Northern Michigan University will host its 29th annual Lighting Up the Holidays, a free kickoff to the season for families from NMU and the Marquette community, on Wednesday, Nov. 30. It runs from 5-8 p.m. in the Peter White Lounge of the University Center.

The event includes includes a visit from Santa, pictures with Santa, horse-drawn hayrides, face painting, free children's books, dance performances, holiday refreshments and smoothie samples, games and crafts. Barnes & Noble at NMU Bookstore will also be holding its holiday sale.