22 Best Michigan Christmas Parades: Holiday Parades and Christmas Fun (MAP)

Nothing will put you into the holiday spirit like a Michigan Christmas parade: there’s a certain magic in the procession and a captivation of the imagination as colorfully decorated floats go by. Watching the kids’ (or grandkids’) eyes light up when they see Santa; feeling the warmth of the holiday spirit (no matter the temperature) is a memory-making experience.

I’ve rounded up 25+ of the BEST Christmas and holiday parades across Michigan for 2025, organized by region and date to make your planning easy. From the Upper Peninsula to Southeast Michigan and everywhere in between, here are the parades you won’t want to miss this holiday season!

Quick Guide: Michigan Christmas Parades 2025

📅 Season Dates: November 21 – December 14, 2025
🎄 Peak Weekend: November 28-30 (Thanksgiving weekend)
🎅 Most Parades: First two weekends of December
🚗 Plan Ahead: Arrive 30-60 minutes early for best viewing spots
❄️ Dress Warm: Many parades happen in evening with temps in 20s-30s

Thanksgiving Week Parades (November 21-28, 2025)

Silver Bells in the City – Lansing

When: Friday, November 21, 2025, 5:00-9:00 PM
Where: Downtown Lansing
Michigan’s capital city kicks off the season in style! The festivities start at 5:00 PM with the Electric Light Parade through downtown, followed by the lighting of Michigan’s official state Christmas tree at 7:30 PM. This is one of Michigan’s biggest holiday celebrations with live music, fireworks, and thousands of twinkling lights throughout downtown.

Northville Holiday Lighted Parade

When: Friday, November 21, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Where: Downtown Northville
This charming parade feels straight out of a Christmas movie! Watch illuminated floats wind through historic downtown Northville, followed by the ceremonial tree lighting in Town Square. The whole downtown is decorated for the holidays, making this a perfect evening outing.

Whootville Christmas Parade – Saugatuck

When: Friday, November 21, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Where: Downtown Saugatuck
Wear your Christmas apparel and head to Wicks Park in downtown Saugatuck for this festive parade! After watching the parade, meet Santa and enjoy hot chocolate and cookies. The parade lines up at Wicks Park toward The Barge.

Kalamazoo Holiday Parade

When: Saturday, November 22, 2025 at 11:00 AM
Where: Downtown Kalamazoo
The beloved 61st Annual Kalamazoo Holiday Parade officially ushers in the holiday season! Watch top-notch marching bands, novelty characters, and community groups make their way through downtown Kalamazoo streets in this long-standing tradition.

Wyandotte Tree Lighting and Christmas Parade

When: Saturday, November 22, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Where: Biddle Avenue, Downtown Wyandotte
This is the largest holiday parade in Michigan’s downriver area! The parade takes place along Biddle Avenue and typically runs approximately one hour, featuring dozens of festive floats and community groups.

America’s Thanksgiving Parade – Detroit

When: Thursday, November 27, 2025 (Thanksgiving Day) at 9:00 AM
Where: Woodward Avenue, Downtown Detroit
Want to see some of the most fantastic parade floats in the country? Head to downtown Detroit early on Thanksgiving morning for this nationally-broadcast parade! Watch larger-than-life floats, high-flying balloons, thunderous marching bands, and unique performance acts make their way down historic Woodward Avenue. Santa always arrives toward the end on a spectacular float!

EXPERT TIP: After the parade, take a ride over to Belle Isle, a nearly 1,000-acre island park in the middle of the Detroit River. This “Gem of Detroit” offers beautiful nature trails and historic buildings like the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory.

Fantasy of Lights Parade – Howell

When: Friday, November 28, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Where: Downtown Howell
This spectacular nighttime parade includes dozens of illuminated floats, marching bands, over 50 entries, and of course, Santa! Charming downtown Howell is lit up for Christmas with all the shops decorated, making it a magical evening for all ages.

Charlevoix Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting

When: Friday, November 28, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Where: Downtown Charlevoix
Join friends and family for this festive celebration in beautiful downtown Charlevoix! The parade runs from 3:00-6:00 PM, followed by the tree lighting ceremony.

First Weekend of December (November 30 – December 7, 2025)

Laingsburg Winterfest

When: November 30 – December 7, 2025 (Week-long celebration)
Where: Downtown Laingsburg
The annual Laingsburg Winterfest is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy many memorable activities with families and friends throughout the entire first week of December!

Marshall Christmas Parade

When: Monday, December 1, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Where: Downtown Marshall
The 2025 parade theme is “Sparkling Splendor.” You’ll find wonderful music from local bands, gorgeous floats, hot cocoa from local retailers, and more in this charming Marshall celebration.

EXPERT TIP: If you’ve ever visited quaint Marshall, you know the welcoming small-town charm – it’s almost like stepping back in time. Come early and spend time wandering the shops and cafes, all decked out for the holidays.

Holland Parade of Lights

When: Tuesday, December 2, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Where: Downtown Holland
Santa arrives escorted by 75+ floats, trucks, antique cars, and marching bands – all decked out in thousands of sparkling holiday lights! More than 75 illuminated entries light up the streets of downtown Holland. The parade begins at 8th Street and Columbia Avenue and continues to the Eighth Street Market Place.

EXPERT TIP: Don’t leave until you’ve visited the Holland Kerstmarkt, located at the 8th Street Market Place. This Dutch-style winter market features holiday greenery from local farms, homemade baked goods, and handcrafted items. We bought our favorite pair of hand-knit mittens here years ago and they’re still like new!

Marquette Winter Snow Fun Holiday Parade

When: Thursday, December 5, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Where: Third Street and Marquette Commons, Marquette
Celebrate the holidays along the shores of Lake Superior! The parade features carolers, bands, illuminated floats, and decorated trucks winding down Third Street. After the parade, enjoy the Annual City of Marquette Tree Lighting.

EXPERT TIP: You’re truly in a snowy wonderland when you visit Marquette. Bring your letters to Santa because there may be an opportunity to hand-deliver them to helpers in person!

Harbor Beach Christmas Parade

When: Friday, December 6, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Where: Downtown Harbor Beach
Join us in Harbor Beach to enjoy the sights and sounds of Christmas! The parade offers a wide range of festive entertainment to put everyone in the Christmas spirit.

Manistee Victorian Sleighbell Parade

When: Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Where: Downtown Manistee
Step back in time at one of Michigan’s most unique holiday celebrations! An entire weekend of excitement in Manistee including the Victorian Sleighbell Parade with horse-drawn entries, bagpipers, reindeer meet and greet, and carolers elegantly dressed in Victorian attire. The highlight is the draft horses pulling a 30-foot Christmas tree down River Street followed by a beautiful display of luminaries and the tree lighting.

EXPERT TIP: The entire Old Christmas Weekend is filled with lovely events including a Festival of Trees. Arrive early and enjoy the magical experience of the beautifully decorated historic downtown.

Christmas in Lights – Iron River

When: Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Where: Downtown Iron River
Christmas in Lights features a spectacular lighted parade of more than 30 floats carrying thousands of lights, followed by a stellar fireworks show! I highly recommend making a trip of it and visiting nearby Crystal Falls during the holiday season.

St. Joseph Reindog Holiday Parade

When: Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Where: Downtown St. Joseph
One of our favorite Michigan holiday events! This unique parade features dressed-up pets and their owners in festive holiday garb. Be prepared to see everything from “Santa Bernards” to “Reindeer Rottweilers” – definitely a must-see! The event also marks Santa’s arrival. After the Reindog Parade, children can share their wish lists with Santa at Santa’s House.

Rockford Santa Parade

When: Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 11:00 AM
Where: Downtown Rockford
The jolly man in the red suit makes charming downtown Rockford one of his first stops! More than 60 floats line the downtown streets to welcome Santa Claus. The parade winds through downtown Rockford.

PRO-TIP: Rockford is located just north of Grand Rapids, and this parade is worth the visit. It’s a family-friendly event featuring free photos, free milk and cookies, children’s activities, Christmas carols, and each child receives a goodie bag after visiting Santa.

Montague & Whitehall Christmas Parade

When: Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Where: Downtown Montague and Whitehall
Santa’s comin’ to town! The American Legion and VFW lead this festive community event. The parade includes floats, bands, and of course, Santa Claus making his way through both charming downtown areas.

Grand Rapids Santa Parade

When: Saturday, December 7, 2025 at 10:00 AM
Where: Downtown Grand Rapids
Watch Santa cruise down Monroe Street in this beloved west Michigan tradition! Kids can meet Santa when he exits his sleigh at Rosa Parks Circle downtown. This is one of the largest parades in West Michigan.

Saugatuck Annual Whootville Christmas Parade

When: Saturday, December 7, 2025 at 11:00 AM
Where: Downtown Saugatuck
Wear your Christmas apparel and head to Wicks Park for a fun day of parades, meeting Santa, and enjoying hot chocolate and cookies!

Rochester Christmas Parade

When: Sunday, December 7, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Where: Downtown Rochester
Bring the family to enjoy the largest Christmas parade in Michigan! The parade includes floats, bands, and of course, Santa Claus making his way through historic downtown Rochester.

Second Weekend of December (December 12-14, 2025)

Mackinaw City Christmas Parade of Lights

When: Friday, December 12, 2025 (Time TBA)
Where: Central Avenue to Marina Park, Mackinaw City
Santa Claus arrives in Mackinaw City during the Christmas Parade of Lights & Annual Tree Lighting! The parade takes place along Central Ave. to Marina Park, where Christmas trees lining the street will be lit. Enjoy cookies and cocoa, visit with Santa, and sing carols while waiting for Santa to light the tree!

Gaylord Santa Parade

When: Saturday, December 13, 2025 (Time TBA)
Where: Downtown Gaylord
This event is sponsored by the Downtown Gaylord Merchants Association. Event highlights include the Santa Parade, luminaries, window display contest, Key to the City ceremony, tree lighting ceremony, and photos with Santa!

Crystal Falls Ice Shack Parade

When: Saturday, December 13, 2025 (Time TBA)
Where: Downtown Crystal Falls
A Crystal Christmas takes place on the 2nd Saturday of December and boasts an Ice Shack parade of hilarious Northwoods-themed floats! This unique parade is unlike any other in Michigan.

Lexington Christmas Horse Parade

When: Saturday, December 13, 2025 at 2:00 PM
Where: Downtown Lexington
The Annual Old Fashioned Christmas Horse Parade is right out of the pages of a Victorian Christmas! Go back in time and experience the pageantry and beauty of horses and equestrians dressed in their holiday finest.

Petoskey Downtown Holiday Parade

When: Saturday, December 14, 2025 at 6:00 PM
Where: Downtown Petoskey
Get ready to celebrate the holiday season at the Annual Downtown Petoskey Holiday Parade! This beloved community event fills the streets with festive floats, lively music, and joyous cheer in beautiful Petoskey.

Tips for Enjoying Michigan Christmas Parades

Best Viewing Spots

• Arrive 30-60 minutes early for prime spots along the parade route
• Look for corners – you’ll see the parade approaching from two directions
• Bring folding chairs or blankets to sit on
• Stand near the end of the route where Santa stops – better photo opportunities!

What to Bring

• Warm layers, hats, gloves, and blankets – Michigan December temps are cold!
• Thermos with hot chocolate or coffee
• Camera or phone for photos
• Cash for local vendors selling treats
• Small flashlight or glow sticks for evening parades

Make It a Day Trip

Many of these parades take place in charming Michigan towns with great shopping and dining. Arrive early to explore downtown shops, grab lunch at a local restaurant, and check out holiday decorations before the parade starts!

More Michigan Christmas Adventures

• Best Christmas Towns in Michigan – Magical holiday destinations
• Polar Express Train Rides in Michigan – All about Michigan’s Christmas trains
• Michigan Christmas Markets – Holiday shopping across the state
• U-Cut Christmas Tree Farms in Michigan – Find the perfect tree
• Village of Ashley Country Christmas – Michigan’s magical Christmas village

Have you attended any of these Michigan Christmas parades? Which one is your favorite? Share your experiences in the comments below – I love hearing about your family traditions