Traverse City News and Events

Everything You Ever Wanted To Know About Traverse City's Downtown Christmas Tree

By Craig Manning | Nov. 22, 2025

Tonight is the night for the Traverse City Light Parade and tree lighting celebration in downtown Traverse City, which means the holiday season is officially upon us. To commemorate the occasion, The Ticker checks in with leaders from Team Elmer’s and the City of Traverse City to learn all about this year’s tree – from its near-unprecedented size to all the behind-the-scenes work that brings this holiday tradition to life.

According to Tonya Wildfong, communications and marketing director for Team Elmer’s, 2025 marks the 46th year the company has donated its services to place the Christmas tree (and Santa’s House) in their traditional downtown TC locations. The job involves significant …

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Munson Awarded $2.5 Million Grant for Homelessness Care

Munson Healthcare has been awarded a $2.5 million grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration to expand …

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Brilliant Books Filing for Bankruptcy; No Fulfillment for Orders/Subscriptions or Refunds

After closing its doors on Front Street at the end of October and originally planning to continue …

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New Legislation Would Allow Communities To Impose Extra Tax On Hotels, Short-Term Rentals For Infrastructure And Essential Services

New bills co-sponsored by one of northern Michigan’s legislators could change the way hospitality properties are taxed, …

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Developer Pulls Plug on Kalkaska Data Center

The developer behind a proposed data center in Kalkaska has pulled the plug on the project following …

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Today Saturday, November 22, 2025

5:00 PM

Snowvember Fest XX - 20 Years of Rails, Music & Mayhem

Kick off winter with creative railjam setups, DJs, food & drinks in the lodge, prizes for standout tricks … More Info >>

5:00 PM

Traverse City Light Parade

Festivities begin at 5pm with treats, sing-alongs, & Santa's arrival to light the tree at 6pm, followed by … More Info >>

6:00 PM

2nd Annual Holiday Hideaway

Enjoy the Light Parade in style... from above! Christmas music, full bar & treats. $15 in advance; includes … More Info >>

7:00 PM

Interlochen Pianist Hyemin Kim & Oboist Daniel Gurevich

Featuring "Oboe: The Singing Voice" with music by M. Arnold, R. Still, C. Saint-Sa'ns, G. Verdi, G. Donizetti, … More Info >>

7:00 PM

Under Front (Mini) Comedy Fest

A two day mini comedy festival presented by Full Tilt Comedy. Enjoy events showcasing musical improv, long form, … More Info >>

7:00 PM

Urinetown: The Musical

Presented by TC Central High School Music Department. A blend of outrageous humor with sharp political commentary. Set … More Info >>

7:30 PM

The Minutes

A city council meeting spirals into a dark exploration of American politics & the fragility of local government, … More Info >>

County Commissioners Talk Silver Lake Levels, Project Funding

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Save Big On The Ticker During Thanksgiving Week

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Restaurant & Retail Businesses On the Move Downtown & Beyond

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Suspects Plead Not Guilty, Denied Bond in TC Shooting

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City Considers Placemaking Project with New Downtown Hotel

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City Addresses Parking Garage Security Following Shooting

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Local Toys For Tots Will Kick Off Seasonal Campaign This Weekend

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Seasonal Showtime: 20+ Holiday Shows, Concerts, Ballets & Plays

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Residence Inn By Marriott (Finally) Opens In East Bay Township

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How Dual Enrollment And Early College Programs Became Crucial Offerings For NMC, TCAPS

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Data Center Explored for Kalkaska

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City Parking Employee Found Shot Dead in Deck

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Hickory Hills Ski Area Targets Dec 19 Opening

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Two Arrested After Robbery, Police Chase in Traverse City

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