The Great Lakes Visitor Center, located at Ludington State Park, will celebrate "Christmas in July Week" starting this Sunday, with special holiday-themed events planned for park visitors.

Children under the age of 17 must be accompanied by an adult for these events. The events include:

• Park Scavenger Hunt. Visitors should stop by the center between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Sunday, July 20, to participate in a park scavenger hunt along the Big Sable River. The hour-long event will include a prize for those who conclude the scavenger hunt.
• Rudolph the Red-Nosed Whitetail? At 10:30 a.m. on Monday, July 21, there will be a 30-minute program at the visitor center that takes an in-depth look at Michigan's white-tailed deer.
• Lost Lake Canoe Tour. Also on Monday starting at 7 p.m., visitors interested in canoeing should meet at Hamlin Beach to learn about the nature and history of Ludington State Park during this canoe tour. The tour lasts two hours. Canoe experience is not necessary, but participants will have to provide their own canoe or rent one. Details on the tour and rentals are available at the visitor center or by calling 231-843-6912.
• Brown Bag/Lighthouse Walk. At 10 a.m. on Tuesday, July 22, visitors should meet at the Warming Shelter for a guided walk to the lighthouse. This is a three-hour hike, and participants should bring a brown bag lunch.
• Christmas Story & Craft. At 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 22, visitors can come to the visitor center to hear a holiday story and make their own holiday ornament. This is a 45-minute program.
• Reindeer Games. At 2 p.m. Tuesday, July 22, join park staff at the Lake Michigan Beach House for competitive games in the sand. This is a family activity and the program will last one hour.
• Family Fun Night & Grand Tour. This event focuses on the lighthouse located at the park. There will be lighthouse-related games and activities for children, and tours of the lighthouse and keeper's quarters. The event begins at 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 22, at the lighthouse.
• Butterfly Story & Craft. On Wednesday, July 23, at 10:30 a.m., there will be a program at the visitor center about butterflies and children can make a craft project to take home. This is a 30-minute program.
• This Is ? Jeopardy! On Wednesday, July 23, participants can test their Great Lakes knowledge with this program at the visitor center. The program starts at 4 p.m. and lasts 45 minutes.
• Nature Bingo. On Wednesday, July 23, meet at the park's amphitheater for a game of Nature Bingo and learn some trivia about Ludington State Park. Prizes will be awarded. The program starts at 7 p.m. and runs for 30 minutes.
• Coffee With the Park Manager. Visitors can meet at the camp host site in the Cedar Campground at 10 a.m. Thursday, July 24, to have coffee with the park manager.
• Sand Castle Building. At 2 p.m. Thursday, July 24, visitors can head to the Lake Michigan Beach House to participate in a sand castle building contest. Castles should have a holiday theme. Prizes will be awarded to everyone who participates.
• Christmas Sing-A-Long. At 7 p.m. Thursday, July 24, park visitors should meet at the campfire at the amphitheater for a Christmas carols sing-a-long. This program will last 45 minutes.
• Jolly Jumpers. At 10:30 a.m. Friday, July 25, the visitor center will host a program about frogs. The program is 45 minutes and includes a craft project for children.
• S.S. Badger Sunset Watch. At 8 p.m. Friday, July 25, visitors can join Charles Boardman at the Lake Michigan Beach House to learn about the S.S. Badger and the history of the Lake Michigan Car Ferry Service. Participants should bring a chair or blanket.
• A Trip Through the Night Sky. At sunset on Friday, July 25, visitors can learn about stars, planets and constellations at this program in front of the Lake Michigan Beach House. Participants should bring a chair or blanket, jacket and a flashlight.
• Walking History Tour. At 10 a.m. Saturday, July 26, visitors can meet at the Hamlin Dam for an historic walking tour through Ludington State Park. This program lasts 90 minutes.
• Beautiful Butterflies. At 11 a.m. Saturday, July 26, visitors can meet at the visitor center to learn more about the butterflies in the park and witness some live butterflies transforming. This is a 30 minute program.
• Schooner in the Sand. At 7 p.m. Saturday, July 26, visitors can join John Halsey in the auditorium of the visitor center for an illustrated lecture on an early schooner embedded in the Lake Michigan shore just west of Naubinway. This is a 30 minute program.

There is no charge for the programs offered at the Great Lakes Visitor Center and Ludington State Park; however, all visitors must display a Motor Vehicle Permit when entering a state park or recreation area. Permits are available at the entrance to the park for $6 for a daily and $24 for an annual. Permits for out of state residents are $8 for a daily and $29 for an annual.

For more information on these programs, call the Great Lakes Visitor Center at 231-843-6912. The visitor center is located on the south side of the Sable River at Ludington State Park, close to the campgrounds and beaches. The visitor center is universally accessible.