Good morning, Traverse City.

With Christmas near, Traverse City tree farms share tips on choosing and caring for live trees (a Fraser fir is advised for lasting needles, a five- to six-foot tree suits first-time buyers, and growers recommend using hot water on the cut stem) to help trees last longer.

ABC 29&8 aired UpNorthLive Unscripted on Friday at 6:30 p.m., inviting viewers to choose between donating items or time and to share their favorite charity in the comments.

Wilson's Antiques began as a furniture store in 1914 and has been a 20,000 sqft antique mall for 36 years; manager Holly Dalley said the downtown shop now draws customers of all ages during the holiday season.

The Holiday Book Fair offered book signings and author chats with 27 local authors on Friday, Dec.

5 at the Mercato in Building 50 at Grand Traverse Commons. Hosted by Michigan Writers and TC Authors, the free event featured selections in poetry, children’s books, nonfiction, and mystery.

Old Town Playhouse continues its festive season with five sold-out runs and has added a new matinee for Matilda the Musical on Dec.

13 (a treat for families) as Greenspire School students set up a holiday photo booth.

West Michigan musician Troy Reimink offered his review of Clint Bentley's film Train Dreams, noting a striking scene of a redwood being felled by loggers that blends nature with industry.

His review brings a fresh local perspective to the film's exploration of timeless themes.

Luke Winslow-King grew up in Cadillac and spent 15 years in New Orleans before moving to Spain, blending folk, jazz, Delta blues and Cajun tunes into his evolving sound + his journey shows a creative mix of local and global influences.

Traverse City's Board of Education will vote on Monday to approve bond funds for a contract worth up to $726,330 to renovate the Glenn Loomis building (1009 South Oak Street) as Central Grade School students temporarily relocate to the administration building.

Networks Northwest invites residents and businesses in a 10-county area — from Emmet to Manistee — to join an anonymous survey open until January 5 that will help local officials improve recycling and waste management.

County commissioners approved updated plans for Project Alpha on Wednesday, adding solar panels for new buildings and a well for potable water (at the LaFranier Road campus expansion) in Grand Traverse County.

The Grand Traverse Mental Health Crisis and Access (GT Crisis Center) is offering help this holiday season for residents facing stress, loneliness, or loss.

Support services are available in Traverse City for those seeking mental health care.

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 New Year's Eve CherryT Ball Drop

10:30 PM – 12:30 AM — Downtown Traverse City Real Estate — Ticket info available online — Celebrate the New Year with a giant cherry drop and fireworks in the heart of the Cherry Capital.