The city of Bridgman is gearing up for its annual Christmas celebration next Saturday, December 14.
Greater Bridgman Area Chamber and Growth Alliance Director Nancy Kiernan tells us the Bridgman Holiday Village is one of the biggest events of the year as businesses across town hold events to welcome the holidays.
“It’s fun to see all the businesses get together like this,” Kiernan said. “I think this is one of those events that really shows that there’s a community in Bridgman that cares about having a wonderful town and cares about celebrating itself and its businesses and its community.”
Everything starts at 9 a.m. with a pancake and hot cocoa combo being offered at Molly’s Beach Walk Cafe and crafts at the Bridgman Public Library. The rest of the day will include free pet photos at Transient Artisan Ales, a screening of Elf at the Bridgman Library, kids face painting at Lake Street Eats, the Holiday Pop-Up Market at Immanuel Lutheran Church, and hot Cocoa and popcorn at Lake Street Community Church and Woodland Shores Baptist Church.
The city Christmas tree lighting will be at 6:15 with a brand new 18-foot tree this year. Kiernan says they’ll then hold a party.
“There will be an adults only snowball social or party at the American Legion in the evening and we’re inviting anyone and everyone who wants to come out and have some fun and have a dance.”
There’s a long list of activities and events planned at this year’s Bridgman Holiday Village, and Kiernan estimates around 6,000 people will come to town that day.
Full Schedule of Events and Participating Merchants:
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.: Christmas Pancakes and Hot Cocoa $10 Combo at Molly’s Beach Walk Cafe
10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.: Take-home crafts at Bridgman Public Library (while supplies last)
11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.: Drop in Holiday DIY and Kids make Holiday cards for Veterans with the VFW at Owen Sisters & Co.
12:00 – 9:00 p.m.: Free Pet Photos at Transient Artisan Ales
1:00 – 4:00 p.m.: Movie “Elf” at Bridgman Public Library
1:00 – 4:00 p.m.: Children’s Face Painting at Lake Street Eats
1:00 – 5:00 p.m.: Holiday Pop-Up Market at Immanuel Lutheran Church & School
1:00 – 6:00 p.m.: Christmas Ornament Painting ($7 each) at Rebecca’s Ceramics
1:00 – 6:00 p.m.: Hot Cocoa and popcorn with Lake Street Community Church and Woodland Shores Baptist Church at Lake Street Community Church downtown
2:00 – 4:00 p.m.: Live Nativity at Immanuel Lutheran Church Yard
2:00 p.m.: Christmas Cardio Kickboxing at Lake Street Fit Lake Street location parking Lot, plus tours of the new gym
2:00 – 6:00 p.m.: Elf Village with cotton candy, popcorn, hot chocolate, and kids games with elves at the Getaway Grille & Cubbie Bar 2:30 – 4:00 p.m.: Kids games at Strefling Insurance Agency
3:00 p.m.: Pet Parade down Lake Street with Paws To Wash
3:00 – 5:00 p.m.: Chili Cook-Off with Lake Time Brewing & Spirits, 5:30 p.m. winner announced.
3:00 – 6:00 p.m.: Cookies & Storytime with Mrs. Claus at The Sandpiper & Hoof-to-Hanger Fiber Mill
3:00 – 6:00 p.m.: Free Dog Treats at Paws To Wash
3:00 – 6:00 p.m.: Photos with Santa and hot chocolate at Rising Kites Coffee
3:00 – 6:00 p.m.: Christmas Caroling through the downtown with Immanuel Lutheran Church
3:00 – 6:30 p.m.: Italian Beef sandwiches & Pretzels with D’Agostino’s Navajo Bar & Grill in the Transient parking lot
3:30 p.m.: Hot Chocolate & Coffee with Biggby Coffee in the Courtyard (while supplies last)
4:00 – 6:00 p.m.: Free Temporary Tattoos at Ink About It Tattooing
5:00 – 6:00 p.m.: Caroling through downtown with Immanuel Lutheran Church
6:00 p.m.: Tree Lighting Ceremony
6:15 p.m.: Winner of the Tree Decorating Contest announced
6:30 – 9:30 p.m.: Adults only Snowball Party at the Bridgman American Legion