Paula Porter/For the Mining Gazette Houghton’s Winter Wonderland drew crowds to celebrate the holiday season.

It was beginning to look a lot like Christmas in the Copper Country this weekend.

The historical Lindell’s Shoppe in Lake Linden hosted its inaugural cookie decorating event for children Saturday morning, while still cooking for a full house of hungry customers.

Sugar cookies weren’t plain for long as children were able to adorn them with many different frostings and an ample supply of sprinkles at the decorating station. The special kind of frosting tip applicators were available to decorators, too. Smiles and laughter from the event’s young participants naturally followed. Santa himself would have been proud.

Nine-year-old Bronko Krause of Lake Linden created a giant mountain of frosting and sprinkles atop his cookie, while Libby Loukus, 13, enjoyed the holiday fun with her younger siblings.

Sisters Annabelle and Natalie Davis, 7, arrived to the decorating event in a festive spirit, decked in red and wearing reindeer antler headbands.

Christmas magic was in the air at Lindell’s as the tables filled with children decorating cookies. The holidays perfectly showcase Lindell’s year-round vintage charm.

The holiday spirit spilled over into Houghton on Saturday evening at the city’s Winter Wonderland on the downtown pier.

The main attractions were the horse-drawn wagon rides, the large Christmas ball ornament, the tall lit Christmas tree, marshmallow roasting, visits from “Frozen” characters and, of course, Santa.

A long line of bundled children awaited Santa’s arrival on a city fire truck. With Christmas music in the air, the magic of the season grew. Letters to Santa were collected in a special red mailbox, and Mrs. Claus greeted the children.

After enjoying a horse-drawn wagon ride, brothers Ethan, 7, and Leo, 5 Luoma dashed to line up to see Santa. They gave their wish lists to Santa, accepted candy canes from Mrs. Claus and took a moment to dance around the Christmas tree.

Michigan Tech students Shnaya Fleig and David Krolewski enjoyed their first Winter Wonderland, calling it a fun event with a great small town feel.

“I love that Houghton holds so many activities for its residents,” Krolewski said.

The Portage Lake District Library hosted a crafting area and played “Frozen” on a big screen. These activities added a good reason to warm up inside on the brisk December evening.

The city fire truck returned to retrieve Santa, who waved good-bye from the truck’s front seat as he drove out of sight.

“Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!”