Northern Express - Special Double Issue - December 22 & December 29, 2025

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NORTHERN MICHIGAN’S WEEKLY • december 22 - january 04, 2026 • special double issue • Vol. 35 No. 49 & 50 $

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Northern Express Weekly • december 22 & 29, 2025 • 1

2 • december 22 & 29, 2025 • Northern Express Weekly

letters CONTENTS Our Holiday Double Issue!

Welcome to the Winter Fun Guide, where we dive into cold-weather adventures, holiday events, and other happenings Up North. Please note: This is our last issue of 2025. The next issue will be on newsstands the first weekend of January.

Happy New Year to all!

The Kindness of Strangers Thank you to the kind stranger who helped me walk down the TART trail hill behind Oryana on Wednesday, Dec. 17. I am pregnant and was taking it really slow down the icy hill on my morning walk to work. A man walked by me, then stopped at the bottom of the hill, turned around, and asked if I was ok. I explained my situation and that I’m being careful of falls. He walked back up the hill and offered me his arm for support the rest of the way.

His gesture was so kind and caring.

What he didn’t know was that we’ve just lost our wonderful dog, Jake, who was my constant walking buddy and who I leaned on when the trails were particularly icy. I couldn’t help feeling like Jake and this kind soul were connected somehow and I was/ am so grateful for this man’s compassion.

At the end of our short walk together, I had tears in my eyes and he looked at me and wished me a good day. Lovely human, I wish you a wonderful day and a wonderful life! Thank you for making my day a little bit brighter and thank you to all the humans out there loving and looking out for other people. What a gift this holiday season.

Elise Loud | Traverse City

features

26 Ways to Ring in 2026...................................10 Family Fun Over Winter Break..........................13 What to Snow about the 2025-26 Season.......14 Climbing Out of the Winter Blues......................18 Dashing Through the Snow...............................20 Blooming on Cass Road....................................22

WHEN THE SUN GOES DOWN, OUR LIGHTS GO ON

columns & stuff Top Ten..........................................................4 Spectator/Stephen Tuttle..................................6 Guest Opinion/Lewis.........................................7 Weird............................................................9 Guest Opinion/Tarchak-Hiss............................17 Film............................................................25 Dates..........................................................26 Crossword...................................................32 Nitelife.........................................................33 Astro.............................................................32 Classifieds..................................................34

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Northern Express Weekly • december 22 & 29, 2025 • 3

this week’s

top ten Winter Break at the Library

Trying to keep the kids busy while school is out? Head to the library! Dec. 22, take your 12+ tweens and teens to the Mesick location of the Cadillac Wexford Public Library from 3-5pm for a Book Bedazzle workshop to bling out a book cover or spine.

Over at the Marion Area District Library, stop in for Holiday Storytime and crafts on Dec. 23 at 3:30pm or a New Year’s Eve Countdown Storytime at 11:30am on Dec. 30. At the Traverse Area District Library main branch, find the Flashback Crafts for Teens on Dec. 29 from 4-5:30pm, plus Pokemon Club for ages 7-12 on Dec. 30 from 2-3pm. And last but not least, the Kingsley Branch Library will host a Holiday Maken-Take with crafts and activities from 1-3pm on Dec. 22, and then a Jane Austen movie night on Dec. 30 from 5:30-7:30pm to celebrate the author’s 250th birthday. Visit their respective websites for more info!

A Solo Rattler

Frontman of folk-rock band Michigan Rattlers Graham Young brings his solo performance to Great Lakes Center for the Arts in Bay Harbor on Saturday, Dec. 27, at 7pm. Beginning in Petoskey, the Michigan Rattlers have performed across North America, including festivals like Bonnaroo and Electric Forest.

Graham will entertain with raw, soulful renditions of rootsy rock ‘n roll and Rattlers’ favorites. Tickets start at $32. greatlakescfa.org/events/detail/graham-young

4 Hey, Read It!

Violet Thistlewaite Is Not a Villain Anymore

New year, new you, right? Well, for Violet Thistlewaite, aka the Thornwitch, starting over isn’t so simple. She’s spent years as the right-hand plant witch of an evil sorcerer, and when her boss kicks the bucket, she decides to turn over a new leaf. Instead of being one of the bad guys, she’s going to be one of the good ones. So she sets up a flower shop in a small town. She starts to make friends with her neighbors. She even feels a little spark with Nathaniel, the alchemist-turned-apothecary next door. But the past refuses to stay buried, and soon a new threat comes to the town of Dragon’s Rest, one that could expose Violet’s carefully-kept secrets about the villain she used to be. Violet will have to test how deep her good roots have grown and whether the new life she’s built will blossom or wither. A perfect read to start 2026 (and to remind you to keep sharp objects away from your pothos).

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Right Bower’s Bower Breakfast

It’s all about the experience at Right Bower Kitchen & Coffee in Traverse City, from the elevated café classics to boutique shopping (featuring Michigan makers!) in their Seven Hills space shared with Old Mission Distilling. A day of local discovery, though, demands tasty fuel, for which our first order of business is the signature Bower Breakfast. This flavor bomb sandwich starts with fluffy eggs soft-baked with white cheddar cheese and spices and grilled to order, stacked between slices of toasty brioche and finished with scratchmade garlic-sage aioli, fresh arugula, crème fraiche, and crunchy chopped chives. Top it with optional crispy bacon and pair it with the maple-spiked Jack Frost latte, and you might not want to leave! Stay awhile at 13795 Seven Hills Rd. in Traverse City, and stay tuned for seasonal dinner clubs! rightbowertc.com

4 • december 22 & 29, 2025 • Northern Express Weekly

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6 Umbo Is Coming

Winter isn’t just coming—it’s already here. But if you want a break from the December blues, head to The Little Fleet for a two-night pop-up on Dec. 29 and 30, where Umbo will be slinging dishes from 5-9pm. Umbo is the latest brainchild of foodies Cameron Rolka and Sarah Welch, best known for Detroit restaurants Marrow and Mink. Scheduled for a 2026 opening, Umbo will be an oyster bar in downtown Traverse City. While the menu for the kitchen takeover at Little Fleet was still under wraps by press time, the even details promise “bold, unexpected pairings. Fermentation-forward flavors. Locally sourced ingredients twisted into something transcendent.” Go check it out at 448 E Front St in Traverse City, or learn more at thelittlefleet.com/events, where you can also check out other pop-ups and the iconic Soup and Bread nights.

Stuff We Love: Starting the Year with Tradition The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians hosts the Kchi Wiikwedong Anishinaabek Maawnjidowin Round Dance on Jan. 3, 2026, from 2pm2am at Governors’ Hall at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. This annual event is one of the biggest of its kind in the country, with thousands of attendees participating in a night filled with singing, dancing, and good food. Round Dances are grounded in ceremony, typically held during the evening in the winter months since this is when loved ones who have passed on are closest. The tradition originated with the Nêhiyawak (Plains Cree) and has been adopted by other Native communities across North America. The Jan. 3 event will feature an impressive lineup of singers from across the Great Lakes region—with some coming from as far away as Washington and Saskatchewan—plus dance contests and a wide variety of vendors showcasing their wares. The event is family friendly and strictly drug and alcohol free. Learn more at gtbindians.org.

Old Married Couples Have you been with your special someone for 20, 30, 40, or even 50+ years? If so, we want to hear from you. For our Valentine’s Day issue, we’re going to be putting together a story with advice from the “old married couples” whose relationships have stood the test of time. To participate, send us an email at info@northernexpress.com with the subject “Relationship Advice” and tell us one or two of your best-kept secrets for a long and happy marriage. (We’ll also need your name and your city/town of residence in northern Michigan.) Your advice can be heartfelt or silly, practical or romantic— we just ask that you keep it PG. Then, in February, we’ll share the big secrets and best tips for making “I do” truly last a lifetime.

Thanks in advance to all you lovebirds!

8

bottoms up Sisters’ Princess Mimosa If you were to pick a Disney princess, which one would you choose? Elsa, for her powers over the incoming winter weather? Rapunzel, complete with long hair and a frying pan? Moana, to explore the Great Lakes with a (somewhat) trusty demigod at your side?

Well, whichever you choose, opt for the Princess Mimosa ($14) when you head to brunch at Sisters in Traverse City. The crown jewel of the mimosa menu—there are five to choose from—this royal concoction is made with pineapple Dole Whip and bubbles. Level up with a touch of spicy tajin, a blend of chili peppers, lime, and sea salt (+ $1); or level down by taking out the alcohol and swapping in Mawby’s Safe Sex NA bubbly (+ $2). Sip and decide on your true inner princess persona at 542 W Front St. in Traverse City. sisterstvc.com

Northern Express Weekly • december 22 & 29, 2025 • 5

CHRISTMAS SURVIVES ANOTHER YEAR spectator

By Stephen Tuttle It’s about that time when a certain president will declare he has once again saved Christmas. Actually, Christmas hasn’t needed saving since the mid-1600s when the Puritans banned it in Boston because it was not mentioned in the Bible.

Since then, Christmas has been on a pretty positive run.

Christmas was certainly not the first of the winter festivals, long celebrated as daylight began to magically lengthen or as late fall crops were finally harvested and stored.

The traditions we now enjoy—holiday trees festooned with decorations, giftgiving, and gathering for feasts—started long before historical Jesus was born and Christmas was celebrated.

The Romans, whose more moderate climate promoted a longer growing season, celebrated the winter crops during a drunken bacchanal called Saturnalia. Persians, Norse, Germanic people, Chinese, and Hopis in the Americas all were among many cultures celebrating the winter solstice.

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Saturnalia was especially offensive to early Christians, so they conjured up their own celebration they called the Feast of the Nativity and chose Dec. 25 to intentionally conflict with the celebration of a pagan god. There is zero evidence Jesus was born on that date—the Bible is silent on the precise date but most scholars believe historical Jesus was likely born in the spring. By the 4th century, Saturnalia was fading and most of their feasting and gift-giving traditions were absorbed by a newly Christian Roman Empire. Their first recorded Christmas celebration on Dec. 25th happened in 336 CE. In 1659 in Boston, our Puritan ancestors, finding no Biblical evidence of Christmas, actually outlawed Christmas and any activities associated with it. The “Christmas spirit” itself was specifically illegal, and decorations, gift-giving, and any related celebrations could result in a five-shilling fine. The smiling Grinch was doubtless disappointed when the Puritans lifted their ban in 1681.

Santa Claus has a religious foundation, too. A 4th century Greek bishop named St. Nicholas fond of giving gifts to the poor became the likely inspiration for Santa, and the short Dutch version of St. Nicholas, Sinter Klaas, ultimately morphed into Santa Claus. A poem written by Clement Moore in 1822 first described Santa’s visits. Drawings of the round guy in the red suit started appearing in Harper’s Weekly in the 1860s, the creation of cartoonist Thomas Nast.

The vision of Santa we have today was fully immortalized in Coca-Cola ads in 1931.

Some would blame Santa for the birth of the secular commercialization of

Christmas we now bemoan. After all, St. Nicholas gave gifts, so we’d better. Initially, gift-giving was primarily of the homemade varieties or food. The retail opportunities simply did not exist.

But buying Christmas gifts started as early as the 1830s. More people immigrating brought their gift-giving traditions with them. The advent of the industrial revolution meant more people moved into cities and more stores opened to serve them. Christmas-specific advertising became commonplace, and the opportunities to purchase almost everything increased exponentially. By 1870, Dec. 25 was declared a federal holiday.

Despite the overwhelming commercialization of the entire holiday season, many people believe this is a sacred time to honor their messiah, not a time for mirth. They limit their frivolity in exchange for deeper understanding of their beliefs. Others believe it is neither heavily religious nor heavily commercial but simply a time to enjoy family and friends.

For most of the rest of the world, Dec. 25 is just another day; nearly 70 percent of the planet has no interest in the religious component of Christmas at all. That’s because only 31 percent of the world identifies itself as Christian. Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Judaism, Shintoism, Sikhism, and Native American religions, just to mention a few of the thousands of religious belief systems around the world, all have their own holidays and traditions, none of which include Christmas.

And if you want nothing to do with Christmas at all—no religion, no parties, no gifts, no celebrations, no feast—that’s all right, too. Christmas doesn’t force itself on anyone not a willing recipient. That’s really the beauty of Christmas for those of us who celebrate, or not, in any way; we get to choose. It’s difficult to destroy anything that flexible, and nobody since the Puritans has really tried.

Whether you celebrate Christmas, Ramadan, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or you’re just happy daylight will glow longer, there is one holiday bromide with which we nearly all agree. It would be nice if at some point in 2026 we really did experience peace on earth and goodwill to all. Those are gifts everyone would gladly open.

(P.S. If you want to really help local charitable organizations, contribute the week after Christmas. Food pantry shelves are nearly bare, clothes and other necessities have been picked over, and the charitable group of your choice likely needs your help more on Dec. 26 than they did before Dec. 25.)

THE WINTER WE DON’T TALK ABOUT GUEST OPINION

by Kate Lewis Winter settles in quietly at first. A gray morning here, an early twilight there, the hum of holiday lights blinking on before most of us are ready.

still, we find ways to keep going. Not with grand solutions but with small, almost unremarkable moments of relief. The things that lift us just enough.

And then suddenly, we’re in it, deep in the season of forced cheer. The shopping, the cooking, the cleaning, the smiling.

The relentless emotional dance of trying to make everything perfect. The lists that grow longer by the hour. The expectation to feel grateful, joyful, festive, whole. It’s enough to drive anyone a little mad.

For me, sometimes it is takeout in front of the fireplace, the soft glow settling the noise inside me. Or a gift from a coworker from my hometown, something simple that catches me off guard and reminds me where I come from and who I have been.

From the outside, many of us look like we’re keeping up. Or at least keeping pace. We decorate, we travel, we shovel, we bake. We run to the grocery store for the ingredient we forgot, and then again for the one we forgot after that. We move through the motions because that’s what the season demands: participation, presence, good spirits.

It is scrolling back through photos of past winters, my babies bundled like overstuffed stars in snowsuits they could barely move in. It is sweatpants and soup on a night when I have nothing else to give. It is taking homemade holiday treats to the neighbors with my girls, standing in a doorway with mittened hands and shy smiles, a small exchange that somehow feels bigger than it is.

Winter has a way of amplifying these quiet struggles. The daylight slips away, the nights stretch long, and the pressure to be joyful can feel relentless.

But looking fine is not the same as being fine, and winter makes the gap between how we appear and how we feel even wider.

The truth is, winter doesn’t land the same for everyone. While some step easily into the rhythm of the season, others carry a heaviness that’s harder to see. It might look like distance, or a soft dimming of spark, or a bone-deep tiredness that no amount of rest seems to fix. Sometimes it’s simply not having the words for how you’re doing.

And often what’s mistaken for indifference or withdrawal is just someone turning inward, holding themselves together the only way they know how.

Winter has a way of amplifying these quiet struggles. The daylight slips away, the nights stretch long, and the pressure to be joyful can feel relentless. For some, it’s loneliness inside a room full of people. For others, it’s having no room to go to at all.

The season can also stir up memories of people we’ve lost or winters we can’t return to. Add in the financial strain, the complicated family dynamics, and the reality that support systems are stretched thin, and this time of year can feel like more than many people can comfortably hold.

Even those who seem steady may be carrying far more than they show. And

And it is stepping outside. Every single day, even when I don’t want to.

Especially when I don’t want to. The cold air meeting my face, the crunch of snow under boots, the quiet of a trail or the stillness of the forest.

Something in all of it cracks me open just enough to let a little light back in. I don’t always come home feeling transformed.

But I come home feeling more here. More myself. More able to keep moving.

This season can be bright, but it can also be heavy. Both truths can exist at once.

So if someone in your life seems a little quieter this winter, a little less available, a little more fragile around the edges, give them grace. You never know what they are carrying, or how hard they are trying just to make it through the day.

Maybe that is how we get through this season: not by shining brighter, but by holding space for the light we cannot always see.

Kate Lewis resides in Leelanau County and serves as the director of communications for Traverse Area Recreation and Transportation (TART) Trails. You can typically find her biking on a trail, paddling on the water, hiking in the woods, exploring northern Michigan with her kids, or dancing at a Phish show.

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'Tis the Season Leavenworth, Washington, has become a tourist destination because of the Bavarian theme businesses have adopted there, NPR reported. One shop, the Leavenworth Nutcracker Museum, houses the world's largest nutcracker collection, thanks to 101-year-old Arlene Wagner. Wagner started the collection in 1976, and soon after, she and her husband were going to estate sales and auctions in the U.S. and Europe to find rare examples. Once they'd collected 7,000, Wagner said, "It was time to share it with people," and they opened the museum. The oldest nutcracker she has is a bronze device made between 200 B.C. and 200 A.D. Now, Wagner is training a new "Nutcracker Lady," Michelle McMullen.

The Aristocrats On Dec. 7, The Washington Post reported, a drone flew over the Lee Correctional Institution in Bishopville, South Carolina, and dropped the ingredients of a swishy holiday dinner: steak, crab legs (along with a small container of Old Bay seasoning), two bags of marijuana and a pack of Marlboro cigarettes. The contraband was picked up by law enforcement before reaching its intended recipients, the South Carolina Department of Corrections said.

Spokesperson Chrysti Shain said the prison receives "nightly attacks" of drones trying to drop drugs into the prison yard, "but this was a bit unusual, even for us. I'm guessing the inmates who were expecting this package are a bit crabby."

Truth Is Stranger Than Netflix When law enforcement questioned Calvin Johnson, 36, about the stolen BMW he had just crashed in Ormond Beach, Florida, they got an earful, The Smoking Gun reported. Investigators say Johnson took the car on Dec. 8 and drove it at speeds exceeding 100 mph before the crash, but Johnson had a different explanation. He said he was "teleported into the vehicle" and told officers, "You saved me from the aliens."

He was charged with grand theft auto and driving on a suspended license.

"Bright" Idea Officers stopped a speeding car on Dec. 5 in Door County, Wisconsin, WBAY-TV reported. The sheriff 's office said the car was also missing a front headlight on the driver's side, but no worries: A handheld flashlight had been jerry-rigged in the spot where the headlight should have been. "A flashlight is not a safe or legal replacement for proper headlights," authorities said.

Wrong Place, Wrong Time No one was seriously injured on Dec. 8 in Brevard County, Florida, when a small plane crashed into a moving 2023 Toyota Camry on I-95 around 5:45 p.m., Spectrum News 13 reported. The 27-year-old pilot was attempting an emergency landing, Lt. Tara Crescenzi said. He and his passenger remained at the scene. The 57-year-old driver of the car was taken to the hospital.

Jim Coffey and his son, Peter, were in the car behind the Camry; Peter said, "I thought it might maybe aim around and not hit the car, but bam, the wheel just smacked right dab on the back of the car."

Animal Antics Andrew Mackay, a politician in Sydney, Australia, was surprised in early December when he checked in on his dogs via a petcam, CBS News reported on Dec. 10. His dog Thunder nuzzled open a sliding glass door to get outside, but a couple of typically outdoor animals took advantage. A steer named Sue and a horse named Cricket soon appeared on the camera. "Over the next hour and a half," Mackay said, "they took turns playing inside, knocking things off cabinets. The fish tank has been drunk from."

Least Competent Criminal A clumsy 20-year-old burglar bungled his own effort to break into a home in Spanaway, Washington, on Dec. 5, KIRO-TV reported.

Homeowners called police because someone was banging on their front door, trying to get in. The intruder then moved to the back of the house and tried to break a window. As he attempted to escape, deputies said, he tried to crawl under a fence, but got his foot stuck.

Law enforcement used bolt cutters to free his foot before arresting him on charges of residential burglary.

Weird in the Wild Austin Dirks, a hiker in Arches National Park in Utah, found himself in a sitcomworthy predicament on Dec. 7, CBS News reported. As he explored a small canyon on the second day of his backpacking trip, Dirks sank up to his thigh in quicksand. Fortunately, he had brought along an emergency satellite beacon, which was picked up by Grand County emergency responders. The team positioned a ladder and boards near him and slowly worked his leg loose. Once he was free of the quicksand, Dirks was able to hike out on his own and offer a few insights about the mythical substance.

"In quicksand you're extremely buoyant," he said. "Most people won't sink past their waist in quicksand." Well, that's a relief!

Weird Science In October 2024, an Idaho man was scratched by a skunk on his property, The New York Times reported on Dec. 6. Weeks later, he collapsed and died, presumably from a heart attack. The man's family donated several of his organs, and a Michigan man received a kidney. But a week later, he was hospitalized with fever, difficulty swallowing and fear of water -- symptoms of rabies. He died after a week in the hospital. Doctors believe the skunk that scratched the Idaho man had contracted rabies from a bat, but organ donations are not typically tested for rabies, according to the CDC. "Overall, the risk is exceptionally small," said Dr. Lara Danziger-Isakov, a board member of the American Society for Transplantation.

Awesome!

Among the 80,000 items that were traded in to GameStop for store credit during the retailer's first-ever "Trade Anything Day" on Dec. 6 were a goose, a framed dog portrait and a tiny Jesus, KENS-TV reported. But a store in Corsicana, Texas, may have received the weirdest item: a lounging taxidermic bobcat. A company spokesperson said the stores gave out about $400,000 in trade-in credit vouchers. "Our customers showed up with big imaginations ... We are very happy with the turnout."

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Northern Express Weekly • december 22 & 29, 2025 • 9

By Ross Boissoneau

26 Ways to Ring in 2026 The countdown is on!

Counting the days, hours, and minutes to the New Year? You’re not alone—or at least you don’t need to be, as there are celebrations of all sorts across the region.

The list of NYE parties below is not by any means comprehensive, but it does serve as a sampling of what there is to do as we bid adieu to 2025 and set our sights on 2026.

TAKING A BITE OF OUT 2026

1. Go back to the future at Black Star Farms of Suttons Bay. The Roaring 20s come alive again with the winery’s culinary team curating a dining experience featuring dishes and desserts inspired by the Jazz Age. Channel the opulence and glamour of a bygone era at a reception and communal feasting tables. Dress for 1920’s success.

2. Elevate your experience by taking the elevator to the top of the tower at Grand Traverse Resort and Spa. Enjoy an elegant five-course pre-fixe New Year's Eve menu at Aerie Restaurant & Lounge from 5-10pm, then head to the 17th floor for a DJ, dancing, cash bar, and fireworks at midnight.

3. Ring in the New Year in style at VUE Wine Bar in Charlevoix with an evening of live music, celebration, and sparkling ambiance. Laura Crowe performs from 8:30-11:30pm, setting the tone for a soulfilled night of music and celebration. As the countdown approaches, head outside for a special viewing of the iconic Charlevoix Bridge Drop (see below).

4. Get some good karma (their words not ours) at Karma Taproom in Gaylord.

Dressing up for the black-tie event is not required, but c’mon, it’s just once a year. Drink specials all evening and complimentary champagne at midnight.

Be smart and safe and save some money— Karma offers a discount to anyone that has us call them a taxi ride home.

IT’S A BALL, IT’S A BRIDGE, IT’S A...

TURTLE?

5. Falling from the sky to touch down at the stroke of midnight, Traverse City’s CherryT Ball Drop is the next best thing to Times Square. That’s according to those who put it on, and who are we to argue?

This is the 16th year the giant glowing cherry will descend to the street, followed by fireworks. Gates open at 10pm, and the fun lasts until just after midnight.

Donations will benefit the North Ed Foundation, supporting students facing food insecurity.

6. That’s not the only ball drop, and arguably not the most well-known. That’s because readers of USA Today last year chose the Big Ball Drop in Ludington as the “Best New Year’s Eve Drop” in the country. Beginning at 9pm on Ludington Avenue, patrons can enjoy live music and a beer garden with commemorative light-up glasses. At the stroke of midnight, the ball lit by 6,000 LEDs will drop, followed by fireworks.

7. The title of quirkiest drop surely belongs to Mackinac Island, where the Great Turtle Drop signifies the changing of the year. As the clock strikes midnight, the sky above Main Street lights up as the 70-pound fiberglass turtle—Norton, to his friends—is lowered from the top of the Lilac Tree Suites. Clad in a top hat and glowing purple and green lights, his landing marks the start of a new year.

8. Biggest drop? That would be the

10 • december 22 & 29, 2025 • Northern Express Weekly

Charlevoix Bridge Drop. Various activities take place at East Park beginning at 1pm, which is also when horse drawn wagon rides start at the corner Bridge and Mason Streets. Downtown restaurants get in on the fun with food and drink specials, and at 11:55pm the bridge drop starts.

RESORT & SKI FUN

9. Boyne Mountain boasts two New Year’s Eve dinner offerings, Stein Eriksen’s or Vienna, plus the annual Torchlight Parade followed by a Fireworks Display.

Got youngsters? Head to the Kids’ Glow Party in Matterhorn, located in the Civic Center, from 10pm to midnight. It’s a neon-lit celebration with glow sticks, music, dancing, and festive fun.

10. At Crystal Mountain you can enjoy a dinner buffet, live entertainment, and activities for the kids at the Family Party or a meal at the Wild Tomato or The Thistle.

Plus live music at the Vista Lounge, the annual Torchlight Parade and—wait for it—fireworks! The resort will even throw in NYE Party Packs (if you shell out $20) with top hats, tiaras, noisemakers, and more.

11. Seems the theme here is torchlight parades, including the one at Nub’s Nob. The Nub’s Nob Ski Patrol and Winter Sports School instructors will make one run down Smokey and another down Valley with flares in hand, creating a beautiful light display. It starts at 5:30pm, great for those who don’t want to or can’t stay up till the midnight hour 12. At Treetops Resort, dance to live music, sip your favorite winter cocktails, and raise your glass with a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. Step outside for fireworks over the slopes and a roaring bonfire under the stars. The resort is adding its own midnight ball drop to make the celebration even more epic. Its alternative family-friendly party includes laser tag battles, live DJ and dancing, face painting, and a photo booth, with a balloon drop at 11pm.

13. At Otsego Resort diners can choose between the Grand Buffet at Duck Blind Grille or dinner at Pontrasina. And their Fireworks Over the Valley show is back, beginning at 10pm.

14. So many choices with the three villages of Shanty Creek. There’s the Family Fun Dinner Party in the Grand Ballroom, where the whole family will rock the night away with a comedian, magician, and a DJ. At Ivan’s in Schuss Village, Cosmic Groove will keep the dance floor busy all night. And of course there’s a fireworks display over Summit Mountain at 11pm. Or take in the fireworks following the dinner buffet featuring roaring fireplaces and floorto-ceiling views at the Lakeview Restaurant.

15. Enjoy extended hours at Nonna’s Ristorante at The Homestead in Glen Arbor. (It will be open until 10.) Then guests can head over to Whiskers, unless of course they started there. It will be open until the stroke of midnight, and will feature live music all evening.

16. Last but not least, party the day and night away at Boyne Highlands. Find hot cocoa and treats, crafts and games, a bonfire and s’mores at the main lodge back lawn from 7-8pm, then celebrate at either the main lodge tower lobby or the Family New Year’s Eve Party at Zoo Bar Cantina from 9 to midnight.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY OUTINGS

17. At Curiosity Place Great Lakes Children’s Museum in the Grand Traverse Mall, doors will open at 10am to give everyone enough time to get their wiggles out in the galleries and craft their party accessories. The countdown will take place right at 12 (that’s 12 noon). Following the ball drop, partygoers will have some time to finish up their crafts before saying good-bye at 12:30pm.

18. Once again, it’s a cooperative venture to celebrate at Crooked Tree Arts Center and Petoskey District Library. From 6-9pm, kids can enjoy face painting, pottery and dance workshops, magic shows, a silent disco, and handson art activities, plus a pizza buffet and live music. Guests will also find outdoor entertainment on the Bidwell Plaza with DJ Michael, with cookies, coffee, cocoa, and chili. While the library will be closed during the day, it will open from 6–9pm to host family-friendly activities including live music, drawing, coloring, crafts and games. The night will conclude with CTAC’s popular “Midnight at 9” ball drop on East Mitchell Street.

19. You can also ring in the new year a little early with the kids at a family-friendly event at Sandcastles Children’s Museum in Ludington. The annual festivities will include crafts, activities, food, drinks, and an 8pm balloon drop to celebrate 2026.

NOT YOUR TYPICAL NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY

20. At 7:30, Yoga Roots in Petoskey is offering Gong Bath and Sound Healing Meditation to soothe the soul and reset the mind. Enjoy the sounds of antique symphonic gongs, Tibetan singing bowls,

alchemy quartz crystal singing bowls, Burma bells, wave drums, Koshi chimes, and more. No yoga poses required.

21. Enjoy a New Year’s Eve Worship Party at Revival Center in Cadillac. It will include worship, testimonies, fellowship, and praise.

Extended live worship throughout the night, mocktails, snacks, and fellowship and yes, a countdown at midnight.

22. The Grand Traverse Band Cultural Department and Niizh Animikiig present the GTB Sobriety Round Dance at Strongheart Center in Peshawbestown. From 8pm12:30am, the Side Step Social will feature singers, dancers, specials and more.

BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE

23. At Farm Club, you can enjoy true farm-to-table dining. This year it is offering a four-course meal, showcasing provisions harvested and preserved from its fields, cellars, and pantries. Each dish is a tribute to the bounty of the land and the joy of gathering.

24. Rock The Clock at The Venue Event Center in Cadillac with three, count ’em, three bands: Burn The Ships, Hands Of The Ocean, and Asshole Worms. The party runs from 9pm-1am.

25. Turn back the clock to the funky ’70s at Gypsy Distillery. It will be transformed into a full-blown disco, complete with glitter, mirror balls, and dancing, with a DJ, a midnight balloon drop to ring in the new year, and even free shuttle service between Gypsy Spirits Petoskey and Gypsy Distillery beginning at 8pm.

26. Celebrate early at Mari Vineyards.

From 5-8pm, enjoy music from Party Down DJs while noshing on appetizers from the vineyard’s kitchen team. Plus, you can sample pours from its exclusive Library Wines.

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Northern Express Weekly • december 22 & 29, 2025 • 11

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Photo courtesy of Crystal Mountain

By Abby McKiernan Winter break has arrived, and if you are looking for ways to get the whole family out of the house and off the couch, we have you covered! From ski lessons and light shows to surrey rides and even an international snowcross competition, there is no shortage of ways to get out and enjoy for every age and adventure level this season.

Below, we have rounded up 10 familyfriendly events—many of them free or low cost—happening between December 22 and January 4 so you can plan your perfect winter staycation!

ride through the snowy grounds of Crystal Mountain in a horse drawn surrey. Warm blankets, twinkling lights, and the peaceful winter woods create a memorable holiday outing. Advance reservations are required due to popularity.

Outdoor Adventures

What: Ski with Santa at Crystal Mountain When: Dec. 24 at 10am Where: Crystal Mountain, 12500 Crystal Mountain Dr., Thompsonville Cost: Standard lift ticket or season pass Details: Santa takes a quick break before his worldwide travels to join young skiers on the slopes. Families can ski alongside him, snap festive photos, and enjoy a holiday moment that feels magical for children.

What: Candlelight Hike at Mt. McSauba When: Fridays, 5pm to 8pm Where: Mt. McScauba, 09223 Mt. McSauba Rd., Charlevoix Cost: Free Details: Experience winter evenings in a peaceful new way on this candlelit forest trail. Visitors may hike, snowshoe, or crosscountry ski at their own pace along a milelong route illuminated by softly glowing candles. The path begins at the sledding hill parking lot and offers a quiet and beautiful outing. Dress for the conditions!

What: Mancelona’s Snowcross Border Cup When: Jan. 3 and 4, 2026 Where: Northern Power Race Park, 2201 Valley Rd, Mancelona Cost: Adults $15 per day, youth $10 per day, children five and under free Details: Northern Power Race Park hosts racers from both the United States and Canada for a two-day snocross competition. The event features high energy racing on a professionally groomed track and offers plenty of loud, snowy excitement for motorsport fans.

What: Horse-Drawn Surrey Rides at Crystal Mountain When: Dec. 20-Jan. 3 starting at 5:30pm Where: Crystal Mountain, 12500 Crystal Mountain Dr., Thompsonville Cost: $15 per person, children two and under free Details: Families can enjoy a picturesque

Cozy Indoor Activities What: Festival of Trains When: Dec. 20 to Jan. 3 Where: Creekside Community Church, 3686 W South Airport Rd, Traverse City Cost: $5 (ages four and under are free) Details: Choo-choo! Get the wheels turning

as the kiddos explore operational model train displays crafted by local experts. There will also be a model trail swap meet, plus door prizes and other fun goodies.

What: A Celebration of Light When: Dec. 20 - Jan. 4, normal business hours Where: The Curiosity Place / Great Lakes Children’s Museum 3200 W South Airport Road, Suite 420, Traverse City Cost: $9, included with general admission to the museum Details: In addition to the usual fun and education the Children’s Museum has to offer, “A Celebration of Light” includes special dropin activities and hands-on STEM investigations connected to the science of light.

Lights & Holiday Cheer What: Gaylord’s Alpenlights Drive-Through Light Show When: Dec. 11-24, 5:30pm-10pm Where: Otsego County Fairgrounds, 275 Fairview, Gaylord Cost: $25 per car (+ card fees); enter at the North Gate Details: The Otsego County Fairgrounds glow with more than 80 unique light displays, some towering over 14 feet high!

Families can stay warm in the car while slowly driving through vibrant scenes, glowing characters, and holiday vignettes.

Open nightly from Dec. 11 through Christmas Eve. What: Eighth Annual Art Tree and Ornament Show When: Dec. 4-31, normal business hours

Where: Higher Art Gallery, 219 East Front Street, Traverse City Cost: Free admission Details: Higher Art Gallery hosts this annual exhibit featuring hundreds of handmade ornaments created by regional artists. Families can browse the gallery together and find everything from whimsical creatures to classic glass and ceramic designs.

What: Hammond and Five Mile Christmas Light Show When: Nov. 28 to Dec. 25 Where: Hammond and 5 Mile Roads, Traverse City Cost: Free Details: This neighborhood light show has become one of Traverse City’s most beloved holiday attractions. Visitors can drive slowly past glowing displays, colorful lighting arrangements, and coordinating decorations that create a cheerful winter scene. The show runs Monday to Thursday from 5pm to 10pm and Friday to Saturday from 5pm to 11pm.

What: Bear Lake’s Sparkle in the Park When: Nov. 29 to Dec. 31, 5pm-10pm Where: Hopkins Park Campground, 7698 Main St, Bear Lake Cost: Free, donations appreciated Details: Visitors can walk or drive through more than 80,000 lights and 50 displays along the shores of Bear Lake. This longstanding community event is created by volunteers, local businesses, and organizations and is a bright and colorful way to celebrate the holiday season.

Northern Express Weekly • december 22 & 29, 2025 • 13

What to Snow about the 2025-26 Ski Season Cool temps, early openings as ski resorts prep for a frosty forecast

Photo courtesy of Boyne Mountain

By Kierstin Gunsberg No one cheers an autumn blizzard quite like a kid with a brand new sled…except, maybe ski resorts and their season pass holders.

So when that early November snow dropped piles of the white stuff all across northern Michigan (Leelanau saw 10 inches!) it was just the kind of sign the industry, which brings in nearly $55 million annually across the state, was looking for.

Indeed, with another blizzard that came right on time for Thanksgiving turkeys to be pulled from the oven, and as meteorologists jump in with predictions of a cold La Niña winter filled with flurries, the snow cannons and lifts have already been hard at work for the 2025-2026 season.

Here’s what ski resorts say they’re doing to welcome you back to the slopes and what’s new before you click in.

Schuss Mountain

Last winter got off to a melty start, but it actually wound up being one for the books. For Shanty Creek Resort’s 42-run Schuss Mountain, the 2024-2025 season was “absolutely amazing” once Jack Frost decided to cooperate, says the Bellaire resort’s rep Kirsten Borgstrom.

With 264.5 inches of natural snowfall, it was “our snowiest winter on record,” she says. “Combined with our snowmaking capabilities, we delivered outstanding conditions throughout the entire season.”

This year’s early weather patterns have the Schuss team expecting another great season while they cross their fingers that the

low double-digit temps will stick around.

“When we get into temperatures in the teens, our snowmaking operations run at peak efficiency,” and make way for a better base to build runs quickly, says Bergstrom.

But where the real fluffy stuff lacks sometimes, the resort’s expanding its use of mSnow, a spongey orange mat that looks like it’s made of nerf darts, to keep their Red, Yellow, and Purple lifts safe for loading and unloading no matter the snowfall that day.

What’s New: The mountain will stay open a little later Wednesday through Saturday, giving after-work skiers and boarders until 9pm to hit the slopes, while Nordic skiers will have a new homebase in The Legend Pro Golf shop, which will be the cross country headquarters for the winter months.

And, for those of us who are less gifted with balance and coordination but still want to take in NoMi’s glittering sights, the resort is introducing the Snow Glider, a 45-minute ride through portions of Shanty Creek’s 5,500 acres aboard a new Alpina Dual-Track sled.

Caberfae Peaks

Going on its 89th year, Caberfae is one of the country’s longest-running ski destinations and has been witness to nearly a century of northern Michigan winters— some better than others. Like Shuss reports, Caberfae was surprised in the best way by last season’s snowfall, says owner Pete Meyer.

“Once we made it to January, the snow quality was incredible and by far the best winter in recent memory,” he says. “The snow just kept coming down and kept piling up.”

What’s New: While mother nature’s been delivering, Meyer says that over the

14 • december 22 & 29, 2025 • Northern Express Weekly

Enjoy an apres ski hangout at Caberfae.

last 25 years the Cadillac ski hub hasn’t “had a winter in which we had no thaws in January or February.” To prepare for the inevitable warm-ups, he and his team spent this summer expanding their snowmaking system to over 160 machines. They also added luxe heated walkways to the base and lift station and a Prinoth Tier 5 Bison X groomer, which is basically the king of trail laying and slope building. Looking

further ahead, Caberfae recently announced a multi-year chairlift expansion that’s going to add more beginner-friendly terrain by the 2027-28 season.

Crystal Mountain

A half hour (but definitely more on icy roads) north of Caberfae, folks were making runs right up through the first week of April at Crystal Mountain, for a total of 118 skiable

Photo courtesy of Shanty Creek

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days, recalls Brittney Primeau, who reps the Thompsonville resort. With 178 inches of snow hitting the mountain over last season, “we were able to push enough snow around to host our first ‘April Avalanche’ event with tubing after the slopes were closed for the season,” she says.

As for what makes ideal snowmaking conditions, it’s “28 degrees or less, low humidity, clear skies, and a light but consistent wind,” says Primeau.

What’s New: Crystal’s launched quite a few upgrades for the season, like repositioning its 178 snow guns to maximize early-season coverage, especially in the Loki slope complex, and beefing up the rental shop’s offerings, which now includes 600 new Head skis and more than 50 Burton snowboards. Crystal has also expanded flexible ticketing with its Crystal Flex passes to give visitors the ability to choose which days they’ll use their pass instead of having to carve out consecutive days. Meanwhile— and just as important—a new Mac n’ Cheese Bar is now available in the Clipper Café for when it’s time to carboload.

Boyne Mountain & The Highlands

Boyne’s Kari Roder says the energy going into this winter is high after only just wrapping up last season at the same time that northern Michiganders started making their summer vacation plans.

“We kept [the] lifts turning until Memorial Weekend,” says Roder, who’s betting the 2025-26 season will be just as good. “We compared last year’s Thanksgiving week forecast with this year, and it’s almost identical.”

Over at their sister mountain in Harbor Springs, The Highlands is also coming off what president and general manager Mike Chumbler calls a strong 2024-25 winter where snowmaking kicked off in early November and hills opened on Dec. 8. “The snow and quality of skiing were fantastic,” he says.

This year, he’s watching the La Niña pattern and says his team is “optimistic this could be an exceptional winter in northern Michigan.”

What’s New: For anyone looking to get the whole family on the hill this year, Boyne’s new “Small Fry Camps” for tots ages 2-4 have been added to the daily lineup. Kiddos get a taste of the mountainlife (plus some lunch) while parents and older siblings hop the lifts. And, if you’ve ever entered a situation and thought, “this would be better with a DJ” you’re not alone.

Boyne’s adding a DJ booth in a repurposed gondola at their Village Lane base for what they call “après vibes.” They also took their brief down season to add to their snowmaking fleet, with nine SuperPole Cat guns aimed at the Meadows and Disciples areas for better coverage, something Roder says will help get the mountain open faster no matter the weather.

The Highlands, which is in the midst of a major resort-wide upgrade planned through 2030, is mirroring that same strategy with one of their latest projects bolstering their snowmaking operations for quicker terrain expansion, says Chumbler, who’s also bringing post-run jams starting in December with the return of their Friday Night Concert series.

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16 • december 22 & 29, 2025 • Northern Express Weekly

A NEW KIND OF ADVENT

Student Guest Opinion

By Tess Tarchak-Hiss It’s the gleeful and gay holiday season, which means two things: tooth decay and seasonal depression!

While my sister and I grew up gnawing on daily peppermint Hershey’s Kisses and Santa Claus-shaped dark chocolate, we’ve gradually been drawn to alternative advent calendar ideas that aren’t as horrific for circadian consumption. You know, like a really creative pill dispenser, or a Red Bull advent calendar. (Trust me, I’ll definitely feel like I have wings after that majestic combination for 25 days straight.)

Advent calendars initially spread from fourth-century Germany during the season of, unsurprisingly, Advent. Originally a countdown for new Christian baptisms at the start of January, the tradition developed into a Christian symbol and trademark HomeGoods holiday must-have.

Between handmade Christmas clocks, cribs, and candles, the habitual German token transitioned into a communal and commercial gateway for consumers.

I’m sure there’s no better feeling for tweenage girls than waking up on the first of December and receiving a mini-moisturizer sample in your Sephora Advent, or if you’re a lunatic, opening your daily Cthulhu figure in your Lovecraft calendar. But constant consumerism has grabbed Gen Z and held us in a Chiikawa-shaped chokehold.

Gen Z was raised on the notion of “right here, right now”—even more so compared to older generations. From lootboxes to Pokémon Cards, we craved everything cast onto our YouTube homepages, in coordination with both ads and the temporarily popular toys and trinkets placed on the playground-pedestal.

Unlike our predecessors, if we really wanted something, we could immediately place an online order with our parents’ permission: it was an instantaneous dopamine hit. We related objects to being overjoyed; the more purchased, the higher the bar of buoyancy was raised, making it impossible for those my age to ever feel a satisfactory amount of delight.

To be frank, I’ve historically been a downer.

Ever since the age of six, I’ve struggled to climb out of despondent dumps; through kindergarten and beyond, I would spin, spiral, and lament over every circumstance.

For years, my world has continued to be frozen in a less-than-jolly shade of blue, which I would cope with through the mentality of “I need more to feel more.”

My adolescent depression didn’t rely solely on trending toys; I knew what I liked and seldom let others influence what tiny, cheapo trinket I needed to make my day. Shopkins?

Creeped me out. Lalaloopsy? Lala-absolutely not. Poopsie Unicorn Slime Surprise? Do you think I’m that unsophisticated?

Blind boxes and capsule machines have always been my kryptonite: the thrill of the hunt, the dangerous unpredictability, the sobbing outside of an Auntie Anne’s because I didn’t get the specific Sonic fidget spinner I wanted. The possibility that you could get exactly what you wanted with less time and money, contrasting with the reality that you’ll always end up with something, felt like a win in all departments, regardless of the semi-permanent sensation of failure I felt.

Over time, I’ve viewed the idea of having “more” as a con. Yes, humans can always have more cheer, more spirit, more love—but on the flip side, there’s always consistently more hate, dread, and atrocities.

Gen Z continues to confuse the increasing feeling of “more” joy with the sense of releasing tension and dejection; the higher the bar is, the more drastic the dopamine drop. The more you have, the more you have to lose. If you’re consistently hopeless, how do you recognize the actual sensation of enjoyment and exhilaration outside immediate pings of short-lived dopamine through expenditure?

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My personal beef with advent calendars is that they’ve evolved into an evil separate from their roots. You know vaguely what you’re going to get every time, whether it’s candy, beef jerky, or Mr. Beast toys, yet the element of surprise grants low-stakes risks.

And yet the idea of a daily increase in items brings people a phony, five-second sense of happiness before having to spend half an hour scraping the snow off their car at the crack of dawn.

Some may argue that there’s nothing immediately wrong with short-lived contentment. If those five seconds are the highlight of your day and persuade you to continue pushing through the present, why not?

It’s a placebo. People, myself included, should focus on consistently gaining a sense of confidence within their contentment.

Not through material toys, throw-away things, or immediate purchases, but through community and giving back, tradition, reflection, and our own potential—all elements of the holidays overshadowed by the gifts received.

Advent comes from the Latin word “adventus,” which literally means “to arrive.”

Instead of an instantaneous and artificial emotional uplift, we as a society need to focus on a steady increase in joy over time.

We need to focus on being present, not presents. By actively engaging and seeking out the positives in the world around us, genuine jollity will eventually come.

Tess Tarchak-Hiss is a senior at Traverse City West Senior High. She explores the world around her by writing at her dining room table while listening to Wiz Khalifa.

Northern Express Weekly • december 22 & 29, 2025 • 17

Climbing Out of the Winter Blues

Photo by Josh Hartman

18 • december 22 & 29, 2025 • Northern Express Weekly

By Ren Brabenec Sixteen years ago, Kevin Vlach was fresh out of college at the University of Michigan and living abroad in Spain. That was when he first heard the siren song of climbing.

“I’d heard about these locals who would go down into these huge culverts below highway overpasses and climb up the sides.

I tried it once and was hooked.”

Vlach moved back to the States, lived in Colorado for a few years, and became even more obsessed with rock climbing, eventually joining a volunteer mountain search-and-rescue team.

“After my wife and I had our first kid, we decided to move back to TC to be closer to family,” Vlach says. “Then we decided to open a climbing gym, but that posed challenges, because climbing gyms are typically centered in old industrial districts where big warehouses have high, open ceilings. Not a lot of that in Traverse City, especially not in locations that folks would find it easy to get to.”

So Vlach and his business partner, Nick Olson, bought a vacant lot off of Eighth Street and began building their gym from the ground up. Just as they were preparing to break ground, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, adding additional challenges to an already stressful venture.

“The community showed up for us,” Vlach says. “With their help, we pulled through and opened our doors in 2021.”

Centered in Community What stands out most about ELEV8 isn’t its unique, modern, completely custom climbing gym, or the thought and foresight put into every installation and amenity. For Vlach and the people who attend the gym, it’s the focus on community.

Vlach began ticking off the various programs ELEV8 puts on throughout the year and the different community activities the gym is engaged in. It takes him at least a minute to list them all, and he insists he’s forgetting a few.

“Family club night, homeschool climbing hours, youth climbing clubs both recreational and competitive, classes, parties, competitions, 8th Street Day, blacklight climbing, headlamp climbing, movie nights, conferences, seminars, Queer Night, potlucks, high school grad nights, recess sessions for grade school kids—the list goes on,” Vlach says.

Because ELEV8’s co-founders founded the gym as a community gathering place first and foremost, they’ve also put a lot of work into making climbing accessible to all.

“Climbing, like most sports, was traditionally an upper-middle class, white male-dominated sport,” Vlach says. “We aim to change the narrative by creating a place for everyone. We launched a program called ‘ELEV8 For All,’ which is an honorsystem scholarship program that provides subsidized memberships to those who cannot cover the full cost of a climbing membership.

We feel our standard fees are fair and reflect the value one gets from a membership, but we also never want cost to be an obstacle to those who want to join our community and start climbing.”

Goals for 2026 When we asked Vlach about his plans for 2026, he grins as if he’s hiding a secret.

“Well, we haven’t made it public yet, but let’s manifest it into existence right now by talking about it!” he says. “In 2026, we’re hoping to take the fun outdoors and install exterior climbing elements onto our facility!”

Vlach waxes poetic about the joy of outdoor climbing, something people in the Traverse City area typically have to drive at

least three hours to experience.

“How great would it be to get some fresh air and a light breeze right here in TC while you’re 40 feet up on an outdoor climbing wall?” Vlach says. “We’re very excited to bring that climbing opportunity here.”

Speaking of climbing opportunities, we asked Vlach for his two cents on how folks should get started in rock climbing. “Come in and get our basic safety orientation and some brief information on how to use the equipment,” he says. “But then just get on the wall and see if it grabs you.”

Setting a New Route When that outdoor wall arrives, it will need some expert guides. Luckily, ELEV8 has them.

“Route setting is one of the best parts of climbing, because you get to create the problem that climbers then have to solve.”

So says Jess Kubo, a manager and route setter at ELEV8. She’s been climbing for almost 20 years. Kubo joined ELEV8 before the business even opened, and now she wears every hat imaginable, including coaching the

gym’s competitive youth climbing team.

To Kubo, route setting is an art because you must approach creating a new climbing route with an open mind and a playful perspective.

“People ask, ‘Do you have binders full of routes that you rotate through?’” Kubo says with a chuckle. “‘Nope,’ we reply. All of our routes are self-created and self-directed. It takes imagination and inspiration to create a new route, and every route is examined by at least three employees before being made available to the public.”

ELEV8 creates new routes twice per week, ensuring members can always look forward to something new. Kubo also teaches lessons that emphasize safety, technique, and mobility exercises to improve core strength, grip, hip flexibility, and leg strength.

From the outside looking in, even the easiest routes might look challenging, but Kubo assures us that rock climbing is not as intimidating as it seems.

“People can have the experience they want to have,” she says. “There’s an entry point for everyone.”

STAYING ACTIVE THIS WINTER

For Kyle Lieberman, co-founder of Petoskey Field House, winters in Michigan pose challenges to athletic performance, putting young athletes at a disadvantage compared to those in warmer climates who can train year-round.

The solution? Bring outdoor sports indoors.

“Petoskey Field House is an indoor sports and activity center for people of all ages to come in, train, stay active, and engage with other community members,” Lieberman says, adding that the Field House’s primary demographic is children and school-age athletes, but that they also have an adult fitness center.

Lieberman and his co-founders purchased the property in January of 2020 and, like the folks at ELEV8, faced pandemic-related hurdles during construction and opening. But that didn’t stop them from building an activity center that is now home to one of the premier travel soccer clubs in Michigan.

“We wanted to maximize the space and that included going vertical,” Lieberman says when we asked about the rock climbing portion of Field House. “We did outreach into the community to find out what the needs were. Our goal with the Field House has always been to host activities families couldn’t find locally, and rock climbing was one.”

The Field House has three climbing walls with self-belay systems. “It’s introduced a lot of people in northwest Michigan to the joy of climbing,” Lieberman says.

This winter, Field House-goers can join the Northern Michigan Elite Fitness program, which meets on Mondays and Wednesdays. It’s an opportunity for kids ages 8-18 to work on their strength, speed, agility, and endurance.

“It’s a way for young athletes to improve on their basic athletic competence,” Lieberman says in closing, adding that interested families can sign up for the winter programming at petoskeyfieldhouse.com.

Northern Express Weekly • december 22 & 29, 2025 • 19

Fat and Flurrious fat tire bike race. Photo by Rob Meendering Photography

DASHING THROUGH THE SNOW Your 2026 winter race calendar

By Northern Express Staff & Contributors

SATURDAY, JAN. 17, 2026 Cote Dame Marie Ski Loppet: 22K, 11K, 5K Hanson Hills Recreation Area, Grayling hansonhills.org/winter-events

SUNDAY, JAN. 18, 2026 Nub’s Nob Classic 5K & 12K Nub’s Nob, Harbor Springs nordicskiracer.com/event-details.asp?id=4234

>> JANUARY <<

SATURDAY, JAN. 17, 2026 Dogman Challenge Fat Bike Race Mt. McSauba, Charlevoix dogmanchallenge.net

SATURDAY, JAN. 24, 2026 Bigfoot Snowshoe Race: 10K, 5K, 1M Timber Ridge Nordic Center, Traverse City runsnow.com

SATURDAY, JAN. 3, 2026 Forbush Moonlight Snowshoe 5K Forbush Corner Nordic, Frederic forbushcorner.com/snowshoeRace.html

SATURDAY, JAN. 17, 2026 Fat & Flurrious Fat Bike Race Start in downtown Boyne City; race at Avalanche Mountain fatandflurrious.com

SUNDAY, JAN. 25, 2026 Beach Nuts Junior Nordic Race: 1/2K, 1K, 2K, 3K Nubs Nob, Harbor Springs nordicskiracer.com/event-details.asp?id=4236

SATURDAY, JAN. 3, 2026 Winter Wolf Skiathlon: 5K Classic Skiing; 5K Skate Skiing Hanson Hills Recreation Area, Grayling hansonhills.org/winter-events

SATURDAY, JAN. 17, 2026 Frozen Foot Race: 5M & 1M Eastern Elementary School, Traverse City runsignup.com/Race/MI/TraverseCity/FrozenFootRace

SATURDAY, JAN. 10, 2026 Vasa Raptor Rush Classic: 10K, 5K, 2.5K Hickory Hills Ski Area, Traverse City nordicskiracer.com/event-details.asp?id=4232

SUNDAY, JAN. 18, 2026 CCSC Flying Squirrel Nordic Race: 3.5K & 5K Freestyle Crystal Mountain, Thompsonville nordicskiracer.com/event-details.asp?id=4235

JAN. 27-30, 2026 Special Olympics State Winter Games GT Resort & Spa, Acme; Schuss Village at Shanty Creek Resort, Bellaire; Howe Arena, Traverse City somi.org/wintergames

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20 • december 22 & 29, 2025 • Northern Express Weekly

SATURDAY, JAN. 31, 2026 Meijer State Games - Forbush Freestyle: 16K & 5K Forbush Corner, Frederic stategamesofmichigan.com/events/winter/freestyle2026

>> FEBRUARY << SUNDAY, FEB. 1, 2026 Meijer State Games - Hanson Hills Classic: 14K Hanson Hills Recreation Area, Grayling stategamesofmichigan.com/events/winter/nordic2026 SATURDAY, FEB. 7, 2026 White Pine Stampede: 40K, 22K, 12.5K Mancelona High School whitepinestampede.org SUNDAY, FEB. 8, 2026 Forbush Memorial Classic Race: 6K & 12K Forbush Corner Nordic, Frederic forbushcorner.com/memorialRace.html SATURDAY, FEB. 14, 2026 North American Vasa Freestyle: 50k, 27k, 12k, Bigfoot Community Relay Timber Ridge Resort, Traverse City vasa.org/Race/MI/TraverseCity/NorthAmericanVasaFestivalofRaces SATURDAY, FEB. 14, 2026 Betsie Bay Frozen 5K Elberta Lookout, Bye Rd., Elberta runsignup.com/Race/Events/MI/Elberta/BetsieBayFrozenK SUNDAY, FEB. 15, 2026 North American Vasa Mark Esper 6K Classic, Lombard Loppet 15K, Vasa Tour 6K, Fat Bike 25K Timber Ridge Resort, Traverse City vasa.org/Race/MI/TraverseCity/NorthAmericanVasaFestivalofRaces SATURDAY, FEB. 21, 2026 Fatty Caddy Winter Fat Bike Race: 1 Hour (Sport); 2 Hours (Elite) 3736 S. Seely Rd., Cadillac bikesignup.com/Race/MI/Cadillac/FattyCaddyWinterFatBikeRace SUNDAY, FEB. 22, 2026 33rd Annual Junior Muffin Race: 5K Team Sprint Relay Race, Mini Muffin Freestyle Races

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Blooming on Cass Road Sharing a beer with Nocturnal Bloom’s Justin Rivard

Photos by Hallie Kohler

By Karl Klockars What do you do as a brewer when you’ve made beer all over Michigan, taken your brewery skills to California, earned an Advanced Cicerone certification (one of just 200 in the world), consulted on new breweries, trained brewers to open places of their own, and studied your craft under brewing legends like Jolly Pumpkin’s Ron Jeffries?

If you’re Justin Rivard, you come home.

That’s how Traverse City happened to end up with the new Nocturnal Bloom Brewery in the Atomic Marketplace, which opened in early August. Well, that, and a little nudge from West Coast real estate prices and accessibility for folks in the hospitality industry.

“My wife and I wanted to own a house, we wanted to be closer to family and our support network, and it was one of those moments where I wasn’t sure if I should change careers, or if I just needed to commit and go all in. So I moved back here,” Rivard says. “All the pieces fell together.”

One of those big pieces was the Atomic Marketplace: the dramatically airy, minimalist, Japandi-styled open-interior space for vendors including a coffee shop (Seismoto), a kitchen (Acorns), and a brewery. Rivard’s family knew the builder, Bryan Roth, who was interested in housing a brewery at the new project.

“I was like, well, I’ve been doing this for about 15 years, and this is what I’m looking to do in Traverse City…” And that piece fell in place. “His attention to detail and his vision really captivated me,” Rivard says.

Beer + Botanicals Prior to Nocturnal Bloom, Rivard started his beermaking career at the Jolly

Pumpkin on Old Mission Peninsula, which led to jobs in southeast Michigan at the North Peak production brewery as well as at Ann Arbor’s Grizzly Peak, and then to head brewer at Arbor Brewing and at a brewpub in central California. All of that experience adds up to a wide breadth of beer experience, as evidenced by his current lineup of beers.

Rivard’s beer styles run the gamut from West Coast IPA to English styles to barrelaged sours, but as a conservationist-minded individual, many of the beers at NB are made with 100 percent Michigan ingredients.

“Short of the yeast—there’s no Michigan yeast company—[it’s] all Michigan grains, all Michigan hops. I want to play in that realm of spices and botanicals, but still clean drinkability. That’s really important,” he says.

Also, as you may have gleaned from the floral name of the brewery, “there’s a botanical edge that I’d like to develop,” Rivard adds. “Working with hyper local ingredients and foraging, to some extent.”

You can see the start of that botanical edge in beers like the black walnut brown ale, the pear-infused Belgian ale, and their popular jasmine rice lager.

“I look at brewing as a culinary practice, without getting too out there,” Rivard says.

“Things like a hazy milkshake sour IPA … okay, you just named three separate beers that could all be great, and if you combine all of those together, you end up with one beer that’s … not so great.”

Wine + Spirits Nocturnal Bloom is more than a brewery, though—it’s actually licensed as a winery, brewery, and a distillery, which means that Rivard can make and ferment pretty much anything his heart desires. And after a decade and a half of making beer, getting to stretch his legs into these newer areas is fun.

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22 • december 22 & 29, 2025 • Northern Express Weekly

“It’s definitely refreshing,” Rivard says.

“We make our own orange liqueur in house, and it’s awesome. We’re making our own amaro ... the hope is that eventually I’ll be doing some other interesting things with those licenses.”

Part of these other beverages is creativity; the other in necessity.

“The industry is changing, and not everyone drinks beer,” Justin says. “The good news is that the people are excited about the beer, but we’re an inclusive industry. Someone comes in, they only drink cocktails, cider, or wine—I wanted to make sure there was a blending of all that stuff.”

That blending is also literal. For example, the black walnut syrup that goes into their Old Fashioned is a reduced-down version of their black walnut brown ale; the puree that flavors their watermelon gose also goes into their margarita; their Ninja Naranja cocktail gets jasmine rice lager floated on top.

“I’m not looking to ostracise people,” Rivard says. “Good brewery owners know that first and foremost, we’re in the hospitality industry.”

Affordability + Simplicity And opportunities for hospitality abound at the Atomic Market. In addition to the sprawling patio and bocce field, there’s a side patio that’s currently mostly a cornhole area, but hopefully could be an event space. For the brewery, beer dinners with seasonal pairings are on the to-do list. Live music. Beer trivia.

More wine. More cider. Plenty of beer.

And importantly for many, affordable beer is on the menu.

“It’s hard, but I do have two $6 beers available,” Rivard says. “Because it’s tough out there. Beer is historically a working person’s beverage. Having some of those really affordable beers is important to me.”

A couple of affordable beers often leads to

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exploring the more creative side of the beer board, and another piece helping Nocturnal Bloom fall into place is the Michigan beer drinker that’s open to all these things.

“I think a lot of people have gone full circle. They’ve had the cotton candy double IPA with sprinkles, pixie dust, and whatever.

And they’re ready for creative stuff, but there’s a point where you’re just making it too busy,” Rivard says. “In California, you walk into a brewery and it’s like, 17 hazy IPAs and then a token pilsner. I think beers are kind of like moods. Sometimes I’m like, ‘man, I just want beer flavored beer.’

Many drinkers probably recognize that Traverse City (or the American craft beer scene writ large) hasn’t been much of a beer-flavored-beer kind of city over the past couple of decades. But maybe there’s a place here for someone who makes cream ales, pale ales, and rice lagers. Maybe it’s blooming right now.

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The Uppers to NB’s Downers: Seismoto Coffee Arrive before the Nocturnal Bloom bar opens for business and you’ll likely find yourself gravitating towards the other beverage maker at the Atomic Market: Seismoto Coffee. Opened a few months before Nocturnal Bloom, Seismoto primarily works with local roaster Panther Coffee and features other roasters on a rotating basis, along with teas from Onyx Tea. That Panther espresso makes its way into drinks like a S’more Latte, while ground green tea provides the base for their Banana Bread Matcha Latte, with bananas, cinnamon, and vanilla. The combination of coffee in the AM and beer in the early afternoon (plus some nice looking cinnamon rolls from Simply Sourdough) makes for an all-day array of patrons working remotely, taking meetings and hanging out in the airy, open space.

The Sara Lee Situation One of the year’s stinkiest stories was the Sara Lee Odor Issue. In August, an issue with the frozen bakery’s on-site wastewater pre-treatment facility caused some extremely noxious odors, affecting their neighbors at the Atomic Market. “I assumed originally that it was the water treatment plant,” Rivard says, describing the smell as a brewer trained in off-flavors would: “It was a sewer-y smell … honestly, it smelled like really sulfury, stressed out yeast.”

Whatever it was, it wasn’t great for business. “It was really the worst for the beer garden, because we had a number of days that were super beautiful, and we had to shut the doors.”

Definitely not what you want when you’re in your very first days of selling a beverage whose aroma is a major part of the drinking experience, but to Sara Lee’s credit, Rivard says that the situation has been solved and they don’t expect any future issues. “The plant manager actually stopped in here, dropped off a business card, and had a beer. He reached out to me, and within that week it was resolved.”

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Bruce Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere

CLEAN HOME. CLEAR MIND. NEW YEAR. Even if you watch Bruce Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere from the comfort of your own home when it hits video-on-demand starting Dec. 23, (the same way an estimated 75 percent of us now consume most movies), I still imagine it can and will capture your heart on the small screen.

and two microphones. When the artist is finally satisfied, he hands the cassette tape masters over to his manager Jon Landau, who now must find a way to translate the moody tapes into a proper album for the anxious Columbia Records executives hungry for hits.

That’s because, in the hands of the transformative performers who bring it to life, Deliver Me From Nowhere is that rare musical biography that actually does deliver, with gentle and rare insights into an American icon and enigma (at least for 1 hour and 59 minutes). And so it should, as The Boss was heavily involved in creating it.

And in one of rock history’s many legendary moments, Landau does just that, telling the edgy record company executive across the table at one point, “When you’re here in this office, we’re in the Bruce Springsteen business.”

Leading the cast is the actor and reluctant sexsymbol Jeremy Allen White in an electrifying performance as Bruce Springsteen. Using acting techniques that are more restrained than flashy, White eventually slips away entirely, leaving an effortless portrait of a young Springsteen behind. White trained for seven months in order to learn guitar and sing on screen, finally receiving the real Bruce’s personal blessing for how he captured his essence, cadence, and poetic delivery.

Director and screenwriter Scott Cooper (Crazy Heart and The Pale Blue Eye), creates another wonderful ensemble film here, where every character and note seems authentic and true even with dramatic liberties.

Based on the Warren Zane book of the same name, Deliver Me From Nowhere doesn’t expand to tell the rock star’s entire life story, but instead focuses on the intense period from 1981 to 1982 when Springsteen is on the edge of solo super-stardom and realizing his discomfort with fame after the E-Street years.

Landau, a mild-mannered pencil pusher who first met the artist in 1974 after seeing him perform at a small Cambridge bar and introducing himself, eventually becomes Springsteen’s fiercest and most loyal career protector, even as he hopes to become the man’s friend. As played by Jeremy Strong, Landau is a complicated mess of admiration and anxiety, and his dynamic with White’s Springsteen is the central core of the film’s flintiness.

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It’s perhaps counterintuitive to call Deliver Me From Nowhere unusually powerful in a quiet and soft way, but that delicate and restrained tone is one of the film’s most engaging qualities as the story reveals Springsteen as a fragile son, a lonely dreamer, a clumsy lover, and finally a cultural Pied Piper for things even he can’t explain, but can sing about.

Now 76 and still touring and recording, Springsteen has sold an estimated 150 million albums worldwide, won 20 Grammy Awards, and even received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from Barack Obama, who called him the “Rock n Roll Laureate” of our time.

To calm those nerves, Springsteen goes small instead of big and pours himself into the recording of Nebraska, a solo album considered one of his masterpieces that he made almost alone, using only a four-track tape recorder.

Deliver Me From Nowhere was one of my favorite films of the year for the joy it brought me to experience the man behind this remarkable journey, who still seems to be the same 22-year-old New Jersey kid with a guitar…hoping someone will hear his cries of pleasure and pain.

To achieve the raw and intimate sounds he wants, Springsteen retreats to his New Jersey bedroom to record the album’s 10 tracks using almost laughable analog techniques

Contains adult themes, language, and smoking.

Streaming and available on VOD starting Dec. 23, 2025. White has been nominated for a 2026 Golden Globe as Best Actor.

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Northern Express Weekly • december 22 & 29, 2025 • 25

dec 20

photos with Santa, gingerbread house conSaturday test, food truck village, live music, The Great RUN LOCAL SHOP LO-

CAL 5K: 9am, 100 S. Lake St., Cadillac. Race route: Lake St., Chestnut St. to North Shore Condos & back to Lake St. $20 for under 18; $25 all others. runsignup.com/Race/MI/Cadillac/RunLocalShopLocal -------------------------------$1 KIDS’ MATINEE: 10am, State Theatre, TC. Featuring “The Polar Express.” stateandbijou.org/homepage/kids-matinees -------------------------------HOLIDAY MRKT SHARE: 10am-3pm, Warehouse MRKT, TC. Shop the latest from local makers & vendors while spreading holiday cheer. Just a few options include picking up some decorated sugar cookies, hot cocoa & coffee bombs from Crum Cakes Bake Shop; handcrafted cocktail infusions & gourmet sugars & salts from Tipsy Sips Craft Cocktails; & beach-inspired, bubble glazed pottery from Leelanau Pottery Company. Other names include Wild Wanderers Apothecary, Schyler the Potter, Wanderlust Fashion, plus more.

Find Warehouse MRKT on Facebook.

-------------------------------LEGO CREATION EVENT: 10am, Helena Twp. Community Center, Alden. Kids of all ages welcome. Completed LEGO creations will be displayed in the Alden District Library.

231-331-4318.

-------------------------------DREIDEL, DREIDEL, DREIDEL!: 10:30amnoon, Peninsula Community Library, TC. Staff member Erica teaches the history & how to of this classic Hanukkah game. Free.

-------------------------------FIRESIDE CHAT: SHARON WADE: 11am, Gaylord Area Council for the Arts Gallery.

Sharon will discuss her creative journey & how the 100 Days Project has become a tool for creative exploration & output. Also enjoy hot chocolate at this event. gaylordarts.org -------------------------------SAY NO TO ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE: 11am12:30pm, Grandview Parkway + Union St., TC. The ceasefire in Gaza has not stopped Israel from killing Palestinians every day.

Join MidEast:JustPeace in a weekly demonstration to demand our representatives stop taking money from the Israeli lobby, stop serving Israel above America, stop shipping weapons to Israel, & to stop the starvation & killing in Palestine. mideastjustpeace.net -------------------------------FESTIVE FINDS HOLIDAY CRAFT SHOW: Noon-7pm, Leelanau Sands Casino, Peshawbestown. leelanausandscasino.com/events -------------------------------THE GREAT NORTHERN CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL: Noon-5pm, 1902 Resort & Retreats, Wolverine. Featuring the Snowy Pines Merchant Market, rotating daily activities,

Christmas Feast & more. Find on Facebook.

-------------------------------JIM OLSON BOOK SIGNING: 1-3pm, Horizon Books, TC. Jim Olson & his daughters have teamed up to release a new expanded edition of “The Reindeer and the Easter Bunny: A Children’s Story for All Ages.” horizonbooks. com/event/2025-12-20/jim-olson-book-signing -------------------------------CTAC SCHOOL OF BALLET’S “THE NUTCRACKER”: 3pm & 7pm, Great Lakes Center for the Arts, Bay Harbor. Featuring stars of Miami City Ballet, Taylor Naturkas & Alexander Peters. $15-$150. greatlakescfa.org/ events/detail/the-nutcracker-2025 -------------------------------THE ACCIDENTALS WITH KABOOM COLLECTIVE – HOLIDAY ALBUM RELEASE CONCERT: 3pm & 7:30pm, Castle Farms, Charlevoix. Celebrate the season with The Accidentals & the 27-piece Kaboom Studio Orchestra as they perform their brand-new 13-track holiday album live. $30-$100. castlefarms.com/events/live-music-the-accidentals-with-kaboom-collective-holiday-albumrelease-concert -------------------------------DOMINIC FORTUNA’S HOLIDAY SPECTACULAR: Hotel Indigo, TC. Dominic Fortuna & his Holiday Crew are bringing back the show that wowed audiences at the Williamsburg Dinner Theater. Includes a holiday buffet dinner, signature holiday drink, & festive entertainment, laughter & nostalgia. Choose from two shows: 4-6pm or 7:30-9:30pm. $92.50. mynorthtickets.com/events/dominicfortunas-holiday-spectacular -------------------------------LIGHTING OF THE BRIDGES: 6pm, Grass River Natural Area, Bellaire. Enjoy a 1/3 mile winter stroll on the boardwalk to the dock with the bridges lit up with lights, & then warm up with a campfire & hot cocoa at the pavilion.

Inside the Center will be a variety of holiday crafts to make. $5/person. grassriver.org -------------------------------LIVE NATIVITY: 6pm & 7pm, Ellsworth Christian Reformed Church, Ellsworth. Dress warmly as you participate & join inside for refreshments following the performance. Free.

-------------------------------YULE PARTY: 6-9pm, Blessed Be Tea and Apothecary, TC. This night is all about warmth, community, creativity, & stepping into the winter season wrapped in comfort & intention. Enjoy Yuletide crafts, a mini ritual, tarot readings, bake sale fundraiser, & much more. Festive attire encouraged. blessedbetea.com -------------------------------BLISSFEST WINTER SOLSTICE GATHERING: 6:30pm, Crooked Tree Arts Center, Petoskey. An annual celebration of the return of the light featuring cocktail hour with local favorite Mr. Jake, a raffle & auction to support the

dec/jan

20-03 send your dates to: events@traverseticker.com

Start out 2026 on the right foot with a Blissfest Traditional Community Dance, Sat., Jan. 3 at Littlefield/Alanson Community Building in Alanson at 7:30pm. Come early for a potluck at 6:30pm and bring table service and a dish to pass. Enjoy music by The Hybrids, with Larry Dyer calling. All dances are taught – circles, contras, squares and more – and you don’t have to bring a partner. $10/person; $5/student; 12 and under, free. blissfest.org

year round work of Blissfest Music Organization, & a headlining performance by Dead at Winery—all hosted by Seth Bernard. $30 GA, $12 ages 13-17, & free for 12 & under. showclix.com/tickets/wintersolstice25 -------------------------------CHRISTMAS CAROLS AT MOUNT CARMEL CENTRE: 7pm, Mt. Carmel Centre, Gaylord. Sing along to celebrate the Season of Christmas in the 125-year-old Mt. Carmel Centre adnorned in holiday splendor. Free; donations welcome.

-------------------------------A CHRISTMAS TRIBUTE TO THE EAGLES: 7:30pm, City Opera House, TC. Featuring all the top hits of the Eagles woven in with favorite holiday classics. $46.50-$79. cityoperahouse.org -------------------------------HOLIDAY GALA: 7:30pm, The Garden Theater, Frankfort. With performances from Sam Cronin, Andrew Dost, Courtney KaiserSandler, Tim Jones and The Up North Get

Down, Skyelea, Carly Wagner, & more. $35 GA. gardentheater.org/comingsoon -------------------------------HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS: 7:30-9:30pm, Interlochen Center for the Arts, Corson Auditorium. Guest Conductor Jason Altieri leads the TC Phil & Jeffrey Cobb’s NMC Choruses in a festive program of holiday favorites.

Wsg TC native, soprano Hanna Brammer. $27-$65. tcphil.org/concerts -------------------------------ROALD DAHL’S MATILDA THE MUSICAL: 7:30pm, Old Town Playhouse, TC. Matilda is an extraordinary girl, unloved by her cruel parents, impressing her teacher, & raising the ire of her school’s mean headmistress.

But Matilda’s courage & cleverness could be the school pupils’ saving grace! $35 adults; $25 youth under 18. oldtownplayhouse.com/ performances/mainstage/matilda.html -------------------------------THE HOLIDAY SPECIAL: 7:30pm, The MATCH, Cherryland Center, TC. Featuring

The Greatest Gift You Can Give This Season Give safety. Give hope. Give joy. $10 a month can provide a child coming into care something to hold when the world feels scary. cfsnwmi.org

26 • december 22 & 29, 2025 • Northern Express Weekly

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The Haunting of Ebenezer, an original, acoustic retelling of the classic A Christmas Carol, presented by Stone Fruit Collective. Mashup Rock & Roll Musical will join for a second act of holiday songs & even a sing-along. $20 advance; $25 at door. mashuprockandrollmusical.ludus.com/index.php?sections=events -------------------------------CANDLELIGHT: CHRISTMAS CAROLS ON STRINGS: 8:45pm, The Village at GT Commons, Kirkbride Hall, TC. A live, multisensory musical experience featuring the Listeso String Quartet, under the gentle glow of candlelight. $44-$66.50. feverup.com/en/ traverse-city-mi-us

dec 21

Sunday HOLIDAY MUSIC WITH PI-

ANIST/VOCALIST PETER BERGIN: 1pm, Traverse Area District Library, McGuire Community Room, TC. Free. tadl.org/bergin -------------------------------CTAC SCHOOL OF BALLET’S “THE NUTCRACKER”: (See Sat., Dec. 20, except today’s only time is 3pm.)

-------------------------------FIRE & SEED-WINTER SOLSTICE COMMUNITY EVENT: 3-8pm, Northern Natural Cider House & Winery, Kaleva. Celebrate the return of the sun! Enjoy Yule Poetry by Morgan Leigh Kelsey of The Bewitching Bluejay, Ancient Sequoia Tree Music by Tom Wall of Cosmic Knot, & a Fire Performance by Chelsey & John Fitzpatrick. Free. facebook. com/events/1181119173942441 -------------------------------HOLIDAY MUSIC: TLC HANDBELL CHOIR: 3pm, Traverse Area District Library, McGuire Community Room, TC. Free. tadl. org/handbells -------------------------------HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS: (See Sat., Dec. 20, except today’s time is 3-5pm.)

------------------------------NOTEABLE CHAMBER CHOIR CONCERT: “A CELEBRATION OF LIGHT”: 4pm, Harbor Springs High School Performing Arts Center. Director Jamie Platte & pianist Cynda Coleman lead the new group of well known area singers. Tickets, $18; available on website or at door. noteablechamberchoir.com -------------------------------MENORAH IN THE SQUARE: 5pm, Rotary Square, downtown TC. Join to light a giant Menorah in Rotary Square with music, doughnuts, hot apple cider, & people coming together. Free. Jewishtc.org/menorah -------------------------------TC TRACK CLUB JINGLE BELL RUN: 5:30pm, Park Place Hotel & Conference Center, TC. Enjoy this nighttime, non-timed 5K holiday run that tours favorite neighborhood streets bordering downtown TC that are adorned in holiday lights & decorations.

Wear your festive holiday costume. Following will be complimentary cookies & hot cocoa. Register. $20; free for TC Track Club members. runsignup.com/Race/MI/TraverseCity/jingleBellRun -------------------------------SOLSTICE SILENT DISCO: 6pm, Dennos Museum Center, NMC, TC. Grab a pair of wireless headphones that give you the option to decide your musical vibe as you head to the dance floor or mingle in the galleries.

Super Nuclear will be in the house lighting it up! $5-$20. simpletix.com/e/solstice-silentdisco-tickets-228032 -------------------------------THE HOLIDAY SPECIAL - PAY WHAT YOU CAN: 6pm, The MATCH, Cherryland Center, TC. Featuring The Haunting of Ebenezer, an original, acoustic retelling of the classic A Christmas Carol, presented by

Stone Fruit Collective. Mashup Rock & Roll Musical will join for a second act of holiday songs & even a sing-along. This is the Pay What You Can performance; minimum of $5. mashuprockandrollmusical.ludus.com/ index.php?sections=events

dec 22

monday HOLIDAY EVENT:

dec 23

tuesday CHRISTMAS COMMUNI-

A CHRISTMAS CAROL: 5pm, Traverse Area District Library, McGuire Community Room, TC. Enjoy a two man adaptation of a holiday classic, A Christmas Carol. Free. tadl.org/christmascarol

TY MEAL: 11am-2pm, The Salvation Army Community Center, TC. Free.

---------------------“WHITE CHRISTMAS”: 6pm, The Garden Theater, Frankfort. Part of the Garden Classic Movies series. Free. gardentheater.org/ comingsoon -------------------------------MIDTOWN MEN HOLIDAY HITS: 7pm, Great Lakes Center for the Arts, Bay Harbor. Reuniting stars from the Broadway smash hit “Jersey Boys,” the Midtown Men perform their “Holiday Hits” show. Hear Yuletide classics such as “Winter Wonderland” & “Let It Snow,” as well as songs of The Beatles, The Temptations & more. Tickets start at $47. greatlakescfa.org/events/detail/midtownmen-holiday-hits

dec 24

wednesday SKIING WITH SANTA: Crys-

tal Mountain, Thompsonville.

Grab your skis or snowboard & hit the slopes with Santa from 10am-4:30pm. crystalmountain.com/events-activities/events/eventcalendar/ski-with-santa

dec 25 theran Church.

dec 27

thursday CHRISTMAS DAY COM-

MUNITY MEALS – FREE TO THOSE IN NEED, TC: 2-5:30pm, Bergstrom’s Burgers; 1-3pm, Trinity Lu-

saturday $1 KIDS’ MATINEE: 10am,

State Theatre, TC. Featuring “Frozen Sing Along.” stateandbijou.org/homepage/ kids-matinees -------------------------------SAY NO TO ISRAEL’S GENOCIDE: (See Sat., Dec. 20) -------------------------------HOLIDAY BOOKED WITH IPL: 2pm, Interlochen Public Library. Holiday Booked: Gather & Grow. Enjoy an afternoon of food, games & holiday fun, supported by a grant from Molina Healthcare. Free.

-------------------------------AN EVENING WITH GRAHAM YOUNG: 7pm, Great Lakes Center for the Arts, Bay Harbor. Frontman of folk-rock band Michigan Rattlers, Graham Young will perform solo. Beginning in Petoskey, the Rattlers have performed across North America, in-

Michael Dease

Trombone - Julliard - the man who holds the center of this amazing project

Geoffrey Keezer Piano - played with Art Blakey, Joshua Redman, David Sanborn - virtuosity meets deep creative musicality

Billy Kilson

Drums - Marcus Miller, Ahmad Jamal, Bob James, Paula Cole - daring but precise, like tap-dancing on the edge of a cliff

Paloma Ximena

Sax - rising star discovered at the Essentially Ellington Festival in 2022. 2024 member of the Carnegie Hall National Youth Orchestra

Langston Kitchen

Bass - another rising force mastering the instrument and bringing a deep wellspring of creativity to the stage. Detroit born with Harlem roots, now at MSU.

MICHAEL DEASE CITY LIFE QUINTET Saturday, January 10th

DOORS 7, MUSIC 7:30 • $30 TICKETS S EC O N D F LO O R

C O M M O N G RO UN DS BUILDIN G

Northern Express Weekly • december 22 & 29, 2025 • 27

NOW THAT’S A STOCKING STUFFER 231-276-9910

Online Ordering Dine-In or Takeout Gluten-Free, Vegetarian & Vegan Options Available

SINCE 2013 1333 Yellow Dr • Traverse City (231) 943-1453 • spanglishtc.com Located at the Village at Grand Traverse Commons

28 • december 22 & 29, 2025 • Northern Express Weekly

cluding festivals like Bonnaroo & Electric Forest. Graham will entertain with raw, soulful renditions of rootsy rock ‘n roll Rattlers’ favorites. Tickets start at $32. greatlakescfa.org/events/detail/graham-young

dec 28

sunday LARRY MCCRAY BAND:

7pm, Freshwater Art Gallery/Concert Venue, Boyne City.

This powerhouse bluesman has performed with blues greats such as BB King, Buddy Guy, Robert Cray, Keb Mo, Kenny Wayne Shepherd & many others. McCray’s latest album is “Heartbreak City.” He was honored as Orville H. Gibson’s Male Blues Guitarist of the Year in 2000, & in 2014 won the Top Guitarist prize in the International Blues Matters writers poll. Tickets, $45. Call to reserve: 231-582-2588. Please also bring items for the Good Neighbor Food Pantry. freshwaterartgallery.com

dec 29

monday MI MOVIE MANIA – “PO-

LAR EXPRESS”: 1pm, Peninsula Community Library, TC. Join for a series of movies set &/or filmed in the Great Lakes State. Polar Express (G) - A boy skeptical of Santa boards a train near his home in Grand Rapids to head for the North Pole. Free.

dec 31

wednesday TC NEW YEAR’S EVE

CHERRYT BALL DROP: Front St., downtown TC. Enjoy music, lights & community cheer. At midnight watch as the giant glowing cherry makes its descent, lighting up the heart of TC & welcoming 2026 in true northern style. Gates open at 10pm. thefestivalfoundation.org/p/ our-events/cherryt-ball-drop2 -------------------------------COUNTDOWN TO NOON WITH THE GREAT LAKES CHILDREN’S MUSEUM: 10am-12:30pm, The Curiosity Place, GT Mall, TC. Gallery play, festive crafts, & a “ball drop” at noon sharp. Children’s admission is $13 members & $15 nonmembers. Adult admission is $3 members & $5 nonmembers.

Children under 1 attend free. greatlakeskids. org/news --------------------------------

SPARK AT SUNSET!: 4-8pm, Dune Bird Winery, Northport. A family friendly New Year’s Eve party. Enjoy bonfires, shoot rockets, watch the fireworks & more. dunebirdwinery.com/news/nye-party-at-dune-bird -------------------------------NYE AT CTAC, PETOSKEY W/ PETOSKEY DISTRICT LIBRARY: 6-9pm. Inside CTAC, enjoy face painting, pottery & dance workshops, magic shows, a silent disco & hands-on art activities. Buttons for these indoor activities are $10 adults, $5 ages 3-17, & free for 2 & under. This admission also includes a pizza buffet provided by Mancino’s.

Levitator will provide live music on the main stage. Outdoor activities at CTAC are free & include entertainment by DJ Michael on Bidwell Plaza, along with cookies, cocoa & chili provided by Little Bay Gourment. The night concludes with the “Midnight at 9” ball drop on East Mitchell St. Library events are free & include s’more kits for roasting over the fire pits in front of the library; while inside, meet & take photos with the Wild Thing from “Where the Wild Things Area,” enjoy listening to Jeff Pagel on guitar, play chess games & more. crookedtree.org -------------------------------NYE CELEBRATION ON RIVER ST.: 7-9:30pm, 134 River St., Elk Rapids. Downtown Elk Rapids’ charming small-town streets will come alive with music, laughter, & the sweet aroma of hot chocolate & treats.

The ball drop takes place at 9pm.

-------------------------------TORCHLIGHT PARADE & FIREWORKS AT THE HIGHLANDS: 9pm, The Highlands at Harbor Springs. highlandsharborsprings. com/events -------------------------------FAMILY GLOW & TORCHLIGHT PARADE: Crystal Mountain, Thompsonville. Free for registered participants with a valid season pass or lift ticket dated Dec. 31, 2025. Participants must be proficient in skiing or snowboarding in a controlled manner safely down a blue/intermediate slope independently & able to follow directions. Space for this event is limited. 231-378-4776. Registration begins at 8:30am. 9:15-9:40pm: Buck Chairlift will be accessible for parade participants only. Parade begins at 10pm sharp at the top of Cheers To Lou! Fireworks will begin immediately following the Torchlight Parade. crystalmountain.com/events-activities/events/ event-calendar/new-years-eve-celebrations

jan 03

saturday BLISSFEST TRADITIONAL COMMUNITY DANCE: 7:30pm, Littlefield/Alanson Community Building, Alan-

son. Music will be provided by The Hybrids, with Larry Dyer calling. All dances taught (circles, contras, squares & more). No need to bring a partner. Potluck at 6:30pm. Bring table service & a dish to pass. $10/person; $5/student; 12 & under, free. blissfest.org -------------------------------$1 KIDS’ MATINEE: 10am, State Theatre, TC. Featuring “Abominable.” stateandbijou. org/homepage/kids-matinees/

MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT: Held every Weds. at noon at Christ Church, 430 Fair St., TC. NAMI groups are for folks with mental health conditions & their families & friends.

You will gain insight from hearing the challenges & successes of others. The groups are led by trained leaders with lived experience. namigt.org/support-and-education/ support-groups

helping hands art - FIFTH ANNUAL STROLLING LIGHTS WINTER AND THE BLUES: Art on Union FESTIVAL: Crystal River Outfitters Recreational District, Glen Arbor. See the Strolling Lights Festival Trees that were purchased, helping the Empire Area Food Pantry, which serves those who are struggling to put food on their tables. Monetary donations can also be made online. With the funds that are raised from this festive tradition, Crystal River Outfitters Recreational District hopes to increase the amount of protein, flour & sugar on hand, as well as helping fourlegged family members who often go unfed.

Runs through New Year’s. crystalriveroutfitters.com

ongoing FESTIVAL OF TRAINS: Creekside Community Church, TC. Runs Dec. 20 - Jan. 3. Santa visits on Sat., Dec. 21 & Sat., Dec. 27 from 1-3pm. Multiple operating model train displays, Model Train Swap Meet, door prizes & more. Tickets at door: $5; 4 & under, free.

Hours are Mon. through Sat., 10am-6pm; & Sun., 1-4pm. Closed on 12/25 & open from 1-4pm on 1/1. Presented by Northern Michigan Railroad Club & The Curiosity Place. nmrrclub.org/home/festival-of-trains -------------------------------ALPENLIGHTS CHRISTMAS DRIVE-THRU LIGHT DISPLAY: Otsego County Fairgrounds, Gaylord. Featuring more than 60 unique light displays presented by Holiday Lamplighters & Events. Runs every day through Dec. 24 from 5:30-11pm or until last vehicle. $25 per car at the gate (plus processing fees for credit cards). alpenlights. com -------------------------------INDOOR FARMERS MARKET: Saturdays, 10am-2pm. The Village at GT Commons, The Mercato, TC. Browse the Mercato halls every Sat. through April. More than 30 vendors offer a variety of items from farm fresh eggs, meats & cheeses, to fruits, veggies, homemade breads & more. thevillagetc.com/ events --------------------------------

Gallery, TC. Enjoy seasonal sips & sweets as you explore the local artwork that reflects the calm, light & quiet of winter in northern Michigan. Runs through Dec. 24.

Open Tues. through Sat., 11am-4pm. artonunion.com -------------------------------CHARLEVOIX CIRCLE MARKET: Charlevoix Circle of Arts. A festive holiday marketplace featuring an array of handmade goods, original artwork, & locally produced specialty treats, all created by Michigan artisans. Runs through Dec. 30. Check web site for hours. charlevoixcircle.org -------------------------------CROOKED TREE ARTS CENTER, PETOSKEY: - PORTRAITS OF PLACE: Held in Atrium Gallery. Presented by CTAC’s Kitchen Painters, this is a vibrant exhibition celebrating the beauty, spirit, & shared stories of northern Michigan. Runs through Jan. 10. See web site for hours. crookedtree.org/events-andexhibitions/exhibits/portraits-of-place.html - OPEN STUDIO: Held in the Visual Arts Room, Saturdays, 10am-1pm. Free drop-in art studio for the whole family. New projects are offered weekly. crookedtree.org -------------------------------DENNOS MUSEUM CENTER, NMC, TC: - DEWEY BLOCKSMA: ROUNDTABLE: Blocksma’s artwork is a gathering of figures & ideas, real & imagined, informed by medicine & art. Common themes include: puzzle heads, violin women, fake computers, Dutch cowboys, porcupines, & much more, all within a world assembled & reassembled, juggling toys buffeted by current events. Runs through Jan. 4. Check web site for hours. dennosmuseum.org/art/now-on-view - ICE INTO OCEAN: ARCTIC TRACINGS: This exhibition is the result of a seven year collaboration between Cy Keener & Justine Holzman, exploring how ice shifts & reshapes the landscapes of the Arctic.

Through large scale drawings, images, & installation, the exhibit investigates the nature & movement of ice & water across this remote environment. Runs through Jan. 4.

Northern Express Weekly • december 22 & 29, 2025 • 29

Check web site for hours. dennosmuseum. org/art/now-on-view - BENEATH THE SURFACE: TRAINING TOMORROW’S WATER STEWARDS: The Great Lakes Water Studies Institute at NMC is advancing freshwater, groundwater, & marine science through cutting-edge technology, education, & research. This exhibit highlights NMC students’ hands-on work with remotely operated vehicles, sonar mapping, & groundwater sampling. Runs through Jan. 4. See web site for hours. dennosmuseum. org/art/now-on-view - DOUG CANNELL: “SELECTIONS FROM BACKSTORIES”: An introduction to Doug Cannell’s works that merge sculpture, installation, & storytelling into layered experiences. Cannell creates objects that resist easy definition. Runs through April 3. See web site for hours. dennosmuseum.org - IMPRESSIONS OF AN ERA: PRINTS FROM THE DENISON MUSEUM COLLECTION: This selection of prints, created between 1970 & 1990 by nationally & internationally recognized contemporary artists, reflects two transformative decades in contemporary printmaking. Artists include Dee Shapiro, Barbara Kohl-Spiro, KUDO Muramasa & James Rizzi. Runs through May 31.

See web site for hours. dennosmuseum.org -------------------------------HIGHER ART GALLERY, TC: - 8TH ANNUAL ART TREE & ORNAMENT SHOW: Runs through Dec. 31. Featuring hundreds of handmade ornaments. See web site for hours. higherartgallery.com - LOCAL ARTIST MELONIE STEFFES SOLO EXHIBIT: WILDER ALTERNATIVES: Runs through Dec. 25. Featuring Steffes’ whimsical imagined realism oil paintings.

See web site for hours. higherartgallery.com

OLIVER ART CENTER, FRANKFORT - OAC HOLIDAY ARTISAN BOUTIQUE: Find gifts from regional artists showcasing a variety of ready-to-gift handmade items, holiday cards, ornaments, accessories & more.

Runs through Dec. 24. Tues. - Sat.: 10am4pm; Sun.: noon-4pm. Oliver Art Center is closed on Mondays. oliverart.org - WINTER MEMBER EXHIBITION: Runs through Jan. 2. OAC member showcase is an all-media exhibit just in time for holiday gift-giving. Hours are Tues. - Sat., 10am4pm; Sun., noon-4pm. Closed 12/24, 12/25 & 1/1. oliverart.org

Deadline for Dates information is Tuesday for the following week.

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Northern Express Weekly • december 22 & 29, 2025 • 31

lOGY

DEC 22 - DEC 28

BY ROB BREZSNY

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): A newly planted orchard

spends its first year growing roots, not fruit. Underground and unseen, the real work happens. I surmise that’s like what you will be doing in the coming months, Capricorn: mostly invisible stabilization and preparation. If anyone asks you what you’re producing, smile inscrutably and say, “Depth.” Be committed to the quiet, hidden work rather than any showy song and dance. As my rough and rugged spirit guide Esther likes to say, “You don’t got to prove nothin’ to nobody!” The nourishment you will be storing up will sustain later abundance.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): According to ancient

Egyptian myth, the sun god Ra rode a celestial boat across the sky by day. Each night, he plunged into the underworld to wrangle with chaos so he could rebirth light in time for the dawn.

That’s your mythic assignment for the coming months, Leo: not to be nonstop luminous, but to renew and nurture your radiance in the dark. Your courage will lie in feeling and learning from your doubts without identifying with them. Your magnetism and wisdom will deepen as you descend. You won’t be less golden for passing through shadow.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): In medieval

“Jonesin” Crosswords "The Freemix"-a themeless puzzle for you. by Matt Jones

ACROSS 1. It's represented by an octothorpe 8. "Count me out" 13. Slow cuisine?

15. Apres-ski drink 16. Laugh during a monologue?

18. "Crying in ___: A Memoir" (2021 Michelle Zauner book) 19. 9 of 12, for short 20. Printouts 22. It's somewhere below 2 or 3 24. Corrida creature 25. Like some key soccer shots 28. Vacuum-seal, as a steak, maybe 29. ___ Grand (David Copperfield's Vegas venue) 32. Quarters sharer 33. Is being awful online?

34. Fireplace residue 36. Old United rival 37. Official 39. What rappers rock 41. Pt. of some three-day weekends 42. Bangers 44. Lobbyist gp.

46. Harem ___ (Toronto hard rock band, not to be confused with an Elvis film) 48. Deep-fried general 49. Hamburger complaint?

50. Screen part 51. "Let's be honest" 54. Dr. ___ Skoda of the "Law & Order" franchise 55. Go for a spare?

60. "Alias" equivalent 61. Fuming 62. Streamline, in a way 64. Billiards bounce 65. Meme caption once described as "arguably the

most loathed Far Side strip ever" 66. Performs excellently 67. Highly abbreviated sign-off DOWN 1. Surname of three acting brothers 2. Within human discovery 3. Blame bearers 4. "I doubt it!"

5. Corner 6. Title for a Turkish military leader 7. Lose it 8. Blood of Greek gods 9. Knit hat toppers 10. Palm fruit 11. Miffed 12. H.S. seniors' exams 14. "There She Goes" band 17. Sketcher's eraser 21. Live in harmony 23. Day, in Hebrew 26. What some filters filter 27. Actor who plays villainous leader McCone in 2025's "The Running Man" 30. Follow the first part of an itinerary, perhaps 31. With higher chances 35. Photo that takes a while to capture 38. Surfaces 40. XLI times V 43. Plushie for the little ones 45. President of France, 1995-2007 47. "All the Devils ___ Here" (2025 film) 52. Attention-getting noises 53. Vulcan on "Star Trek: Voyager" 55. Camera roll contents 56. ___ history 57. "Trooper" prefix 58. "Eye of ___ and toe of frog ..."

59. "___ & Kim" (2000s Australian sitcom with a failed U.S. remake) 63. World Series winners in 2004 or 2005, briefly

32 • december 22 & 29, 2025 • Northern Express Weekly

monasteries, scribes added whimsical drawings called drolleries into the margins of sacred manuscripts. These marginalia included scenes like frogs playing harps, nuns chasing rabbits, and fantastical creatures engaged in playful or absurd activities.

How should we interpret these seemingly prankish additions?

Scholars disagree. In any case, I recommend you experiment with drolleries of your own, Virgo. Inject improvisation into duty.

Add ornament to order. The coming months will reward your serious play. You’ll accomplish more by enjoying the work than by obsessing on perfecting it. A touch of friskiness may even improve efficiency. So when you edit, doodle; when you analyze, wink.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): ): Italy’s Orto Botanico

di Padova is the world’s oldest botanical garden still in its original location. Since its inception 480 years ago, it has been a center for botanical research, education, and conservation. Its layout is striking, a square-inscribed in a circle, symbolizing harmonious order. In the coming months, Libra, you will be wise to associate yourself intimately with a similar wonder: an enduring source of beauty and revelation that you can both serve and benefit from.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Astronaut Chris Hadfield has spent 166 days orbiting the Earth in the International Space Station.

In the microgravity of outer space, he says, motion is very smooth; objects and people float.

He marvels at how everything is always moving, and yet the pace itself is tranquil and unhurried. I foresee you enjoying a lot of this kind of grace in the coming months, Scorpio: momentum without mania; constant fluidic movement that’s never hectic or rushed. What a great privilege! I expect you will rack up many flowing accomplishments.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): In Kyoto’s famous moss gardens, caretakers practice artful arrangement rather than total removal of shed foliage. They use delicate tools to gather trees' cast-off leaves and arrange them on the moss to create visual harmony rather than bare tidiness.

This approach reflects the Japanese aesthetic principles of embracing imperfection. Supposed "flaws" become part of the beauty of the garden. I propose that you regularly adopt a metaphorically comparable approach in the coming months, Sagittarius. Integrate rather than edit. Be creative with what’s changing form. Treat so-called messes and unexpected plot twists not as blemishes but as rich textures that feel meaningful and inspiring.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Engineers

may engage in "stress testing." They evaluate a system’s hardiness and reliability by subjecting it to pressure or force. I suspect that life will bring you a benevolent version of this trial in the coming months, Aquarius. That’s a good thing! It’s not meant to break you, but to prove how much resilience you have developed. Situations that might

have formerly cracked your confidence will affirm and reveal your upgraded endurance. Take note of your composure and congratulate yourself for it. You will have every right to exult in the vivid evidence of how much you’ve grown.

PISCES (Feb 19-March 20): Piscean author

Anaïs Nin wrote, “Love never dies a natural death. It dies because we don’t know how to replenish its source.” Apply her counsel dynamically during the coming months, dear Pisces. Be the great replenisher. Make yourself into a fountain of beauty as you share lavishly. Nurture tenderness and adoration with unexpected flowers, gorgeous music in the midst of the routine, and affection expressed through artful thoughtfulness. Be brilliant and persistent in ensuring that love thrives. Your elegant generosity and fond attention should enrich everything you touch.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): In the Brazilian

rainforest, Cecropia trees and Azteca ants have a special relationship. The trees’ hollow branches serve as nesting spaces for the ants and offer them sugar-rich food. In return, the ants aggressively defend the trees from herbivores and predators, protecting them from damage. This mutualism benefits both species. The trees get protection that enhances their growth, while the ants gain shelter and nutrition. In the coming months, Aries, I invite you to seek symbiosis that’s equally vigorous. Enjoy the fun challenge of reducing your solo struggles as you rouse collaborations that boost your power and everyone else’s. The goal is intelligent alliance, not compromise. Be resourceful as you trade a bit too much independence for just the right amount of interdependence.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): When potters

center clay on a wheel, they typically use one hand inside the vessel to apply steady, controlled force. The other hand remains fluid, guiding and stabilizing the outer rim of the spinning clay. This balanced use of pressure— one hand firm and bracing, the other adapting minutely to the shifting clay—helps bring the lump into perfect symmetry. I propose you make this a prime metaphor in the coming months, Taurus: control meeting surrender. You will be crafting a new balance between security and surprise. Too much rigidity, and the form cracks; too much flow, and it collapses. Practice the middle art.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Poet Audre Lorde

spoke of how caring for herself was the exact opposite of being selfish. It was the foundation of her ability to serve and inspire other people. My Aunt Sophie used to say, “You can’t pour from an empty cup. Take care of yourself first.” Educator Stephen Covey advised, “Be patient with yourself. Self-growth is tender; it’s holy ground. There’s no greater investment.” Poet Vironika Tugaleva writes, “Learning to love yourself is essential and life-changing.” Everything I just said should be your keynotes in the coming months, Gemini. Boost your self-care to sublime levels.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): A remarkable

species of jellyfish can circumvent the aging and death process that affects all other animals. Turritopsis dohrnii converts its mature, specialized cells back into stem cells, essentially recycling its own body into youth. The process may repeat indefinitely, making the animal theoretically immortal. In the coming months, Cancerian, your emotional wisdom will also show amazing regenerative power. Challenging and intriguing situations will be opportunities for you to initiate stunning acts of renewal. Like the jellyfish, you won't merely manage change but will use it as a catalyst for vigorous growth. Have you ever before been blessed by such wildly rejuvenative powers of metamorphosis? I don’t think so.

Grand Traverse & Kalkaska ENCORE 201, TC 9: 12/20 -- Santa Baby Night w/ DJ Ricky T 12/26-27 -- DJ Ricky T 12/31 -- DJ Ricky T & DJ Fade KILKENNY'S IRISH PUBLIC HOUSE, TC 9:30: 12/19-20 -- The Off Beat Band 12/26-27 -- Split Decision KINGSLEY LOCAL BREWING 12/23 & 12/30 – Open Mic Night Hosted by Kevin & Sierra LaRose, 6-9 LEFT FOOT CHARLEY, TC BARREL ROOM, 6-9: 12/22 & 12/29 -- Open Mic w/ Rob Coonrod TASTING ROOM: 12/26 -- John Piatek, 5-7 MARI VINEYARDS, TC 12/20 -- Jim Hawley, 4-6 12/26 -- Rhett DuCouer, 4-6 12/27 -- Luke Woltanski, 4-6 12/31 -- Party Down DJs, 5-8 MIDDLECOAST BREWING CO., TC 12/21 -- Brady Corcoran, 11am-1pm Wed -- Trivia, 7-9 12/26 -- David Lawston, 7-9 12/28 -- Jeff Socia, 11am-1pm NOCTURNAL BLOOM, TC Thurs. -- Thurs. Night Trivia, 6

NORTH BAR, TC 12/20 -- Brady Corcoran, 7-10 12/26 -- Drew Hale, 7-10 12/27 -- Highway North, 7-10 12/31 -- DJ NOVVA, 8 1/1 – Drew Hale, 7-9 1/2 -- Clint Weaner, 7-10 OLD MISSION DISTILLING, TC SEVEN HILLS: 12/20 -- Chris Sterr, 6 12/26 -- John Paul, 6 12/27 -- Derek Boik, 7:30 1/2 -- Jimmy Olson, 7 1/3 -- Gemini Moon, 7 TC WHISKEY CO. 12/20 -- Henry Herig, 6 Tue -- Open Mic w/ Chris Sterr, 6-9 12/27 -- Chris Smith, 6 12/29 -- Disco Party w/ DJ Zeb, 9 12/31 -- NYE Disco Party w/ DJ Zeb, 8 1/3 -- Luke Woltanski, 6 THE ALLUVION, TC 12/20 -- Bob James & DiSimone Family Holiday Concert: SOLD OUT, 7-9:30 12/22 -- Funky Uncle - Funky Fun Mondays, 6-8:30 12/28 -- The Alluvion Big Band, 2:30-5 12/29 -- Big Fun - Funky Fun Mondays, 6-8:30 THE HAYLOFT INN, TC 7:30-11: 12/20 & 12/27 -- Empire Highway

12/26 -- Low Hanging Fruit 12/31 -- Sandy & The Bandits THE LITTLE FLEET, TC 12/31 -- DJ Wolinski, 9 THE PARLOR, TC 12/20 -- Grass Napkins, 9-12 12/23 & 12/30 -- Jesse Jefferson, 8-11 12/26 -- Brett Mitchell, 9-12 12/27 -- Drew Hale, 9-12 12/31 -- Henry Herig, 8-11 1/2 -- Rhett & John, 9-12 THE PUB, TC 12/22 & 12/29 -- Karaoke Mon., 8-11 12/24 & 12/31 -- Zeke Clemons, 8-11 12/26 -- Beans & Cheese, 9 THE WORKSHOP BREWING CO., TC 7: 12/20 -- Andy McQuillen 12/23 & 12/30 -- Open Mic w/ Zak Bunce 12/26 -- Reese Keelor 12/27 -- The Real Ingredients 12/31 -- Split Decision UNION STREET STATION, TC 12/20 -- Jazz Cabbage, 10 12/26 -- DJ1 Wave, 9 12/27 -- Gypsy Hustle, 8-11; DJ DomiNate, 11:30-2 12/31 -- The G-Snacks, 10

Antrim & Charlevoix BOYNE MOUNTAIN RESORT, BOYNE FALLS STEIN ERIKSEN'S: 12/24-25 -- Nelson Olstrom, 5-8 CAFE SANTÉ, BOYNE CITY 12/20 -- Nelson Olstrom, 7 12/22 -- The Shifties, 6-9 12/26 -- Chris Calleja, 7-10 12/27 -- Michelle Chenard, 7-10 12/13 – The Shifties, 8-12

12/20 -- Holiday 'House' Pajama Party w/ DJ Franck 12/27 -- The Tweed Tones FIRESIDE LOUNGE, BELLAIRE 12/27 -- Nick Vasquez, 6:30-9:30 12/30 -- Clint Weaner, 6-9 JORDAN INN, EAST JORDAN 12/27 -- Carrie Westbay, 7

CASTLE FARMS, CHARLEVOIX THE CASTLE PUB: 12/27 – Goodbye 2025 Party w/ Michelle, 7-10

LOST CELLARS, CHARLEVOIX 12/20 -- Christmas Karaoke w/ Leebee Shaner, 1-4

CELLAR 152, ELK RAPIDS 1/3 -- Blair Miller, 5:30-8:30

MUSKRAT DISTILLING, BOYNE CITY 8: 12/27 -- Seasonal Road 12/31 -- DJ Lee Blossom

ETHANOLOGY DISTILLATION, ELK RAPIDS 7-10:

SCHUSS MOUNTAIN, MANCELONA IVAN'S, BELLAIRE BALLROOM: 1/3 -- JP and The Energy, 5-8

SHORT'S PUB, BELLAIRE 12/23 -- Ugly Sweater Party w/ Little Dipper, 8:30-10:30 12/28 -- Seth Bernard, 8-10 12/29 -- ShortStop, 8:30 12/31 -- Delilah DeWylde's Early NYE, 6-8 SHORT'S PULL BARN, ELK RAPIDS 12/21 -- Holiday Cheers & Beers w/ Santa & Sax, 2 12/23 -- Holiday Trivia, 6 1/1 -- Karaoke Night w/ Taylor & Rybo, 6 STIGGS BREWERY & KITCHEN, BOYNE CITY 12/20 -- Karaoke w/ DJ T-Bone, 8 TOONIE'S, BELLAIRE 12/20, 12/27 & 1/3 -- DJ/Karaoke, 8

nitelife

BIG BUCK BREWERY, GAYLORD 12/27 -- Mike Ridley, 6-9

SNOWBELT BREWING CO., GAYLORD 12/23 – Trivia Night, 7 1/2 – Luke Woltanski, 6-9

edited by jamie kauffold

Send Nitelife to: events@traverseticker.com

Emmet & Cheboygan

BOYNE VALLEY VINEYARDS, PETOSKEY 12/20 -- Chris Calleja, 2-6 12/29 – Chris Calleja, 4-7:30 12/30 -- Two Track Mind, 4-7:30 12/31 -- Michelle Chenard, 4-7:30

1/2 -- Todd Aldrich, 7-10 1/3 -- Holly Keller, 7-10 NORTHERN LIGHTS RECREATION, HARBOR SPRINGS 6-9: 12/26, 12/28 & 12/30 – Sean Miller 12/27 & 12/29 – Lara Fullford 12/31 – Chris Calleja 1/2 – Sean Bielby

BRANDY'S HARBORTOWN, BAY HARBOR 5-8: 12/20 -- Lee Fayssoux 12/26 -- Derek Boik 12/27 -- Chris Calleja

NUB'S NOB, HARBOR SPRINGS NUB'S PUB: 12/30 -- Mike Ridley, 3:30-6

INN BETWEEN, INDIAN RIVER 12/26 -- Mike Ridley, 4-7

ODAWA CASINO RESORT, PETOSKEY VICTORIES, 9: 12/20 -- DJ T-Bone 12/26-27 & 12/31 -- DJ Hotkeys

NOGGIN ROOM PUB, PETOSKEY 12/20 -- Paul Bedour, 7-10 12/26 -- Sean Bielby, 7-10 12/27 -- Lee Fayssoux, 7-10 12/29 -- Patrick Ryan, 6:30-9:30 12/30 – Sean Bielby, 6:30-9:30 12/31 -- Brian McCosky, 7:30-12 1/1 -- Michelle Chenard, 7-10

POND HILL FARM, HARBOR SPRINGS 12/20 -- Ty Parkin & Berry Gokee Duo, 5-6 12/26 -- Pete Kehoe & Michelle Chenard, 5-8 12/27 -- Underleaf Band, 5-8

12/28 -- Charlie's Root Fusion, 5-8 12/29 -- Second Wind Band, 5-8 12/30 -- Yankee Station Band, 5-8 12/31 -- Riff Rider & The Vista Cruisers, 5-8 1/3 -- Seasonal Road, 5-8 THE BEAU, CHEBOYGAN 12/26 & 1/2 -- Musician's Playground, 7 12/27 -- Melissa & Jake, 8 12/31 -- The Beau House Band, 9:30 1/3 -- Live Music, 7 THE HIGHLANDS AT HARBOR SPRINGS SLOPESIDE LOUNGE, 6-9: 12/26, 12/28, 12/30 & 1/3 -- Chris Calleja 12/27 & 1/1 -- Pete Kehoe 12/29 & 1/2 -- Michelle Chenard ZOO BAR, 6-9: 12/26 -- Jelly Roll Blues Band 1/2 – Riff Ryder & The Vista Cruisers

Leelanau & Benzie BOATHOUSE VINEYARDS, LAKE LEELANAU TASTING ROOM: 1/2 -- Jim Hawley, 5:30-8

8:30-12:30 1/1 -- Luke Woltanski, 2-5 1/2 -- Levi Britton, 2-5; TC Knuckleheads, 8-11 1/3 -- Jim Hawley, 2-5; TC Knuckleheads, 8-11 1/4 -- Jesse Jefferson, 2-5

CRYSTAL MOUNTAIN, THOMPSONVILLE SLOPESIDE TENT, 3-5: 12/26 & 12/31 -- Bill Frary 12/27 & 1/3 -- Rhett & John 12/28 -- Jesse Jefferson 12/29 -- Luke Woltanski 12/30 -- Mike Struwin 1/2 -- Jakob Abraham

FIVE SHORES BREWING, BEULAH 12/22 & 12/29 – Mon. Music Trivia, 6-8 12/25 & 1/1 -- Trivia Thurs., 6-8

VISTA LOUNGE: 12/26 -- Jim Hawley, 2-5; Scarkazm, 8-11 12/27 -- Sydni K, 2-5; Scarkazm, 8-11 12/28 -- Jim Hawley, 2-5; Johnny P Band, 8-11 12/29 -- Mike Struwin, 2-5; Barefoot, 8-11 12/30 -- Dave Barth, 2-5; Barefoot, 8-11 12/31 -- Chris Smith, 2-5; Peril,

IRON FISH DISTILLERY, THOMPSONVILLE 12/20 -- Blair Miller, 5:30-7:30 12/21 – Charlie Arnett, noon-2 12/26 – Henry Herig, 5:30-7:30 12/27 – Zinnia Dungjen, 5:30-7:30 12/30 – The Nightcrawlers, 5:30-7:30 12/31 – Jabo, 4-6 1/2 – John Piatek, 5:30-7:30 1/3 – Chris Smith, 5:30-7:30 LEELANAU SANDS CASINO, PESHAWBESTOWN 12/31 -- Mama's Hot Sauce, 9

LITTLE TRAVERSE INN, MAPLE CITY 12/26 -- Windy Ridge Quartet, 6-9 NORTHERN LATITUDES DISTILLERY, LAKE LEELANAU 12/28 -- Brian Curran, 2:30-4:30 ST. AMBROSE CELLARS, BEULAH 12/20 -- Luke Woltanski, 5-8 12/22 -- Keith Scott, 5-8 12/23 -- Chelsea Marsh, 5-8 12/25 -- Open Mic, 6-9 12/26 & 1/2 -- Jesse Jefferson, 5-8 12/27 -- John Piatek, 5-8 12/29 -- Chris Smith, 5-8 12/31 -- The Feral Cats, 5-8 1/1 -- Jesse Jefferson, 5-8; Open Mic, 6-9 1/3 -- Reminisce, 5-8 STORMCLOUD BREWING CO., FRANKFORT 7-9: 12/27 -- Jen Sygit 12/28 -- Lynn Callihan

Manistee, Wexford & Missaukee

Otsego, Crawford & Central ALPINE TAVERN & EATERY, GAYLORD 12/26 -- Brian Curran, 6-9

dec 22 - jan 04

BUCKSNORT SALOON, MESICK 12/29 -- Open Mic w/ Vic Trip, 6-9 NORTHERN NATURAL CIDER HOUSE & WINERY, KALEVA

aas Joe Wilso ff H n Je ulin Jack Dry d nJ y Marsh en Do Rand

C. 29 6-8 : 30 DE p

Food and drink

by Riverside

12/20 -- HowardWilson, 7 12/21 -- 5th Annual Fire & Seed Winter Solstice Community Celebration, 3-8 12/27 -- Jane Amstutz, 7

12/31 -- Manitou Truckin' Company, 8:30 1/2 -- John Pomeroy & Angela Caro, 7

O Come, All Ye Funky thealluvion.org 414 E Eighth St, Traverse City

Northern Express Weekly • december 22 & 29, 2025 • 33

m

NORTHERN EXPRESS

CLA SSI FIED S

SPECIAL FILM EVENT AT AMC THEATER IN TRAVERSE CITY: Join in for a one-time screening of “The Wilderness” starring Hunter Doohan to raise awareness about youth mental health & justice on Jan 28. Tickets @ https:// gathr.com/e/441d39e8 _____________________________________ SEWING, ALTERATIONS, MENDING & REPAIRS. Maple City, Maralene Roush 231228-6248 _____________________________________

TRAVERSE CITY COTTAGE FOR RENT: 1 BR, Full Bath, Well Furnished, All Utilities Included, All New Appliances, W/D, Parking, Nice Setting, Month-to-Month to One-Year, No Pets; $1,600 per month. Call (231) 631-7512. _____________________________________ COMPUTER PROBLEMS? NEW TV, PHONE OR TABLET?: Old device too slow? I can fix them all and show you how to use them. I'LL COME TO YOUR HOME OR OFFICE. Call James Downer-Advent Tech. Your high tech handyman. 231-492-2087

_____________________________________

FREE WEEKLY ORIGINAL HOT YOGA COMMUNITY CLASS: EVERY WED. @ 7:30PM - 845 S. GARFIELD AVE. ORIGINALHOTYOGATC.COM 231-392-4798 _____________________________________ GET BETTER AND GIVE BACK: A MAD GOLF AND BAY MEADOWS HOLIDAY FOOD DRIVE Join us in our holiday food drive to raise money and feed families this holiday season! Swing

by Bay Meadows on 12/20/2025 with a non perishable food donation and a suggested $40 donation in exchange for a 30 minute golf lesson from one of our four instructors, including PGA Tour Coach and US Open Champion Coach Adam Schriber! If you would like to donate but can't make it to the event or don't golf, simply follow our Givebutter link for donations, auction items and more! All proceeds go directly to the Northwestern MI Food Coalition. https:// givebutter.com/c/FitzPX

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34 • december 22 & 29, 2025 • Northern Express Weekly

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Northern Express Weekly • december 22 & 29, 2025 • 35

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FOR USE BY INDIVIDUALS 21 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER ONLY. KEEP OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN. IT IS ILLEGAL TO DRIVE A MOTOR VEHICLE WHILE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF MARIHUANA. NATIONAL POISON CONTROL CENTER 1-800-222-1222.

36 • december 22 & 29, 2025 • Northern Express Weekly