The Holiday Spirit is Strong in the White Lake Area
BY STEPHANIE WARE, DIRECTOR OF EVENTS AND MEMBERSHIP, WHITE LAKE AREA CHAMBER AND VISITORS BUREAU
As the holiday season approaches, there is no better time to support local and indulge in the enchanting festivities that make the White Lake Area come alive.
Spending any amount of time in the sister cities of Montague and Whitehall will quickly make you realize why the community slogan is “Live White Lake.”
Kicking off the holiday season is the annual Holiday Walk event on Friday, November 22 (2:00 to 8:00 p.m.) and Saturday, November 23 (10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.). This event takes place among various locations in both downtown Montague and downtown Whitehall, and surrounding areas.
During the Holiday Walk, visitors can enjoy a variety of fun activities such as free carriage rides, trolley rides, community tree lightings, the chance to meet Santa, and an opportunity to get a head start on holiday shopping with deals and activities from local businesses. It is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit while exploring the charming streets of the White Lake Area and supporting local.
Image by Adams Michigan Photography.
Image by Connor Rake Productions LLC.
Image by Connor Rake Productions LLC.
Then, there is the highly anticipated Christmas Parade on Saturday, December 7 at 2:00 p.m., which begins at Whitehall City Hall and ends at Montague City Hall. This parade features beautifully decorated floats, marching bands, and an array of community organizations spreading cheer along the parade route. It's a fantastic opportunity to gather with friends and family, wave to Santa as he passes by, and celebrate the joy of the season.
There are numerous opportunities to embrace the holiday spirit while supporting the small businesses that add vibrancy to our community, and those two events are just a couple of ways. The White Lake Center, downtown Montague, downtown Whitehall, and outlying areas are all open for business and ready to help you shop for those you love (or maybe a little something for yourself)! From shopping, to eating or drinking, or even booking services (ie: hair appointments, home renovations, etc.), these various businesses and industries rely on the support of their neighbors and friends.
The White Lake Area Chamber and Visitors Bureau sells gift certificates year-round with many of the Montague and Whitehall businesses participating. This is just another way to keep your dollars local and make a great gift for anyone on your shopping list.
Another way to support local during the holidays is to leave a review for a business you love! That doesn't cost a thing and helps these businesses tremendously. Google reviews or social media reviews go a long way in that they are out there for others to see when they're making a decision to purchase, eat, drink, or play locally.
Attending both the Holiday Walk and the Christmas parade, and exploring our local businesses, allows you to fully experience the magic of the White Lake Area during the holiday season. As you go about your busy holiday, please consider attending our events and shopping at our White Lake Area businesses. Our small-town charm is truly one of a kind, and you're always welcome here! Visit WhiteLake.org for a list of businesses.
Image by Jerry Grady Photography.
Come and enjoy the beautiful White Lake Area, where quaint shops, sandy beaches, historic sites, summer concerts, and outdoor recreation abound along with gorgeous sunsets and a host of unique lodging opportunities. For a list of festivals and special events visit whitelake.org. Contact the White Lake Area Chamber of Commerce for additional information at (231) 893-4585.
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