FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 27, 2017

CONTACT: Caitie O’Neill
810-237-3443
coneill@SloanLongway.org

Flint, MI - Enjoy the annual Holiday Walk free community event on Tuesday, December 5, 2017, from 5:30-8:00 pm. This event takes place on the beautifully decorated 33-acre campus of the Flint Cultural Center which is transformed into a winter wonderland with holiday light displays, festive music, holiday theatre performances, seasonal craft demonstrations, holiday planetarium samplers, refreshments, visits and photos with Santa, and more.

Santa Claus kicks off the event with the annual tree lighting ceremony at 5:15 p.m. Food trucks will also be selling food and beverages. While this is a free event, donations of non-perishable food and personal care items will be accepted for the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan. Holiday Walk is sponsored by ABC12, United Way, Cars 108, MTA, View Newspapers, and the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation. For more information, download the Holiday Walk flier and a schedule of upcoming events at FlintCulturalCenter.org.

After the tree is lit, Santa will make his way to The Whiting for family visits and photo opportunities. New this year, free timed tickets to see Santa will be given out in advance through The Whiting’s Ticket Center and at the Flint Farmer’s Market. Tickets are available on a first-come, first served basis, and organizers hope this will help reduce wait times in line. Visitors will also enjoy the music of EBFE Mariachi Band in The Whiting’s lobby.

The Flint Institute of Music will have musical performances throughout the evening. Visitors can take their own photos in the giant Nutcracker rocking chair and explore the instrument playground. Don’t miss “How The Grinch Stole Christmas,” a Capital Theatre organ presentation at 6:30 pm. A community carol singalong will begin at 7:00 pm.

The Flint Public Library will have the bell choir, Ringspiration, perform at 5:30 pm & 7:05 pm. Then at 6:00 pm and 7:35 pm, guests will enjoy the Amazing Clark: Punch and Judy Show. Finally, at 6:30 pm the movie “Charlie Brown Christmas” will play for the young and young at heart to enjoy.

At Sloan Museum, visitors will enjoy a miniature holiday village as well as 25% off gift shop purchases. Head into the courtyard to take photos in the festively decorated climb-on car. Guests can also enjoy a cup of hot cocoa and cookies in the Halfway Café. To avoid overcrowding, the Clifford exhibit will be closed during Holiday Walk; visitors are encouraged to come back during regular hours to visit.

Throughout the night, the Flint Institute of Arts will host musical performances, a showing of the movie “Bugs Bunny Loony Christmas Tales,” an Art School Open House, and meet & greets with Curious George. Kids will also enjoy a holiday craft. Download the flier for show times.

In Durant Plaza (located between Sloan Museum and The Whiting) the Whaley Historic House Museum will present a Festive Photo Lane. For visitors that would like to grab a snack or dinner, food trucks will sell food in this area, and special kid-friendly refreshments will be on sale at The Palette Café inside Flint Institute of Arts.

Longway Planetarium will show sneak peeks of Cosmic Christmas every 30 minutes. Visitors must have a timed ticket in order to see the show, available at the information tent in front of Flint Youth Theatre when Holiday Walk begins. Tickets are available on a first-come, first-served basis. This Christmas light show was made right here at Longway Planetarium. Enjoy festive songs to fill you with cheer, including holiday classics, some new hits, and a few fun oddities, all set to stunning 4k visuals in a festival of Christmas splendor. Recommended for ages 6 and older. Visitors will also enjoy 25% off purchases at Longway Planetarium gift shop. Download the flier for show times.

Flint Youth Theatre will present “The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe,” a heroic tale of love, faith, courage, and giving. The life and death struggle for control of Narnia and the grandeur of the triumph of good over evil has enthralled audiences of all ages. Download the flier for show times. Nearby, Applewood Estate will host ice carving demonstrations, a seasonal light display, and carolers. Join in on the holiday fun!

The Holiday Walk has been a tradition for more than 30 years and began as the Flint Cultural Center’s way of giving back to the community. Thousands of visitors attend the free event each year and there is something for everyone. Check out the event map to plan your route to the various organizations offering their own activities on campus. Event partners offering free activities include Applewood Estate, Flint Institute of Arts, Flint Institute of Music, Flint Public Library, Flint Youth Theatre, Longway Planetarium, Sloan Museum, The Whiting, and the Whaley Historic House Museum. For more information, visit FlintCulturalCenter.org.