Plan Your Michigan Holiday Adventure
From parades to light shows, and shopping to Santa meet-ups, Michigan offers endless ways to celebrate the season. Pack your calendar with these unforgettable holiday experiences and create memories to last a lifetime.
Festive Parades
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Marshall: Enjoy parades, elf parties, craft shows, tree lighting, and more. Stroll the charming streets and embrace the holiday spirit.
- Grand Haven: Join the Jingle Bell Parade on December 7th with sparkling floats, carols, and a magical tree-lighting ceremony at Central Park.
- Saugatuck: Enjoy a nostalgic Christmas parade, Winterfest at the Felt Estate, and holiday concerts with the Lakeshore Community Chorus on December 7th-8th.
- Montague & Whitehall: Watch the 71st Annual Christmas Parade on December 7th at 2 p.m., featuring over 50 entries and Santa’s grand arrival.
- Coldwater: Celebrate with the Holiday Parade on December 7th and hop aboard the Little River Railroad’s Christmas Express for festive rides and treats.
Shopping Events
- Harbor Springs: Don’t miss the Merchants Holiday Open House on December 7th from 6-9 p.m. Shop downtown, enjoy live music by the Petoskey High School Steel Drum Band, and celebrate a cherished local tradition.
- South Haven: Celebrate with Holiday in the Park on November 29th, featuring lights, skating, Santa visits, and the Mistletoe Market from November 23rd to December 15th.
- Holland: Explore Holland’s Kerstmarkt, Critter Barn’s Live Nativity, and Windmill Island Gardens’ Magic at the Mill for a European-style holiday experience.
- Oliver Art Center: Shop unique gifts at the Winter Market and enjoy a musical retelling of A Christmas Carol on December 21st, complete with hot cocoa and cookies.
Family Fun
- Binder Park Zoo: Visit winter-hardy animals and enjoy Paws & Claus brunch with Santa on December 14th & 15th. Tickets for brunch available online.
- Ludington: Experience the All American Funk Parade on December 7th and a free children’s Christmas party on December 15th with Santa, crafts, cookie decorating, and a bike raffle.
- Mackinac Island: Attend the Christmas Bazaar Weekend from December 6th-8th with tree lighting, auctions, holiday treats, and a theater production.
- Robinette’s Apple Haus: Join the Private Santa Farm Party on December 7th with donuts, hot cocoa, and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
- Mt. Pleasant: The Mt. Pleasant Christmas Celebration takes place December 6th & 7th in downtown Mt. Pleasant. Shop the Winter Market and find unique gifts, eat pancakes with Santa, participate in a 5K, see the lighted parade, and new this year enjoy a laser show.
- Crystal Mountain: Celebrate the season with festive decorations, skiing with Santa, holiday dinners, and more fun activities for the family.
Spectacular Light Displays
- Meijer Gardens: Explore ENLIGHTEN at Meijer Gardens, an outdoor winter event with cutting-edge light displays and sculptures. Open select dates from November 27th to January 4th.
- Crane's Orchard: Experience a mile-long holiday Drive-Through Light Show from November 29th to December 29th, Wednesday through Sunday evenings.
- Petoskey Area: Marvel at light displays like Boyne Mountain Resorts SkyBridge Michigan’s Lights in the Sky and enjoy open houses, parades, and tree lightings across the area.
- Hackley and Hume Historic Sites: On December 7th, 14th, 21st, 27th, and 28th, tour and vote for your favorite room as you explore decorated Victorian homes, which offer a delightful holiday atmosphere.
- Gull Meadow Farms: Their greenhouses are transformed into a winter wonderland with different themes for Walk Through the Light’s. Experience 2 choreographed light shows, giant outdoor lighted scenes, and photo props throughout. Make sure to visit their goats during your visit.
- Muskegon: Muskegon Museum of Art is hosting the Festival of Trees which offers a festive experience with vintage ornaments, model trains, and holiday Barbies, alongside six weeks of holiday activities, live music, and events like the Teddy Bear Trail and Hot Cocoa Hop with Santa.
- Drummond Island: Holiday Light Trail maps will be available for pick up at the Visitor Center starting December 14th. Gather your friends and family, embark on the trail, and help choose the most spectacular displays. Voting sheets must be submitted no later than December 20th.
- The Highlands: Experience the serene beauty and magic of winter with The Highlands’ illuminated Enchanted Trail. Stroll along a snow-covered path surrounded by twinkling lights and interactive displays, then enjoy warm drinks, s’mores, and cozy fireside moments at the Woodlands Yurt.
Unique Holiday Activities
- Pine River: Take a guided winter rafting trip along the Pine River for a cozy adventure surrounded by snowy landscapes.
- Treetops Resort: Enjoy Treetops Resort’s Holiday Vacation Package with festive lodging, meals, lift tickets, tubing, sleigh rides, and more for a memorable family holiday.
- Shanty Creek Resort: Visit for Storytime with Santa, Breakfast with Santa, the Merry Little Christmas Party, or Ski Free with Santa on Christmas Day.
- Stormcloud Brewing: Show off your ugliest holiday sweater or creative costume at the annual Holiday Hoopla Party with live music and festive food.
Music & Theater
- Saugatuck: Enjoy a nostalgic Christmas parade, Winterfest at the Felt Estate, and holiday concerts with the Lakeshore Community Chorus on December 7th-8th.
- Oliver Art Center: Musical retelling of The Haunting of Ebenezer (December 21st).
- Marquette: Holiday Lasers on the Ore Dock from November 28th to December 28th, and join the holiday parade, tree lighting, and market on December 13th-14th.
Where to Find Santa
- Coopersville “Christmas Parade of Lights” & More: Celebrate on December 5th with a Christmas Parade of Lights, tree lighting, Santa visits, and festive performances.
- Coopersville & Marne Railway: Meet Santa aboard the Coopersville & Marne Railway’s Santa Train, running weekends from Thanksgiving to Christmas.
- Cadillac: Christmas in the Park features hot chocolate with Santa, caroling, a tree lighting, and a holiday drone show at Cadillac Commons.
- Michigan Maritime Museum: Cookies, hot cocoa, and storytime with Santa on December 14th.
- The Highlands: The slopes transform into Santa’s winter playground with a scavenger hunt perfect for young skiers and snowboarders. Solve riddles and follow clues to uncover Santa’s North Pole hideout for a meet-and-greet with Santa complete with cookie treats.
