Houghton celebrates first Victorian Christmas

HOUGHTON — Keweenaw residents took a step back in time over the weekend as the City of Houghton held its first Victorian Christmas.

There was snow on the ground and the feel of Christmas in the air in downtown Houghton as many dressed for the occasion and joined in on the celebration.

“We’re having a wonderful time here in Houghton providing some hot chocolate, some carolers, and raising some funds for the work of the Salvation Army in the Houghton-Hancock area,” said Salvation Army Major Tim Meyer.

City sidewalks were lined with Christmas carolers gathered around the fire, local businesses were open for holiday shopping and the people here seemed unaffected by the cold temperatures. This group of carolers is the Houghton High School Drama Club, who spent most of the afternoon serenading pedestrians with their delightful harmonies.

The event was sponsored by the Houghton Police Department in collaboration with the Salvation Army.

“My costume here is Joe the Turk, and Joe the Turk is a famous Salvation Army character. He ended up in London where he saw all these salvationists marching and having open air meetings, which is like church outside. So, that’s why I’m wearing this today — to let people know what he did for the community and the Salvation Army,” said Hancock Salvation Army Auxiliary Captain Leonita Schweigert.

In addition to free hot chocolate and horse drawn sleigh rides, the City Center also opened up its doors for people to come in, warm up and have snacks and hot sandwiches, which were all provided by the city.

It’s expected that the city will adopt its Victorian Christmas as an annual event.