GLADSTONE, Mich. (WZMQ) – The holiday season officially begins this week for the City of Gladstone.
The annual Old-Fashioned Christmas celebration is scheduled for Friday, November 28, from 5 to 7 p.m. The event will begin with a tree lighting, followed by a live nativity, trailer rides, and many other activities at downtown businesses.
“We have Santa coming in on horse and carriage, lots of hot chocolate and cookies, crafts, a Christmas market, and of course, Santa photos,” said Gladstone Downtown Ambassador Samantha Gaudino. “Almost all of [our downtown businesses] are participating this year.”
Those businesses are currently getting their storefronts ready for this year’s newest addition—a window decorating contest. Throughout the evening, Old-Fashioned Christmas attendees will be able to use QR codes posted around town to vote for their favorite windows.
Gaudino says this Gladstone tradition brings the community together to kick off the holiday season while supporting small businesses.
“With tradition comes generational experiences, so it’s really magical to come into the downtown and experience that for the night,” she said. “It’s also just really important to get everybody involved, gather, and remember the reason for the season, which is to enjoy our community, go into those businesses that maybe you haven’t visited yet, and just have a fun night with family.”
Attendees can also visit the market square to warm up at the burning barrels. There, they will also see a smaller Christmas tree decorated with ornaments made by local students.
For the full list of Old-Fashioned Christmas activities and participating businesses, click here.
