Chelsea, MI: The Annual Chelsea Hometown Holiday, is a festive, fun-filled weekend celebration that traditionally kicks off the holiday season in Chelsea. This year marks the 24th consecutive year for event and will take place the weekend of December 2-4, sponsored in part by Key Bank.
The activities start on Friday night when Santa Clause arrives to light the giant Christmas tree at Pierce Park. Youngsters will have a chance later that evening to sit on the big fella’s lap and share their wish list at Santa’s workshop at the Depot. “Unlike some of the other big events in town, this is really an event for the people of Chelsea,” says Chamber Director and organizer, Bob Pierce. “This is a true local celebration and we don’t really market outside of the community for that reason.”
There are many other attractions during the weekend including the 7th annual Holiday Light Parade along Main Street, lit up with illuminaries, on Saturday evening, followed by the community sing and afterglow party at Chelsea Teddy Bear. “The parade and sign-along after really represent the holiday spirit here in Chelsea,” says Pierce. “It doesn’t get much warmer or fuzzier than that event.”
There are a few new activities this year and the return of many of the standard favorites. Chelsea District Library is offering a Teen & Tween Gift making session on Saturday afternoon (2-3:30p). Younger kids pre-K to 5th grade have the opportunity to shop for those on their list at the Children’s Christmas Bazaar at the First United Methodist Church, also on Saturday (must sign up at ww.signupgenius.com/go/201268). The church will also host two Gingerbread House Workshops from 11:30a-12:30p and 12:30-1:30p. Families can decorate their own custom gingerbread house (FREE- reservations needed by calling the Chamber office @475-1145).
Chelsea’s own talented Youth Dance Theater will be performing the classic holiday ballet The Nutcracker at the high school, with 5 shows scheduled throughout the weekend. There are many other free concerts scheduled around town. If they didn’t get enough of Santa on Friday night, kids and their families are invited to have a FREE breakfast with Santa on Saturday morning at the Chelsea Comfort Inn & Village Conference Center, courtesy of Lake Trust Credit Union. Just down the road from there at the Chelsea Fair Grounds service building, dozens of local artists and crafters will show and sell their work at All The Trimmings Artisans Holiday Show (10a-4p).
Sunday features musical concerts throughout the day including the Chelsea Chamber Players performing two free holiday shows at the First United Methodist Church (3p & 7p) and the local church choirs singing holidays songs at the Festival of Lessons & Carols at the Chelsea Retirement Center Chapel (6:30p).
Chelsea will be all decked out in holiday splendor to warm your hearts and get everyone in the holiday spirit. Many of the local merchants will be open late all weekend for shopping. Free gift wrapping, refreshments, demonstrations and entertainment will be available at select stores (see web site).
For more information and a detailed list of events and activities (updated daily), please click on chelseafestivals.com or call 734-475-1145. You may also download a copy of the brochure from the web site.
Chelsea Hometown Holiday is graciously sponsored by Lake Trust Credit Union, Chelsea Teddy Bear Company and KeyBank. The event is cosponsored and planned by the Chelsea Area Chamber of Commerce.
Thanks to in-kind sponsors: Chelsea District Library, Chelsea Comfort Inn & Conference Center, The Chelsea Standard, City of Chelsea, Chelsea McDonald’s, Chelsea Rotary, Chelsea State Bank, Merkel Furniture & Carpet One, Chelsea First United Methodist Church, Chelsea Public Schools, and the Chelsea local Girl, Cub and Boy Scouts.
