Ring in the holiday season at these south west Michigan destinations. The celebrations will be going on throughout the entire month of December!
1. Otsego
Visit Lynx Golf Course in Otsego on December 18 for Breakfast with Santa! Feast on pancakes, an omelet station, biscuits & gravy, and so much more! After your belly is full, listen to stories with Mrs. Claus while sipping on hot chocolate. And don’t forget to bring your camera to get your photo taken with Santa! Learn more about this event here.
2. St. Joseph
Travel to Downtown St. Joseph this December for their 2022 Santa Series. Santa will be available for wish list conversations and holiday photo ops every weekend in December. Don’t forget to bring a camera to capture this magical visit! Grab a postcard from the Welcome Center to write a letter to Santa. Santa’s House will once again take its spot on the corner of State and Pleasant Streets to serve as a drop-off for letters!
For the past ten years, Krasl Art Center in St. Joseph has an annual members’ exhibition that has highlighted the creative endeavors of its member artists. The exhibition expands this year to welcome any artist residing in Berrien County to exhibit their work alongside KAC’s membership.
3. Hastings
Help the Hastings community ring in the holiday cheer with a special three-day Christmas community celebration called the “Hastings Jingle & Mingle”. This annual event happens on the first weekend in December – with this year’s festivities being Friday, December 2 through Sunday, December 4. Their fun-filled community event kicks off with a traditional Manger Lighting on the County Courthouse lawn. From there, individuals can hop on the Holly Trolly, or take a fun carriage ride around downtown. Saturday and Sunday will be filled with a full calendar of events from Santa’s Workshop, Christmas Parade, Santa Dash 5K run, and so much more!
4. Allegan
Join Allegan Event for their Grinch Night on December 16 from 2-9 pm. Experience your favorite green grump as he climbs, zips and explores! Details can be found here or find the event on Facebook.
5. South Haven
This December, the Michigan Maritime Museum will be hosting Santa and Mrs. Claus on Saturday, December 3 – bring your own camera to this free event to get some family pictures! And at 1 pm on Saturday, December 17, their own Captain Bob, commander of the museum’s fleet, will read aloud ‘The Christmas Tree Ship’ and other children’s stories. Bring the whole family for these festive and free events!
6. Coldwater Country
Enjoy the sights and sounds of a steam engine train in the winter when you hop aboard Coldwater Country’s Little River Railroad for The Holiday Express train. Visit with Santa on the train, enjoy holiday treats, and a Christmas tour of the depot. Saturdays and Sundays, December 3 & 4, 10 & 11. Tickets are available online and will likely sell out. Also head to downtown Coldwater on Saturday, December 3 for the annual Holiday Parade and Santaland. Tree lit streets, bands playing Christmas carols, children anxiously awaiting a glimpse of Santa and more during the magic of the holidays in Coldwater.
7. Kalamazoo
There are several holiday events and activities for visitors to enjoy in Kalamazoo, including the Gilmore Car Museum’s Winter Wonderland drive through light display, Gull Meadow Farms Walk Through the Lights, and Santa’s Workshop in downtown Kalamazoo.
8. Augusta
Christmas Cabaret at the Barn Theatre in Augusta is back, beginning on December 9, with shows running through December 22. There will be dessert, coffee, hot chocolate, and the bar will be open! Bring your whole family and invite all your friends because these memories will last you a lifetime! They encourage you to reserve your seats ASAP because they sell out fast!
9. Lansing
Christmas time is a great opportunity to enjoy ice skating in downtown Lansing, open daily until 10pm. Grab your skates and head to the City Hall Plaza on the corner of Michigan Avenue and Capitol Avenue. Visitors can enjoy the sounds of holiday music and the beautiful state Christmas tree while skating.
10. Union Pier
Join Garden Grove Inn in Union Pier on December 2-4 for a Kids Christmas Weekend! Your weekend includes Pizza Night upon arrival on Friday, plus a book reading of Eleanor’s Very Merry Christmas Wish, tickets to see the Eleanor Musical on Saturday afternoon, and breakfast both days.
11. Marshall
Stroll Marshall’s historic downtown district, beautifully decorated for the holidays. Unique shops, festive music, carriage rides, lighted holiday trees, and even Santa are all here to welcome you! Experience numerous holiday-inspired events, including a drive-through lights display, a self-guided historic homes walk, wine tastings, and the 56th Annual Christmas Parade. A visit to Marshall is sure to brighten “the most wonderful time of the year!”
12. Fennville
Holiday Magic in Fennville will be held December 3, with a full day’s worth of events, including pancakes at the firehouse, free cookie decorating, crafts, visits with Santa, live reindeer, a magician, and so much more! The evening will conclude with a light parade and a community sing-along, with the parade beginning at 5:30. The evolving schedule can be found here.
13. Three Oaks
There’s some great ways to get into the holiday spirit in Harbor Country including catering & carry out, food drives and light shows. Click here for more information.
Check out our West Michigan Holiday Gift Guide for ideas for everyone on your list.
