These local events will keep you merry and bright all month long.
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December 1 – January 1 | East Jordan Christmas Village
Don’t miss the East Jordan Lions Club’s sparkling Christmas display at the Tourist Park on M-66. This annual tradition was dreamed up by the late Jeff Argetsinger, who wanted to bring the spirit of Christmas to the village. Drive or walk through the displays, which are lit up from dusk until 11 p.m.
December 6 | The Haunting of Ebenezer
This acoustic concert retelling of a classic tale is perfect for a winter evening out. Held at Willowbrook Mill, the performance features sixteen original Americana songs that will guide listeners through Ebenezer Scrooge’s haunting and transformation. Get tickets here.
December 6, 7 | Holiday Lights Hike
Go on a lantern-lit hike through the Leelanau State Park campground ending at the Grand Traverse Lighthouse Museum. Get tickets here.
Photo by The Northwest Michigan Ballet Theatre
December 7, 8 | The Nutcracker
Carrying on a beloved holiday tradition, The Northwest Michigan Ballet Theatre will present The Nutcracker for three performances at Traverse City Central High School Auditorium. Get tickets here.
December 7 | Frankfort Community Tree Lighting
This festive celebration features carolers, hot cocoa, a tree lighting, sleigh rides and more from 7-9 p.m. at Frankfort Rotary Park.
December 7 | Christmas by Candlelight
Prepare to be enchanted by The Hiawathaland Chorus during this special candlelight concert at The Pine Performance Center. Get tickets here.
December 8 | S’mores with Santa
Head to Camp Daggett on Walloon Lake to have s’mores with Santa, decorate cookies, go on a scavenger hunt, and cozy up around a roaring campfire. Free event; 1-3 p.m.
Photo by The Highlands
December 13 | Santa’s Holly Jolly Yurt
If you’ve never been to Santa’s yurt at The Highlands, you’re missing out. Take a magical walk along the Enchanted Trail, leading up to the yurt where you can talk to Santa and drop a letter to the North Pole.
December 14 | Q100 Michigan’s A Christmas Story
Get into the holiday spirit with Q100 Michigan’s A Christmas Story—a delightful “Live Christmas Radio Play” performed in front of a live audience. Tune in at 100.3 FM, on the Q100 Michigan App, or in person at the AuSable Artisan Village Performing Arts Center. Get tickets here.
December 14 | It’s A Colonial ChristmasÂ
If you’re into history, then this holiday celebration at Colonial Michilimackinac in Mackinaw City is perfect for you. Sample the King’s Cake, sip hot cocoa, learn about the tradition of the Christmas pie, and find out how soldiers and fur traders decorated their houses. 3-7 p.m.
Photo by Colonial Michilimackinac
December 15 | Gypsy Distillery Sip and Shop
Shop for local gifts and sip handcrafted cocktails at this festive holiday market. A live jazz quartet will set the mood, making the afternoon all the more delightful. Noon-5 p.m.Â
December 15 | May Erlewine & The Motivations Winter Dance Party
A few times a year, singer-songwriter May Erlewine breaks from her Americana and folk roots to front The Motivations–a seven-piece dance-party funk band that plays boogie jams and classic soul cuts. Catch her live at The Alluvion. Doors at 7 p.m. Get tickets here.
December 20 | Drew Hale & Friends
Don’t miss Drew Hale’s Alluvion debut, featuring unreleased music, a new album and some holiday tunes. Doors at 7 p.m. Get tickets here.
December 21 | Lighting of the Bridges
Outdoor adventurers will love this holiday event at Grass River Natural Area in Bellaire. You’ll get a special first look at the boardwalk bridges being lit up for the holidays. Go on stroll through the magical scene, as you take in your surroundings and enjoy the serenity of nature. Then, warm up at the pavilion with a beverage around the bonfire. 6-8 p.m.; $5 per person.
December 23 | Sleigh Rides at Antler Ridge Farm
What’s Christmas without a sleigh ride? Here’s your chance to enjoy one of the best parts of winter in Northern Michigan. You’ll be pulled by two Percheron draft horses, Danny and Dixie. Reservations are required; multiple days and times are available starting on December 23.
Photo by Antler Ridge Farm
December 24 | Ski with Santa
Don’t want to sit at home for Christmas? Go to Crystal Mountain and ski with Santa instead. Hit the slopes with your family–and feel free to wear something jolly. 10 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
December 27 | Polish Christmas Dinner
Black Star Farms’ estate chef John Korycki (Bistro Polaris) will prepare a holiday dinner inspired by his Polish heritage. Get tickets here.
December 31 | New Year’s Eve at The Parlor TC
Celebrate the new year with great food and company. This dinner features a four-course meal and a champagne toast. Get tickets here.
Photo by Black Star Farms
December 31 | New Year’s Eve Wine Dinner
Spend New Year’s Eve at Black Star Farms with a sparkling wine reception, followed by a feast at large tables where you can celebrate with friends (and make some new ones). Formal attire is suggested; black tie optional. Get tickets here.
December 31 | Sunrise Side New Year’s Eve Celebration
This New Year’s Eve party is kicking off for the first time in downtown Alpena. Dance the night away with a lineup of local DJs from 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. in the alleyway. Warming stations will be provided. Many area businesses will be open late, as well.Â
December 31 | Houghton NYE Chook Drop
Houghton’s NYE Chook Drop is not to be missed! New this year, Visit Keweenaw and the City of Houghton will split the night into two drops. One at 6:30-7 p.m. for young families and kids, and the late-night crowd can look forward to a traditional midnight drop starting at 11:30 p.m. Find a lively band playing on the pier (weather dependent) and support downtown businesses in between the action.Â
All Month Long | Christmas Bar Pop-Up
Dust off your moose mugs and prepare for a festive overload because Griswold’s is coming to Traverse City. Kilkenny’s Irish Pub is bringing the magic and mayhem of the holidays to life in their Christmas Bar Pop-Up, running Monday – Saturday from 4 p.m. – 2 a.m., and Sunday from 4 p.m. – 12 a.m. until January 4. Expect wall-to-wall twinkle lights and, of course, it wouldn’t be a true Griswold’s holiday without eggnog.