Click on cover to view current e-edition!
Now taking advertising reservations for teh 2026 Insider's Guide to debut in January! Click here for rate card!
Embedded Files
Fall — a time for new beginnings
With the gorgeous weather we had in September and October, it makes the thought of Thanksgiving and a “White Christmas” seem far off. Yet, as we were putting together our 16th “holiday issue” of Pointe Magazine, we were very much filled with the “spirit of the season.” As Editor Lauren McGregor points out in her adjacent column, there are many things to look forward to this year.
Of course, the annual Santa Claus Parade is a favorite. The excitement in the air in anticipation of the parade and seeing joy on the children’s faces as Santa and Mrs. Claus come into view are heartwarming. Thank you, Grosse Pointe Chamber of Commerce, for hosting this annual event now celebrating 50 years.
Another must attend event in the Pointes is the annual Holiday Concert of the Grosse Pointe Symphony Orchestra at Our Lady Star of the Sea. This year’s concert is on Sunday, Dec. 7, at 3:30 p.m. with a pre-concert discussion at 2:45 p.m. (GPSO’s first concert at its new home at the Schaap Center will be on March 8 at 3 p.m.)
Also, see Lauren’s column and story in this issue of Pointe Magazine about the inaugural event at the Schaap Center coming up this holiday season. The much-needed entertainment venue has been a long time coming and we are looking forward to attending many events there.
Again, not to step on Lauren’s prose, but you won’t want to miss going to The War Memorial and the Ford House over the holidays. I am a sure all Pointers join me in recognizing the great things the two institutions on the lake have done over the past several years, beginning with the new additions at both venues.
True, like most long-time Pointers, I was disappointed to see the old Cotswold Cafe torn down, but I am more than pleased with its replacement — The Continental, gift shop and banquet/meeting facilities. Kudos to General Manager Mark Heppner and the Ford House board and staff!
As always, we ask Pointers to patronize the many Grosse Pointe businesses, advertisers and institutions that make Pointe Magazine possible and living, working and recreating here so lovely.
John Minnis
Publsiher
As we prepare to go to press with this issue, I have just had the joy of visiting the Haunted Garage for my children’s school. It is one of our all-time favorite family traditions and, I realize, an apt metaphor for my mindset this month.
As many readers know, at the end of the scary tour, you enter creator Glen Williams’s home. From floor to ceiling, and suspended in between, is Christmas. It’s a jolt of happiness and light after a perfectly spooky experience. Countless Santas after countless skeletons.
When you work for a bi-monthly publication, your mind is always a month or two ahead. Standing in Glen’s living room, I realized I was very ready for the holiday season this year. I imagine many of us are.
One event I’m especially looking forward to is The War Memorial Tree Lighting Ceremony. I was gobsmacked that last year was the first tree lighting in decades. From the outside, it seemed like a time-tested tradition, a seamless mainstay with something fun and new to do around every corner.
My daughter made origami birds in one room and visited with the princess Belle in the next. The vintage market was meticulously curated by Mata Kartsonas. There were letters to Santa, the smell of roasting chestnuts and old-fashioned carolers. Then, like a scene straight out of Whoville, all converged on the courtyard, where the towering Christmas tree waited to be lit. Who should arrive to do the honor but the big man himself, Santa. Read more about this year’s tree lighting on page 42.
The second event I wouldn’t miss is Home for the Holidays at Ford House. I will never forget my kids’ reaction when they walked over the Rose Garden and its twinkling lights. The entire experience is magical and this year will be even better. A new Santa’s Candy & Sweet Shop inside the main house will host visitors and waiting outside will be Mistletoe Market with warm beverages and exclusive gifts that can only be found at Home for the Holidays. Read more about it on page 20.
Finally, we can’t forget the 50th annual Grosse Pointe Santa Claus Parade by the Grosse Pointe Chamber of Commerce, who in partnership with Grosse Pointe Theatre, has chosen the theme ‘I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas’ to celebrate the inaugural show at the newly opened Schaap Center. Read more about the parade on page 76 and Grosse Pointe Theatre on page 30.
Pointers are spoiled with festive opportunities. There is truly no place like home for the holidays.
Lauren McGregor
Editor
The Happiest Day in Grosse Pointe!www.facebook.com/124303337591975/videos/292240332790704/
Page updated
Report abuse