Good morning, Traverse City.

Toys for Tots Northwest Michigan is hosting its kickoff toy donation event today at Fox Grand Traverse Collision Center from 12 to 2 p.m.—covering five counties as donors drop off gifts to help children receive toys this Christmas; last year nearly 35,000 toys reached over 5,000 children and Santa greeted each car. Donors are encouraged to bring toys to assist families in need during the holiday season.

Thousands of lights will brighten Front Street tonight as Traverse City gathers for Santa’s arrival, the holiday tree lighting, and the parade that has been part of the celebration since 2017—organized by the Downtown Traverse City Association to boost local participation.

Traverse City resident Kristy Hooper, whose son Lawrence Boyd was killed at a parking deck, was diagnosed with leukemia within 24 hours and will begin a seven-day hospital treatment on Monday — her community is raising funds for a needed bone marrow transplant so his memory lives on.

Traverse City's Ashton Park playground initiative is nearing completion using natural materials from two construction projects—black locust logs from the Senior Center and boulders from the Grandview Parkway project—and features play areas for ages 2–5 and 5–12.

A ribbon cutting will mark the project on December 4 at 2 p.m.

The government shutdown ended and the snow melted as Crooked Tree Arts Center began talks with the City to extend its lease at 322 Sixth Street, which expires in October 2026.

The delay in the RFP process affects local artists, art sales, nearly 1,000 students, and community members — highlighting the center's key role in local life.

Northwestern Michigan College will review a Beverage Management Certificate Level I at its upcoming Board of Trustees meeting — if approved, students can enroll in the new culinary program for Fall 2026.

Invasive jumping worms from Southeast Asia are spreading in northern Michigan and eating mulch and leaf litter—weakening the soil's protection, according to MSU Extension educator Nathaniel Walton.

Residents are urged to inspect their plants and soil and report sightings to help slow the spread.

Traverse City is preparing Hickory Hills Recreation Area for winter with 16 runs for skiing and snowboarding + cross-country trails if weather permits.

An open house is scheduled for December 10 and the area will target opening on December 19 while season passes and seasonal job openings are now available.

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.

Women in Tech Meetup – Traverse City

5-7 p.m. — Earthen Ales — Free entry — Connect and empower each other in a casual setting focused on women in tech.