BEST Northern Michigan Holiday Events and The Coolest Christmas Things to Do 2022 (Christmas Tree Light Shows, Christmas Tree Lighting, Holiday Parades, Christmas Tree Farms and More!)
Northern Michigan Christmas: Best Holiday Events and Christmas Things To Do
Looking for a fun holiday event or something fun to do to celebrate Christmas in Northern Michigan? Read on for a list of some of the best ways to celebrate the season!
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!
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 25 at 5:30 p.m. and celebrate the holidays in Lake Huron style.
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 25at 3:00 and ends with a festive tree lighting. It’s not called “Charlevoix the Beautiful” for nothing: we’ve got a great guide to Charlevoix to help you plan your visit!
More Northern Michigan Christmas Holiday Events: Best Christmas Lights in Northern Michigan
Bear Lake’s Sparkle in the Park
7727 Hopkins Dr. Bear Lake, MI 49614
Bear Lake’s light show, Sparkle in the Park, is one of the best light shows available in the Northern Lower Peninsula. Located in Hopkin’s Park, visitors are greeted by a massive tree sparkling with lights which acts as a beacon for sightseers, drawing them in to see the show. Bear Lake welcomes guests to drive through and view the massive display of over 80,000 lights across almost 50 displays.
MORE Christmas Lights in Northern Michigan
Alpena Christmas Lights to Music
Where: West Washington Ave, Alpena, MI 49707
Residents of this Alpena Street decorate their homes in thousands of lights, with music synchronized on 102.3 FM. See an animated Santa, Snowman, Reindeer and 5 Light Bulbs that sing 32 Christmas songs, and 5 Light Bulbs that tell 22 short jokes for all ages
Enchanted Trail at Boyne Highlands
Where: 600 Highland Rd, Harbor Springs, MI 49740
The Enchanted Trail is a magical and relaxing two-mile roundtrip walk starting at the Cross Country Center at The Highlands of Harbor Springs, culminating at a rustic yurt that will feature s’mores, a bonfire, and warm drinks. During your trail walk, you’ll experience the magical soft warm glow of lights leading you along a beautifully lit winter trail.
Colors of Christmas Wonderland in Newaygo
7683 S. Croton Hardy Dr, Newaygo MI 49337
Boss Family Christmas Display
Where: 9336 Pearl St, Charlevoix, MI 49720
The Boss Family Christmas Display is somewhat of a legend in northern Michigan, and the more than 25,000 annual visitors agree. This unique Christmas display tradition that has been open to the public since 1978; 2022 marks the family’s 44th amazing holiday lights display.
Even More Northern Michigan Christmas Holiday Events and Things to DO: Best Christmas Tree Farms in Northern Michigan
Dutchman Tree Farm in Manton
9689 W Walker Rd, Manton, MI 49663
Dutchman Tree Farms in Manton is famous for supplying grand Christmas trees in Detroit, Chicago, and other cities around the country. Last year, the 60-foot Norway Spruce looked stunning as it towered over Campus Martius. Although you probably won’t take home a 60-foot tree, the rest of their selection is equally as stunning.
While you’re browsing the farm, don’t forget their amazing family experience, with free cookies, hot chocolate, zipline, and a petting zoo. Even Santa is stopping by to bring Christmas joy, which makes Dutchman Tree Farms a can’t-miss destination this year.
Martell’s Northwoods Tree Farm
10434 N Oak Rd, Otisville, MI 48463
Located in Gaylord, Martell’s Northwoods Tree Farm is a local Christmas tree farm with a lot of heart.
If you come to the farm to choose and cut one yourself, you’ll be greeted by the friendly employees who also make wreaths and garlands at their gift shop. In addition to their business, they’re also working to create a better environment.
Montague Tree Farms
3220 W Fruitvale Rd, Montague, MI 49437
Montague Tree Farms in Montague, MI holds all of the Christmas decorations you could ever need.
They also offer so much more- evergreen candy canes, hearts, crosses, peace wreaths, centerpieces, garland, all of the trimmings to ring in the season. If you want to capture the true holiday spirit, look no further: Montague Tree Farms will transform your home into a true gingerbread house.
Nickelson’s Christmas Trees
4075 W. Hansen Road Ludington, MI
You’ll find a surprisingly wide variety of Christmas trees in this pretty tree farm in Ludington including Arizona Corkbark Fir, Blue Spruce, Canaan Fir, Concolor Fir, Scotch Pine, Balsam Fir, Douglas Fir, Fraser Fir, Grand Fir, Korean Fir, and White Pine. Be sure and check out their gorgeous wreaths, too.
North Star Gardens Greenhouse and Tree Farm
7150 Wolverine Road (C58), Wolverine, MI 49799
A favorite Christmas tree farm in northern Michigan for 75 years, this family farm has a variety of trees (including the popular Fraser fir) 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!
Schmukal Christmas Tree Farms in Kingsley
5719 Schneider Rd, Kingsley, MI 49649
In Grand Traverse County, Schmuckal Christmas Tree Farms reigns supreme. This family-owned farm puts the family experience and Christmas tradition first.
And for chilly visitors, they offer free hot chocolate, popcorn balls, and a warm bonfire to cozy up while you wait. If you’re looking for the family experience you remember from your childhood, Schmuckal Christmas Tree Farms is the place to go.
Stempky Nursery in Cheboygan
5157 N Straits Hwy, Cheboygan, MI 49721
Stempky Nursery in Cheboygan supplies fresh-cut trees ranging in sizes and species. If you’re looking for a classic Christmas tree look, their Scotch Pines will look as pretty as a Christmas card decorated in your window.
If you’ want a festive fragrance to fill your home, their Balsam Fir is the way to go. All of these, including wreaths and garlands, are what Stempky provides for the perfect holiday season.
The best news? If you can’t make it all the way up north, you can visit their fresh tree lot in Livonia to pick out your dream decorations.
Visit a Hallmark-like Christmas Town in Northern Michigan
Petoskey Michigan
Petoskey is one of northern Michigan’s most charming towns. Tourism peaks in the summer, but don’t miss out on the qualities that make Petoskey special even through the winter months.
During the holiday season, this peaceful town is decorated with highly festive displays for a unique coastal Michigan Christmas feel. The Holiday Open House in downtown Petoskey is a great opportunity to get some unique gifts, all while engaging with the people who make Petoskey so wonderful.
Traverse City
If you want a winter wonderland with plenty of outdoor winter fun, there’s no better place than Traverse City. Enjoy the cute downtown with plenty of cheer, complete with shops and restaurants all adorned with festive decor.
Shop bustling, historic Front Street with unique toy shops and boutiques, and stop in at the many cafes along the way. Traverse City is home to great restaurants and eateries, and a favorite stop is Espresso Bay, for small-batch roasted coffee, sandwiches & gelato.
More Northern Michigan Christmas Things to Do
