This year, the Downtown Development Authority has added a little more sparkle, with more festivities and an extra day of fun.

The annual holiday celebration will take place both Friday and Saturday, Dec. 5-6.

“We are expanding Christmas in Norway — in the future I hope to see it evolve into the full weekend,” Norway DDA Interim Coordinator Kenzie Williamsen said. “We also wanted to get the businesses more involved with the event.”

Williamsen said the DDA currently has almost 20 businesses signed up. “There’s still time to take part — anyone interested is encouraged to reach out,” she added. “A list of participants, along with their specials and offerings, will be posted on Downtown Norway’s Facebook page.”

Mr. and Mrs. Claus arrive at the 2024 Christmas in Norway parade. (Terri Castelaz/Daily News, file)

In addition to daytime promotions, businesses throughout the town will have extended hours from 4 to 7 p.m. to offer specials, giveaways, refreshments, and snacks.

The Viking Boutique Motel and Mike’s on Main have partnered to host the first Great Norway Christmas Cookie Exchange on Friday, Dec. 5.

Registration is required and participation is free. The exchange is open to everyone, including non-residents.

The homemade cookie exchange will feature a special digital cookbook, along with a judging competition for the “best cookie,” “best bar” and “best candy.” They will also award a special ribbon for the most authentic Norwegian or Scandinavian cookie.

They will have additional baked items for sale at Mike’s on Main.

Miss Norway Mary Cavagnetto, center, along with court members Anna Falk, left, and Tirah Hauswirth take part in the 2024 Christmas in Norway parade. (Terri Castelaz/Daily News, file)

Organizers have planned to donate cookie trays to local families in need as well, she added.

The Norway-Vulcan Senior Center invites the community to stop in from 3 to 7 p.m. to warm up with hot cocoa and coffee. They will also have crafts, snacks and other beverages available for purchase.

“Many businesses will host additional pop-up vendors and others have welcomed local teams or youth groups to do a holiday fundraiser,” said Williamsen, noting there will be no market at the American Legion this year.

The Norway High School varsity baseball team is conducting a fundraiser at Mister Mom’s. They will have holiday gift boxes available and a raffle.

Williamsen also encourages all business owners to get creative with their festive window displays and decorations.

Several downtown windows will be painted by Norway-Vulcan Area School and Holy Spirit art students on Monday, Dec. 1.

The students will sell art pieces and calendars at Danielson’s Greenhouse and Floral on Friday evening. They will also offer face painting for a donation.

Mrs. Claus will officially light the city’s Christmas tree at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5, at the bandshell on Main Street. The annual firework display from Norway Hill will follow.

The parade is set to begin about 6 p.m. on the south end of Main Street, near St. Mary Catholic Church.

“We encouraged all area residents and businesses to take part in the parade,” she said. “Parade participation is also something we really want to build upon.”

At the conclusion of the parade, Santa and Mrs. Claus will greet children at City Hall. All kids who come to visit will receive tickets to enter into the prize drawings.

The city will have four stand heaters for warming near the band shell, Williamsen said.

Activities continue on Saturday, Dec. 6, at the Jake Menghini Museum. The Jake Menghini Museum Partners will present “Christmas Eras” from 2 to 6 p.m. Live actors will portray Christmas traditions of the Victorian, Mid-Century and Pioneer eras in each of the museum’s buildings, which are decorated to that specific era. Admission is $5 for adults.

“I would really love for Christmas in Norway to be a community event for everyone of all ages,” she said. “I think that the event has focused on small children and families, and I would like to bridge that gap so everyone has a reason to come to Norway that first weekend in December each year.”

Williamsen encourages the surrounding communities to come out to enjoy Norway’s long tradition.

“We want this experience to feel special for everyone,” she added.

Any business or organizations interested in participating or has questions can email Williamsen at DDA@norwaymi.gov.

To sign up for the cookie exchange or more information on Christmas in Norway, go to the Downtown Norway Facebook page or the website at www.norwaymi.com.

———

Terri Castelaz can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 85241, or tcastelaz@ironmountaindailynews.com.