Fireworks, 1 million lights will kick off holiday season at Michigan park

GENESEE TWP, MI – This year's Christmas at Crossroads Holiday Magic will be kicking off on Black Friday at Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad.

The event's opening night will take place from 4-9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29, at the historic village, located at 6140 N. Bray Road in Genesee Township.

Admission to the village will be free for any Genesee County residents on that night only.

"This is a tradition for a lot of families from when kids are small up to adults and then bringing their own families," Patrick Linihan, Genesee County Parks Director, said. "We see a lot of different generational growth in the program, and it's great to see those families come back every year and, you know, share the love and joy of the season with their family."

More than 54,000 guests attended last year's Christmas at Crossroads event, and Linihan expects a similar turnout this year.

At 7:15 p.m., the first night of the event will begin with opening remarks from Parks Commission President Joe Krapohl, Linihan, and Genesee County Board of Commissioners Chair James Avery as well as some caroling.

Then, at 7:30 p.m., the ceremonial lighting of the village's Christmas tree will commence.

The tree lighting will be followed by a fireworks display.

Holiday lights and other festive decorations will also be displayed throughout the village during the event.

Linihan said there will be more than 1 million lights in the village this year.

"The tree of lights itself, depending on the year, has between 70,000 and 80,000 lights," he said.

A Christmas buffet will also be served on the opening night of the event.

"We partnered with a new caterer for this season. We're working with Tasty Bits Catering," Linihan said.

Seating for the buffet during the event will take place from 5:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and from 5 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. on weekends.

The menu for the buffet includes roasted pork loins with mushroom gravy and baked chicken.

While admission will be free for Genesee County residents on the opening day of the event, attendees will still have to pay to ride on the historic Huckleberry Railroad.

Guests will also have to pay admission for entry to the village and to ride on the railroad on all other days of the event.

Tickets to this year's Christmas at Crossroads and tickets for the buffet can be purchased at the event or on Genesee County Parks' website .

"We would recommend that they get their tickets as soon as possible because a lot of train times have already booked out," Linihan said.

Christmas at Crossroads will also be held from 4-9 p.m. Nov. 30 to Dec. 1, Dec. 6-8, 13-15, 18-22, and 26-29.

Additionally, anyone who would like to see the village's lights and other decorations from the comfort of their own vehicle can do so during the drive-through light display which will be open from 5-9 p.m. on Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23, and 24.

Information on upcoming Genesee County Parks events, including Ladies Night Out, Grinch Hike, Knee High Naturalist and Moundsgiving, can be found on its website or its Facebook page .

" daily newsletter.