8 Michigan Events to Check Out In December
Looking for the perfect winter wonderland to explore over the holiday season?
Michigan in December is unlike any other state — from traditional Christmas villages to ugly sweater bar crawls, the “Great Lakes State” offers a little something for everyone.
But among the hundreds of events and festivities, how do you know where to go and what to do?
In this article, you’ll find the top 8 activities to do in Michigan during December. Let’s go!
8 events to see in Michigan in December
Manistee: Victorian Sleighbell Parade & Old Christmas Weekend
When: Nov. 30th – Dec. 2nd
Kick off the holiday season with a trip down to Manistee, a Victorian city ripe with history.
Immerse in an old-fashioned European Christmas like you’ve never seen, with carolers in period clothing and charming restaurants.
The highlight of the festivities is when the 30-foot Christmas tree is pulled by horses along River Street. Nothing gets you into a festive spirit like Manistee’s Victorian Sleighbell Parade and Old Christmas festivities.
Marshall: Celebration of Trees
When: Nov. 23rd – Jan. 3rd
All around City Hall in Marshall, stroll along Michigan Avenue and Carver Park to view the Celebration of Trees. The festival allows the community to shine a light on local businesses and issues.
3-foot and 6-foot trees can be sponsored through the local council and decorated however you’d like. They can be dedicated to loved ones, charities, or just bright and colorful.
Bay Harbor: Christkindlmarkt Boutique
When: Dec. 10th
If European Christmas and handcrafted gifts are your thing, head down to Bay Harbor when the Christkindlmarkt Boutique is open. With a variety of local vendors and artisans, you can pick up charming presents for the whole family.
While you shop, send the kids to Santa’s Workshop for some arts and crafts. Admission is usually no more than $5, but you can also pay for entry with an unwrapped toy donation to Toys For Tots.
Detroit: Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl
When: Dec. 16th
Strap in for a wild night with Bar Crawl Live! as they celebrate the holiday season with the annual Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl.
Join the hundreds of other participants wearing their most garish holiday sweaters and discover downtown Detroit’s bar scene.
The night begins in Mix Nightclub and covers 7 bars and clubs in Greektown, ending at the Three-Legged Goat. Tickets are $20 and include a huge list of benefits like 50% off drinks, free cover charges, an after-party, and much more.
Pentwater: Christmas in the Village
When: Weekends in December
From Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day, Pentwater hosts an old-fashioned holiday celebration across the village.
From Christmas markets to caroling, Pentwater’s Christmas in the Village leaves nothing to be desired.
The kids will love the tree lighting event and “Santa’s Arrival,” where Santa himself is escorted through town by the Pentwater Fire Department. If you throw on your ugliest Christmas sweater, some local businesses will even offer discounts!
Spring Lake: Sparkle Festival
When: Nov. 25th – Jan. 1st
Families with kids look no further — holiday fun is right around the corner in Spring Lake.
Their Sparkle Festival every year lights up downtown Spring Lake, with many businesses operating longer to cater to visitors.
Over 400,000 multicolored lights and vivid displays are spread throughout Spring Lake. After your kids have visited Santa and the Elves, you can head around the corner to a number of great local restaurants.
Detroit Zoo: Wild Lights
When: Nov. 24th – Jan. 7th
Every year, the Detroit Zoo goes all out for its Wild Lights event, setting up gorgeous exhibits.
While you can’t visit any animals during this time, the zoo is full of life with decorated trees, animal sculptures, and more.
Various ticket packages are offered to suit all budgets. The prices range from $17 to $56 per person, and some packages are limited, so make sure to pick some up as soon as they go on sale.
Ludington: New Year’s Eve Ball Drop
When: Dec. 31st
Want the New York experience without all the fuss? Ludington knows how you feel, so every year, they celebrate with the Lighted Ball Drop on New Year’s Eve. Thousands gather to celebrate the turn of the new year in downtown Ludington.
It’s easy to spend the day in Ludington too, with various options for restaurants and shops. Be sure to visit Jamesport Brewing Co., Ludington’s first brewpub, for a craft beer and a feed for the whole family.
Conclusion
There’s no excuse for getting bored this December — Michigan takes on the holiday season in new and traditional ways.
Round up the kids because it’s time for a Christmas road trip through the “Great Lakes State” of Michigan!
And if you want to search for more events, you’re more than welcome. Just don’t forget to get the best VPN for iPhone to safeguard your private data (names, credit cards, emails, etc.) while making reservations or filling in the forms.
Have fun!
