Santa Claus is coming to town! Kick off the holiday season with these festive parades and small-town celebrations across Northern Michigan.
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November 16 | Grayling’s Christmas Walk
This sweet celebration features a full day packed with family-friendly events, from the Brew Avenue Sip & Stroll to the Festival of the Trees, Santa’s Reindeer and more. The light parade starts at 6:30 p.m. and a tree lighting will follow at the Crawford County Building.
Photo by Traverse City Downtown Development Authority
November 23 | Traverse City’s Light Parade & Tree LightingÂ
Ready for some holiday cheer? This festive evening in downtown Traverse City begins at 5:30 p.m. with holiday music and the tree lighting at 6 p.m. on Cass and Front streets. Then, decked-out festival floats and Santa’s sleigh will roll through Front Street from Franklin Street west to Union Street.
November 27 | Walloon Lake Village Lighting
Head to Walloon Lake for the annual Lighting of the Village, featuring performances from the Petoskey Steel Drum Band, live reindeer, and a special visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.
November 29 | Holly Jolly Boyne
Boyne City’s downtown sparkles with holiday magic the evening following Thanksgiving. The parade begins at 6 p.m. as Santa makes his way to the tree lighting in Sunset Park. Businesses will be open for shopping, refreshments and hospitality during the festivities.
Photo by Boyne City Main Street
November 29, 30 | Glen Arbor Tree Lighting & Holiday MarketÂ
Shop local this holiday season at the Glen Arbor Artisan Marketplace. On Friday, the tree lighting will kick off at 6:15 p.m. and marketplace doors will open from 6:30-8 p.m. at the Town Hall. On Saturday, the market is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more fun, head over to the M22 Wine Patio on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a photo with Santa & Mrs. Claus.
November 29 | Charlevoix Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting
Have hot cocoa in the park, grab a photo with Santa, and then enjoy some holiday crafts, all before the parade and tree lighting start at 5:30 p.m.
November 30 | Harbor Springs Christmas Tree Lighting
This annual holiday gathering is steeped in 109 years of tradition. This year, don’t miss the mailbox to Santa at the Lyric Theatre, a chili dinner at the Holy Childhood Parish Hall, and the Christmas tree lighting on Main Street.Â
Photo by Dave Weidner
November 30 | Aglow on the Avenue Parade
Bring your family to Ludington’s Aglow on the Avenue for Small Business Saturday promotions, caroling, and visits with Santa, followed by a light parade at 6 p.m. and tree lighting at Legacy Plaza.
November 30 – December 22 | Pahl’s Country Store Santa ExperienceÂ
Stop by Santa’s cabin in Buckley for a wonderful afternoon spent roasting marshmallows and drinking hot cocoa by the fire. Fridays 4-7 p.m.; Saturdays & Sundays 1-7 p.m.
Photo by Dave Weidner
November 30 | Deck the Walls Holiday Gala
Kick off the holidays with Erickson Center for the Arts in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Expect a silent auction, cash bar and shop dozens of holiday-themed items. Get tickets here.
December 7 | Bellaire’s Light Up The Night & Soup Cook Off
From a soup cook off to crafts, a warming station, and a parade with Santa and Buddy the Elf, there’s no shortage of fun in Bellaire this holiday season. Light Up the Night runs all day long with activities for all ages.Â
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.
Photo by Northwest Michigan Ballet Theatre
December 8 | Holiday Tea Party
If platters of finger tea sandwiches and pastries are your thing, you’re in luck. This charming Christmas tea party hosted by 1902 Resort and Retreats is a fun way to get into the holiday spirit. Gather a group of friends for this fun event; space is limited.
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.
December 7 | Manistee’s Victorian Sleighbell ParadeÂ
The 35th annual Slighbell Parade is slated for 5:30 p.m. on River Street. This parade doesn’t boast sparkling lights, but you will find horse-drawn carriages and people dressed in Victorian-style fashion. Plus, the Old Christmas Weekend is packed with events from Thursday to Sunday, including the Cookie Crawl, Sleighbell Social Holiday Bash, Jingle Bell Jog, and even chestnuts roasted over an open fire.
Photo by Andrew Allen
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 13 – February 22 | The Enchanted Trail
Not into traditional holiday events? Experience the magic of winter with The Enchanted Trail at The Highlands Harbor Springs. This 2-mile trail is filled with interactive, sparkling light displays and it’s groomed for easy walking.
Photo by The Highlands
December 14 | Delamar Breakfast with Santa
You’ve probably taken photos with Santa or even visited his house, but have you had breakfast with Santa? The Delamar will offer a breakfast buffet, crafting station, s’more roasting, cookie decorating, hot cocoa bar, and vote on your favorite gingerbread house. Get tickets here.