GENESEE COUNTY, MI – With Christmas less than 30 days away, there’s no shortage of holiday activities happening in Genesee County.
From The Nutcracker to craft shows and a Santa Run, here are things to do in Flint and Genesee County from Friday, Dec. 1 to Sunday, Dec. 2.
Christmas on Main
The Davison DDA’s Christmas on Main is set to bring some holiday cheer to the community.
This year’s version takes place from 6-8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 1, kicking off with the Christmas Parade of Lights at the beginning of the event.
The parade runs down Mill Street, to Main Street, ending at the intersection of Fourth Street and Davison Street.
Other activities are set to include pictures with Santa, pony rides, make & take ornaments, silent tree auction, letter to Santa, card making, grab and go ornament, along with hot chocolate, cotton candy, and a free cookie.
A Christmas Holiday Market will also be taking place as part of the event at The Journey Center, 102 S. Main St.
Vendors set to attend include Backyard Bees LLC, Apple Lane Orchard, Tallow Mama, Interwoven, SON International, Serving Our Neighbor, The B&E Company, Cooper’s Candle Creations, KBclays and DAW Crayons.
In a partnership between Journey Ministries and The B&E Company, free face painting will be available for kids. A free kid’s craft corner will also be part of the market.
The Nutcracker – Flint Institute of Music
Beginning at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2, Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker has been a family holiday tradition for decades.
Located at the FIM Whiting Auditorium, 1241 E. Kearsley St., join the Flint Symphony Orchestra, Flint School of Performing Arts ballet students, and professional guest artists from Collage Dance Collective in celebrating this beloved holiday tradition.
To purchase tickets, click here.
Annual YMCA Santa Run and Walk
Tis the season for a holiday favorite with the YMCA of Greater Flint’s annual Family Santa Run/Walk.
This family race will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, in downtown Flint.
The 14th Annual Santa Run/Walk offers a one-mile, 5k, or 1/4 mile untimed event, with each participant receiving a five-piece Santa suit and participant medal.
Register at www.flintymca.com for those interested.
“For many Flint families, it isn’t Black Friday or Christmas music on the radio but the Santa Run that officially starts the Christmas season,” said Janet Tweddle, Chief Operating Officer of the YMCA of Greater Flint, in a news release. “Every year, the entire Flint community looks forward to a thousand Santas running through Downtown.”
Each year, proceeds from the annual Santa Run/Walk go to benefit the YMCA’s Partner with Youth Campaign. This year’s goal is $450,000.
The Partner with Youth program provides scholarships for youth, families, and seniors to attend YMCA Camp Copneconic, various YMCA programs, Y Safe Places Afterschool Program, and memberships.
“Everyone who participates has a great time, and because the money goes to help a great cause it really helps put you in the spirit of the season,” said Tweddle. “Seeing thousands of Santas running jogging down the street makes for miles of smiles.”
For the 13th straight year, the Al Serra Auto Plaza in Grand Blanc is the event’s main sponsor.
Sponsors also include Dort Financial Credit Union, Goyette Mechanical, Hurley Foundation, Hubbard Supply, HAP, United Way of Genesee County, Pioneer State Mutual, Coffee Beanery, University of Michigan Credit Union, and Jersey Mike’s (Davison).
Schedule of events:
10 a.m. – Santa’s Workshop opens with crafts and photo opportunities
11:45 a.m. – Reindeer Race – 1/4 mile race for little racers
12 p.m. – Official start of the YMCA Santa Run and Walk
Holiday Craft Show
From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, the Holiday Craft Show at the Davison Farmers Market, 8110 E. Court St., will take place.
The special event will be going on all day with a variety of vendors.
For vendor information, contact Sandy Coykendall at 810-412-5883.
Christmas Craft Show
Swartz Creek High School Band Boosters are hosting its second annual craft show on Saturday, Dec. 2.
The event is set from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the high school, 1 Dragon Drive.
If you are interested, email Angi at [email protected].
Sounds of the Season Concert
Join UM-Flint Music for a holiday concert presented by the University Chorale and Chamber Singers.
The event begins at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 711 Saginaw St. in Flint.
Tickets are $5 cash at the door and free with a valid student ID.
Pizza with Santa
From noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 2, Pizza with Santa and Mrs. Claus will take place at Bendle High School, located at 2283 E. Scottwood Ave. in Burton.
Face painting, ornament decorating, cookie decorating, stocking decorating, balloons, letters to Santa, pictures, pizza and bounce houses will also be available at the event being held by the city of Burton and its Parks and Recreation.
The free event is open to all. For more information, contact Parks & Recreation Director Amy Clous at 810-743-1500, ext. 1099.
Smetanka Holiday Craft Show
If you have Christmas shopping to do, this is where you will find one of a kind gifts.
The two-day event takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2 and Sunday, Dec. 3 at Davison High School, 1250 N. Oak Road.
Over 100 vendors are scheduled to attend the event.
For exhibitor information, call 810-658-0440.
Cookies with Santa
Create lasting holiday memories with a visit to the Flint Children’s Museum’s Cookies with Santa.
From noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 3, the event will include photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, a hot cocoa bar, cookie making and Little Elves Craft Maker Space.
The cost is $5 for a member and $13 for non-members. Payment is due at registration.
Pre-registration is required and can be completed by calling 810-767-KIDS (5437).