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Houghton Councilman Robert Megowan first broached the idea of making downtown a destination throughout winter time months ago, and that thought is seeing tangible progress. Department of Public Works crews were out last week putting up a display designed to transform the city’s business district into a ‘winter wonderland.’
The efforts are supposed to make you feel like you’re at the North Pole, full of holiday cheer, but also be timeless to last the entire season. The goal is to have the decorations stay up through Michigan Tech’s Winter Carnival in the first half of February.
Megowan said back in the summer that downtown businesses were doing great, but he was worried about the back half of the year. Inflation and a slowing economic growth rate have since become significant areas of concern. Labor shortages are also hampering restaurant and retail operations. .
The full press release from the Keweenaw Convention and Visitors Bureau is below.
It’s not quite the North Pole, but the city of Houghton is planning to make you think you’re in jolly ol’ Saint Nick’s hometown this holiday season. City officials, partnering with local businesses, are busily preparing a festive downtown atmosphere filled with lighting displays, carriage rides, and more amid one of the snowiest destinations in the U.S.
Located in Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula, the city’s 200 inches of annual snowfall draw snow sports enthusiasts from across the Midwest and making it the perfect destination for travelers seeking a Christmas winter wonderland experience. But this year, volunteers are seeking to take advantage of the city’s historic downtown streetscape to bring about even more yuletide cheer.
“With our historic downtown and snow, Houghton’s really a wonderful place to celebrate the holidays,” shared Eric Waara, Houghton’s City Manager. “This is one of the few places in the U.S. where you’re almost guaranteed a white Christmas.”
Families will enjoy rustic horse-drawn carriage rides along the scenic Keweenaw Waterway on December 11 and December 17 from 4 to 7 pm. The route, beginning on Lakeshore Drive, offers views of the Portage Lake Lift Bridge while traveling along the city’s holiday-themed illuminated winter trail. It’s rumored that Santa himself may make an appearance, with staff from the Hampton Inn & Suites of Houghton dressed as holiday characters available for family photo-ops. Hot food and beverages will be available while waiting for rides and pictures.
Organizers are encouraging downtown businesses along Shelden Avenue to embrace the holiday spirit and go all out when decorating their storefronts. In addition to Christmas decorations, downtown visitors will be treated to holiday music and festive lighting displays sure to bring about holiday cheer.
City staff also plan to debut a new addition to its holiday décor: a giant Christmas ornament located at Bridgeview Park next to the city’s Christmas tree. The ornament, estimated to be 6 feet in diameter, is expected to draw admirers interested in holiday selfies.
Houghton’s holiday event efforts have been led by Jennifer Julien, owner of The Vault Hotel and the Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton located on Shelden Avenue. Julien, who convenes the city’s informal placemaking committee, was inspired by other downstate communities’ downtown winter celebrations. “I was really impressed by how places like Detroit created vibrant and festive downtown gathering places. But there’s no place that does winter better than Houghton. So why not take advantage of our snow and historic downtown to create a special winter environment for everyone to enjoy?”
Partners for Houghton’s Christmas placemaking efforts include city staff, the Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce, the Keweenaw Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Carnegie Museum of the Keweenaw and various downtown businesses including Good Times Music and Grace + Gather.
For the latest on Houghton’s Christmas events, visit the city’s Facebook page.
