Community Corner

Holly Days in Downtown Farmington Offers Opportunities for GIving and More

Donate to the Farmington Area Goodfellows or give to the Tree of Wishes.

Downtown Farmington's annual Holly Days celebration, held the first weekend in December, kicks off the holiday season in the spirit of giving.

Throughout the weekend, you'll have the opportunity to donate canned goods or new, unwrapped toys to the Farmington Area Goodfellows holiday drive. And a Tree of Wishes will be set up for the collection of socks and mittens that will be given to a local charity.

The Greens and Gifts Market at the provides an opportunity to shop for holiday gifts from local artisans and crafters, and to bring home home fresh greens for decking the halls. It's open Saturday, Dec. 3, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 4, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

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During Saturday's market, Doug Gahns, CEC of Culinary Studies Institute will offer an ice carving demonstration. Gahns coached the winning team in the 2011 U.S. National Collegiate Ice Carving Championships.

North Pole activities

Farmington’s own North Pole, complete with a visit from Santa, is open on Saturday, Dec. 3, 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Pavilion. Santa will visit and pose for free photos with children and families.

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Also at the Farmington North Pole, visit the Tree of Wishes with a new pair of socks or mittens. Kids can also write their Christmas wish on an ornament and hang it on the tree.

Santa's Workshop

on Grand River will be magically transformed into Santa’s Workshop on Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and Sunday, 12 p.m.-4 p.m. Kids can make a free holiday craft, listen to holiday stories read by Mrs. Santa and enjoy refreshments, while adults can take advantage of free gift wrapping.

Throughout the weekend, carolers will be strolling the streets in downtown Farmington. The Salvation Army Band performs Saturday from noon to 3 p.m.

At the Civic

The donation of cash, non-perishable food or new, unwrapped toys to the Farmington Area Goodfellows gets you free admission to The Polar Express or Shrek the Halls, shown Saturday at the . Half of concession sales for those shows also goes to the Goodfellows.

On Sunday, Dec. 4, at the Civic, and Curtain Call Dance perform excerpts from the Nutcracker Ballet at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15 and all proceeds will go to the Goodfellows drive.

Mansion decks the halls

The hosts a Holiday Open House on Saturday, 1 p.m.-7 p.m., and Sunday, 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Admission is $2 for adults and $1 for children. On Saturday at the Mansion, the Farmington Area Jaycees hold their annual tree lighting ceremony at 5:30 p.m. Enjoy caroling, a visit from Santa and light refreshments in the Carriage House, and tour the decorated mansion with costumed docents (admission charges apply). For more information, call 1-877-411-FAJC.

For more information, visit downtownfarmington.org.


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