Christmas in Saugatuck, Michigan

Celebrate the season Saugatuck style at Saugatuck’s Festive Holiday Parade on Saturday, December 2^nd at 1 PM on the famous Butler Street. The Whoville-themed celebration, the main event of the long day of holiday activities, also features the Mayor of Whoville as Parade Marshall and everyone’s favorite Whoville characters from How the Grinch Stole Christmas. See the women-only Peppermint Stick Brigade in red and gold regalia along with the men-only Snow Shovel Drill Team performing their famed snow shovel drills. Lastly, the Saugatuck High School Marching Band performs Christmas music to wrap up the event.

When the exciting and entertaining parade is over, stroll down Butler Street and start your holiday gift shopping for friends and family at our town’s famous small stores, art galleries, and family-owned specialty shops. In a world drowning in commercialism and mass-produced products, your loved ones will undoubtedly cherish the unique and handmade gifts you find for them on your stress-free stroll down Saugatuck’s beautiful Butler Street. Don’t forget to stop at Tuck’s The Christmas Shop, Saugatuck’s Christmas gift shop. You’ll find a variety of gifts for those back home; a festive ornament to remember your stay, vintage treasures, nutcrackers, and tasty treats. Just keep your eye out for the homemade cupcake display in the front window on Butler Street. Each of the signature cupcakes is $4.00 and makes a great gift (local favorites are almond joy and pretzel!).

Afterward, head to Fenn Valley Vineyards for Nouveau Fest to celebrate the first wine of the new vintage. Enjoy fun, food, and the newest wines in their infancy. This year, expect a fruity wine full of smooth berry flavors that make a perfect addition to your holiday party table or as a sweet wine to sip on after Christmas dinner next to the fireplace. This year, Fenn Valley celebrates its 26^th annual Nouveau Fest with homemade pizza recipes and festive holiday music from 1-5 PM.

Visit the Rose Garden at 5 PM for the annual Tree Lighting ceremony on December 2^nd and see Saugatuck illuminated in the splendor of holiday lights along the brick pathways of its seasonal downtown oasis. The Mize Memorial Rose Garden, constructed in 1998 and surrounded by the classic appeal of its black wrought iron fence offers visitors and locals a breathtaking garden to stroll through while taking a leisurely break from day-to-day activities. View statues from local artists and Saugatuck natives like Cyclists by William Tye, Sentinal II, and Fountainhead by Clyde Ball, a former Saugatuck resident. The garden is located at the corner of Butler and Mason Streets. The Tree Lighting Ceremony in the garden also features free hot chocolate and cookies as well as caroling.

For more information about Saugatuck’s festive holiday events, activities, and stores, visit the website.