New Winter Festival Comes to Midland Center for the Arts

The most wonderful time of the year is quickly upon us and Midland Center for the Arts has planned a new holiday festival for families to celebrate and find joy during a socially distanced event Dec. 12 - 13. The Winter Festival will feature a one-way exploration through the Center with festive art, science and history activities for people of all ages.

The festival comes after many years of the popular Holiday Art Fair, but with a new focus on activities and format that’s safe and socially distant during the ongoing pandemic. “Families look forward to starting their holiday season with us at the Center each year, and we are excited to welcome them again for a new and exciting event that will be both fun and safe,” said Julie Johnson, Director of Museums at Midland Center.

Artist booths will be placed throughout the building with specialty handmade products and art from 10 local artisans. The Center’s lobby gallery will feature famous pieces of art by Norman Rockwell, Grandma Moses, and more with popular portraits of American culture and the winter season celebrations.

“We are proud to have something for people of all ages at the Winter Festival. We’ll have artist vendors for holiday shopping, an exhibit that features iconic works of art, and interactive and engaging activities for the little ones wandering through our festive displays,” said Johnson. The festival, which supports the Alden B. Dow Museum of Science & Art, will feature activities for kids and families and explore late 1800’s holiday traditions, holiday celebrations from around the world, and an exciting holiday light display featuring Santa’s workshop.

Families looking to get a photo with their loved ones can choose between a variety of winter scenes, decorated by the Midland County Historical Society’s volunteers from the Bradley Home Holidays. The scenes explore classic carols we may all recognize, with classic arrangements and historic tunes. The man on the rooftop will also be visiting the Winter Festival for socially distant interactions at the Winter Festival with Santa Claus.

Guests looking to attend the Winter Festival should purchase tickets in advance to reserve a time to explore the festive event, allowing for social distancing inside the building. Tickets for the Winter Festival are on sale now and can be purchased online at midlandcenter.org/WinterFestival or by calling the Ticket Office at 989-631-8250.

Members will be able to enjoy the event for FREE with a sneak peek on Dec. 12, 9 a.m. – 10 a.m., and families looking for a sensory friendly experience can attend the Winter Festival on Sunday, Dec. 13, 10 – 11 a.m. for a quieter time with the lights dimmed.