Good morning, Traverse City.

The CherryT Ball Drop lit up downtown Traverse City on New Year’s Eve — the 600-pound ball with over 3,000 lights descended from nearly 100 feet at midnight, drawing around 10,000 attendees who donated $5 to support the North Ed Foundation.

Twelve Out ’n About friends shared their health goals for 2026 and encouraged residents to move more and gather outdoors.

Their stories inspire a community commitment to healthy living — a call to start the new year with energy.

Local hunter Christopher Smith said that a strong blizzard is affecting his chance to secure another deer as the season winds down.

He plans to adjust his routine with better conditioning to boost his success in upcoming hunts.

New Year, New Garden: Landscape Design Workshop

10 AM - 2 PM — The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park — Cost not specified — Enhance your gardening skills in this immersive two-day workshop led by expert Matthew Ross.

Frozen Foot Race

9:30 AM – 12:00 PM — Eastern Elementary School — Entry fee applicable — Kick off the 2026 race season with a chilly 5-mile run through Traverse City.

Kevin Rhodes Plays it Forward

7-8:30 p.m. — Traverse City Philharmonic — $100 per ticket — Enjoy a benefit concert featuring Maestro Rhodes while supporting the TC Phil and community programs.

Ice Wine Festival

11 a.m.-5 p.m. — Chateau Chantal Winery and Inn — Free entry — Enjoy wine tastings, an ice sculpture luge, and outdoor activities like snowshoeing and S’mores.