Holiday Event Roundup

Looking to get in the holiday spirit this week? Look no further. The Ticker has your guide to the parties, events, services and celebrations taking place for Christmas and New Year's Eve around the region this season. Happy holidays!

Christmas
Numerous local churches will offer special Christmas Eve services tonight, including First Baptist Church of Traverse City (4 p.m.), Church of the Living God (6 p.m.), Bay Pointe Community Church (1, 3, 5 & 7 p.m.) and St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church (4 p.m. and midnight). Bayview Wesleyan Church will host a live Nativity from 5:30-6:30 p.m. today, while Central United Methodist Church will host live Nativity scenes at 3:30 and 5 p.m., traditional lessons and carols services at 7 and 9 p.m., and a candlelight service with Holy Communion at 11 p.m.

Children of all ages hoping to see Santa Claus can do so at his house at the corner of Cass and State streets in downtown Traverse City today from noon-3 p.m. Santa will also be available for photos and visits at the Grand Traverse Mall from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. today (break from 12:30-1). Those hoping to see a larger-than-life Kris Kringle can catch him on the big screen at the State Theatre, which will be hosting a series of holiday film screenings today and tomorrow including The Polar Express (10 a.m. today), It's a Wonderful Life (12:30 p.m. today) and Miracle on 34th Street (10:30 a.m. Christmas morning).

While holiday cooking is an annual tradition for some, others may want to a break from the kitchen this year. Fortunately, Traverse City Tourism has compiled its annual list of local restaurants open on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, viewable online here. Establishments offering Christmas Day buffets include West Bay Beach Holiday Inn Resort, Great Wolf Lodge, Grand Traverse Resort & Spa and Phil's on Front.

New Year's Eve
An estimated 10,000 attendees last year cemented the CherryT Ball Drop as the region's number-one New Year's Eve celebration. Now in its fourth year, Traverse City's version of Times Square – complete with a massive lit cherry in lieu of a dropping ball – will be setting up at the corner of Park and Front Street and offering live music and entertainment from 9:30 p.m. until midnight. Hosted as a fundraiser and food drive for Goodwill Food Pantry and other local nonprofits, the event has generated over 30,000 pounds of donated food since its inception. There is a suggested admission donation of $3 or 3 non-perishable food items.

Just around the corner in the Warehouse District, the InsideOut Gallery will host a “Swingin' String' New Year's Eve” party with musical guests Billy Strings, Don Julin and The True Falsettos from 8 p.m. until 1 a.m. A $10 admission includes all entertainment, cash bar, cash food buffet and a midnight toast. Tickets are available at the door (if not sold out) or in advance at InsideOut Gallery and Oryana Natural Foods Market.

For those looking for family-friendly options, Shanty Creek Resorts and Grand Traverse Resort & Spa will offer a wide variety of on-site activities designed for all ages. New Year's Eve guests can ski for free at Shanty Creek Resorts from 6:30-11:00 p.m., then enjoy fireworks at midnight. Multiple dinner and entertainment options for both adults and children will be offered at the facility's three villages.

At Grand Traverse Resort & Spa, a “Roaring 20's” party featuring live music from the Bluewater Kings Band will be held in the Governor's Hall beginning at 6 p.m. Tickets – including dinner, dancing and a champagne toast – are $85 per person. Aerie Restaurant will also offer a special New Year's Eve dinner. For the younger set, a Kid's New Year's Eve Party will be available for ages 6-12 from 6 p.m.-1 a.m. for $40 per child (licensed childcare is also available for ages 0-6). Overnight ticket and accommodations packages are available.