This picture from the Chassell Old Fashioned Christmas Facebook page, shows last year's Old Fashioned Christmas Market in the school gym.

CHASSELL — One of the elements that makes the holiday season so special in the continuation of long-standing traditions. For decades the Houghton County community of Chassell has demonstrated how to celebrate in style with its “Old Fashioned Christmas in Chassell.

The celebration gets started today with the Chassell High School Band concert at 6:30 p.m. in the high school gymnasium.Tomorrow (Thursday) the elementary (Grade K-5) students will decorate the community Christmas Tree at the school.The event is sponsored by Breakwater Community Federal Credit Union.

The festivities will get into full swing on Friday morning with the k-5 children’s Christmas program at 10 a.m. at the school gym sponosred by Keweenaw Petroleum Services. Friday afternoon’s activities include free festive tractor rides, courtesy of Palosaari Farms, from 5:30 – 7 p.m. at Centennial Park, sponsored by UP Health System-Portage. Also from 5:30 – 7 p.m. there will be childrens activities and crafts plue free winter-themed family pictures at the Chassell VFW. This event is sponsored by the Chassell VFW Auxiliary, Keweenaw Chevrolet GMC, Aspirus Keweenaw and DP Construction.

Saturday’s event starts with the old fashioned Christmas Market, Chassell Womens Club Pie and Coffee sale from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. The Chassell Junior class lunch will take place from 10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. in the high school gym. Free coffee and pastries will be served at Keweenaw Kountry Store from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Children will receive a free gift when they visit with Santa from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. on the second floor of the Chassell Heritage Center. There’ll be free cookie decorating. This event is sponsored by Incredible Bank, Meemic-Storm Insurance Agency, Gierke Blueberry Farm, the Chassell Lions Club and Barbara Worrall.

The live nativity, sponsored by TC Heavy Repair and Cowell Construction, will take place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Chassell Heritage Center. Tactical Taco’s food truck will be on hand as well.

The museum open house including traditional French and English Christmas music takes place from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Chassell Heritage Center.

Tickets are currently on sale for the Home for the Holidays home tour and gourmet testing at the Chassell General Store, Superior Family Chiropractic, Chassell Heritage Museum, Calumet Visitors Bureau and the Old Fashioned Christmas Market.

For more information, visit the Chassell Christmas Facebook page.