Good morning, Traverse City.

Fleda Brown (a professor emerita and former poet laureate) explained her decision to send no Christmas cards this year, citing the overwhelming task of mailing them while choosing to share a personal message of simple joy in quiet moments.

A free IAF screening of the documentary 'True Cost of Defense' features local voices + examines the final Civil War pension payment made five years ago, with the event taking place today in Traverse City.

Jacobs, operator of the wastewater plant jointly owned with local townships, will upgrade the membrane bioreactor system — a low-energy aeration upgrade intended to cut energy use and extend its service life.

The project is expected to benefit Traverse City.

Several local ski resorts, including Crystal Mountain Resort in Thompsonville, Boyne USA near Boyne Falls, Gaylord's Treetops, Cadillac's Caberfae Peaks and Nubs Nob near Harbor Spring, will open ski and snowboard runs this weekend as they boost snow-making ahead of 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.