmas Extravaganza that includes Ernie the train rides, visiting with Santa at the Depot, drawings for the kids, and no tax at participating merchants. The VFW will also host its Annual Christmas Craft and Vendor Show from noon- 4 p.m., serving a soup luncheon to warm those chilled bones.
Outside McDonough County, enjoy Roseville Christmas in the Village December 3; Amish buggy rides, pictures with Santa, live music, live auctions, a tree contest and so much more! Carthage Annual Christmas Open House will be hosting its 31st year: lighted tractor parade, horsedrawn carriage rides, games, Little Miss and Master contest and watch for a special Christmas lighting in the square as Memorial Hospital celebrates their 75th Anniversary!
