Spread some Holiday Cheer in Celery Flats in Portage
The historical Celery Flats of Portage are known as a favorite spot for scenic walks and serve as a great backdrop for photographs all year long.
However, in recent years it is also growing as a must-see destination during the winter holidays.
We stopped by to grab some photos while the decorations were in process, leading up to the City of Portage Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 3.
Read on for a sneak peek of the decorations, planned festive activities and your chance to WIN a gift package from Pinspiration Kalamazoo!

In this Article
• KZOO Kids Tree
• WIN
• Tree Lighting Ceremony
• Holiday Tree Walk
• Photo Ops
• Celery Flats History
KZOO Kids Tree
We are super excited to be part of the festive decor in Celery Flats for the second year in a row! Find our tree near the grain elevator.
Did you notice the QR code ornaments? Read on to see how to enter our giveaway with Pinspiration Kalamazoo!

Do you Like Scavenger Hunts? Enter to WIN a Gift Package from Pinspiration Kalamazoo
Enter to WIN either an acrylic pour for two OR glow splatter for two (your choice) at Pinspiration Kalamazoo by finding a code word in our articles!
Think of it as a secret password to enter for this cool prize.
Ready to get started?
What’s the Prize?
One lucky winner will get creative at Pinspiration with the art project of their choice (select from below).
Prize Details:
• The winner can select 1 gift package:
Two 12×12 Acrylic Pours + 2 Mocktails
OR
Glow Splatter (one 16×20 canvas) + 2 Mocktails
• Prize is valid through December 31, 2023
• Winner will call the shop when ready to redeem (online booking requires a credit card)
FINE PRINT
This giveaway will close on December 23, 2022, at 11 pm and the winner will be notified via email. The winner will have 24 hours to respond by email accepting the prize. No purchase necessary to enter the contest. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with, Facebook. You are providing your information to kzookids.com and not to Facebook. Entrants will release Facebook from all liability. Entrants must be at least 21 years of age and reside in Michigan. Only one entry per household or IP address. Kalamazoo Kids’ liability is limited to the value of the prize.
I’m in Celery Flats by the KZOO Kids Tree. How Do I Enter?
(Don’t worry- you don’t have to visit Celery Flats to enter! Scroll down to enter from home).
There is a code word hidden in three of our articles; each one has an ornament on the tree.
(1) Scan ONE of the tree ornaments (whichever one looks most interesting!)
(2) An article will open. Find the paint palette hidden in the article – it has a code word written on it. (The palette looks like this)
(3) Enter your code word and information below.
Only one entry per person. You only need to find the code word from ONE of the articles (but feel free to read all three!).

Can I Still Enter the Giveaway if I Don’t Visit Celery Flats?
Absolutely. Here’s how to participate:
(1) Click on ONE of the articles below (whichever one looks most interesting!)
• Holiday Gift Guide
• Where to See Santa
• Events Calendar
(2) Find the paint palette hidden in the article – it has a code word written on it. (The palette looks like this)
(3) Enter your code word and information below.
Only one entry per person. You only need to find the code word from ONE of the articles (but feel free to read all three!).
When Do They Turn on the Lights?
The City of Portage’s tree lighting ceremony is Saturday, December 3 from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM.
This FREE event includes Santa, beverages, desserts, petting zoo, ice sculptures, music, and of course- LOTS of lights!
Photo Ops at Celery Flats
Celery Flats is known for its Kodak-worthy moments during all four seasons, but the City of Portage has upped its game for the holidays.
In addition to the trees and oversized cards, there is a giant reindeer, a sleigh, and decorations under the covered pavilion.
Spots around the sidewalks also feature cute presents, wagons and snowmen.


Celery Flats History
The historical area in Celery Flats includes an original one-room schoolhouse from 1856, a 1931 grain elevator, and Stuart Manor.
Constructed in 1846 by William Welch, this house was the summer home of the second Michigan U.S. Senator, Charles Stuart.
These buildings and others are restored and available for tours and private events.
