(STURGIS) – A trio of traditional holiday events in downtown Sturgis are on hold until further notice.

The City of Sturgis and the Sturgis Downtown Development Authority say the events are on hold due to the spike in the COVID-19 cases and the new Michigan Department Of Health and Human Services restrictions that are in place until at least December 8.

The City is canceling the Christmas In The City activities that are usually held in Free Church Park. In addition, the DDA is placing a hold on the Kristkindlmarkt and Sip And Stroll events, which were scheduled for December 3 through December 5.

With the cancellation of Christmas In The City, that means that Santa will not have a formal sit down appearance in Sturgis for 2020. City officials say they are working on getting a special “North Pole Express” mailbox, which would allow area children to get their wish lists to Mr. Claus. The City hopes to announce soon where the mailbox will be located.

The Kristkindlmarkt is a traditional Christmas market, and typically set up on Pleasant Avenue. The restrictions limit the size of indoor and outdoor gatherings and prevent the market from being held.

Additionally, the Sip and Stroll, which features several stops in local businesses throughout downtown Sturgis was sidelined. The DDA is waiting to see if rescheduling the Kristkindlmarkt and the Sip and Stroll after the restrictions ends will be feasible. They are hopeful some type of activity can still happen before Christmas.

More information on events and activities will be available on the Sturgis247 website. LINKA.

You can also visit the Downtown Sturgis Facebook page.