‘Tis the season to be jolly, and West Michigan is gearing up for a winter wonderland of festive events and holiday cheer. From enchanting parades to brunches with Santa and Colonial Christmas celebrations, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this winter extravaganza. Let’s unwrap the magic together and discover the holiday fun waiting for you in West Michigan.
South West Michigan Holiday Fun
- Fennville Holiday Celebration – December 2nd, 11 am onwards
- Location: Downtown Fennville
- Details: Fennville’s holiday celebration is back! Starting at 11 am, enjoy free activities, live reindeer interactions, visits with Santa, a holiday market, crafts, and a spectacular night parade at 5:30 pm, followed by the Christmas tree lighting at 6 pm. Discover your holiday magic in downtown Fennville here.
- Sounds of the Season Holiday Concert – December 3rd, 2 pm
- Location: Berrien County Historical Association
- Details: Join the Berrien County Historical Association and the Lighthouse Metro Chorus for a free holiday concert on December 3rd at 2 pm. Enjoy the festive tunes and consider indulging in some holiday refreshments.
- Hastings’ Jingle & Mingle – December 1st-3rd
- Barn Theatre’s Annual Christmas Cabaret
- Location: Barn Theatre School
- Details: Enjoy the spirit of the season at the Barn Theatre’s Annual Christmas Cabaret. Check out the details and secure your tickets here.
- Holiday Fun in Coldwater Country
- Location: Coldwater
- Details: Coldwater Country kicks off the holiday season with The Holiday Express train on December 2 & 3, 9 & 10. Experience the magic of the Holiday Parade and Santaland in downtown Coldwater on December 2. Discover the enchanting holiday spirit in Coldwater Country.
- Saugatuck/Douglas: Small-Town Charm
- Location: Saugatuck/Douglas
- Details: Celebrate the season in Saugatuck/Douglas with a nostalgic Christmas parade, house tours, and the Annual Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl. Winterfest at the Felt Estate offers a free children’s event with Santa, face painting, and wagon rides. The holiday concert at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts adds a musical touch to the festivities.
- Ox-Bow School of Art: A Winter Artist Market
- Location: Saugatuck/Douglas
- Details: Art enthusiasts, rejoice! The Ox-Bow Winter Artist Market at Ox-Bow House in Douglas showcases regional and local artists, as well as unique limited edition gifts created by Ox-Bow glass blowers. The market runs from November 25 to February 25, offering a perfect opportunity to find one-of-a-kind holiday treasures.
- Modales Wines: Sip & Shop Local
- Location: Fennville
- Details: On December 16th, Modales Wines in Fennville hosts a Holiday Artisan Market featuring over 15 vendors. Sip on local wines as you explore the market and find distinctive gifts for your loved ones. The winery’s warm ambiance, combined with the holiday spirit, creates a delightful shopping experience.
- Virtue Cider: Fireside Bliss
- Location: Fennville
- Details: Book your own personal fire pit at Virtue Cider, where you can enjoy warm mulled cider and hot savory hand pies. This cozy and rustic setting provides the perfect backdrop for a relaxing winter evening with friends and family.
- Plank’s Tavern and Inn at Harbor Shores: Brunch with Santa
- Location: St. Joe
- Details: Santa makes a special appearance at Plank’s Tavern inside The Inn at Harbor Shores. Enjoy a la carte brunch and the annual Brunch with Santa buffet, complete with reindeer, on December 10th and 17th. Book your table for a festive dining experience by calling 269-408-9108.
- Allegan Event’s Adventure-filled Holiday
- Location: Allegan
- Details: If you’re seeking thrills and adrenaline-fueled adventure, Allegan Event is the place to be. Michigan’s largest indoor high ropes course, Allegan Event, offers exciting activities for families and guests of all ages. Don’t miss the Grinch Event on December 22, and enjoy winter break hours from December 21 to January 7. Find more about the attractions at Allegan Event.
- Hackley & Hume Historic Site: Step Back in Time
- Location: Muskegon
- Details: Embark on a journey through time with Holiday Tours at the Hackley & Hume Historic Site. From November 25 to December 28, experience the houses decorated for the holidays. Participate in ornament and postcard decorating, enjoy a carriage pose, and vote for the best decorated room. It’s a festive step back into the region’s rich history.
- Irish Christmas Celebration at Lake Michigan College
- Location: Lake Michigan College Mendel Center
- Details: Step into the 1920s Irish village of Killarney with “Christmas in Killarney: An Irish Christmas Celebration” at Lake Michigan College Mendel Center’s Mainstage on December 8. This unique show combines world-class Irish dancing, classic Christmas songs, and a heartwarming story of love and tradition. Tickets are available online, and you can save 25% by combining tickets with another festive event. Check out the details at Lake Michigan College Mendel Center.
- Kalamazoo Area: Holiday Traditions
- Location: Kalamazoo
- Details: The Kalamazoo area offers a variety of ways to celebrate the holidays. From the Winter Wonderland light display at the Gilmore Car Museum to the Christmas in the Village parade in Vicksburg and the lights in Bronson Park, there’s no shortage of festive activities. Don’t forget to stop by Santa’s Village for an extra dose of holiday magic.
- The Merry Mile: a Light Spectacular
- Location: Calhoun County Fairgrounds
- Details: Celebrate the holiday season with a cruise through the Merry Mile. It is sure to become a family holiday tradition. Enjoy the one-mile lights display in the comfort of your car. This event is open Thursday-Sunday, December 1-30, 2023. The cost of admission is $10 per car. The magic of the season awaits at the Calhoun County Fairgrounds.
- Lulu Cadieux Holiday Open House-December 2nd
- Join Lulu Cadieux in Saugatuck for a fun day of savings! If you attend this great event you can even receive a chance to WIN a cooking class. Learn more about this great event here.
- SnowFest in Downtown Wayland – December 2nd, 5 pm-9 pm
- Location: Downtown Wayland
- Details: Get ready for a winter wonderland takeover! After the success of SummerFest, Downtown Wayland will transform into a snowy spectacle on December 2nd. The evening promises music, games, and activities for all ages. Don’t forget to bring your glow sticks for the epic glow party! Check out the event details here.
Central West Michigan Holiday Fun
- 70th Annual White Lake Area Christmas Parade – December 2nd, 2 pm
- Route: Whitehall City Hall to Montague City Hall
- Details: Santa is coming to town! On December 2nd at 2 pm, witness the charm of the 70th Annual Christmas Parade in downtown Montague and Whitehall. With over 50 entries, this parade is a slice of “small-town America.” Be sure to catch Santa’s grand finale entrance. Learn more here.
- Vintage Santa Train Ride – December 23rd
- Location: Friends of Coopersville Marne Railway
- Details: Keep the tradition alive with the 35th annual Santa Train ride! Kids get a personal visit with St. Nick, a small toy, and entertainment from storytelling princesses. Book your tickets early for this festive journey at mitrain.net.
- All Aboard the Holiday Express Train
- Location: Grand Rapids
- Details: For a historical twist, hop aboard the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Express holiday train, running from now to January 1st. This immersive display, now featuring a replica of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, is a testament to community collaboration and holiday spirit.
- Van Andel Arena and Devos Center Holiday Shows
- Location: Grand Rapids
- Details: From the Trans Siberian Orchestras’ famous Christmas Eve and Other Stories to Lindsey Stirling’s Snow concert, the Van Andel Arena has an impressive show lineup that will get in the holiday spirit; check out the show schedule here. The holiday season is incomplete without the Nutcracker; Devos Center has a spectacular performance throughout the holiday season; check out the show schedule here.
- Sparkling Nights in Spring Lake
- Location: Spring Lake
- Details: Spring Lake transforms into a sparkling wonderland from November 25, 2023, to January 1, 2024. Over 400,000 multicolored lights and displays light up the trees and businesses in Spring Lake’s downtown corridor. Enjoy visits with Santa, food, drinks, and photo ops. The lights shine every night through New Year’s Day. Don’t miss the Spring Lake Sparkle.
- Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park: Nature’s Christmas Canvas
- Location: Grand Rapids
- Details: Experience the beauty of Christmas and holiday traditions at Meijer Gardens, presented by the University of Michigan Health-West. The gardens transform into a winter wonderland with sparkling lights, festive decorations, and seasonal displays that celebrate the magic of the holidays. It’s a perfect blend of nature and holiday spirit.
- Festive Fun in Grand Haven
- Location: Grand Haven
- Details: Grand Haven is alive with holiday spirit, offering various events like the Artist Trail Holiday Shopping on December 2, the Jingle Bell Parade on December 2 at 6 pm, and the Coopersville Nighttime Christmas Parade on December 1. Join the community in celebrating the season with lights, parades, and festive activities. For detailed information, visit Grand Haven.
- Holland: A Journey to Festive Wonder
- Location: Holland
- Details: Embark on a festive journey to Holland, Michigan, where historic downtown comes alive with twinkle-lit trees and Old World charm. From the dazzling Parade of Lights to the Magic at the Mill in December, joyous memories await. Discover the magic at holland.org/events/holidays.
- Bowerman’s 12 Tastes of Christmas: Delight Your Taste Buds
- Location: Holland
- Details: Bowerman’s on the 8th in Holland invites you to the 12 Tastes of Christmas on December 9th. Try twelve different samples of festive products and enjoy deals like Buy 5 Get the 6th Free on all Bowerman jar products. Santa is coming to Bowerman Blueberries Farm Market! Each child receives a free blueberry donut after seeing Santa.
- Muskegon Holiday Fun: A Nostalgic Celebration
- Location: Muskegon
- Details: The Muskegon Festival of Trees, from November 22 to December 30, lights up the Muskegon Museum of Art with nostalgic vintage holiday collections. From iconic Christmas cards to nutcrackers, this six-week event celebrates holiday traditions, featuring live music, an auction, a raffle wreath, and more. Don’t miss the tallest singing Christmas Tree, the Mona Shores Singing Christmas Tree: A Towering Tradition. This tree is at the Frauenthal Center. This 67-foot tall tree, featured on Travel Channel & The Learning Channel, dazzles with 25,000 colored lights.
Northern West Michigan & Upper Peninsula Holiday Fun
- Magical Santa Brunch Buffet at Treetops Resort – December 17th, 10 am-3 pm
- Location: Gaylord
- Details: Join Santa for a magical brunch buffet at Treetops Resort on December 17th. Indulge in a delectable spread, snap photos with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, and engage in fun Christmas activities like cookie decorating and crafts. Secure your spot by purchasing tickets here.
- Ski with Santa at Shanty Creek Resort
- Location: Bellaire
- Details: Shanty Creek Resort is the perfect getaway for holiday celebrations. Join the annual Light Up the Night and Soup Cook-Off celebration in Downtown Bellaire on December 3rd. Celebrate Tannenbaum Blitzen on December 16th with Christmas tree lighting and fireworks. Ski Free with Santa on Christmas Day and enjoy the festivities. Plan your festive stay at Shanty Creek Resort.
- A Colonial Christmas at Mackinaw City
- Location: Mackinaw City
- Details: Step back in time at ‘A Colonial Christmas’ at Colonial Michilimackinac. Experience the traditions of the 17th and 18th centuries, complete with crackling fires, treats, and a festive atmosphere. Learn more here.
- Petoskey Area: A Winter Wonderland
- Location: Petoskey
- Details: The Petoskey Area kicks off the holiday season with a burst of festive energy. The first weekend of December welcomes the Petoskey and Harbor Springs Holiday Open Houses, where charming shops and boutiques open their doors for special holiday festivities. Don’t miss The Highlands‘ Enchanted Trail—a lit pathway that adds a touch of magic to the season.
- Marquette’s Winter Wonderland
- Location: Marquette
- Details: Marquette offers a blend of holiday magic and winter delights. Attend the Downtown Marquette Holiday Farmers Market on December 2nd, 9th & 16th, and savor the lights of the Holiday Lasers on the Ore Dock every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evening from November 23 to December 31. Don’t miss the Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting on December 8. Explore the eclectic shops and boutiques in Downtown Marquette.
- Keweenaw Peninsula: Dreaming of a White Christmas
- Location: Keweenaw
- Details: If you dream of a white Christmas, the Keweenaw Peninsula delivers. Historic streets adorned with colorful lights and merry décor set the stage for a festive experience. Embrace the holiday spirit in charming small towns with family-friendly activities that make your Christmas in the Keweenaw truly memorable. Be sure to stay at the Keweenaw Mountain Lodge, a four-season historic lodge on top of Keweenaw.
- Crystal Mountain’s Winter Wonderland
- Location: Thompsonville
- Details: Crystal Mountain is a holiday haven with daily activities from December 22nd to January 6th. Enjoy crafts, ice skating, scavenger hunts, horse-drawn surrey rides, and more. Special holiday dinner menus and New Year’s Eve celebrations featuring DJ, dancing, fireworks, and a torchlight parade add to the festive atmosphere. Discover the joy of the season at Crystal Mountain.
- Explore West Michigan with MyMichiganBeach.com
- For a comprehensive guide to holiday fun in West Michigan, check out MyMichiganBeach.com. The website is your Michigan holiday headquarters, offering hundreds of ideas, from tree lightings to parades, Christmas tree farms, cozy Christmas towns, and twinkling holiday lights.
