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One of my favorite things to do during the holiday season is visit some of what I consider the coolest Christmas things to do in Michigan! And while holiday parades and other big one day events can be fun, my family and I prefer visiting the attractions that run all season long! It makes planning easier knowing there are multiple days we can visit an attraction. Plus, these attractions are a lot less busy than one day festivals and parades.
Below find a detailed list of the all-season-long Christmas attractions broken out by region of Michigan. Under each region, discover what there is to do along with the dates and hours of operation and if there is a cost.
Map of the Coolest Christmas Things to Do in Michigan
List of Coolest Christmas Things to Do in Southeast Michigan
Campus Martius in downtown Detroit: November 17th marks the date the downtown Detroit Christmas tree lights up for the season! Shortly after, ice skating and horse drawn carriage rides turn the park into a festive paradise. In nearby Cadillac Square, Cadillac Lodge and the Downtown Detroit Markets return from November 9 through January 7. And for free, family friendly fun and entertainment – plus free pictures with Santa, check out 1001 Winter Wonders and the Monroe Street Midway. Both are right in the Campus Martius area. I highly recommend a trip to Detroit during the holidays! For more information on what to do, check out my three day trip itinerary here.
Light Up Beacon Park in downtown Detroit: Enjoy over 125,000 festive lights, holiday music, and the children’s Christmas tree. There are also food trucks, warming stations, carolers, crafts, and hot cocoa. Enjoy visiting the ‘North Pole’ and say hi to Santa and his reindeer. Or if you’re a bit older, stop in the heating tent and grab a cocktail from Lumen Detroit. Beacon Park’s holiday décor is up from November 17th through January 16th. This year a new interactive light installation called ‘Design Haus’ is also happening here.
The Wayne County Lightfest at Hines Park: Consider visiting Hines Park to take in the beautiful lighted displays that feature over 100,000 lights at this year’s Lightfest happening on Wednesday through Sunday November 16 to Christmas Eve. This year 50 different animated displays light the park! This display costs only $5 (cash only), and it takes around 20-30 minutes to drive through.
Holiday Nights at Greenfield Village: Visiting Greenfield Village, part of the Henry Ford Museum, during the holidays is an annual tradition for many. Here, there are over 80 acres to spread out and enjoy as the village transforms for Christmas. Enjoy Santa and his reindeer, artisan and holiday cooking demonstrations, and outdoor caroling and musical performances. This year the ice skating rink, outdoor caroling with Santa, horse drawn rides, and Model T rides return! This year tickets are $38 per person, $34.25 for Seniors (62+), $28.50 for youth, and free for 4 and under. Holiday Nights runs Friday to Saturday, December 1-28 from 6:30 to 10:00 pm.
Wild Lights in Royal Oak: Over 5 million Christmas lights and 500 displays light up the buildings, trees, and sculptures of the Detroit Zoo. Buy your ticket online today as this event runs on Fridays to Sundays from November 24 through January 7th. Tickets vary depending on the package purchased and costs between $17-$75 plus $8 for parking. However, children under 2 are free!
Walk of Trees in Plymouth: From the day after Thanksgiving through January 1st, wander among decorated Christmas trees in the evenings in Kellogg Park in Plymouth.
Country Christmas in Northville : Enjoy a Country Christmas at Three Cedars Farm from November 25th until Christmas. Here find Christmas trees for sale, wreathes, cider/hot cocoa/donut sales, train rides, a petting zoo, kids play area, and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Please note, this attraction is cash or check only, and Santa is around only on weekends.
Nite Lites in Brooklyn: Here is another fantastic drive through Christmas lights option! For $35 per car, drive through the transformed grounds of Michigan International Speedway. There is also a train ride option to go through the lights that costs $15 per person over age 5. Nite Lites takes place from November 17 through January 7th. Interested in exploring this area of Michigan longer? Check out this fantastic getaway here!
Home for the Holidays in Grosse Pointe Shores: New in 2023! Enjoy this family friendly self guided tour of the Ford House’s main residence. The first floor is decorated for the holidays and the grounds are a lit up sight to behold! Tickets cost $30 for adults and $15 for kids. This activity runs from November 24 to December 30 on Fridays to Sundays between 6pm and 9pm.
Best Christmas Things to Do in Southwest Michigan
Light Up the Bluff in St Joseph: Experience Light Up the Bluff long after the holiday season ends! This free outdoor light display in Lake Bluff Park is up from the first weekend in December through Valentine’s weekend. My husband and I visited St Joe during Valentine’s and checked out Light Up the Bluff. Here’s how to enjoy a romantic day trip to St Joe during the winter.
Walk Through Lights in Richland – From November 25 through December visit Gull Meadow Farms in Richland to walk through Christmas lights and displays set up in some of their greenhouses. Tickets are $10 per person for anyone over 36 inches and must be purchased online. There’s also a market on the farm to grab hot chocolate and a baked treat to warm up with.
Celebration of Trees in Marshall – Come check out the decorated Christmas trees in downtown Marshall! From November 24th to January 5, the 20 downtown planters are filled with Christmas trees and holiday lights that are decorated by local sponsors.
Cornwell’s Holiday Musical in Marshall – Enjoy dinner and a holiday show between November 2 through December 17 at Cornwell’s Turkeyville USA. This musical is custom to Cornwell’s and takes place in the Midwest featuring all your favorite classic Christmas songs! Tickets are $58 per adult and $41 per child.
Candy Cane Lane in Kalamazoo: Take a stroll in Bronson Park under giant candy canes then head over to the nearby Kalamazoo mall to enjoy the sparkling lights. Don’t forget to take your picture with the giant Santa statue there! The Christmas season in Kalamazoo is kicking off this year on November 18th with its annual Holiday Parade.
Reindeer Ranch in Kalamazoo – Book a guided tour online ahead of time to visit the Reindeer Ranch. Here you’ll learn about reindeer and have the opportunity to interact with some of the herd. Tours last about 45 minutes and cost $15 per person age 2 and up. Tours can be booked from November 18 to January 7.
Holiday Events at the Kellogg Manor House – Throughout the month of December, plan a visit to the W.K. Kellogg Manor House where a variety of holiday events and activities are available. From wreath making classes to holiday markets and tours of the manor, there are several great opportunities to make you want to visit. Cost of each of the events varies – the wreath making class costs $45 while touring the house is $5 per person for those 5 and up.
Winter Wonderland at the Gilmore Car Museum in Hickory Corners – From November 24 through December 30, head over to the Gilmore Car Museum to be dazzled during an outdoor drive through. Then, warm up inside the museum for the Festival of Trees woven throughout the museum’s collection of classic cars. Santa is also there to visit! For kids, there are games and for everyone, there are food and drinks. This is truly something unique to experience! If you purchase tickets online, the price is $17.50 for adults, $9.50 for kids over 5, and free for the little ones!
A Southern Exposure Christmas in Battle Creek – Feeling nostalgic? And/or crafty? Add a visit to Southern Exposure herb farm to your Christmas bucket list. Southern Exposure is open Thursday through Sunday, 6-9pm for the first three weekends in December. While children 5 and under are free, adults are $7 to enter or $10 with a craft. Walk through the farm’s classically decorated lighted garden, shop, and enjoy the decorated trees. For a donation that goes to charity, purchase a ticket to vote for your favorite tree.
Coolest Christmas Things to Do in West Michigan
Festival of Trees/Wreath Walk in downtown Muskegon – Hosted by the Muskegon Art Museum. Stop by the museum for a printed map or access to the digital map that displays where all the designer wreaths are hung throughout downtown Muskegon. All wreaths are displayed prominently outside facing the street or sidewalk. This attraction runs from November 22 through December 30.
Christmas & Holiday Traditions in Grand Rapids – The Frederick Meijer Gardens is a magical place to experience Christmas! Check out 46 internationally decorated Christmas trees, a mini train that cruises through the gardens, and over 300,000 lights! Experience the magic from November 21 through January 7.
Kerstmarkt in Holland – Get in the holiday spirit by visiting Holland’s European holiday market running on the weekends from November 18 to December 16. Here, local artisans and specialty stores operate out of 18 mini pop up shops.
Christkindl Market at the Downtown Market in Grand Rapids – Similar to Kerstmarkt, the Downtown Market in Grand Rapids is hosting Grand Rapids’ first ever European inspired holiday market! The team behind this market even traveled to Germany to see how its done to put on as authentic an experience as possible. Stop by between November 17 to December 23! There are over 35 vendors to shop from, private chalet rentals, curling, food and beverages, Christmas lights, carolers, and more!
The Christmas Lite Show in Grand Rapids – The Christmas Lite Show at 5/3 Ballpark is the perfect holiday activity for anyone wanting to enjoy the holidays but avoid the cold. Enjoy over 2 miles of Christmas light displays from November 22 through December 31. Tickets cost $30 per car. Or bundle up and ride through the display on Memory Lane Train or as a walk.
Rosa Parks Circle in Grand Rapids – Located by the Grand Rapids Art Museum, Rosa Parks Circle ice skating rink opens up as soon as its consistently cold enough (tentatively November 30 for 2023). Admission and skate rental costs $4 per adult and $2 per youth. Beautiful lights and the Downtown Grand Rapids Christmas tree light up the circle in the evenings.
Sparkle in Spring Lake – Nightly between November 25th and the new year, 400,000 lights (and growing!) cover the trees and buildings along Savidge Street. Besides the lights, on the weekends there are ‘Polar Express’ train rides for kids, pop up musical acts, and food, ornament, and holiday vendors. Adding to the charm, listen to holiday music playing on the streets!
Colors of Christmas in Newaygo – Drive or hike through the Croton Township Campground from the day after Thanksgiving to January 1st. Lights and holiday displays are all around from 6-11pm, and the best part is – it’s free! Donations are accepted and a portion goes to the Newaygo Country Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect. This annual attraction got its start in 2016 and has grown ever since!
Magic at the Mill in Holland – See De Zwaan, Windmill Island’s authentic Dutch windmill like you’ve never seen her before! Experience Magic at the Mill at Windmill Island Gardens on Friday and Saturday evenings between December 1 and 16. Timed tickets are available for pre-purchase online only. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for kids. Along with the lit up windmill, there will be a light up show, 1000 LED tulip blossoms, snack and beverages, plus Sinterklaas!
Crane Orchards Lightshow in Fennville – This is Michigan’s very first drive through light show through an apple orchard! Visit Crane Orchards between November 29 to December 31 to witness history in the making! The holiday displays are all hand and custom made. It costs $20 per vehicle to visit and the hours are Wednesday to Sunday evenings starting at 6pm.
Best Christmas Things to Do in Eastern Michigan
The Big, Bright Light Show in downtown Rochester: Over a million holiday lights drape over the buildings in downtown Rochester. The lights are on for your enjoyment from 5pm to midnight from mid November 20 to January 21. Fun fact: This is Michigan’s largest outdoor Christmas light displays!
Magic of Lights in Clarkston: From November 17th through December 30, head over to the Pine Knob Music Theatre for a bright holiday experience. Drive through almost 2 miles of Christmas lights and displays for $20-$30 per vehicle (depending on date visited). And, make sure to purchase your ticket in advance.
Holiday Stroll at the Olde World Canterbury Village: Every weekend from November 24th through December 24th from 5-10 pm, the grounds of Canterbury Village in Lake Orion transform themselves into a holiday wonderland. Pre-purchase tickets for $17.99 a person (under 2 are free) to walk along a red and green lit pathway. Here you can watch your favorite holiday characters brought to life. Afterwards, head to the outdoor patio to enjoy food and drinks while listening to holiday music.
Christmas Tree Walk in Algonac: Running from December 1st to 29th, pre-purchase tickets online for the afternoon or evening Christmas Tree home tour (with or without a meal). This year, over 300 Christmas trees are decorated! Tickets cost $20 for adults, or $15 for children 2-12 years for the tour. They cost $40 for adults or $23 for children with a meal included.
Winter Wonder Lights in Rochester: This year, the Winter Wonder Lights at Meadow Brook Hall runs November 24th through December 30th. Winter Wonder Lights is a self guided tour of holiday light displays at a National Historic Landmark. Besides the holiday lights, enjoy food and warm drinks at outdoor concessions, live organ music, selfie stations, and bonfires.
List of Coolest Christmas Things to Do in Central Michigan
Bronner’s in Frankenmuth – What better time to visit Bronner’s than during the holiday season it’s known for? Bronner’s is the world’s largest Christmas store with over 50,000 holiday items for sale. Be sure to visit Bronner’s after dusk to experience the half-mile holiday display with over 100,000 twinkling lights. The bonus of Bronner’s is this can be experienced the whole year!
Frankenmuth – Besides Bronner’s, Frankenmuth is a great place to spend Christmas! TIME named Frankenmuth one of the “9 Most Christmassy Towns in America.” Other Christmas activities to enjoy here include visiting the Old Christmas Station, taking a horse drawn carriage ride, or attending a Christmas Concert at St. Lorenz.
Christmas Holiday Magic in Flint – Pay $10 per carload to drive through over a million Christmas lights that decorate Crossroads Village. This attraction runs from November 24 through December 30 from 5-9pm. In addition to the drive through light show, step back in time when visiting historic Crossroads Village. The village is transformed into a classic Christmas village where you can watch people dressed up portrayals of people making different types of Christmas crafts. You can also ride Huckleberry Railroad! This railroad chugs past several Christmas light up displays making for a unique way to enjoy Christmas lights.
Santa Experience in Laingsburg – The Peacock Road Family Farm starts selling precut or you-cut Christmas trees and opens their Christmas and Wreath shops on November 18th. Also open is their sugar shack for sweets and baked goods. And not to be missed is the Santa Experience! Purchase a train car on the Peacock Express for $95 per family (fits up to 7 people). The train takes your family out to the North Pole where you’ll be greeted by Mrs. Claus with some hot cocoa. Then, get your family’s photo taken with Santa!
Santa House in Midland – Starting November 28th, Santa comes to Midland where he lives through Christmas! This year, visit Santa at his house and explore the grounds which are decorated for the holidays. Don’t miss taking a train ride on the Northern Star Train throughout downtown Midland. This event runs until December 23rd.
Rooftop Landing Reindeer Farm in Clare – Between now and Christmas, stop by Rooftop Landing for $9 per person (1 and under are free). Here you can view, pet and feed the reindeer roaming in the pasture, view the other animals in the heated barn, shop for stocking stuffers at the gift shop, and enjoy donuts, hot cider, and hot cocoa. Santa is also here!
Winter Celebration in Port Huron – Head to Pine Grove Park between November 22 and January 2 to enjoy Port Huron’s light show. The park is free for all to walk or drive through and is lit between 5pm and 10pm daily.
Wonderland of Lights in Lansing – Potter Park Zoo is hosting Wonderland of Lights walk through lights display on Thursday’s through Sunday’s from 5-8pm. This event runs from November 18 through December 23 (closed on holidays). Reserve your tickets online. Tickets cost $9 for adults and $5 for kids 3 and up, which is a price that hasn’t changed over the past couple years!
Ashley Country Christmas – Be whisked away to the 1940s and 50s, when you visit Ashley Country Christmas. Arrive via the historic 1225 steamer train (North Pole Express) from Owosso’s Steam Railroading Institute or drive in and arrive when the train is. The train arrives at 11:15 am and 7:15 pm (Saturdays) and 6:15 pm (Sundays). If you arrive via car, it is only $7 per person to take advantage of all that Ashley has to offer – and there’s a lot! There are classic amusement park rides, horse drawn carriage rides, carnival games, crafts, magic shows, shopping, pictures with Santa, dining options, and so much more. If there’s one hidden gem Christmas attraction in all of Michigan, this is is! Ashley Country Christmas happens every weekend from November 18 through December 17.
List of Best Christmas Things to Do in Northern Michigan
Sparkle in the Park in Bear Lake – Visit Hopkins Park between November 25th to December 31st after dark to see thousands of lights and holiday light displays. The displays are featured all around the campground lot. A great perk about his attraction is that it is free! However donations are welcome.
Herman Holidays in Suttons Bay – Enjoy walking around this holiday lights display located on 10780 Murray Ct in Suttons Bay during December. Please note this is a residential address. Visitors are welcome to enjoy the lights on weeknights from 5-9pm and weekends from 5-10pm. Sorry, but dogs are not welcome.
Boss Family Christmas Display in Charlevoix – The Boss Family of Charlevoix transforms their property into a Christmas decorated wonderland every year since 1978! Come visit 9336 Pearl Street in December to see how they decorated this year!
Merry Marketplace Holiday Fair in Traverse City – Every Thursday though Saturday during the month of December until the weekend of Christmas, the Crooked Tree Arts Center hosts a holiday artists market. Each weekend, different artisan’s showcase their goods for sale. In addition to the market, there are workshops, demonstrations, and more. Check their website for more details!
A Lighthouse Christmas at the Grand Traverse Lighthouse – Jump back in time to the 1920s and 30s throughout the month of December for a holiday walk and tour throughout the Grand Traverse Lighthouse. Christmas trees, cutouts, and inflatables are all over the grounds. Then tour the lighthouse and take in the view from the tower. The cost is $5 for ages 5 and up. This attraction is open Friday and Saturday’s in early December between 4:30-7pm.
List of Coolest Christmas Things to Do in the Upper Peninsula
Christmas, Michigan: Every day is Christmas when you visit Christmas, Michigan! This small town in the Upper Peninsula is home to a giant Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus statue to welcome you. The town even received its name by a local businessman that made holiday gift items in the 1930s.
The Carters’ Christmas Lights in Marquette: Come visit the Carter’s Christmas lights display located at 1313 N Vandenboom Ave. This family decorates and opens their yard up to visitors during the month of December. Over they years, they’ve collected a large number of lights and displays that they use to transform their front yard into a fun, festive walking path for visitors to enjoy.
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Do you and your family have a favorite holiday attraction you visit every year? Or do you seek out new attractions and things to do every Christmas?
from Michigan with Love,
Jackie
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