Added on November 25, 2019  Sara Swanson

Guide to 2019 Christmas in the Village

Manchester Christmas in the Village 2019
Schedule of Events

Thursday, December 5th

3 pm to 7 pm

Winter Farmers Market

Acorn Farmers’ Market and Cafe, 327 West Main Street

Fresh produce, local raised eggs, meat and poultry, salmon, baked goods, fire roasted coffee, handmade pasta, sauces will be for sale. Craft classes will be offered.

 

6:30 pm – 9:30 pm

3rd Annual Resident Outdoor Decorating Contest Judging

Decorations will be judged in the categories of most Christmas spirit, and most Manchester spirit for awards and cash prizes. Winners will be announced at Tree Lighting Ceremony the next evening. Deadline to register November 29. Register online or pick up a form at the Shoppes of Alber Mill.

Friday, December 6th

 

3 pm to 7 pm

Winter Farmers Market

Acorn Farmers’ Market and Cafe, 327 West Main Street

Fresh produce, local raised eggs, meat and poultry, salmon, baked goods, fire roasted coffee, handmade pasta, sauces will be for sale. Craft classes will be offered.

 

4:30 pm

Business Storefront Decorating Contest Judging

Winners will be announced at Tree Lighting Ceremony and a trophy will be presented.

 

5 pm to 8 pm

Men’s Club Christmas Tree Sale

Chi-Bro Park, 201 Ann Arbor Street

Purchase your Christmas tree from the Manchester Men’s Club and the proceeds will go back into the Manchester Community. Cost is $45 per tree.

 

5:45 pm

Christmas Parade Float Judging

American Legion parking lot/Kirk Park area

Parade entry forms must be submitted by November 21st. Parade contest winners will be announced at the Gazebo following the parade at the tree lighting ceremony in the categories of best 12 Days of Christmas theme, most lights, and most Manchester Spirited Float.

 

6 pm

Christmas Parade Line-Up

American Legion parking lot

Floats line up at 6 pm. Klager Elementary students opting to walk in the parade meet at 6:15 (look for Mrs. Villarreal). Parade departs at 6:30 pm sharp.

 

6:30 pm

Christmas Parade

Parade leaves from American Legion Parking Lot, heads north on Adrian, west on Main, and ends at Gazebo in Wurster Park.

There will be no candy thrown for safety reasons but there will be plenty of lights, sounds and music. Santa and Mrs Claus will be bringing up the rear of the parade.

 

7 pm to 9 pm

Tree Lighting Ceremony

Gazebo in Wurster Park

After the parade, gather in Wurster Park for the Tree Lighting Ceremony and hear the winners of the parade float contest, outdoor decorating contest, and decorated storefront contest announced; join in some caroling and warm up with some hot cocoa at a hot cocoa station. Children can wait in line to meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, receive a goodie bag, and have their photo taken with Santa by professional photographer Robin Scully. Photos are free and will be emailed.

Saturday, December 7th

 

9 am to 10:30 am

2nd Annual Reindeer Trail Walk/Run SIGN IN

Wurster Park, 200 block of West Main Street

 

9 am to 1 pm

Winter Farmers Market

Acorn Farmers’ Market and Cafe, 327 West Main Street

Fresh produce, locally raised eggs, meat and poultry, salmon, baked goods, fire-roasted coffee, handmade pasta, sauces will be for sale. Craft classes will be offered.

 

9 am to 3 pm

Craft Shows

(see Craft Shows section below)

 

9 am to 3 pm

Voting on Festival of Trees

Pedestrian Alley between Comerica Bank and Dance with Heart Studio, Main Street

Vote for your favorite tree, sponsored by a local organization or business and decorated for the season, by placing food pantry donations under the tree of your choice. Food pantry donations will go the Community Resource Center, Manchester. Trees will remain in alley through Christmas.

 

9 am to 3 pm

Manchester Area Historical Society Open House, Gingerbread House Activity, and Printing Demo

302 East Main Street

Join the Manchester Area Historical Society at the Kingsley-Jenter House. Visitors can tour the museum and shop for unique holiday gifts in the museum gift shop. Free gift-wrapping will be offered for gifts purchased there or elsewhere downtown. Donations will be accepted. Children can assemble their own gingerbread houses from 9 am to 1 pm. Fritz Swanson will be demonstrating letterpress printing on an antique press from 1 to 3 pm.

 

9 am to 3 pm

Blacksmith Shop Open House and Demos

324 East Main Street

Here’s your chance to take a look inside Manchester’s historic Blacksmith Shop and observe the art of forging metal firsthand.

 

9 am to 5 pm

Men’s Club Christmas Tree Sale

Chi-Bro Park, 201 Ann Arbor Street

Purchase your Christmas tree from the Manchester Men’s Club and the proceeds will go back into the Manchester Community. Cost is $45 per tree.

 

10 am to 4 pm

Pop-Up Market

The Shoppes of Alber Mill, 201 E. Main St, Manchester

Handmade and Michigan-made products from a variety of vendors.

 

10 am to 4 pm

12 Days of Christmas themed Scavenger Hunt

Begins at The Shoppes of Alber Mill, 201 East Main Street, and ends at Two Black Sheep, 115 East Main Street

At 10 am you will be able to pick up the clues at the info booth inside The Shoppes of Alber Mill. You will make 12 stops throughout Manchester. Once you’ve made all of your stops, you will have until 4 pm to turn in your completed form at the scavenger hunt drop box in front of Two Black Sheep Restaurant. Fully completed hunts will be entered into a drawing for a CASH prize!!!

 

11 am to 1 pm

Kids Christmas Craft

The Shoppes of Alber Mill, 201 East Main Street

Children are invited to come make a craft with local crafter Kim Strickland. This event is free and open to all skill levels.

 

11 am to 1 pm

Lunch with Santa

Over the Edge Sports Bar and Pizzeria, 230 East Main Street

Hosted by the Kiwanis Key Club. Participants will enjoy pizza, a craft, a Christmas movie on the big TV, Christmas Karoke and a visit with Mr. and Mrs. Claus.

 

11 am to 2 pm

Hot Cocoa with Village Council

Porch of The Shoppes of Alber Mill, 201 East Main Street

Come have a free cup of hot cocoa with your elected Village representatives.

 

11 am to 2 pm

Tractor-pulled hay rides through downtown

Loading location: The Shoppes of Alber Mill, 201 East Main Street

Did you enjoy the hay rides on Third Thursdays? Driver Jacques will be returning with his tractor to offer hay rides through downtown. This activity is free.

 

11 am to 3 pm

Free face-painting by the Facepaint Faerie

The Shoppes of Alber Mill, 201 East Main Street

Free, professional, face-painting for children by the Facepaint Faerie.

 

11 am to 3 pm

2nd Annual Reindeer Trail Run/Walk

The route begins on Railroad Street/North Union Street, a dirt road that runs along the River Raisin to the Leonard Preserve entrance.

Participants will explore the mix of grassy and rugged trails in Leonard Preserve while enjoying views of the River Raisin and the diverse landscape. The 5k will consist of one loop before heading back into town to the finish line, where hot cocoa awaits. The 10k and 15k will follow multiple loops with more opportunities to see birds, deer, and tracks of other small creatures along the trails through rolling hills, forests, and prairies. Participants in the 15k should be able to maintain under a 16:00 min pace on trails. Due to the rugged terrain of parts of the route and seasonal conditions, strollers are not recommended. Due to the rare nesting birds in the nature preserve, this race is not pet-friendly. Runners should use care to watch for roots, rocks, and uneven ground while taking in the beauty of Leonard Preserve. Organized by Manchester’s Cross Country team as a fundraiser. Please register by Nov. 25th at runsignup.com. Registration includes a Reindeer Medal, Race T-Shirt, and Hot Cocoa. Top Male and Female finishers will receive an exclusive Race Scarf. Fees: 5K: $30, 10K: $35, 15K: $40. Student & military discounts offered.

 

Noon to 2 pm

Caroling by St. Mary’s Choir

Downtown Manchester

St. Mary’s Choir will be visiting downtown businesses, singing their favorite Christmas Carols

 

Noon to 4 pm

Christmas DJ On The Mill Porch

Porch of The Shoppes of Alber Mill, 201 East Main Street

Request your favorite Christmas songs. Enjoy the music in the streets.

 

1 pm to 8 pm

Christmas Home Tour

(see Christmas Home Tour section below)

 

1 pm to 3:30 pm

Dance with Heart Studio Holidays from the Heart Dance Performance for Charity

Manchester High School, 20500 Dutch Drive

In exchange for EACH non-perishable food donation you provide, DWHS will provide ONE admission to the performance.  Donations will be collected at the door when you arrive and will benefit the Adrian Salvation Army and Manchester’s Community Resource Center. Celebrate this holiday season while also helping others.

 

1:30 pm to 4pm

Cookie Contest Judging & Sale

The Shoppes of Alber Mill, 201 East Main Street

Enter your favorite cookie recipe in the cookie contest to be judged by Santa. You will need to provide your recipe and bring at least 2 dozen cookies by 1 pm to participate. Cookie sale of remaining cookies following judging: $3 for a half dozen assorted and $5 for one dozen assorted. Proceeds from sale of cookies will go to the Manchester Area Chamber of Commerce.

 

2 pm to 4pm

Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides

Loading location: Corner of Adrian Street & Duncan Street (lower level of 131 Adrian St)

Due to last year’s demand, the “carriage” will be a wagon capable of accommodating more than four riders at a time. Take a ride through town and take in all of the Christmas spirit. Sign up for a carriage time slot at Proper Property Services, Inc., 131 Adrian Street, from 1 – 2pm. The cost of this activity is a donation of Halloween candy and/or oral hygiene supplies which will be donated to the troops through Move America Forward or Operation Shoebox.

 

2 pm to 4pm

Ugly Sweater Holiday Crawl 2019

Downtown restaurants and bars

Holiday Happy Hour is being held this year in Downtown Manchester during Christmas in the Village. Happy hour stops include The Village Tap, Two Black Sheep Restaurant, Frank’s Place, and Over The Edge Sports Bar & Pizzeria. At each stop you will have the opportunity to indulge in $5 Holiday Themed Cocktails, $5 Holiday Themed Shots, and $5 Appetizer Specials. Ugly Sweater not required for Holiday Happy Hour, but encouraged.

 

5 pm

First Annual Ugly Sweater Holiday Contest

Over The Edge Sports Bar & Pizzeria

After the Ugly Sweater Holiday Happy Hour Crawl, stop at Over the Edge for their First Annual Ugly Sweater Contest.

 

5 pm to 9 pm

Manchester Co-op Preschool Chili Cook Off and Auction

St. Mary’s Parish Hall, 110 East Madison St.

Come enjoy a fun filled evening with great chili, great company and great auction items. No admission fee and the event is open to the public. Just $5 for five tickets (1 ticket per cup of chili), which will help determine the people’s choice award. There will also be a live and silent auction. All proceeds go towards the Manchester Cooperative Preschool.

 

7 pm to 9 pm

Manchester High School 2019 BAND-O-RAMA!

Manchester High School Auditorium, 20500 Dutch Drive

The Manchester High School Jazz Band will entertain guests and they enter starting at 6:30 pm. This concert will feature the Marching Band, drumline and color guard as they perform music from throughout the marching band season, as well as music from previous shows. They are asking for a $10 donation for admission which will go toward the Manchester High School Music Department’s trip to England in March, 2021. There will also be concessions and a 50/50 raffle.

Info Booth

The 2019 Christmas in the Village Info Booth will be located at the Shoppes of Alber Mill located at 201 East Main. Need a schedule, a map, or directions? Stop by the info booth.

Craft Shows

Emanuel United Church of Christ

9 am to 3 pm

324 W. Main St.

Bake sales, craft & vendor show. Lunch will be available.

 

M Shaw Folk Art Home and Studio

10 am to 7 pm

610 City Rd, (parking on side streets)

Margaret Shaw Folk Art Home and Studio will feature folk art paintings and other gift giving art. Paintings are available to purchase from the porch gallery year round. Text 734-417-2385 for private viewing. See MShawFolkArt.com for more information.

 

Manchester United Methodist Church

9 am to 3 pm

501 Ann Arbor St.

Doors will open at 9 am sharp on December 7th for Manchester U.M. Church’s 21st Annual Cookie Walk.  Fourteen vendors will also be set up with a variety of gift ideas including handmade wood items, a variety of handmade jewelry, handmade glass pieces, a nice selection of handmade crocheted, knitted, sewn and embroidered articles, handmade pottery, lots of yummy baked goods (yes, there will be homemade soft German pretzels!), fun, creative food goodies, fresh Christmas wreaths and Old Soulesville Manchester-made maple syrup. Be sure to check out our third annual Forgotten Christmas Rummage Sale; all proceeds are designated for Manchester Senior Citizens. A coffee bar, offering pastries, coffee, tea and hot chocolate will be available; all donations will also go to Manchester Senior Citizens. While shopping take time to look at the impressive artwork of students from Klager and Riverside Schools, which are on display throughout the fellowship hall.  Our youth will serve their traditional luncheon of sloppy joes, chips, dessert and a beverage for a minimal donation.

 

Country Craft & Barn Open House

9 am to 3 pm

19442 Bethel Church Rd.

It will be the 25th year of the organizer holding a craft show at her home. In the past few years they’ve expanded to their new heated barn and filled it with talented artists! The show will include, homemade preserves, Christmas ornaments, centerpieces, living wreaths, painted sleds, vintage and antique items, primitive art pieces, farmhouse designs, teacher gifts, quilts, wool mittens, and a bake sale including homemade German pretzels. Popcorn, pop, and water will also be available for purchase.

 

Sharon United Methodist Church

9 am to 3 pm

19980 W. Pleasant Lake Rd.

25+ vendors who will be displaying wheel thrown stoneware/pottery, Christmas ornaments and decorations, jewelry, quilted items, dry rubs, dip mixes, cherry pit hot/cold packs, children’s toys, cards, baked goods, and much, much more. Lunch will be available from 11 am to 1 pm

 

St. Thomas Lutheran Church

9 am to 2 pm

Freedom Township Hall, 11508 E. Pleasant Lake Rd.

St. Thomas will be holding its annual German bake sale. They will have vendors (Usborne Books, Discovery Toys, Party Lite) as well as a luncheon from 11 am to 2 pm that will serve bbq pork and ham and cheese pretzel bun sandwiches. Their bake sale features authentic German baked goods, homemade pretzels and doughnuts and a huge cookie walk with 20+ varieties of cookies.

 

Pop-Up Market at The Shoppes of Alber Mill

10 am to 4 pm

201 E Main St.

Featuring handmade and made in Michigan products

Business Sales & Specials

Many downtown businesses will be offering specials and sales during Christmas in the Village. The Flower Garden of Manchester will be offering 20% off poinsettias. River Raisin Antiques will offer 10% off store-wide, and 20% off all books, including children’s books. All Thingz Green will have specials on all prints and cards. Comerica Bank will feature a coffee and hot cocoa station as well as CD & HELOC specials. The Sassy Peacock will offer “Christmas Power Hour” specials from 2-4 pm. Village Hair Forum will offer three holiday nail stickers for only $1. The Village Tap will have a Toys For Tots donation box. Jazzercise Manchester held in the Emanuel Church Gym will hold a sign-up special, 9 am-noon, start for $0 or 20 Classes for $149.

Christmas Home Tour

In conjunction with the 2019 Manchester Christmas in the Village, Manchester’s Christmas Home Tour will take place on Saturday, December 7th, from 1-8 pm. This year’s Christmas Home Tour will feature six homes and the Apotheke Salon in Bridgewater Township. Tickets are $15 in advance. You can also purchase a ticket at the door for $18 of any home the day of. Each house is marked with a Home Tour Wreath sign. Tickets are available for purchase at River Raisin Antiques, Two Black Sheep, Old National Bank, Andrews’ Chiropractic, Apotheke Salon, and the Bridgewater Bank & Tavern. All proceeds from ticket sales will be split between the Manchester Community Resource Center and Saline Area Social Services. All home locations are on the ticket. After the tour, grab a bite to eat at the Bridgewater Bank & Tavern; they will be offering specials to those that have a tour ticket. For more information, visit the Manchester Christmas Home Tour Facebook page.

Visit with Santa

In addition to the opportunity to visit with Santa and have a photo with Santa after the parade on Friday, December 6th at the gazebo in Wurster Park, and have lunch with Santa on Saturday December 7th from 11am to 1pm at the Over the Edge, children can visit with Santa on the porch of the Shoppes of Alber Mill on Saturday, December 14th from noon to 2 pm and Saturday, December 21st from noon to 2 pm.

Santa’s Mailbox

Manchester’s special delivery Santa Mailbox will be located on the porch at the Shoppes of Alber Mill again this year beginning Saturday, December 7th. Children may write to Santa and will receive a letter back if a return address is provided. Letters must be received by December 19th to assure Santa has time to answer your child before setting off on his journey Christmas Eve.

Organizers and Sponsors

Christmas in the Village is organized and hosted by the Manchester Area Chamber of Commerce. Organizers of the event include Jennifer Wojtowicz, Linda Stevens, Deborah Alber, Kim Strickland, Ashley Eklics, Sue LaRocque, Cheryl Coleman, and Anita Greca.

Special Volunteers for the event include the Manchester Area Girl Scouts and the Knights of Columbus.

2019 Christmas in the Village sponsors include Two Black Sheep, Village Tap, Manchester Marathon, Sutton Insurance Agency, Old National Bank, Manchester Veterinary Clinic, Over The Edge, R.D. Kleinschmidt, Linda’s Diner, Manchester True Value Hardware, Manchester Lions Club, ERA Reardon/Jason Aldrich, American 1 Credit Union, River Raisin Antiques, Manchester CRC, Main Street Church, Jennifer’s Daycare, Donnellon Insurance, Adiska Family Dental, Frank’s Place, Ike’s, Proper Property Services,The Shoppes of Alber Mill, Alber-Taylor Trucking, Alber Excavating, LaRock Dental, Andrews Family Chiropractic, Comerica Bank, and Manchester Eye Care Center