PWPL Presents: Director Chat
2025-12-03 17:00 - 18:00 UTC | Peter White Public Library, 217 N Front Street, Marquette, MI, 49855
Wednesday, December 3, 2025.
11:00 a.m. -12:00 p.m. & 5:00-6:00 p.m.
Peter White Public Library Circulation Lobby.
Stop by the Library to chat with Library Director Andrea Ingmire. For more information and to check the status of the program, call 906-226-4303 or visit
pwpl.info.

Marquette County Board of Health Meeting
2025-12-03 18:00 | Marquette County Courthouse, 234 W. Baraga Avenue, Marquette, Michigan, 49855
The regular monthly meeting of the Marquette County Board of Health will be held on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 at 6:00 pm. The meeting will take place in room 231 of the Henry A. Skewis Annex, Marquette County Courthouse, Marquette.

NMU Theatre & Dance Presents Family Christmas Classic
2025-12-04 00:00 - 2025-12-13 23:59 | Northern Michigan University, Marquette, Michigan
Northern Michigan University Theatre and Dance will present a family-friendly, “amped-up spectacle” of the holiday classic Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Dec. 4-6 and 11-13. On a related note, Theatre and Dance will bring back its “Letters to Santa” campaign in collaboration with Honor Credit Union. Children who participate will receive a buy one-get one ticket offer for this or a future NMU production.

Thirty-three cast members will bring to life the full ensemble of characters from the original Rudolph televised special. Many are interpreted with more animated and whimsical qualities suited for young audiences, allowing NMU students to explore performance styles that differ from the more realistic or mature roles often portrayed.

Audiences can indulge in iconic songs from the original TV special, along with additional numbers such as “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” and “When Santa Claus Gets Your Letter.” These added songs are woven naturally into the script to enhance the world of Christmas Town and expand moments that were only hinted at in the televised version.

While the story remains familiar, the stage production offers an entirely new level of creativity. The show’s choreography was created by artist Aaron Houston, who recently moved to the Upper Peninsula. Houston’s involvement for over 20 years in theatrical productions, from Cirque du Soleil to the Billboard Music Awards, helped him incorporate acrobatics, lifts, flips and high-energy movement in this production.

“This show also allowed us to challenge our students technically by adding new elements such as performance flight and a range of puppetry as a nod to the stop-motion style of the original film,” said director Jalina McClain. “The Misfit Toys appear through custom-built puppets created by NMU’s puppet team, and the Bumble is brought to life as a large-scale puppet operated by three performers. We wanted a show that would allow students to work with different materials and grow in their artistry.”

Visually, the show blends character-driven costume design with a cohesive winter aesthetic. The reindeer are portrayed as humanized characters whose costumes include tailored vests, antler head pieces and several individual motifs that reflect their unique personalities. All costumes for the production were designed by NMU student Elise Wilcox.

The staging relies on quick transitions supported by lighting and multipurpose scenic elements. The show’s narrator, Sam the Snowman, is actively integrated into the story.

“It’s been fun to play with the narrator in ways that allow him to take charge of the world and move things around a bit. He often connects with the audience, bringing them on a journey through the story of Rudolph,” McClain added. “The music direction is led by NMU alumnus Dawson Del Preto, whose family’s longstanding appreciation for the original Rudolph special informed some of the musical choices for the production. His familiarity with the film’s melodies, lines and character voices has guided the cast in maintaining the charm of the original while adapting it to a live theatrical setting.”

Showtimes are 7:30 p.m., with a Theatre for All sensory-friendly 1 p.m. matinee on Dec. 6 and an additional 1 p.m. regular matinee on Dec 13. Ticket prices are: $25 for the general public; $22 for NMU employees, seniors, and military; $15 for youth; and $5 for NMU students. They are available at nmu.universitytickets.com.

Mailboxes where kids can deposit their letters to Santa are set up in the Forest Roberts Theatre lobby and at all of the Honor Credit Union branches in Marquette, Negaunee and Gwinn, said Bill Digneit, NMU Theatre & Dance producer and department head.

“There are tables set up with a letter kids can fill out and put in the mailbox,” he added. “They will actually get a postcard response mailed back to them that their letter is on its way to the North Pole. They will also get a discount buy one-get one ticket for a future performance in the season, whether it’s this show or another. Money’s tight right now for many, so this is a way to help people see some art and share the spirit of the season.”

NMU Theatre & Dance Presents Family Christmas Classic
2025-12-04 13:00 - 2025-12-13 19:30 | Forest Roberts Theatre, 1401 Presque Isle Ave, Marquette, MI, 49855, United States
Northern Michigan University Theatre and Dance will present a family-friendly, “amped-up spectacle” of the holiday classic Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer Dec. 4-6 and 11-13. On a related note, Theatre and Dance will bring back its “Letters to Santa” campaign in collaboration with Honor Credit Union. Children who participate will receive a buy one-get one ticket offer for this or a future NMU production.
Thirty-three cast members will bring to life the full ensemble of characters from the original Rudolph televised special. Many are interpreted with more animated and whimsical qualities suited for young audiences, allowing NMU students to explore performance styles that differ from the more realistic or mature roles often portrayed.
Audiences can indulge in iconic songs from the original TV special, along with additional numbers such as “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” and “When Santa Claus Gets Your Letter.” These added songs are woven naturally into the script to enhance the world of Christmas Town and expand moments that were only hinted at in the televised version.
While the story remains familiar, the stage production offers an entirely new level of creativity. The show’s choreography was created by artist Aaron Houston, who recently moved to the Upper Peninsula. Houston’s involvement for over 20 years in theatrical productions, from Cirque du Soleil to the Billboard Music Awards, helped him incorporate acrobatics, lifts, flips and high-energy movement in this production.
“This show also allowed us to challenge our students technically by adding new elements such as performance flight and a range of puppetry as a nod to the stop-motion style of the original film,” said director Jalina McClain. “The Misfit Toys appear through custom-built puppets created by NMU’s puppet team, and the Bumble is brought to life as a large-scale puppet operated by three performers. We wanted a show that would allow students to work with different materials and grow in their artistry.”
Visually, the show blends character-driven costume design with a cohesive winter aesthetic. The reindeer are portrayed as humanized characters whose costumes include tailored vests, antler head pieces and several individual motifs that reflect their unique personalities. All costumes for the production were designed by NMU student Elise Wilcox.
The staging relies on quick transitions supported by lighting and multipurpose scenic elements. The show’s narrator, Sam the Snowman, is actively integrated into the story.
“It’s been fun to play with the narrator in ways that allow him to take charge of the world and move things around a bit. He often connects with the audience, bringing them on a journey through the story of Rudolph,” McClain added. “The music direction is led by NMU alumnus Dawson Del Preto, whose family’s longstanding appreciation for the original Rudolph special informed some of the musical choices for the production. His familiarity with the film’s melodies, lines and character voices has guided the cast in maintaining the charm of the original while adapting it to a live theatrical setting.”
Showtimes are 7:30 p.m., with a Theatre for All sensory-friendly 1 p.m. matinee on Dec. 6 and an additional 1 p.m. regular matinee on Dec 13. Ticket prices are: $25 for the general public; $22 for NMU employees, seniors, and military; $15 for youth; and $5 for NMU students. They are available at nmu.universitytickets.com.
Mailboxes where kids can deposit their letters to Santa are set up in the Forest Roberts Theatre lobby and at all of the Honor Credit Union branches in Marquette, Negaunee and Gwinn, said Bill Digneit, NMU Theatre & Dance producer and department head.
“There are tables set up with a letter kids can fill out and put in the mailbox,” he added. “They will actually get a postcard response mailed back to them that their letter is on its way to the North Pole. They will also get a discount buy one-get one ticket for a future performance in the season, whether it’s this show or another. Money’s tight right now for many, so this is a way to help people see some art and share the spirit of the season.”
Find more information on the Rudolph production, cast and crew here.

Upper Peninsula Children's Museum 22nd Annual Celebrity Art Auction.
2025-12-04 17:30 | Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum, 123 W Baraga Ave, Marquette, MI, 49855, United States
It’s that time of year again when we throw one of our biggest fundraisers! It’s the 22nd Annual Celebrity Art Auction.
A unique auction fundraiser!
Join us at our 22nd Annual Celebrity Art Auction.
Experience an unforgettable, unique art auction featuring unexpected community artists.
Thursday, December 4, 2025
5:30 p.m.- Viewing
7:00 p.m. – Auction
Enjoy beer, wine, and appetizers. Bucket raffles. Free Admission. Must be 21 plus to attend. All proceeds benefit the Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum.

HOLIDAY LASERS ON THE ORE DOCK
2025-12-04 18:00 - 21:00, 2025-12-05 18:00 - 21:00, 2025-12-06 18:00 - 21:00, 2025-12-11 18:00 - 21:00 | Lower Harbor Ore Dock, City Multi Use Path, Marquette, MI, 49855, United States
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, and Saturday, 6-9 PM

PWPL Presents: John Smolens Book Launch Reading: Possession(s)
2025-12-04 18:30 - 19:30 | Peter White Public Library, 217 N Front Street, Marquette, MI, 49855
Thursday, December 4, 2025.
6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Peter White Public Library Community Room.
Adults, Seniors, Teens. Three-time Michigan Notable Book writer John Smolens reads from his new collection of short stories, Possession(s), accompanied by special musical guest Bill Hart. The stories in the collection explore the fears, doubts, and uncertainties of the human condition, from the shores of Lake Superior to streets of 19th-century Paris. No admission charge. For more information, contact Marty at 226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info, or visit pwpl.info.

PWPL Presents: Cultivating Care, Compassion, and Connection
2025-12-05 12:00 - 13:00, 2025-12-12 12:00 - 13:00 | Peter White Public Library, 217 N Front Street, Marquette, MI, 49855
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 or
visit pwpl.info.

PWPL Presents: Meditate Marquette Presents: A Year of Mindful Living
2025-12-06 10:00 - 11:30 | Peter White Public Library, 217 N Front Street, Marquette, MI, 49855
Saturday, December 6, 2025.
10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Peter White Public Library, George Shiras III Room.
Four mindfulness meditation and yoga teachers invite you to engage in a year of mindful living. Each month, one of the teachers will present a topic that addresses the different dimensions where we can practice mindfulness and presence. The intent is for us to cultivate mindfulness, care, and well-being individually and in our love, business, and social relationships. These are drop-in sessions, although committing to a full year is a way to build a consistent mindfulness practice. For more information and to check on the status of the program, call 906-226-4303 or visit pwpl.info.

PWPL Presents: Poetry-Palooza: NMU’s MFA Poetry Student Reading
2025-12-06 13:00 - 14:30 | Peter White Public Library, 217 N Front Street, Marquette, MI, 49855
Saturday, December 6, 2025,
1:00 p.m.- 2:30 p.m.
Peter White Public Library Heritage Room.
Adults, Seniors, Family Friendly. For this special event, PWPL partners with NMU’s MFA Program to sponsor an end-of-semester poetry reading. Students currently enrolled in NMU’s graduate-level poetry workshop will share their work in a poetry-palooza. No admission charge. For more information, contact Marty at 226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info, or visit pwpl.info.

PWPL Presents: Tuba Christmas
2025-12-07 13:30 | Peter White Public Library, 217 N Front Street, Marquette, MI, 49855
Sunday, December 7, 2025,
1:30 p.m.
Marquette Regional History Center.
Family Friendly, Adults, Seniors. Join Peter White Public Library, in partnership with the Marquette Regional History Center, for a booming, brassy concert of Christmas carols. Let the spirit of Christmas resonate within you. This event will be livestreamed on the PWPL YouTube Channel. No admission charge. For more information, contact Marty at 226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info, or visit pwpl.info.

Holiday Open House and additional festivities at the Marquette Regional History Center
2025-12-07 13:30, 2025-12-10 18:30 | Marquette Regional History Center, 145 W. Spring Street, Marquette, Michigan
Holiday Open House
December 10, 6:30pm at the Marquette Regional History Center
Wrap up the calendar year with a gathering of greetings. This year, join us for a reading by Bruce Closser of “A Visit from St. Nicholas.” Known to most as the poem, “‘Twas the Night Before Christmas,” this verse and some special surprises will cheer your winter eve. Light refreshments. Free, donations appreciated. For more info visit marquettehistory.org or call 906.226.3571.

Tuba Christmas
December 7, 1:30pm at the Marquette Regional History Center
Join us for the start of the holiday season with Tuba Christmas. We are happy to host this joyful and humorous concert! Doors open at 1:00. Free, donations appreciated and will support the History Center.

Brass Choir
December 21, 4:00pm at the Marquette Regional History Center
Come with your hot cocoa and your listening ears! Enjoy beautiful brass music with the whole family. Free, donations appreciated and will support the History Center.

Marquette Area Public Schools BOARD OF EDUCATION Regular Meeting
2025-12-08 17:30
Agenda for 12-08-25

PWPL Presents: Winter Holiday Family Storytime
2025-12-08 18:00 - 18:30 | Peter White Public Library, 217 N Front Street, Marquette, MI, 49855
Monday December 8, 2025.
6:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Peter White Public Library Community Room.
Families with children of all ages are invited to this special winter holiday storytime to enjoy interactive stories and songs. PJ’s or holiday-themed apparel encouraged. No admission charge. For more information and to check the status of the program, call 906-226-4323 or visit pwpl.info.

PWPL Presents: Tech Coaching for Seniors
2025-12-09 10:00 - 13:00 | Peter White Public Library, 217 N Front Street, Marquette, MI, 49855
Tuesdays and Thursdays, December (2, 9, 16, 18), 2025.
10:00 a.m. 1:00 p.m.
Peter White Public Library Heritage Room.
Need help with the settings on your phone? Want to download the downtown parking app? Learn how to make your electronic devices work the way you want them to with the help of Christine Ault, retired teacher and librarian. Call the Reference Desk at 906-226-4311 to schedule your 30-minute session. Please charge your electronic device before each session, and bring passwords with you. No fees.

PWPL Presents: Tasty Reads Book Group
2025-12-09 12:00 - 13:30 | Peter White Public Library, 217 N Front Street, Marquette, MI, 49855
Tuesday, December 9, 2025.
12:00 p.m. -1:30 p.m.
Peter White Public Library Heritage Room.
A book group for readers, who love to cook. With a focus on food-themed literature, the group explores a variety of books from cookbooks to culinary memoirs. Participants can enjoy tasty treats inspired by the book of the month while sharing their thoughts and connecting with others who share their passion for both literature and food. This month’s book is Wild Chocolate by Rowan Jacobsen. No admission charge. For more information call 226-4303 or visit pwpl.info.

PWPL Presents: Meditate Marquette
2025-12-09 18:00 - 19:00 | Peter White Public Library, 217 N Front Street, Marquette, MI, 49855
Tuesdays, December (2, 9, 16, 23, 30) 2025.
6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Peter White Public Library Heritage Room.
Mediate Marquette and PWPL have collaborated to offer a weekly, in-person
mindfulness meditation program. The sessions begin at 6:00 pm followed by a period of fellowship. Dr. Debra Smith, a Certified Mindfulness Meditation Teacher and psychologist, will deliver brief talks exploring various aspects of meditation and its impact on our lives. These talks will take place on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, while longer meditation sessions are scheduled for the remaining Tuesdays. All individuals, regardless of skill level or spiritual affiliation, are welcome to attend. For further information, please contact meditatemarquette@gmail.com or call 906-226-4303.

PWPL Presents: Book Launch Reading: Suzanne Sunshower & Still Wild: Poems from Bear Shack
2025-12-09 18:30 - 19:30 | Peter White Public Library, 217 N Front Street, Marquette, MI, 49855
Tuesday, December 9, 2025.
6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.
Peter White Public Library Community Room.
Adults, Seniors, Teens. Join PWPL in celebrating the release of poet Suzanne Sunshower’s collection, Still Wild: poems from the bear shack. This latest release of the Yooper Poetry series from Modern History Press contains meditations from Sunshower, who, at the age of 60, moved to a remote hunting camp trailer in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to start a new adventure. No admission charge. For more information, contact Marty at 226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info, or visit pwpl.info.

Marquette City Manager Community Office Hours
2025-12-10 10:00 - 12:00 | Peter White Public Library, 217 N Front Street, Marquette, MI, 49855
Marquette City Manager Karen Kovacs will hold her next community office hours on Wednesday, December 10, from 10 a.m. to noon in the Shiras Room, on the top level of Peter White Public Library (Front Street side). The meeting is intended to provide an informal opportunity to discuss issues within the community, and to give citizens the opportunity for direct dialogue with City staff about interests and concerns.

Dementia Caregiving Series
2025-12-10 11:00 - 12:00
Dementia Caregiving Series, a three-part online program designed for caregivers of people with dementia, will be held on Wednesdays, December 3, 10 and 17, 2025, from 11:00 am – 12:00 pm (Eastern) via Zoom.
During the three online sessions participants will learn basic information about dementia and its impact on brain function, how to communicate more effectively with someone who has dementia, recognize stages of dementia, how to provide meaningful daily activities based on the interests and abilities of the person with dementia, how to better understand and address dementia related behaviors, and learn strategies and benefits of self-care. Each session is an hour long.
There is no charge for this program, but registration is required. To register, visit www.upcap.org (click on EVENTS) or call 2-1-1 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. (EST) for assistance. Registration ends on November 21. Participants must have a device with internet connection and email address to attend.
Dementia Caregiving Series is offered by Upper Peninsula Commission for Area Progress (UPCAP). This series is available in part through funding from the Older American’s Act and Michigan Department of Health & Human Services Bureau of Aging, Community Living, and Supports.

PWPL Presents: Northwords and Music: Christmas Sounds
2025-12-10 18:30 - 20:00 | Peter White Public Library, 217 N Front Street, Marquette, MI, 49855
Wednesday, December 10, 2025.
6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
Peter White Public Library Community Room.
Adults, Seniors, Family. Join 2022 Marquette Writer of the Year B. G. Bradley and his friends for an evening of music, stories, poetry, and skits sure to make you laugh, cry, clap, and sing for those big moments in our lives. The show features two-time U. P. Poet Laureate Marty Achatz; celebrated musicians Linda Smith and Seamus Collins (Big Lake Acoustic); actress Jacque Love; actor Jim Edwards; and special guest star Whiskey Ryan. This event will also be livestreamed. For more information, contact Marty at 226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info, or visit pwpl.info.

December Feeding America Mobile Pantry at SCC.
2025-12-11 10:00 - 11:30 | Silver Creek Church, 219 Silver Creek Rd, Marquette, MI, 49855, United States
Marquette -Silver Creek Church and Silver Creek Thrift are partnering with Feeding America West Michigan to host a Mobile Food Pantry. Taking place on Thursday, December 11. Food distribution will begin at 10:00am and continue while supplies last or until 11:30am. Food will be available for approximately 550 families. Due to changes with Feeding America West Michigan, proxy pickup will be limited. This will be a drive-thru event with directions given by parking lot attendants. Guests are asked to remain in their cars and have adequate space prepared in their trunk or back seat in advance to allow the distribution team to place food boxes directly in the vehicle. Silver Creek Church and Silver Creek Thrift are located at 219 Silver Creek Road in Harvey. Businesses or organizations that are interested in supporting these monthly mobile food pantries are encouraged to call 906.249.1715 for more information.

PWPL Presents: Marquette Poets Circle Annual Holiday Gathering
2025-12-11 17:00 - 18:30 | Peter White Public Library, 217 N Front Street, Marquette, MI, 49855
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.

PWPL Presents: An Evening of Art and Evergreen
2025-12-11 18:00 - 20:00 | Peter White Public Library, 217 N Front Street, Marquette, MI, 49855
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 with strolling music featuring Kerry Yost and Company as we welcome winter. For more information, contact Marty at 226-4322, machatz@pwpl.info, or visit pwpl.info.

PWPL Presents: Docu Cinema: The First Silent Night: The Christmas Carol that United the World
2025-12-12 12:00 - 14:30 | Peter White Public Library, 217 N Front Street, Marquette, MI, 49855
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.
