By Gari Voss
Black Friday and Small Shop Saturday may have seemed like the best of the best for Holiday sales and festivities, but as November slides out on a thin blanket of slick snow and December takes its place, watch out.
For all of the shop-’til-you-droppers, plan carefully for the first weekend in December and just try to take in all the possible adventures.
Thursday, Nov. 30th:
Festival of Trees opens at Camp Kidwell – Free Admission
Camp Kidwell, 39000 1st Ave. Bloomingdale.
The camp opens at noon with lunch and dinner opportunities. The main draw is the wonderfully decorated Christmas trees, wreaths, and holiday décor. Online bids can be made. Enjoy the Make and Take Porch Pot and Gingerbread House Sessions – tickets https://onecau.se/ckfot23
Friday, Dec. 1st: Join in the Parade
Festival of Trees, noon-8pm:
Camp Kidwell, 39000 1st Ave. Bloomingdale. Enjoy lunch and browse the cabins. Live music begins at 6:30pm with dinner and drinks. Enjoy a stroll through the Winter Wonderland.
Fri., Dec. 1, 2023, Fa La La Friday – Rudolph’s Shiny New Year
Regent Theatre 211 Trowbridge Allegan
Free movies on Festive Fridays
Bloomingdale’s Christmas Parade, 6:30pm:
The Village of Bloomingdale invites all to enjoy their Holiday Parade.
Festive Friday, 5-8pm: – 7pm Parade
Downtown Allegan’s first Festive Friday. Enjoy extended shopping hours, free hot chocolate, Tolley rides and Santa. 4pm = Free movie at Regent, Rudolph’s Shiny New Year. 7pm = Parade then Santa at Mahan Park.
Saturday, Dec. 2nd: Hold on to your hat!
Sat., Dec. 2, 2023: A Wayland Christmas
7-10am: Pancake Breakfast – Wayland Fire Station
11am: Christmas Parade, Santa, shopping and more
5-9pm: Snowfest Downtown
Sat., Dec. 2, 2023, 8:30am-12:30pm: Holiday Bazaar
United Methodist Church Trowbridge & Walnut St. Allegan
Enjoy wonderful handmade gifts plus.
Sat., Dec. 2, 2023, 9am-1pm: Santa Shop
Episcopal Church 101 N. Walnut St. Allegan
The only Holiday Sale with nothing more than $2, but wonderful gifts for all members of the family. Gifts can be wrapped.
Sat., Dec. 2, 2023, 9am-4pm: Christmas Market at the Manor
The Robinson Manor Marshall St. Allegan
Come and shop the wares of local crafters at the Christmas decorated Manor.
Sat., Dec. 2, 2023, 9am-5pm: SVdP Bazaar
St. Margaret Church 766 S. Farmer St. Otsego
Enjoy buying lovely and yummy items. Proceeds help fund the food pantry.
Sat., Dec. 2, 2023, 10am: Festival of Trees
Camp Kidwell 39000 1st Ave. Bloomingdale
10am-3pm: Cookies with Mrs. Claus. It is family day to enjoy the decorations, place bids and shop at the Kidwell Country Christmas Store.
6:00pm: Dinner at the Lodge. Enjoy an amazing prime rib dinner then participate in the live auction that will include some of the most beautiful trees, wreaths and décor at camp. Tickets are $60 and available at 269 521-3559 or https://onecau.se/ckfot23 or email dawn@campkidwell.org.
Sat., Dec. 2, 2023, 4-6pm: Community Holiday Celebration
Pullman Town Square 109th Ave. & 56th St. Pullman
Enjoy a Christmas Fest with the Town Square decorated by 17 organizations.
Sat., Dec. 2, 2023, 5pm: It’s a Wonderful Life! (fund raiser)
Griswold Auditorium Hubbard St. Allegan
A Wings of Hope Hospice & Wings Home Fund Raiser with a classic movie and refreshments. Add a sing-along with Santa, Movie Trivia, and audience participation during the movie.
Sat., Dec. 2, 2023, 2pm: Hometown Christmas
Downtown Otsego The Parade begins at 6pm.
Sat., Dec. 2, 2023, 5pm: Snowfest Downtown Wayland
Downtown Wayland Main St.
A night of fun with music, games and activities. Food & drink specials in the Social District. Bring glow sticks for the glow party.
Sunday, December 3rd: It isn’t over until the last bid is made.
Festival of Trees, 11am-4pm: Santa is Here!
Camp Kidwell, 39000 1st Ave. Bloomingdale.
Bidding ends at 4pm. Enjoy lunch and stroll through the Winter Wonderland. Checkout of items begins at 5pm.