U.P. Michigan Region Calendar
Nov. 18 Ironwood – Jack Frost Festival Tree Lighting Nov. 26-Dec. 5 Crystal Falls – Christmas Tree Galleria Dec. 4 Iron River – Christmas in Lights Dec. 4 Ironwood – Jack Frost Festival Parade Dec. 11 Crystal Falls – Crystal Christmas
U.P. Michigan Region
You Betcha, Eh? We’re Going to the Jack Frost Festival
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IRONOOD -- In the U.P., “Jack Frost nipping at your nose” is more than just a fireside song image, it symbolizes the beginning of the winter season—and snow! Throughout October and November, the brilliant fall foliage drops to the ground, the chill winds blow, and Jack Frost appears (on your car windshield and other places), heralding the arrival of winter. And winter in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is a time of fun, celebration, and real “U.P. North Action.” For over 25 years, the town of Ironwood has had a “Jack Frost Festival” — a group of community events running from Nov. 18 to Jan. 29. Snowmobile races, ski and snowshoe races, winter-themed music and art, and, of course, the famous downtown Ironwood Jack Frost Parade on Saturday, Dec. 4, at 6 p.m. There is nothing like being bundled up and cheering on a full-scale outdoor winter parade! It offers real proof that Jack Frost does indeed nip at your nose.
Oct/Nov 2021 | UpNorthAction.com
The Jack Frost Festival starts with the Old Depot Park Christmas tree lighting event on Thursday, Nov. 18, at 6 p.m. Folks near and far gather in the snow at the base of the Depot big pine tree for opening speeches (and you betcha, eh? they are short!), Christmas and winter music sung by a choir, and then the illuminating of the giant Jack Frost tree. Hot cider and treats follow inside the Historic Ironwood Depot. Often, Jack Frost makes a personal appearance at the event, disguised as wind-blown snow. A scant 16 days later, on Dec. 4, the Jack Frost Festival of Lights Parade kicks off at 6 p.m. Different from your usual summertime parade, the Jack Frost/Christmas theme showcases brilliantly lighted floats, massive trail groomers, decorated tow trucks, marching H.O.P.E. animal shelter dogs with lighted collars, Fat Tire Winter Bike Club riders, and of course, the dazzling marching performances of the famous Ironwood Precision Snow Shovel Drill Team! A parade visitor tip: make your lodging accommodations early. A listing of the Jack Frost Festival events can be found on the Ironwood Chamber of Commerce’s Jack Frost page ironwoodchamber.org/jack-frost-festival/. You can also like the Festival Facebook page facebook.com/JackFrostFestival and keep up with the latest news.
