Buchanan brings the holiday season to life with traditions that turn downtown streets into a winter celebration and bring families together year after year. This small Michigan town has created its own unique ways to welcome December, blending time-honored customs with fresh takes on seasonal fun that make every visitor feel like part of the community.
Tonight’s Parade and Tree Lighting Celebration
The annual holiday parade kicks off this evening at 6:30 PM on Front Street, featuring Santa and Mrs. Claus, fire trucks, and children dressed in their holiday best. The procession leads to The Commons for the community tree lighting ceremony, a tradition that brings neighbors together to watch the town’s centerpiece glow against the winter sky. Originally scheduled for late November, the celebration was rescheduled to allow everyone to fully enjoy the newly improved downtown after major infrastructure upgrades wrapped up this year.
Downtown businesses are competing for the best-decorated storefront, turning street windows into creative displays of holiday cheer. Winners will be announced tonight during the festivities, and shops are offering special promotions throughout the day. The downtown operates as a social district, meaning you can grab warm beverages while exploring the streets and taking in the festive atmosphere.
Family Activities Throughout December
The Roti Roti Art Center opens its doors with hands-on activities that let kids paint clay ornaments and create take-home crafts. These make-and-take projects have become a favorite stop for families who want their children to build something special while supporting the arts in town. The library hosts storytime with Santa and Mrs. Claus, where excited children share their wish lists. At the same time, holiday family photo mini sessions give parents a chance to capture the season without booking expensive photography packages.
McCollum’s restaurant transforms into a winter wonderland with Christmas trees surrounding the dinner tables, a letters-to-Santa station, and cookie-decorating sessions. Brunch with Santa and Mrs. Claus happens this Saturday, December 14, from 11 AM to 2 PM, giving families a chance to make memories while enjoying a meal together. The pop-up experience continues through the season, with a New Year’s Eve party on December 31 starting at 7 PM.
If you’re looking to discover neighborhoods where celebrations bring people together or want to explore more about what makes this community special throughout the year, check out the local directory for everything Buchanan has to offer.
Community Market and Shopping Local
The Niles-Buchanan YMCA Hometown Christmas Market Festival takes place next week, Saturday, December 20, from 10 AM to 2 PM. This free community event features over 40 local vendors filling the space with handmade gifts, baked goods, jewelry, and crafts, offering shoppers unique options they won’t find in big-box stores. Kids can decorate their own Christmas picture frames and cookies, meet The Grinch for photos, and enjoy holiday storytime.
The market has quickly become a December tradition since launching last year, reflecting the community’s commitment to supporting local makers and small businesses. Shopping at the YMCA market means finding one-of-a-kind gifts while supporting the local economy and meeting the people behind the products.
What Makes Buchanan Holiday Traditions Special
The kids’ costume competition and parade let children show off their holiday outfits before joining the larger procession through town. Whether dressed as elves, reindeer, or winter royalty, young participants become part of the celebration rather than just watching from the sidelines. These moments stick with families and become the stories they tell for years to come.
Cafe Italiano offers additional photo opportunities with Santa throughout the season, ensuring everyone gets their moment with the big guy in red. The approach reflects this community’s values, prioritizing connection over commercialization, creating a welcoming space where people slow down, reconnect with neighbors, and make memories that carry them through the winter months. The completion of downtown improvements this year makes the celebrations even more special, showcasing the small-town charm that makes Buchanan unique.
Sources: cityofbuchanan.com, buchananareachamber.com, wsbt.com, michigan.org, moodyonthemarket.com, wsjm.com
Header Image Source: Elina Fairytale
