Central UP Events

Thursday, December 11, 2025,  5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.  Peter White Public Library Shiras Room. Adults, Seniors, Family Friendly. Join local poets, writers, and poetry enthusiasts for an evening of poetic holiday celebration. Gather at 5 p.m. for refreshments and an Open Mic, then head downstairs for the Winter Solstice Art & Evergreen Walk. New and experienced poets are welcome for either or both events. No admission charge. For more information, contact Marty at 226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info, or visit pwpl.info.  

Thursday, December 11, 2025.  6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.  Huron Mountain Club Gallery and Deo Gallery.  Teens, Adults, Seniors. Combining the previous events of Winter Charm and Winter Wonderland Walk. A winter-themed art exhibit will be on display in both the Deo Gallery and Huron Mountain Club Gallery as well as themed trees decorated by community members throughout the library. In addition, PWPL will also host the Pierce Holiday Village. Enjoy an artist reception with refreshments, stroll through the winter tree walk, challenge yourself to a scavenger hunt, view the holiday village, and take in the sounds of the season

Experience the magic of the season in downtown Marquette! The historic Lower Harbor Ore Dock will light up for the holidays with dazzling laser displays by Fresh Coast Light Lab, every Thursday through Saturday from 6-9 PM on the north side of the dock.     This free, family-friendly show offers something new each week from festive and winter-themed scenes to colorful, abstract displays inspired by Marquette itself. While you’re downtown, warm up with dinner, local brews, or a little holiday shopping just steps away.   2025 DATES November 20 – December 27 & New Year’s Eve   Every Thursday, Friday,

Fridays, December (5, 12, 19, 26) 2025.  Noon – 1:00 p.m.  Peter White Public Library, Heritage Room.  In partnership with several area organizations, this hour-long event offers a safe space to pause, reflect, and build meaningful connections with others who are committed to cultivating kindness in our world. Each week, a different organization takes the lead, with experienced educators and leaders facilitating. This rotating format ensures diverse perspectives and practices while maintaining a shared commitment to the Charter for Compassion and the Circle of Trust principles. For more information and to check on the status of the program, call 906-226-4303

Friday, December 12, 2025.  12:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m.  Peter White Public Library Shiras Room.  Adults, Seniors. Renowned actor Simon Callow uncovers the moving origins of the song “Silent Night,” from the Austrian village of Oberndorf to the city of Salzburg. Not Rated. No admission charge. For more information, contact Marty at 226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info, or visit pwpl.info.  

Experience the magic of the season in downtown Marquette! The historic Lower Harbor Ore Dock will light up for the holidays with dazzling laser displays by Fresh Coast Light Lab, every Thursday through Saturday from 6-9 PM on the north side of the dock.     This free, family-friendly show offers something new each week from festive and winter-themed scenes to colorful, abstract displays inspired by Marquette itself. While you’re downtown, warm up with dinner, local brews, or a little holiday shopping just steps away.   2025 DATES November 20 – December 27 & New Year’s Eve   Every Thursday, Friday,

Northern Michigan University’s School of Art and Design is hosting its Fall 2025 Senior Exhibition at the DeVos Art Museum. A closing reception is scheduled from 7-9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12, with an awards announcement at 8 p.m.  This year’s exhibition highlights the work of five students: Grace Matthews and Devyn Clark in graphic design; and Alayna Storey, Shelby Goode and Jaylee Pol in painting. The reception and exhibition are free and open to the public. For more information, go to nmuartmuseum.com   

Friday, December 12, 2025.  7:30–9:30 pm.  Peter White Public Library Community Room.  All students in grades 6 to 8 are invited to put on your best semi-formal attire for the library’s annual Yule Ball. Dance to your favorite songs and hang out with your friends in a winter wonderland. Parent chaperones are always welcome to help. Tickets can be purchased at the PWPL Teen Zone and will go on sale November 17. If we need to reschedule due weather, the dance will take place on Saturday, December 13. For more information, and to check the status of this program, call

Experience the magic of the season in downtown Marquette! The historic Lower Harbor Ore Dock will light up for the holidays with dazzling laser displays by Fresh Coast Light Lab, every Thursday through Saturday from 6-9 PM on the north side of the dock.     This free, family-friendly show offers something new each week from festive and winter-themed scenes to colorful, abstract displays inspired by Marquette itself. While you’re downtown, warm up with dinner, local brews, or a little holiday shopping just steps away.   2025 DATES November 20 – December 27 & New Year’s Eve   Every Thursday, Friday,

Monday, December 15, 2025.  5:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m.  Peter White Public Library Community Room.  Adults, Seniors, Teens, Family Friendly. The voting is over! The ballots have been counted! The winner of PWPL’s annual Christmas movie matchups will be revealed! Join us for an evening of Christmas treats, ugly Christmas sweaters, and a screening of the Merry Movie Mayhem champion. No admission charge. For more information, contact Marty at 226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info, or visit pwpl.info.