Photo courtesy of City of Hancock Hancock Llights the Night is one of the projects this winter to receive funds from Visit Keweenaw

HOUGHTON — ‘Tis the season of giving and Visit Keweenaw is celebrating by pouring resources back into the community to brighten the winter months. According to a Visit Keweenaw press release, the destination marketing organization announced a series of strategic investments, sponsorships, and partnerships designed to enhance holiday festivities across the peninsula. By supporting these events, Visit Keweenaw aims to drive winter tourism while delivering the gift of vibrant, festive experiences directly to the residents of Houghton and Keweenaw Counties.

The release states that while Visit Keweenaw’s primary mission focuses on generating tourism demand, this season’s initiatives highlight how the organization’s work creates tangible value for the local community. By enhancing holiday infrastructure and events, Visit Keweenaw is ensuring the region remains a vibrant, joyful place to live and visit during the darker winter months.

Among the projects to which Visit Keweenaw contributed:

Hancock Lights the Night: In a major new initiative, Visit Keweenaw provided a $15,000 grant from its Destination Development Fund to the City of Hancock. This funding was the key catalyst for the city’s new drive-through holiday light display at the City Campground. This inaugural program kicked off on November 29 and runs on select days through December, offering families a bright new tradition in the heart of the Keweenaw.

Houghton Winter Wonderland: Partnering with the City of Houghton, Visit Keweenaw is helped transform the waterfront pier into a festive hub, last Friday. The “Houghton Winter Wonderland” invited children and families to meet Santa, enjoy hot cocoa, and celebrate the season along the festively decorated waterfront.

Mount Bohemia Winter Solstice Party: To celebrate the longest night of the year, Visit Keweenaw is tapping into the region’s Finnish roots. In partnership with Mount Bohemia Ski Resort and The Finnish Long Drink Company, a Winter Solstice Party will take place on Dec. 20. This event features a unique mix of activities including a cold plunge challenge, an ugly sweater competition, bonfires, and music. Participants can also enjoy free admission to the Nordic Spa (with a required free online ticket).

New Year’s Eve Chook Drop: Closing out the year, the popular “Chook Drop” returns for its third year. Organized in partnership with the City of Houghton, this quirky celebration invites locals and visitors to the waterfront pier for music and the iconic Chook Drop. To ensure everyone can participate, the event will feature two drops this year: a “Family Chook” drop at 6 p.m. and a “Late-Night” drop at 10 p.m.

The press release states that these investments represent a commitment to placemaking–creating spaces and events that attract visitors while making the Keweenaw a wonderful place to call home.

“At Visit Keweenaw, we believe that a great place to visit must first be a great place to live,” said Brad Barnett, Executive Director of Visit Keweenaw. “By investing in these holiday experiences–from the new light display in Hancock to the Chook Drop in Houghton–we are working with our community partners to strengthen the Keweenaw’s winter tourism product while giving our neighbors new ways to celebrate the season. It’s about building a vibrant community culture that welcomes travelers and delights locals in equal measure.”

For more information on these events and other winter activities in the Keweenaw, please visit www.visitkeweenaw.com.