Downtown Farmington Celebrates Holly Days Dec. 1

A Greens and Gifts Market, holiday crafts and stories and a visit from Santa are all part of the Holly Days celebration, held Dec. 1 in and around downtown Farmington. 

Kids of all ages will enjoy a visit with Santa from noon to 4 p.m. at the Walter E. Sundquist Pavilion. Focal Point Studio of Photography will offer free photos with Santa. Students from Oakland Community College Culinary Studies Institute will offer an ice carving demonstration at noon, and families can leave new pairs of socks and mittens on the Tree of Wishes, for donation to a local charity. 

The Mike Greer Photography Studio at 33316 Grand River becomes Santa’s Workshop from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., with a Kids Holiday Craft Area, free gift wrapping, refreshments and story time at 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. with Mrs. Claus, who says she is "looking forward to seeing the smiling faces of the children in downtown Farmington and sharing some holiday stories.” 

Get into the spirit of the season with two wonderful free holiday movies at the Farmington Civic Theater: The Polar Express at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., and Shrek the Halls at 10:15 a.m., 11:15 a.m., 12:15 p.m., and 1:15 p.m. Movie-goers are encouraged to bring non-perishable food, new, unwrapped toys or a donation to the Farmington Area Goodfellows. Half of concession sales will also go to the Goodfellows, who work to ensure no senior or child goes without a Christmas.

The Governor Warner Mansion will host a Holiday Open House from 5 p.m.-7 p.m. The House will be decorated, Christmas carols will be played on the piano and refreshments will be served in the Carriage House. Donations will be accepted at the door. 

The Farmington Area Jaycees will close out the day at the Governor Warner Mansion with their annual Holiday Tree Lighting at 5:30 p.m. Bring a toy for the Toys for Tots toy drive, enjoy caroling, a visit from Santa and light refreshments in the Carriage House. For more information, call 1-877-411-FAJC. 

Other events during the day include strolling performances from 10 a.m. to noon by the Salvation Army Band, the Salem Holly Days Craft Show, held 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Salem United Church of Christ, 33424 Oakland St., and The Vines Flower and Garden Shop Christmas Open House, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at  33245 Grand River.

For more information on all of the events in Downtown Farmington, visit DowntownFarmington.org or find us on Facebook under Downtown Farmington.