DOWAGIAC — Dowagiac is gearing up to bring the holiday spirit to life with a festive lineup of events that promises joy for all ages.  

The Greater Dowagiac Chamber of Commerce is gearing up to host Celebrate The Holidays in Dowagiac, a three-day event taking place from Thursday, Nov. 14 through Saturday, Nov. 16. 

From specialty shop open houses and a community tree lighting to holiday crafts, live entertainment and unique seasonal experiences, organizers believe there is something for everyone in the Grand Old City. 

Starting Thursday, Nov. 14, Dowagiac’s specialty shops will host Christmas Open Houses, offering holiday discounts, drawings, and festive treats. Support local businesses while finding the perfect gifts for loved ones!

On Friday, Nov. 15, the festivities continue with the Ladies Library Association Fall Book Sale and the ongoing Christmas Open Houses at select retail locations in Dowagiac.  In the evening, meet at Beckwith Park to light up the community Christmas Tree. Hosted by Decorate Dowagiac, the tree lighting will bring friends and neighbors together to officially ring in the holiday season.

Saturday, Nov.16, is packed with activities for all ages. At Dowagiac Middle School, Theta Mu Sorority will host its 27th Annual Craft Show, where visitors can browse handmade creations by local artisans. Christmas Open Houses continue throughout the day, and children can visit Santa  at Venue 132.  Red Barn Evergreens will be selling fresh wreaths, evergreens, and trees for holiday decorating at Beckwith Park.

Visitors can also give back to the community: donate mittens to the Mitten Tree at Yarn on Front or drop off unwrapped toys for Toys for Tots at Beckwith Park.  Then, tour the city in a horse-drawn wagon and capture the season with two special photo opportunities—a vintage truck at Beckwith Park for family photos or a pet photo session at Bow Wow Bakery & Bath, courtesy of Blueprint Photography.

Beckwith Park will also feature a Holiday Showcase of Local Youth, with performances by the Dowagiac Union High School Choir, Southwestern Michigan College Choir, Green Dance Company, and the Dowagiac Union High School Band.  Plus, visitors can see live reindeer from the Reindeer Ranch, complete with an antler display, and enjoy the beautiful sounds of the First United Methodist Church Chime Choir at Front & Commercial Streets.

In addition, the annual Christmas Parade will take place from 6 to 7 p.m. Friday Dec. 6 downtown.

Sponsors include:

Alliance Cloud Services

Ascension Borgess-Lee Hospital

Cass County Council on Aging

Hale’s Hardware

Honor Credit Union

Matthew V. Cripe DDS

Twisted Bee

SW Michigan Vision

Surf Internet

Yarn on Front

For more information on the holiday events and activities, visit DowagiacChamber.com, also on Facebook.