Daily Press file photo A youngster visits with Santa at last year’s Christmas in the Village. This year’s event, held in the Antique Village at the U.P. State Fairgrounds, is today and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day.

There are plenty of holiday activities in the local area this weekend. Some of them are the annual Escanaba Christmas Parade, Christmas in the Village and the Bay de Noc Choral Society’s Christmas concert.

ESCANABA CHRISTMAS PARADE

The time and direction of the Escanaba Christmas Parade have changed this year.

The Escanaba Christmas Parade starts at 6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 1. It will run from city hall to the Escanaba Marketplace this year. Following the parade, there will be hot chocolate, music and Santa will meet with the kids at the marketplace.

Line-up for the parade will begin at 5 p.m. on Dec. 1.

The parade prince and princess will lead the parade.

“It is a wonderful way to kick off the festive event,” Janice Beauchamp, parade coordinator and member of the DDA board. “It is only fitting to have the kids lead a Christmas Parade with Santa. It is a memorable experience and they have a good time.”

CHRISTMAS IN

THE VILLAGE

The U.P. Steam and Gas Engine Association’s Christmas in the Village will be held Friday and Saturday, Dec. 1 and 2, at the antique village in the U.P. State Fairgrounds. The village will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day.

The antique village will be decked with lights and greenery. There are carols in Community Chapel, bonfires in the Village Square, and complimentary roasted chestnuts in the Agricultural Museum. There will also be wagon rides, photo ops, cookie sale, popcorn, hot chocolate and goodies.

It will also be an opportunity to do some holiday shopping. There will be a wide selection of handcrafted items from a variety of local artisans and craftsmen available. All shops are open and the Community Hall is filled with additional vendors. There is also a can raffle and a quilt raffle.

Children will also have an opportunity to visit Santa and tell him their Christmas wish.

There is no admission charge for Christmas in the Village. Instead, the U.P. Steam and Gas Engine Association asks you consider sharing the holiday spirit with others by donating non-perishable items to their holiday food drive. All donations go to a local food pantry.

CHRISTMAS CONCERT

Bay de Noc Choral Society’s annual Christmas concert, titled Glory, will be held Sunday, December 3 at 1:30 p.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church in Escanaba, 11th Street and 1st Avenue South. The concert will feature bells, organ, piano, brass, strings and more. Each Christmas season the concert fills the church, so all are encouraged to come early. There is no charge and a free-will offering will be taken at intermission. Traditional, classical and contemporary pieces will be presented.