Flint Cultural Center transforms into winter wonderland for Holiday Walk
Attendees watch the Flint Youth Theatre Improv Squad Performances during the 40th annual Holiday Walk at the Flint Institute of the Arts on Tuesday, Dec 2, 2025.
FLINT, MI – The Flint Cultural Center was transformed into a winter wonderland with a special visitor from the North Pole arriving on Tuesday evening.
City basketball great Ervin Leavy, Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus helped light the 25-foot-tall Holiday Tree in the Durant Plaza to kick off the 40th Holiday Walk that took place this year on the 33-acre campus of the Flint Cultural Center.
Leavy won a state championship in 1983 at Flint Central High School before spending two seasons each at Mott Community College and Central Michigan University, playing aside future NBA star Dan Majerle before he was a seventh-round draft pick for the Chicago Bulls in 1987.
An attendee picks up a Christmas button during the 40th annual Holiday Walk at the Flint Institute of the Arts on Tuesday, Dec 2, 2025.
He was inducted into the Greater Flint Area Sports Hall of Fame in 2023.
Along with the tree lighting, the hundreds in attendance were able to meet reindeer, enjoy live music and performances, seasonal children’s crafts, free planetarium holiday sampler shows, holiday shopping in the gift shops, and free photos with Mr. & Mrs. Claus in the FIM Whiting Auditorium.
A glassblower named Anna forms a handle onto a large glass ornament during the 40th annual Holiday Walk at the Flint Institute of the Arts on Tuesday, Dec 2, 2025.
Amanda Sauve, Manager of Community Programs at the Flint Institute of Music, explained how the event has placed itself as a special event for families in Flint.
“It’s an opportunity for families to come out and kind of create those foundational memories with their kids,” she said. “I just think it’s a really beautiful event. I really encourage everyone to come out and experience it.
“It’s like one of those special nights where you can just enjoy each other. It’s cold out, but it’s so cozy feeling. It’s just a really, really beautiful thing that we have here in Flint.”
Those in attendance enjoyed performances by a mariachi band from El Ballet Folklorico Estudantil, Cosmic Christmas show at Longway Planetarium, musical cabaret of holiday classics by FIM Elgood Theatre/Flint Repertory Theatre, Carman-Ainsworth High School string orchestra, tap dancers from Tapology and several others.
The Grinch poses for a photo during the 40th annual Holiday Walk at the Flint Institute of the Arts on Tuesday, Dec 2, 2025.
Hot chocolate and cookies were provided by Allegro and the crowd also enjoyed treats from the Northern Smoke BBQ and Bella Concessions food trucks.
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Santa waives to the crowd as he rolls by in his Buick during the 40th annual Holiday Walk at the Flint Institute of the Arts on Tuesday, Dec 2, 2025.
Families enjoy the festivities offered at the 40th annual Holiday Walk at the Flint Institute of the Arts on Tuesday, Dec 2, 2025.
Breshia Williams, 5, works with a marker on her craft during the 40th annual Holiday Walk at the Flint Institute of the Arts on Tuesday, Dec 2, 2025.
A boy peaks through the window to watch two women cook inside of Bellas Concessions and Catering food truck at the 40th annual Holiday Walk at the Flint Institute of the Arts on Tuesday, Dec 2, 2025.
Families wait in line to pose for a photo with Santa the 40th annual Holiday Walk at the Flint Institute of the Arts on Tuesday, Dec 2, 2025.
Families enjoy arts and crafts offered at the 40th annual Holiday Walk at the Flint Institute of the Arts on Tuesday, Dec 2, 2025.
