By Synthia Hardy Kushner
For Grand Rapids Press Advertising —
Holiday activities abound for those who step back in time by visiting two turn-of-the-century Lake Michigan villages — Saugatuck and Douglas.
“In my opinion, no two small towns exert a stronger pull on nostalgic holiday travelers than Saugatuck and Douglas,” says Felicia Fairchild, executive director of the Saugatuck/Douglas Convention and Visitors Bureau.
“Our visitors generally come here because they are weary of big-box store shopping and frenzied commercialism. They often bring their children to let them experience the spirit of Christmases past in our little ‘Christmas Village’ where ‘high touch’ replaces ‘high tech’ and the fastest mode of transportation is by horse and carriage.”
Decked out in thousands of twinkling lights to celebrate the holiday season, Saugatuck and Douglas are known for their one-of-a-kind shops, many of which are open year-round.
Among these unique locations:
- Good Goods
- Alle Rue
- Landsharks
- Sante Fe Trading Co.
- The Olive Mill
- Del Sol
- American Spoon Foods
- Bauble Bath
- Bright World Candle
- Saugatuck Spice Merchants
- Brackett & Co.
- Cabbages and Kings
At 1 p.m. Dec. 5, downtown Saugatuck will host its Annual Christmas Parade, featuring the much-anticipated debut of the “Peppermint Stick Brigade,” who will be challenging the beloved “Snow Shovel Drill Team.”
Other holiday events sure to delight include:
Laurel Farrin: Trompe L'oeil — Nov. 6 to Dec. 28
Laurel Farrin’s Mondrian series of trompe l’oeil works shows why the genre - which translates to “trick the eye” in English - has fascinated viewers for centuries. For more information, call (269) 857-2399 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or visit www.sc4a.org.
Blaze of Color — Dec. 1-12
Colorful creations in glass and paint at Water Street Gallery from 6 to 8 p.m. For more information, visit waterstreetgallery.com or phone (269) 857-8485.
Carriage Rides — Dec. 4-5, 11-12, 18-19
In downtown Douglas and Saugatuck, from 7 to 10 p.m. on Saturdays and 2 to 6 p.m. on Sundays. For more information, call (269) 857-1620 or visit info@saugatuckdouglas.com. Sponsored by the Saugatuck/Douglas Area Business Association.
Nouveau Fest — Dec. 5
Taste the first wine from the 2009 vintage. Cellar tasting-tours from 1 to 5 p.m. For more information, call Fenn Valley Vineyards at (269) 561-2396.
Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" — Dec. 11-13, 18-20
Dickens’ classic Christmas tale featuring Ebenezer Scrooge, various ghosts and an assortment of lovable Londoners, brought to life by community performers. Performances are Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m.; Sunday at 7 p.m.; Saturday matinee at 2 p.m. Performances are at The Saugatuck Woman’s Club.
Grand Rapids Jazz Orchestra — Dec. 12
Deck the halls with a very special “Swinging the Holidays” show. Including new arrangements of holiday favorites plus jazz standards, this is an evening of celebration you won’t want to miss. Bring some friends and do it up for the holidays in Saugatuck. For more information, call (269) 857-2399 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, or visit
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Winter Fest — Dec. 12
Sesquicentennial Celebration: Open House-style self-guided tours are free; cookies, cake, punch and hot chocolate are free; ice skating (weather permitting); hayrides are $1.50 (a penny per year); music by Max and Ruth Bloomquiest; plus an ice sculpture demonstration. For more information, call (616) 335-3050.
"White Christmas" — Dec. 15
The 1954 comedy starring Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen. War buddies turned entertainers fall for a pair of sisters. G Rated. 6:30 p.m., The Red Barn, 3657 63rd St., Saugatuck. Suggested donation: $5. (269) 857-5300. Free popcorn; $1 concession treats.
Christmas Eve Candlelight Service — Dec. 24
Community Church of Douglas, at 7 p.m. in the Sanctuary. Carols, choirs, an inspiration message and lifting of candles illuminating the darkness. (269) 857-1492, 6780 Wiley Road
Fireworks - Dec. 31
New Year’s Eve fireworks at midnight over the harbor in Saugatuck.
For more information, visit
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