Good morning, Traverse City.

The downtown Traverse City Christmas tree was placed Monday to begin the festive season— the blue spruce weighs about 3,800 pounds, was donated by the Smart family from Cedar Run Road, and will soon be decorated with more than 4,000 lights.

Precision Plumbing and Heating Systems has opened nominations for its 19th Annual Precision Furnace Makeover — offering a free, high-efficiency Trane furnace to a deserving family in need.

Nominees must live in Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Antrim, Benzie, or Kalkaska counties and submit by December 21.

Networks Northwest says strong community development builds a better regional economy—Janie McNabb, CEO, explains that the area needs a focused, strategic approach to help local residents and businesses thrive.

The group stresses that growth goes beyond preserving natural beauty.

Interim City Manager Benjamin Marentette said city staff remain heartbroken as they paid tribute to Lawrence Boyd IV, 32— a Traverse City Parking Services employee fatally shot over the weekend.

Michigan State University is launching a new rural health education site at Cadillac Hospital—medical students will now train with local doctors in Cadillac and Traverse City to gain hands-on experience in rural care.

The program is designed to deepen students' understanding of community health and may encourage graduates to practice in smaller towns.

Traverse City Light & Power will work on Munson Avenue near Three Mile Road on November 21 from 4 a.m. to 6 a.m. to replace overhead wires and stop traffic temporarily while local law enforcement works with MDOT to run signals on battery backup if needed.

Traverse City Light Parade

5:30-9 p.m. — Downtown Traverse City Association — Free entry — Celebrate the holiday season with Santa’s arrival, a tree lighting, and a vibrant light parade down Front Street.

Traverse City Turkey Trot

8:45 a.m. — St. Francis High School — Kids under 3 free — Celebrate Thanksgiving with the 18th Annual Turkey Trot featuring a fun 5K run/walk and 5-mile race.

2025 Mac & Cheese Bake-Off

10 AM – 5 PM — Old Mission Peninsula Wine Trail — Ticket sales begin October 1st — Experience the ultimate pairing of seasonal wines with inventive Mac & Cheese dishes from top chefs.

Dennos Brand Refresh Presentation and Q&A

2-3 p.m. — Dennos Museum Center — Free entry — Community members gather to learn about the Dennos brand updates and engage in a Q&A session.

Visible Mending Workshop

1-3 p.m. — Dennos Museum Center — Materials provided — Learn creative sewing techniques while mending garments or making soft-sculptures from scrap fabric.

Make Your Own Fresh Holiday Wreath

10 AM – 12 PM — The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park — Tickets limited — Create a handcrafted wreath using fresh evergreens and natural accents to celebrate the holiday season.

Men's Night Shopping Event

5-9 p.m. — Downtown Traverse City Association — Free entry — A festive shopping night dedicated to men with exclusive holiday deals and surprises.

The Bergamot - A South Shore Christmas

7:30-10:30 p.m. — City Opera House — Cost info not provided — Experience soaring harmonies and heartwarming stories at this beloved Christmas tradition.

Christmas in the Village 2025

3-6 p.m. / 11 a.m.-2 p.m. — The Village at Grand Traverse Commons — Free entry — Celebrate the season with festive activities, shopping specials, and visits with Santa.

DMC Concert: Mr. Sun

6-7:30 p.m. — Dennos Museum Center — Ticket info available — Experience the innovative sound of supergroup Mr. Sun reimagining classical works through American roots music.