Central UP Events

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

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.

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,

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.  

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

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,

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

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.  

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,

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.