Celebrate the Magic of the Holidays at the Downtown Iron Mountain Christmas Walk
The holiday season is upon us, and there’s no better place to experience the magic of Christmas than in Downtown Iron Mountain! On Friday, December 6th, join us for the Downtown Iron Mountain Christmas Walk, a festive event packed with holiday cheer, family-friendly activities, and a warm community atmosphere. This year’s Christmas Walk will run from 4 PM to 6 PM, and it’s the perfect way to kick off your holiday season! Thank you to our signature event sponsor, First National Bank & Trust.
Festive Activities for All Ages
There’s something for everyone at the Downtown Iron Mountain Christmas Walk! Here’s a look at the activities you can enjoy:
Santa and Mrs. Claus Meet & Greet (4–5:30 PM)
From 4 PM to 5:30 PM, visit the Dickinson County Library for a special Meet & Greet with Santa and Mrs. Claus! Kids (and kids-at-heart) can share their holiday wishes, take photos with the Claus couple, and enjoy the festive atmosphere. Be sure to bring your wish lists, as Santa is ready to hear from you!
Christmas Crafts & Cookies (4–5:30 PM)
Also at the library, there will be a Christmas Crafts station where children can create their own holiday cards and decorations to take home. And don’t forget to enjoy a plate of fresh-baked cookies provided by the Friends of the Library—because no Christmas celebration is complete without a sweet treat!
Live Music by Kingsford High School Jazz Band (4–5:30 PM)
While you enjoy the holiday festivities at the library, you can also listen to the sounds of the season with live music from the Kingsford High School Jazz Band. Their festive performance will fill the air with holiday tunes, adding to the magical atmosphere of the evening.
Live Nativity Scene (4–5:30 PM)
At the Systems Control Downtown Stage, enjoy a beautiful and moving Live Nativity Scene performed by students from Bishop Baraga Catholic School. This live performance brings the story of the first Christmas to life with actors and animals in a heartwarming display of the holiday’s true meaning.
The Foot Parade and Christmas Caroling (5:30–6:00 PM)
At 5:30 PM, join in the fun with the Foot Parade, led by none other than Santa and Mrs. Claus! The parade will start at the Dickinson County Library , and everyone is invited to join the celebration. Whether you’re marching along with family and friends or simply enjoying the parade from the sidelines, it’s a festive way to get into the Christmas spirit!
As you walk, you’ll be part of the Community Christmas Caroling led by the Dickinson County Community Chorus. Sing along to your favorite holiday carols as the parade makes its way through downtown. It’s a wonderful chance to celebrate the season together and spread some Christmas cheer.
Community Christmas Tree Lighting (6:00 PM)
The Christmas Walk will culminate with the Community Christmas Tree Lighting at 6:00 PM at the First National Bank & Trust Plaza. Gather around the beautifully decorated tree, donated by Swanson’s Big Red Barn, with your friends, family, and neighbors to watch as we light the tree and officially mark the start of the holiday season in Iron Mountain. It’s a magical moment you won’t want to miss!
Vote for the Best Decorated Christmas Window (Dec 6th–25th)
From December 6th through 25th, it’s time to cast your vote for the Best Decorated Christmas Window in Downtown Iron Mountain! As you stroll through downtown during the Christmas Walk (and beyond), be sure to check out the stunning holiday displays in the windows of participating shops. Vote for your favorite, and help crown the winner of this festive competition!
Write a Letter to Santa (Dec 6th-25th)
Kids, don’t forget to send your letters to Santa! You can drop off your holiday wish lists at two convenient locations: the Dickinson County Library and Iron Mountain City Hall. Santa’s elves will make sure your letters get to the North Pole in time for Christmas! Be sure to include your name, address, and a special message for Santa!
Supporting Local Businesses
The Christmas Walk is the perfect opportunity to support local businesses in Downtown Iron Mountain. Many of the downtown shops will have special holiday promotions, exclusive items, and festive offerings throughout the event. It’s a wonderful time to pick up unique gifts and spread some holiday cheer while shopping locally.
Thank You to Our Sponsors and Partners
A huge thank you to our generous sponsors and partners who help make the Downtown Iron Mountain Christmas Walk possible! This event would not be possible without the support of:
- First National Bank & Trust
- Radio Results Network
- Dickinson County Library
- Bishop Baraga Catholic School
- Swanson’s Big Red Barn
- Dickinson County Community Chorus
Your support helps bring holiday cheer to our community, and we are so grateful for your contributions!
Make it a Tradition
The Downtown Iron Mountain Christmas Walk isn’t just a one-time event—it’s a holiday tradition that you’ll want to experience year after year. Whether it’s your first time or you’re a regular visitor, the Christmas Walk is the perfect way to celebrate the season with family, friends, and the Iron Mountain community.
Downtown Tree Replacement Coming in 2025!
The Iron Mountain Downtown Development Authority, in partnership with the City of Iron Mountain Tree Board, is working to restore the trees in the heart of Downtown. In the past few years, invasive Emerald Ash-borer and environmental stressors killed 15-20 trees planted in Downtown. We’re excited to announce that the non-profit Friends of the Iron Mountain DDA recently received a $20,000 grant from The Toro Company Greenspace Enhancement Grant Program to help make this project happen in spring 2025!
The total cost of replacing 15-20 trees is $30,000. This cost includes site preparation, planting, and tree maintenance. To raise the remaining $10,000 needed to propel this project forward, we invite local businesses, citizens, and organizations to consider making a donation. All proceeds will go towards supplementing The Toro Company Greenspace Enhancement Grant Program grant. Please see the Downtown Trees page for more details and to donate. No donation is too small! Follow us on the DDA Facebook page for more project updates.
If you would just like to donate now without reading more details, please click on the green button below.
Our Vision, Mission & Purpose
We strive to create a flourishing, historic downtown destination in Iron Mountain, Michigan.
We promote economic growth by organizing community events, attracting new businesses and advancing the beautification and historic preservation within the Downtown District.
We exist to advocate and strengthen Iron Mountain’s entire Downtown District.
The Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Board of Directors and staff coordinate Downtown Iron Mountain programs and events, advance the organization’s vision, mission, and purpose, and promote downtown businesses through website, social media, print publications, and other channels. The DDA conducts roughly 20 events and festivals every year, coordinates planting of flower gardens and hanging baskets throughout the downtown area, and engages in other beautification activities such as placement of street banners. The DDA also continues its long-standing local grant program to assist in the renovation of downtown buildings and elimination of blight. All of these DDA functions bring about a more vibrant, fun, and diverse center of the community.
The DDA relies upon, and is grateful for, the participation of over 130 volunteers who serve on committees, assist in conducting events, and plant & water flowers / gardens. Downtown Iron Mountain festivals and events are attended by thousands of people every year, and are sponsored by many different organizations downtown and throughout the community. Sponsors can partner with the DDA to contribute to the economic vitality of Iron Mountain while enjoying unique opportunities for marketing exposure. Please browse the pages of this website to become familiar with DDA activities and events, and contact us if you have any questions or would like to get involved by volunteering, sponsoring, or serving on the Board or committees.
