Good morning, Traverse City.

The Festival of Trains at Creekside Church in Traverse City is drawing more than 1,000 train enthusiasts for a festive holiday celebration.

Organizers plan a vibrant day with exhibits, rides, and family-friendly displays.

On December 26, 2025, Classical IPR stepped into a new phase by ending long-running programs, welcoming fresh staff, launching broadcast shows, and starting a concert series + the review marks a milestone in its 2025 journey.

Traverse City musician John Richard Paul plays over 200 dates a year with acts including country/roots rocker Drew Hale and credits legendary bassist John Entwistle for inspiring his bass career after a National Cherry Festival performance in 1995.

Munson Medical Center reported its drone study achieved a 91% success rate overall & that may boost the center’s use of unmanned aerial vehicles in upcoming medical trials.

After multiple house fires rocked the region this week, local fire experts advised homeowners to review safety practices — more than 40 responders fought a three-house blaze in Maple City on Dec.

21 and an attached garage fire in Garfield Township.

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.

New Year, New Garden: Landscape Design Workshop

10 AM - 2 PM — The Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park — Cost not specified — Enhance your gardening skills in this immersive two-day workshop led by expert Matthew Ross.

Frozen Foot Race

9:30 AM – 12:00 PM — Eastern Elementary School — Entry fee applicable — Kick off the 2026 race season with a chilly 5-mile run through Traverse City.

Kevin Rhodes Plays it Forward

7-8:30 p.m. — Traverse City Philharmonic — $100 per ticket — Enjoy a benefit concert featuring Maestro Rhodes while supporting the TC Phil and community programs.