The festively dressed Payton Lagina, 6, and Wildcat Willy pose together for a photograph at the 32nd annual Lighting Up the Holidays held at Northern Michigan University Monday. The event was free for NMU families, students and surrounding Upper Peninsula communities. This year’s activities included tree lighting with President Fritz Erickson and Wildcat Willy, a visit from Santa, holiday refreshments, dance performances by New Attitudes Dance Studios and the NMU cheer team, games, prizes and holiday craft projects. (Journal photo by Corey Kelly)

Northern Michigan University student Joelle Gallagher helps siblings Ivan, 9, and Elaine Newman, 6, finish their homemade Christmas ornaments at the 32nd annual Lighting Up the Holidays held at Northern Michigan University Monday. The event was free for NMU families, students and surrounding Upper Peninsula communities. This year’s activities included tree lighting with President Fritz Erickson and Wildcat Willy, a visit from Santa, holiday refreshments, dance performances by New Attitudes Dance Studios and the NMU cheer team, games, prizes and holiday craft projects. (Journal photo by Corey Kelly)