THREE RIVERS — Christmas Around Town, the annual holiday extravaganza in downtown Three Rivers that has gone on for almost 50 years, will take place next week, Nov. 28-30.
The event begins on Friday, Nov. 28 with Black Friday deals at participating downtown businesses and a window storybook stroll that begins at the Three Rivers Public Library. At 6 p.m., a tree lighting ceremony will take place in the Mural Mall, with hot cocoa and GG’s Cookies being served, sponsored by the Three Rivers Improvement Movement.
Following the tree lighting ceremony, a free Holiday Spectacular concert will take place at the Riviera Theatre at 7 p.m. One lucky audience member will be the raffle winner of a family-fun gift basket, valued over $100.
On Saturday, Nov. 29, the holiday fun continues with Santa Claus arriving by fire truck to the Riviera Theatre at noon to greet children and take photos. During Santa’s visit, from 3-4 p.m., there will be a quiet sensory hour for children that want a calmer visit with Santa.
Local shops will also be offering holiday deals to celebrate Small Business Saturday. Other events going on during the afternoon include take-and-make cookie decorating kits from GG’s Cookies, holiday crafts at the Three Rivers Public Library from noon to 3:30 p.m., horse-drawn carriage rides, face painting, and a holiday scavenger hunt with a drawing to win a gift certificate to Lowry’s Books and More.
At 6 p.m. Saturday will be the first-ever Holiday Light Parade in downtown Three Rivers, with the parade route going from Hoppin Elementary to Riverside Church. A parade of bright and twinkling floats, cars and people will light up North Main Street and East Michigan Avenue throughout the route.
Sunday, Nov. 30 will be the final day of festivities, featuring two showings of The Polar Express at the Riviera Theatre at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m., put on in part by Immaculate Conception Catholic School. Entry is free with the donation of a non-perishable food item or items. Caroling, hot cocoa, and carriage rides will also take place in the afternoon.
“Bring your family and friends and make this a weekend to remember,” Three Rivers Downtown Development Authority Executive Director Angie Metty said in a statement. “Let’s celebrate the season together.”
