Michigan Christmas Events: Best Things to Do
Ready for the full Michigan Christmas experience and looking for some fun things to do to get in the holiday spirit?
Christmas Things to Do in Michigan: Ultimate Guide to Christmas in Michigan (UPDATED)
We’ve got you covered with ideas for some holiday magic: here are the Top Michigan Christmas Things to Do; and fun holiday events and ways to experience the holidays in Michigan, arranged by location throughout Michigan.
The Coolest Christmas Things to Do in Southeast Michigan
Wayne County Lightfest in Hines Park
Address: 7651 N Merriman Rd, Westland, MI 48185
The biggest light show in Michigan with over four miles brightly colored lights 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 Henry Ford’s Greenfield Village
Address: 20900 Oakwood Blvd, Dearborn, MI 48124
Located in Dearborn, MI, Holiday Nights at Greenfield Village 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
Address: 800 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48226
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.
Detroit Zoo’s Wild Lights Display in Royal Oak
Address: 8450 W 10 Mile Rd, Royal Oak, MI 48067
Visit the Detroit Zoo’s Wild Lights Display and take in the 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 at Blake Farms
Address: 17985 Armada Center Rd, Armada, MI 48005
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
Address: 1901 Grand River Ave, Detroit, MI 48226
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 17; lights stay up in Beacon Park until January 2024.
Downtown Plymouth Christmas Tree Lighting and Tree Walk
Address: Kellogg Park, Plymouth MI
Plymouth’s Kellogg Park comes alive with the spirit of the Christmas season on November 10. Visit now through January 1, 2024 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
Address: 7897 Six Mile Rd, Northville, MI 48168
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 17.
Braun’s Tree Farm in Ann Arbor
Address: 796 Warren Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
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
Address: Downtown Rochester Michigan
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.
Pine Knob Music Theater Magic of Lights (formerly Magic of Lights at DTE Energy Music Theater)
Address: 33 Bob Seger Dr, Clarkston, MI 48348
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.
Meadowbrook Hall Holiday Walk and Winter Wonder Lights
Address: 350 Estate Dr, Rochester, MI 48309
Medowbrook Hall is beautiful both day and night throughout the holiday season. The Holiday Walk, held daily through the season, is a self-guided stroll through Meadowbrook Hall’s 110 room, where you’ll see 50 stunning Christmas trees, beautiful holiday decor including a 10-foot tall poinsettia tree. Listed as a National Historic Landmark, the Holiday Walk at Meadowbrook Hall is one of my favorite ways to celebrate the season.
In the evening, stroll the grounds and take in “Winter Wonder Lights,” where you’ll find gorgeous outdoor light displays and holiday music in a true wonderland of lights. Emjoy tasty treats and concessions from the Chimnet Tops cafe, where options range from hot cocoa and popcorn to glow-in-the-dark-cotton candy and more!
Holiday Stroll at Olde World Canterbury Village
Address: 2359 Joslyn Ct, Orion Twp, MI 48360
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 22 – December 23, 2024.
Detroit Eastern Market’s Holiday Markets
2934 Russell Street, Detroit, MI 48207
In addition to the Saturday Market at Eastern Market, one of the biggest farmers markets that operates year-round, there are seven additional markets (free & all ages welcomed) for all your holiday shopping needs.
The Tuesday market dates focuses primarily on food vendors and is a perfect place to find everything for your holiday meals. The Sunday dates feature plenty of Michigan-made gift options including clothing, art, jewelry, beauty products, and more.
Noel Night
Midtown, Detroit
A favorite Detroit holiday tradition, Noel Night takes place in the Midtown area of Detroit’s Cultural Center. Noel Night is a Cultural Center-wide holiday open house that presents free activities, including holiday shopping, family craft activities, artist demonstrations and performances by local and national music, theatre, and dance groups, and other special performances. Free and open to the public.
Home For The Holidays At The Ford House Christmas
100 Lake Shore Road, Grosse Pointe Shores, MI 48236
Visit Detroit’s historic Ford House mansion. Travel back in time and spend the holiday season with the Ford family. Enjoy a lighted shuttle ride to the house for a holiday tour of the historic home. Continue the festivities in the Visitor Center where you will partake in holiday crafts and entertainment. A concession stand will be available as well.
Best Christmas Things to Do in West Michigan
Winter Kerstmarkt in Holland
Address: 8th Street Market Place, 150 W. 8th Street, Holland MI
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! .
See the Tallest Singing Christmas Tree in Muskegon
Address: Frauenthal Center for the Performing, 425 W. Western Avenue, 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. .
Christmas Nite Light Show (Drive-Through Christmas Lights Display)
Address: 4500 W River Dr NE, Comstock Park, MI 49321
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.
Spring Lake Sparkle Festival
Address: Downtown Spring Lake MI
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.
Frederik Meijer Gardens Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World
Address: 1000 E Beltline Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525
Visit this Grand Rapids winter wonderland to see 300,000 twinkling Christmas lights and the sights and sounds of 46 holiday cultural displays.
Reindeer Ranch in Kalamazoo
Address: 2921 N 6th St, Kalamazoo, MI 49009
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
Address: 306 Main St, Coopersville, MI 49404
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.
EXPERT TIP: Did you know there are seven Christmas trains you can take throughout the state of Michigan? Visit with Santa for a true Polar Express experience!
South Haven Holiday in the Park Tree Lighting
Address: 546 Phoenix Street, South Haven, MI 49090
Head to Dyckman Park in South Haven on November 24 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
Address: Downtown St. Joseph
Over a million lights will transform St. Joseph’s 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
Address: Downtown Bear Lake
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
Addresss: Downtown Alpena MI
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 29 at 5:30 p.m. and celebrate the holidays in Lake Huron style.
EXPERT TIP: Need a quick holiday trip ideawith the kids during the holidays? Once Alpena’s stunning fall colors have faded, Alpena turns into beautiful winter wonderand on the shores of Lake Huron. Take the kids to the annual Christmas Show at the Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan for their Seasons of Light Christmas exhibit.
Herman Holiday’s on Murray Ct.
Address: 10780 E Murray Ct., Suttons Bay, MI 49682
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
Address: 4104 S Straits Hwy, Indian River, MI 49749
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
Address: 3962 Wilkinson Rd, Gaylord, MI 49735
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. If it’s snowy, dash through the snow on one of Treetop’s sleigh rides.
Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting Celebration in Charlevoix
Address: Downtown Charlevoix MI
Join friends, family, and the Charlevoix community at the annual Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting. The event starts with a parade on November 24 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.
Celebrate Christmas in the Village in Traverse City
Visits with Santa, horse drawn carriage rides and more are all on tap at The Village at Grand Traverse Commons, December 9th and 10th. This weekend-long celebration is filled indoor farmers markets, shopping specials, carriage rides, musical performances and much more. Traverse City during the holidays is one my favorite holiday trip ideas.
Best Christmas Things to Do in Mid Michigan
Pere Marquette (The Polar Express) in Owosso
Address: 405 S Washington St, Owosso, MI 48867
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
Address: 6140 N Bray Rd, Flint, MI 48505
During the Holiday season (November 24 – 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
Address: 11854 Peacock Rd, Laingsburg, MI 48848
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
Address: 2950 Applegate Rd, Applegate, Michigan, 48401
A visit to this fun Christmas Tree farm just north of Lexington in Michigan’s 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
Address: Downtown Port Austin
Head to the tip of Michigan thumb on Friday, November 24 at 6:30 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
Address: Frankenmuth MI
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.
EXPERT TIP: There’s nothing like Christmas in Frankenmuth, and there’s nothing like a Christmas dinner at the Bavarian Inn, either. Their holiday dinner menu options include everything from tradtional Christmas Goose and Pheasant Breast to Baked Virginia Oysters and Filet Mignon. Bring your appetite!
Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland
Address: 25 Christmas Ln, Frankenmuth, MI 48734
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
Address: 2706 E Stevenson Lake Rd, Clare, MI 48617
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
Address: 720 Fair St, Marshall, MI 49068
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.
Nite Lites at the Michigan International Speedway
Address: 12626 US-12, Brooklyn, MI 49230
Located Brooklyn, MI, Nite Lites at the Michigan International Speedway is one of the prettiest light displays in Michigan. Runs November 17 through January 7, 2024; cost is $25- $30, depending on day.
Celebration of Trees in Downtown Marshall MI
Address: Downtown Marshall MI
Head to charming Marshall MI to rev up your holiday spirit November 24 through January 5. 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
Address: 13493 Waterloo Munith Rd, Grass Lake, MI 49240
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.
Little River Railroad’s Christmas/Holiday Express
Address: 29 W Park Ave, Coldwater, MI 49036
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.
Best Christmas Things to Do in the Upper Peninsula
Marquette’s Winter Snow Fun Holiday Parade
Address: Downtown Marquette MI
Hip and happening Marquette, Michigan is a true winter wonderland, so what better place to see a holiday parade? The Winter Snow Fun Holiday Parade is one of our favorite Holiday parades.
Meister’s for Christmas Tree Farm in Marquette
Address: 394 Co Rd 480, Marquette, MI 49855
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
Address: Downtown Sault Ste. Marie MI
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!
What’s your favorite thing to do in Michigan over the Christmas holidays? Use the comment section below to let us know!