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 holidays spirit (no matter the temperature) is a memory-making experience.
Plan to See a Holiday Parade in Michigan
I listed the parades by region and chronological order to help make your planning easier – happy holidays! From Michigan’s Upper Peninsula to the far corners of southeast Michigan and everything in between, we’ve rounded up the 22 BEST Christmas and holiday parades in Michigan.
West Michigan Holiday Parades
Maple Hill Holiday Parade Kalamazoo
Where: Downtown Kalamazoo, MI
When: Saturday, November 23 at 11 a.m.
This beloved holiday event in Kalamazoo returns in 2024, officially ushering in the holiday season, the 60th Annual Kalamazoo Holiday Parade, presented by Maple Hill Auto Group. Join the crowds and watch as some top-notch marching bands, novelty characters, and community groups make their way through downtown streets in a celebration of the holiday season.
Battle Creek Christmas Parade
Where: Downtown Battle Creek
When: November 23 at 5:30 p.m.
The Battle Creek Christmas Parade has been produced and presented by the Harper Creek Optimist Club for the last 43 years. The parade coincides with the start of the Battle Creek International Festival of Lights in downtown Battle Creek, Michigan.
Grand Rapids Santa Parade
When: Downtown Grand Rapids
Where: December 7 at 10:00 a.m.
Come watch Santa cruise down Monroe Street. The Grand Rapids Santa Parade is a great parade for those on the west side of the state. Kids can meet Santa when he exits his sleigh at the Rosa Parks Circle downtown.
Holland’s Parade of Lights
Where: Downtown Holland, MI
When: Tuesday, December 3 at 6:30 PM
Santa arrives escorted by bands, floats, trucks, and family and friends, all decked out in thousands of sparkling holiday lights! More than 80 entries will illuminate the streets of Downtown Holland during the Parade of Lights. At the end of the parade, Santa will take time to greet his fans – young and old alike!
The parade begins at 8th Street and Columbia Avenue and continues on to the Eighth Street Market Place, home of the Holiday Kerstmarkt.
EXPERT TIP: Don’t leave this fun event until you visited the Holland Kerstmarkt, located at the 8th Street Market Place in front of the Civic Center. This Dutch-style winter market that features tons of holiday greenery from local farms; homemade baked goods, and many other homespun goodies. We bought our favorite pair of hand-knit mittens here a few years ago and they’re still just like new!
Rockford’s Santa Parade
\Where: Downtown Rockford, MI
When: December 7 at 11:00 a.m.
The jolly man in the red suit will be making an appearance in the Rockford Annual Santa Parade. The parade winds through downtown Rockford. The jolly man in the red suit makes charming downtown Rockford one of his first stops on his world tour. More than 60 floats line the downtown streets to welcome Santa Claus.
PRO-TIP: Rockford is located just north of Grand Rapids, and this parade is worth a visit. This is a fun family-friendly event in West Michigan, featuring free photos, free milk and cookies, children’s activities, Christmas carols, and each child receives a goodie bag after visiting with Santa.
60h Annual Marshall Christmas Parade
Where: Downtown Marshall, MI
When: Monday, December 2 at 7:00 p.m.
The 2024 parade in Marshall is special this year, offering a giant THANK-YOU to those that have served us all during the ongoing pandemic. The theme of this year’s Marshall Christmas Parade is” Sparkling Splendor.” You’ll find wonderful music from local bands, gorgeous floats, hot coco from local retailers, and more.
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 some time wandering the shops and cafes, all deck out for the holidays.
Annual Whootville Christmas Parade in Saugatuck
Where: Downtown Saugatuck, MI
When: Saturday December 7 at 11:00 a.m.
Wear your Christmas apparel and head to Wicks park in downtown Saugatuck for a fun day of parades and a chance to meet Santa, and snack on hot chocolate and cookies!
Annual Reindog Holiday Parade St. Joseph, MI
Where: Downtown St. Joseph MI
When: Saturday, December 7, at 2:00 p.m.
It’s one of our favorite Michigan holiday events if you’re a dog-lover, it will one of yours, too. The St. Joseph event features dressed-up pets and their owners in a variety of holiday garb.
Be prepared to see all kinds of costumes from “Santa Bernards” to “Reindeer Rottweilers” – definitely a must-see event! The event also marks the arrival of Santa. After the Reindog Parade, children can share their wish lists with Santa at Santa’s House.
Southeast Michigan Holiday Parades
America’s Thanksgiving Parade in Detroit
Where: Woodward Avenue in Downtown Detroit, MI
When: Thursday, November 28 at 9:00 a.m.
Want to see some of the most fantastic parades floats in the country? Then be sure and head to downtown Detroit early on Thanksgiving morning. America’s Thanksgiving Parade is sponsored by Gardner White, this beloved parade is more than a Michigan event: this huge event that kicks off the holiday season is even broadcast on national networks.
Join the throngs of other Parade spectators lining historic Woodward Avenue to watch the larger-than-life floats, colorful, high-flying balloons, thunderous marching bands, and unique performance acts. Wait for Santa, who always arrives toward the end on a spectacular float to the delight of waiting children (and adults, too!)
EXPERT TIP: After the parade, take a ride over to Belle Isle, an almost 1,000-acre park in the middle of the Detroit River. This “Gem of Detroit” is a really pretty bit of fresh, open nature in the city, complete with a pond, natures trails, and historic buildings like the Anna Whitcomb Scripps Conservatory.
Fantasy of Lights Parade in Howell, MI
Where: Downtown Howell MI
When: Friday, November 29 at 7 p.m.
This spectacular nighttime parade in downtown Howell includes dozens of illuminated floats, marching bands, over 50 other entries, and of course, Santa. Charming downtown Howell is lit up for Christmas and the shops all decorated, making it a fun evening out for all ages.
Northville Holiday Lighted parade
Where: Downtown Northville
When: November 22 at 6:30 p.m.
Come check out the Northville Holiday Lighted Parade to kick off the holiday season in Northville. Enjoy great floats, dancers,bands and Santa in downtown Northville. Then go check out the annual tree lighting. This is a great way to get in the holiday spirit.
Grosse Pointe Santa Claus Parade
Where: Kercheval Avenue starting at Lewiston Rd., GP Farms down to Cadieux Rd., GP Park.
When: Friday, November 29th, 2023, 10:00 a.m.
Making his 49th appearance in Grosse Pointe is Santa. This annual holiday parade is an awesome community event and always has a ton of great attractions and entertainers.
Santaland Parade in Garden City MI
Where: Ford Road, Garden City, MI
When: Saturday, November 30 at 10 a.m.
It’s Garden City’s oldest and most prestigious event, the 2024 Garden City Santaland Parade, now in its 63rrd year. This is one of the most popular holiday events over Thanksgiving weekend and the people of Garden City really turn out for this event, and it’s lots of fun for all ages. Along with watching along the parade route, the parade will be live-streamed on Facebook and YouTube to thousands across the world.
EXPERT TIP: Plan to stop at Villa Bakery on Middlebelt Rd. and load up on some fresh bread and other goodies: this is one of the best Italian bakeries in metro Detroit.
Wyandotte Tree Lighting and Christmas Parade
Where: Biddle Avenue, Wyandotte MI
When: Saturday, November 18 at 10:00 a.m.
This is the largest holiday parade in Michigan’s downriver area, the annual Wyandotte Holiday Parade promises to be better than ever this year. The parade takes place along Biddle Avenue, in downtown Wyandotte and typically runs approximately one hour.
Annual Christmas Parade in Milford
Where: Downtown Milford, MI
When: Saturday, November 30 at 10:00 a.m
Head to charming downtown Milford to usher in the holidays and spend some time strolling the cute shops and eateries lining the streets.
Northern Michigan Holiday Parades in November
Downtown Light Parade Traverse City
Where: Front Street, Traverse City, MI
When: Saturday, November 18 at 6 p.m.
We all know that Traverse City is picturesque in the summer and fall, but did you ever see Front Street all lit up for Christmas? Join Santa Claus, carolers, thousands of lights, and others ushering in the holiday season at the beautiful downtown Traverse City Light Parade in this much-beloved holiday tradition.
Aglow on the Avenue Parade in Ludington, MI
Where: Downtown Ludington, MI
When: Saturday, November 30 at 6 :00 p.m.
The popular west Michigan vacation destination of Ludington is the perfect place to kick off the holiday season. Celebrate the start of the holiday season with the Aglow on the Avenue evening parade through Downtown Ludington. See Santa and Mrs. Claus during this glowing event.
EXPERT TIP: Make a weekend out of it and spend some time hiking all the shores of Lake Michigan. Head to Stearns Park in downtown Ludington or Ludington State Park and watch the wild and wonderful waves of the lake as they crash onto the shore.
Annual Victorian Sleighbell Parade Manistee
Where: Downtown Manistee, MI
When: Saturday December 7 at 5:30 p.m.
Step back in time as you take part in 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 style attire.
The highlights of the parade are the draft horses pulling a 30-foot Christmas tree down River Street followed by a beautiful display of luminaries, caroling, and the lighting of the tree.
EXPERT TIP: The entire Old Christmas Weekend is filled with lovely events including a Festival of Trees. Get there early and simply enjoy the magical experience of the beautifully decorated historic Downtown.
Stafford’s Downtown Petoskey Holiday Parade
Where: Downtown Petoskey, MI
When: Saturday, December 14 at 6:00 p.m.
Get ready to celebrate the holiday season at the Annual Downtown Petoskey Holiday Parade, proudly sponsored by Craig Ryan Fine Clothing! This beloved community event will fill the streets with festive floats, lively music, and joyous cheer.
Michigan Holiday Parades the Upper Peninsula
Marquette Christmas Parade in Marquette MI
Where: Third Street and Marquette Commons, Marquette, MI
When: Thursday, December 13 at 6:00 p.m.
Think about ushering in the holiday season along the shores of Lake Superior at the Annual Winter Snow Fun Holiday Parade and Annual City of Marquette Tree Lighting. The holiday parade features carolers, bands, illuminated floats, and decorated trucks, including a cement mixer. You may even see people riding their bikes and wearing seasonal lights.
EXPERT TIP: You really are in a snowy wonderland when you visit Marquette. Bring your letters to Santa because there may be an opportunity for you to hand-deliver them to helpers in person!
Christmas in Lights Parade in Iron River
Where: Downtown Iron River, MI
When: Saturday, December 7, time 6 p.m
Christmas in Lights in Iron River is the first Saturday of December and features a lighted parade of more than 30 floats carrying 1000’s 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. It’s a great spot to get away from the hustle and bustle of the holidays and enjoy the natural beauty of late fall in Michigan.
Christmas in Ida Festival and Parade of Lights
Where: Ida, Michigan
When: Saturday, December 7 at 7:00 p.m.
Called the “Granddaddy of Light Parades,” the Christmas in Ida Parade of Lights features two hours of illuminated and animated parade entries from Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Wisconsin, Missouri, and Canada.