HOUGHTON — Santa is set to return to Houghton this Saturday afternoon as city volunteers prepare to welcome him with festive lights, carriage rides, and

holiday cheer. Families and children will want to gather along Shelden Ave. at 5 p.m. to greet Saint Nick as he rides into town in one of the City’s fire trucks.

Santa’s arrival is part of the City’s efforts to create a fun and festive downtown Christmas atmosphere. Events, like rustic horse-drawn carriage rides will take place this Saturday, Dec. 11 and Dec. 17 from 4 to 7 p.m. The carriage rides will take families along Lakeshore Drive which offers views of the Portage Lake Lift Bridge and the city’s holiday-themed illuminated winter trail. Staff from the Hampton Inn & Suites of Houghton dressed as holiday characters are available for family photo-ops. The carriage rides are being sponsored by The Vault Hotel and Citrus Salon.

Partners for Houghton’s Christmas placemaking efforts include city staff, The Vault Hotel & Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton, the Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce, the Keweenaw Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Carnegie Museum of the Keweenaw and various downtown businesses including Good Times Music and Grace + Gather.

For more details on Houghton’s Christmas festivities, visit the Keweenaw Convention & Visitors Bureau Facebook Page.