Pine Grove Park, along the St. Clair River in Downtown Port Huron, is the home of the Winter Celebration from now until January 2nd from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. every night. Entrance is completely free.

The riverside park is full of lighted displays to get your family in the Christmas spirit. The displays are provided by local businesses and organizations. There are over 30 installations and plenty of photo ops throughout the display. There is even a giant 40-feet tall Christmas tree.

Families can drive through Pine Grove Park or they can park the car and get out and walk through the display. If you time it right, you might be able to see a freighter navigating the river while you check out the lights.

There’s never a bad time for a snack when you’re out on a holiday adventure, and the organizer, Port Huron Parks & Recreation, has you covered there, too. They have a vendor, Liquid Gold, onsite selling hot chocolate, cider, and donuts.

On December 16th, Santa and his elf, Pixie Glitter Flake, will be at the Winter Celebration from 5-7 p.m. on Saturday, December 16th.

Need to get a letter to Santa? He happens to have a mailbox at Pine Grove Park. Here are the details on the mailbox straight from the North Pole:

“Santa’s elves transported a mailbox from the North Pole to Pine Grove Park, to encourage children to write their Christmas wish list and mail it to Santa! As you know, Santa is extremely busy this time of year, so his head elf, Ella Elf, will respond back with an email, but don’t worry Santa will see each letter! Drop off your letter by Monday, Dec. 18 to receive an email response back before Christmas. Please include an email address where Ella Elf can send the letter too. The mailbox is located by the 40-foot holiday tree near the eastern side of Pine Grove Park.”

For BlueWaterParent.com – Jennie McClelland

For a list of all of Santa’s visits to the Blue Water Area, click here.

For a complete holiday event guide, click here.