Photos from Highland Township’s Tree Lighting and Kris Kringle Market
(Crystal A. Proxmire, Dec. 7, 2025)
Highland Township, MI – Chilly weather did not stop scores of families from coming out to the Downtown Highland Tree Lighting and Kris Kringle Market held on Dec 1.
Outside people gathered by bonfires and enjoyed hot chocolate and free popcorn, plus horse-drawn carriage rides by Panda and Atticus of Blackstone Stables. And inside the historic Highland Station House, which was began as a church in 1885, visitors were able to shop from various vendor tables, make crafts with kids, write letters to Santa, and browse art made by members of the Huron Valley Arts Council.
Friends of the Highland Township Library were also on hand, selling bundles of books for all ages, wrapped in beautiful Christmas bows. “Proceeds fund kids, teen, and adult programs that the library wouldn’t normally have the resources to do,” said Treasurer Mark Labadie. Mark and his wife Kari have been volunteering with the Library Friends group since 2021.
“The programs they put on for the kids are pretty spectacular,” he said. “They have stuff for special needs kids, comic con and dragon events for the teens. I’ve never experienced anything with as much energy as going to these events and seeing the young people excited about learning.”
Being part of the Kris Kringle Market helped the library to connect with families. The event also helped small businesses reach a new audience.
Barb, who didn’t want to share her last name, is the new owner of Odds and Ins, and The Shed, offering resale and consignment items to shoppers in Highland. Located at 144 S. Milford Road the shops are easily recognizable by the giant postcard mural on the side of the building. Barb had placed items there for consignment before diving in to take on ownership in March.
“When you shop at consignment stores, everything has a story and a history,” Barb said. “And it’s better for the environment.” She added that resale shopping gives people the thrill of finding treasures. “We have unique things,” she said. “A lot of decor, one of a kind items, small furniture.”
Her booth at the Kris Kringle Market featured holiday gift ideas, but the store has a variety of items for year round enjoyment.
Artist Anita Lamour also offered up one of a kind delights at the Market. She’s a member of the HVAC, and was featuring ceramics, collages, and jewelry for the event.
“I’ve been with the HVAC for four years and I love it,” Lamour said. “I love working with other artists. I like the building and the historical atmosphere. And this is a great opportunity to sell my work.”
Lamour taught high school ceramics and elementary art before retiring and making more time for her own work. “Art fuels your soul,” she said. “Anybody can be an artist and share with other people.”
As the festive evening progressed people moved outside to gather around the pavilion which was packed with elementary school children who’d been practicing their Christmas carols for the grand performance. As parents watched and captured cell-phone videos, the children serenaded in the big star of the evening – a jolly man with a long white beard wearing a red suit and cap who arrived in red-lit firetruck.
Santa Claus chatted with the eager children before leading the crowd in the countdown that lit not only the Township’s gigantic Christmas tree – but a slew of smaller trees around the property as well. The trees remain lit through the holidays, along with other selfie-worthy stations for visitors to snap away at. A walkway strung with lights was an especially popular spot, while individual trees, decorated by local groups and businesses, also offer a variety of festive vibes.
The Festival of Trees continues through December, with online voting to see which sponsored tree is the most popular. HVAC continues to have art for sale, and Downtown Highland businesses welcome customers to stop in and shop local.
Learn more about Downtown Highland, including events and business information, at https://www.highlanddda.com/
