From Whoville to Coleman: Four magical stops this holiday season

Live “Ask Santa Anything” broadcast on MCTV network

The MCTV Network will welcome Santa Claus for a special live broadcast, “Ask Santa Anything, LIVE!” on Thursday, Dec. 11, at 7 p.m. Residents of all ages can submit questions to Santa during the show by commenting on the video through MCTV’s Community Voices YouTube channel or the MCTV Facebook page.

The program will air live on Charter Spectrum channel 189, DIRECTV U-Verse channel 99 (Messages), and on Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire devices through the free MCTV Community Voices app.

Parents may include their child’s first name with their question to ensure Santa’s responses are personalized. Questions will be answered in the order they are received, as time allows. Inappropriate comments will not be passed along. MCTV emphasizes keeping everyone on the “nice” list.

Facebook users who follow MCTV will receive a notification when the live stream begins. The video will also be shared by the City of Midland and Midland Area Santa House pages. YouTube subscribers to the Community Voices channel will receive a notification when the broadcast goes live.

MCTV content can be viewed on Charter Spectrum channels 188–191, DIRECTV U-Verse channel 99, the City of Midland website, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire, and through the Cablecast Community Media app. Programs are also available on YouTube and via the Midland Government Affairs and MCTV Community Voices podcast channels.

MCTV is located in the lower level of the Grace A. Dow Memorial Library at 1710 W. St. Andrews Road. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m.–5:30 p.m., with evening and Saturday hours available upon request. The network is a service of the City of Midland.

Creative 360 brings back adults-only comedy “Who’s Holiday!”

Creative 360 is celebrating the season with a dose of irreverent holiday cheer as “Who’s Holiday!” returns to the Rapp Family Theater for three performances Dec. 18–20 at 8 p.m. The one-woman comedy, written by Matthew Lombardo and starring local actor Trena Winans, delivers a mischievous twist on the classic tale of Cindy Lou Who.

The show follows a grown-up Cindy Lou as she looks back on her life since her childhood encounter in Whoville, sharing a story that is festive, funny, and decidedly for adults. Told entirely in rhyme, the production blends heartfelt moments with bold, brash humor.

Winans brings the character to the stage with what Creative 360 describes as sharp wit and comedic fearlessness.

“We’re thrilled to bring this outrageous holiday gem back to Creative 360,” says Laura Brigham, Performing Arts Program Director at Creative 360. “With Trena’s magnetic energy and Lombardo’s clever script, it’s the perfect way for adults to celebrate the season with a bit of sparkle and sass.”

Opening night includes an optional early-access ticket that allows guests to enter at 7 p.m. for preferred seating and an Ugly Ornament Make & Take/Exchange activity.

Because of its mature themes and language, the show is recommended for adults only. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door.

Supporters can also choose a Sustainer Level ticket, which includes a donation to Creative 360’s nonprofit arts programming. Attendees are welcome to BYOB. Registration is available ‌online or by calling 989-837-1885.

Coleman’s “A Country Christmas” parade and tree lighting

Residents can celebrate a hometown-style holiday as Coleman hosts its annual Parade and Tree Lighting on Saturday, Dec. 13, beginning at 6 p.m. This year’s theme, “A Country Christmas,” highlights the community spirit and small-town traditions that define the event.

A new feature this year is the Memorial Tree, giving community members a chance to honor loved ones with personalized bulbs. The bulbs cost $5 and can be purchased in advance by contacting Jen at 989-948-2609 or jshelby@ubay.org, or during the event.

The parade and tree lighting will take place in downtown Coleman, where families can gather to welcome the season with lights, music, and community camaraderie.

Celebrate Winter Solstice at Chippewa Nature Center

Chippewa Nature Center will mark the longest night of the year with its annual Winter Solstice Celebration on Saturday, Dec. 20, from 6–8 p.m. The free event invites visitors to explore seasonal traditions and celebrate the gradual return of longer days.

Guests can participate in hands-on, earth-friendly activities, including rolling a beeswax candle, crafting a miniature Yule log, and creating a small evergreen wreath to take home. Indoors, attendees can learn about the night sky through astronomy demonstrations, try fire-by-friction, explore how the seasons change through interactive solstice stories, and enjoy face painting and self-guided winter activities. The Nature Center Store will also be open for holiday shopping.

Outdoors, visitors are welcome to take a peaceful walk along the paved Arbury Trail, which will be lined with lanterns and luminaries. Fireside stories and hot chocolate will be available to round out the evening.

The event is open to all ages and does not require registration.