Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 2nd of December.
Good morning, Traverse City.
🏘️ Community
Glen Arbor is celebrating the holiday season with its annual Strolling Lights Festival that features 25 decorated trees.
The 5th-year event invites sponsors to donate $150 per tree—proceeds go to the Empire Area Food Pantry to help local families.
Toys for Tots of Northwest Michigan is planning its busiest week with several toy donation events, including a Toy Bus event at Burger King in front of Meijer on Friday — where Meijer will match toy purchases made and donated.
Other events across the area will offer incentives like water park passes and matching cash donations until December 23.
🎓 Education
Vicki L. Beam from Michigan College Planning in Traverse City said many families use a 529 plan for college savings because it lets money grow tax-free when used for school costs and counts as a gift for estate planning—making it one of the most effective ways to save for college.
She invited readers to ask questions and share comments about upcoming columns.
🏥 Health
The Kingsley youth health center will close on December 18 as officials shift funds to a new school-based program that places a licensed mental health provider at Kingsley High School—this change follows a steady decline in client visits over the past five years.
Interviews are underway for a social worker and health educator while MDHHS and school officials back the pivot to improve service accessibility.
🎉 Traverse City Events
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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.
Candlelight Concert: Christmas Carols on Strings
8:45 p.m. — Kirkbride Hall — Ticket prices vary — Experience the magic of Christmas carols performed by the Listeso String Quartet under candlelight.
Dominic Fortuna’s Holiday Spectacular
4:00 – 9:30 p.m. — Hotel Indigo Traverse City by IHG — Ticket prices vary — Experience a night of festive entertainment, delicious holiday dining, and nostalgic music.
Traverse City Track Club Jingle Bell Run
5:30-11:30 p.m. — Park Place Hotel and Conference Center — Free entry — Enjoy a festive holiday run through beautifully decorated neighborhoods with cookies and hot cocoa afterwards.
🏠 Traverse City Real Estate
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💼 Traverse City Job Board
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📣 Traverse City Announcements
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