Christmas Things to Do in Michigan 2022: Ultimate Guide to Christmas in Michigan (UPDATED)
Ready for the full Michigan Christmas experience and looking for some fun things to do to get in the holiday spirit?
We’ve got you covered: here are the Top Christmas Things to Do and fun holiday events to experience the holidays in Michigan, arranged by location throughout Michigan.
Where to Find the BEST Michigan Holiday Events and Christmas Things to Do for Fun in Michigan
If you’re looking for “ Christmas things to do near me ,” or
” holiday things to do near me ,” read on… and Happy Holidays!
The Coolest Christmas Things to Do in Southeast Michigan
Wayne County Lightfest in Hines Park – The biggest light show in Michigan with over four miles of Hines Drive is dedicated to upwards of 100,000 lights and nearly 50 animated displays ready to greet you around every winding curve in the road. Cost is $5 per car. Find more fabulous Christmas light displays here.
Holiday Nights at Greenfield Village – Located in Dearborn, MI , this offers an opportunity to explore more than 80 acres of old-fashioned Americana in this glimmering after-hours celebration of America’s most heartwarming holiday. Stroll down Main Street and take in the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of the holidays. and maybe even sing some Christmas carols.
Campus Martius in Downtown Detroit – Grab your ice skates and head to Campus Martius: it’s THE place to be during the holidays, with hot cocoa and warming stations. Shop the cute downtown holiday Christmas markets in nearby Cadillac Square after you take a loop around the outdoor ice rink under spectacular Christmas lights. The annual lighting of the Christmas tree is scheduled for November 19, but the fun continues through January.
Detroit Zoo’s Wild Lights Display in Royal Oak – Millions of LED lights will illuminate the zoo, covering trees, buildings, and over 280 sculptures throughout the property, forming holiday light displays. This beautiful, bright, and unique setting is suited for anything from date night to a family-friendly outing.
Blakes Family Christmas – You have a chance to make some amazing memories on this 100-acre tree farm, where you can jump on a wagon ride out to find the perfect tree while sipping hot cider. Reserve a cozy, heated igloo and enjoy a private dinner, or stroll through a holiday market.
Light Up Beacon Park in Downtown Detroit – More than 125,000 twinkling lights will illuminate the park and turn it into a pure Michigan winter wonderland. Visit with Santa and his reindeer; find carolers and holiday music; food trucks, warming stations and more at the main event on November 19; lights stay up in Beacon Park until January 10.
Downtown Plymouth Christmas Tree Lighting and Tree Walk– Plymouth’s Kellogg Park comes alive with the spirit of Christmas on November 12. Visit now through January 3 to walk the park among a forest of beautifully decorated trees. When you’re done, simply wander across Main Street for a bite to eat. You can find more Michigan Christmas tree lightings here.
Country Christmas at Northville’s Three Cedars Farm – Get yourself in the Holiday spirit by spending an afternoon at Three Cedars! With Christmas trees, wreaths, hot cocoa, cider, donuts, and of course Santa Claus, you can be certain that there will something for everyone. You’ll also find Christmas trees, a kids outdoor playland, a petting farm, and much more. Open weekends through December 19.
Braun’s Tree Farm in Ann Arbor – Bring your pup and cut your own Christmas tree in Ann Arbor. You’ll find 50 acres of Christmas trees and holiday fun here. The best part? It’s very dog-friendly, so your pup can get into the holiday spirit right along with you!
Big Bright Light Show in Rochester – Downtown Rochester is home to the Big Bright Light Show, one of the prettiest Christmas displays in southeast Michigan. All the buildings in downtown Rochester will be covered from top to bottom with strings of Christmas lights. Free event now through January 3.
Magic of Lights at DTE Energy Music Theater – See more than a million LED lights in this dazzling drive-through two-mile light display featuring holiday-themed scenes and characters, including the all-new Prehistoric Christmas and Mega Tree displays. November 19 – December 31, 2021; $20 – $30 per vehicle.
Holiday Stroll at Olde World Canterbury Village – Stroll through a quaint Village in Lake Orion that is glowing with almost a million festive lights, enjoy a 7-minute amazing light show choreographed to classic holiday songs, and enjoy the sounds of professional carolers, and live Christmas performances. Runs November 26 – December 23; tickets are $14.99.
Best Christmas Things to Do in West Michigan
Winter Kerstmarkt in Holland – A visit to the Holland Kerstmarkt is one of our favorite Christmas and holiday traditions. You’ll find fresh Christmas greenery from local farms, homemade baked goods and other treats and so many great homespun gifts. I picked up a pair of bright red, hand-knit mittens a few years back from the Kerstmarkt and they are still as good as new! Runs November 20 – December 11.
See the Tallest Singing Christmas Tree in Muskegon
For a unique Christmas choir experience, The Singing Christmas Tree is a must-see. Michigan’s largest singing Christmas tree at 67 feet, includes over 200 singers from the Mona Shores High School Choir. The don’t-miss event is scheduled for December 1 @ 7:00 pm – December 4 @ 7:00 pm. Tickets $15-$18.
Christmas Nite Lights at Fifth Third Ball Park – This is the biggest light display in west Michigan. You’ll find lighted tunnels, Santa’s House, and dozens of animated displays across two miles. Runs November 24 – January 1; cost is $30.
Spring Lake Sparkle Festival – In west Michigan, Spring Lake’s holiday displays light up the downtown area with hundreds of twinkling lights and its winter wonderland of holiday lights, sights, and sounds. Over 120,000 multi-colored lights will light up the trees lining downtown. Runs November 26 – December 31.
Frederik Meijer Gardens Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World – Visit this Grand Rapids winter wonderland to see 300,000 twinkling Christmas lights and the sights and sounds of 46 holiday cultural displays. Runs November 23- January 2.
Reindeer Ranch in Kalamazoo – I think we might have found where Santa’s reindeer have been hanging out on their off days in southwest Michigan. Bring a letter to Santa when you tour this Kalamazoo reindeer farm. Reindeer Ranch offers tours where you can learn about reindeer, where they come from, and what makes them so special. You’ll also make a craft project, enjoy a seasonal drink and cookie. Cost is $15.
Santa Train at Coopersville & Marne Railway – Enjoy a 90-minute round-trip on a vintage 1950s era train, where kids can sit with Santa and get a present or sit with the storytelling princess to listen to her read the Polar Express. Tickets run $21 – $25.
South Haven Holiday in the Park Tree Lighting – Head to Dyckman Park on November 26 to kick-off the holiday season. Activities include a Santa Paws Pet Parade, pictures with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and their elves, ice skating, campfires and smores, hot chocolate and coffee, dessert truck, luminaries, plus the grand reveal of the new holiday lighting in the downtown – all with holiday music playing in the background.
St. Joseph Light Up the Bluff – Over a million lights will transform Lake Bluff Park into a winter wonderland, from Port to Park along Lake Boulevard through Valentine’s Day. This is a Free Event.
Best Christmas Things to Do in Northern Michigan
Bear Lake’s Sparkle in the Park – Bear Lake’s light show, Sparkle in the Park, is one of the best light shows available in the Northern Lower Peninsula. Bear Lake welcomes guests to drive through and view the massive display of over 80,000 lights across almost 50 displays.
Alpena Christmas Tree Lighting – The holiday season kicks off each year with the annual Holiday Parade through Downtown Alpena, the tree lighting ceremony, and the arrival of Santa in Culligan Plaza after the parade is finished. Join in the fun on November 26 at 5:30 p.m. and celebrate the holidays in Lake Huron style.
Herman Holiday’s on Murray Ct – Head over to 10780 E Murray Ct., Suttons Bay, MI 49682 to see one of the most amazing displays of residential Christmas lights in the entire state. You may visit weeknights from 5 -9 p.m. and weekends from 5 – 10 p.m.
North Star Gardens Greenhouse and Tree Farm in Wolverine
A favorite Christmas tree farm in northern Michigan for 75 years, this family farm has a variety of trees and trees up to 20 feet tall! It’s a fun spot to visit, you’ll find a holiday gift shop; Christmas movies you can enjoy while sitting on hay bales; free coffee, hot cocoa, cookies, and a gift for the kids!
Lights Spectacular at Treetops Resort in Gaylord – Have you ever seen an Elf on stilts? Here’s your chance, as well a chance to enjoy hot chocolate and S’mores, a bonfire and wagon rides, crafts, and photos with Santa. Event is November 27, from 5 – 8 p.m.
Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting Celebration in Charlevoix – Join friends, family, and the Charlevoix community at the annual Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting. The event starts with a parade on November 26 at 3:00 and ends with a festive tree lighting. It’s not called “Charlevoix the Beautiful” for nothing: learn all about this charming Michigan vacation destination here.
Best Christmas Things to Do in Mid Michigan
Pere Marquette (The Polar Express) in Owosso – This is the Christmas event of the season: a one-hour-and-fifteen-minute train ride on the North Pole Express, a world-famous Pere Marquette 1225. Board the train in Owosso and head to the Village of Ashley Country Christmas, where passengers will disembark for a two-hour Christmas party, complete with hot cocoa and other treats.
Christmas at Crossroads Village – During the Holiday season (November 26 – December 30), the Village comes alive under thousands of points of glimmering holiday lights. Make memories to last all year from the comfort of your own vehicle and see displays of your favorite holiday scenes for just $10 per car.
See Santa at Peacock Road Family Farm in Laingsburg – Looking for Santa’s headquarters downstate? You might find him here on Peacock Road Christmas Tree Farm, along with a Sugar Shack filled with sweet treats, a wreath shop, and more. You can also ride the Peacock Express to the North Pole for just $80 (each train car seats 7).
Krause Tree Farm in Applegate – A visit to this fun Christmas Tree farm just north of Lexington in Michigans’ thumb region is the perfect way to kick off the holiday season. In addition to trees, you’ll find a gift shop with fresh boughs, roping, and wreaths as well as refreshments and seasonal snacks.
Port Austin Christmas Tree Lighting – Head to the tip of Michigan thumb on Friday, November 26 at 7 p.m. for the Port Austin Annual Christmas Tree Lighting. If you get there at 6 p.m., you can enjoy the parade, too. There’s a lot to do around this fun town, learn more about Port Austin here.
Visit Frankenmuth, Michigan’s Own Christmas Town – Charming Frankenmuth is the hotbed of Christmas in Michigan all year round, where you can shop in European-style holiday marketplace, stroll the shops and restaurants and take a ride in a horse-drawn carriage ride along snow-dusted streets. Be sure and stop in the Old Christmas station for a fabulous home-cooked dinner.
Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland – It’s the world’s largest Christmas store, with more than seven acres and 50,000 Christmas trims and gifts for you to shop. Every evening from dusk until midnight, Bronner’s grounds transform into a magical de-light as over 100,000-holiday lights illuminate the Frankenmuth sky. Open year-round.
Rooftop Landing Reindeer Farm in Clare – Visit Santa and his reindeer in Clare through December 23, where you can view, pet, and feed the reindeer. You’ll find a heated barn with Christmas alpaca and other animals, as well as a gift shop, fresh warm donuts, hot caramel cider and hot cocoa. Cost is $7, check their website for times and dates.
Best Christmas Things to Do in South Central Michigan
Marshall Merry Mile at the Calhoun County Fairgrounds – Marshall’s Merry Mile drive-thru Christmas parade, held at the historic fairgrounds in Calhoun County, is a holiday tradition for folks in the Marshall and Battle Creek area, and with good reason. The mile-long light display is a great place to get in the holiday spirit. Cost is $10 per car; runs through December 31, 2021.
Nite Lites at the Michigan International Speedway – Located Brooklyn, MI, Nite Lites at the Michigan International Speedway is one of the prettiest light displays in Michigan. Runs November 25 through December 31; cost is $25- $30, depending on day.
Celebration of Trees in Downtown Marshall MI – Head to charming Marshall MI to rev up your holiday spirit November 23 through January 3. You’ll find the cute town decked out for the holidays and 20 fun Christmas trees in planters lining the streets.
Christmas on the Farm in Jackson – Explore old-fashioned holiday traditions at the Waterloo Farm, and celebrate the area’s farming background. Enjoy tours of the farm’s 10-room farmhouse, an authentic log house, and eight outbuildings. You’ll also find hand-decorated greens, baked goods, and gift items are available for purchase. December 4-5, 2021 from $5.
Little River Railroad’s Christmas/Holiday Express – Looking to experience a real country Christmas? Take a scenic ride through Coldwater in southern Michigan on the Holiday Express. Little River’s Railroad Christmas/Holiday Express is running only four days this year: on December 4th, 5th, 11th, and 13th.
Best Christmas Things to Do in the Upper Peninsula
Marquette’s Winter Snow Fun Holiday Parade – Marquette, MI is a true winter wonderland, so what better place to see a holiday parade? The Winter Snow Fun Holiday Parade on Thursday, December 2, 2021 is one of our favorite Holiday parades.
Meister’s for Christmas Tree Farm in Marquette – This is the perfect spot to make your Christmas tree cutting a complete holiday experience while the farm is decked in all things merry and bright. Families can sip hot apple cider while on the hunt for their perfect tree or browse the gift shop for one-of-a-kind Christmas finds.
Light Up the Soo – Sault Ste. Marie is the place to be to get the best holiday sights. Every year the town is decked out in festive lights and a trip to the top of the Tower of History provides the best views. From the always magnificent Soo Locks, to the warm glow radiating from the town below, there is no sight quite like it!
Carter’s Christmas Lights in Marquette – Currently Closed