There’s something special about Michigan’s Upper Peninsula during the winter. It’s stunning landscapes all dressed beautifully in untouched snow, the Northern Lights dancing across the sky, and now timeless winter decorations to last throughout the winter.

Calumet

In the middle of the Keweenaw Peninsula, the historic village of Calumet sits. This village was once at the center of the copper mining industry. Now, the downtown district is recognized as a National Historic Landmark District. The village decorates its Main Street Calumet and hosts numerous events throughout the month of December for some classic holiday fun.

Here are a few of the many events hosted by the local businesses and organizations to check out this Christmas:

Saturday, December 3rd

46th Annual Poor Artists Sale at the CLK Gym from 11AM-4PM.

KNHP Visitors Center from 12PM-3PM with ‘living windows’ and crafts for the kids.

Saturday, December 10th

You can enjoy free wagon rides from 10AM-2PM. You can find the station on 5th Street, by Cafe Rosetta.

Stop by Ramona’s Bakery from 10AM-2PM for free pictures with Santa.

At the Calumet Theatre, you can find Santa’s Workshop from 11AM-1PM, Children’s Theatre from 1PM-6PM, and the tree lighting at 6:30PM inside the theatre.

While you’re shopping Main Street Calumet, don’t forget to check out the living window displays featuring the Chassell Heritage Organization’s Friends of Fashion from 12:00PM-3:00PM

Saturday, December 17th

You can enjoy free wagon rides from 10AM-2PM. You can find the station on 5th Street, by Cafe Rosetta.

Sledding with Santa & Hot Cocoa Bar from 10AM-2PM located in the 300 Block Greenspace on 5th Street.

Norwegian Paper Crafts & Cookie Decorating from 10am-2om at 210 5th Street.

Skate with Santa at the Gipp in Laurium from 3PM-4:30PM

Chassell

Let’s go back in time to enjoy an old fashioned Christmas in downtown Chassell. Chassell has a lot of history; but when the copper mining industry started to boom, it was just a whistlestop on the railroad by the name of Pike Bay. It was later renamed Chassell in recognition of the area’s first settler, John Chassell. It is now known for it’s famous Strawberry Festival every year, but it is also known for its multiple events in celebration of Christmas.

Wednesday, December 7th + Thursday, December 8th

The festivals kick off starts with the Chassell Township lighting and decorating contest. You can find many homes decorated for the theme of an old-fashioned Christmas.

Friday, December 9th

At 1:00PM, you can witness the Chassell Elementary School Christmas Program.

From 5:00PM-8:00PM, you can find the second annual Beth Zadorecky tree lighting, live carolers, Santa, goodies, and horse drawn carriages.

Saturday December 10th

Be sure to head to the Christmas Market for any last minute gifts from 10:00AM-3:00PM at Chassell Schools.

While you’re browsing, don’t forget to swing into the Chassell Womens Club Pie & Coffee sale from 10:00AM-3:00PM, also at Chassell School.

Stop in to Chassell Schools for breakfast and lunch with the Chassell Senior Class 9:00AM-2:30PM.

Or, you can swing into the Keweenaw Country Store for free coffee and pastries from 10:00AM-5:00PM

Santa Clause will be visiting and decorating cookies at the Chassell Heritage Center from 11:00AM-2:00PM.

If you want to take a peak at history, head over to the Chassell Heritage Center for the museum open house, traditional live music, and the Chassell Friends of Fashion from 11:00AM-3:00PM.

While many events are free, you can also tour the decorated homes and experience gourmet tasting. Tickets are $10 and can be found at: Chassell General Store, Chassell Heritage Museum, Superior Family Chiropractic, Calumet Visitors Bureau, and the Holiday Handcrafts Bazaar.

Houghton

Houghton has started an initiative to make their historic downtown festive this holiday season. They are bringing in rustic horse-drawn carriage rides, Santa is making a stop, a giant ornament has been added next to the city Christmas tree, hot food, beverages, festive lights, and holiday music! While the events may slow after Christmas, the decorated town will stay up until Michigan Technological University’s Winter Carnival in February.

Saturday December 3Rd

Enjoy rustic horse-drawn carriage rides from 4PM-7PM along Lakeshore Drive, where you will ride and view the Portage Lake Bridge and the city’s holiday-themed illuminated winter trail. You can get in line at the Portage Lake Library.

Holiday characters will be by the Portage Lake Library, along with hot cocoa and music, to keep you entertained while you are waiting in line.

Tree Lighting at the waterfront by the giant ornament

Pictures with Santa.

Shopping and Dining Specials.

Friday December 17th

Enjoy rustic horse-drawn carriage rides from 4PM-7PM along Lakeshore Drive, where you will ride and view the Portage Lake Bridge and the city’s holiday-themed illuminated winter trail. You can get in line at the Portage Lake Library