The Best Christmas Shows and Events in Michigan

Excitement surrounds this time of year as the annual Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World brings the glow of 300,000 lights, strolling carolers, horse-drawn carriage rides and more than 40 international trees and displays.

You don't want to miss the Christmas Nite Lights at Fifth Third Ball Park. West Michigan's largest, animated, drive thru light show, entertaining people of all ages. The event is located at Fifth Third Ballpark, home of the West Michigan Whitecaps, exit 91, off US 131.

Celebrate the magic of the holiday season at the fifth annual ‘Winter Snow Fun’ Holiday Parade in Marquette’s Downtown District. Bundle up with friends and family as illuminated floats, tinsel-strewn trucks and colorful carolers transform Third Street into a magical scene from the North Pole.

12:30 - Saugatuck Holiday Parade lineup in front of Wicks Park

1:00 Holiday Parade begins

3:00-5:00 - Santas Workshop in the Puddingstone classroom - Decorate Cookies with Santas Elves (The Saugatuck High School Culinary Arts Club) Cookies and supplies provided by New Holland Brewing.

Grand Rapids Ballet Company, Grand Rapids Symphony and about 100 children fuse their talents to bring the classic story to life. After a sold out world premiere, The Nutcracker, re-imagined by Polar Express author Chris Van Allsburg, returns for two weekends at DeVos Performance Hall.

There is something for everyone at the popular annual Winter Glow event – East Lansing’s free, outdoor winter festival in downtown East Lansing with a wide variety of fun-filled seasonal activities.

Santa's arrival, holiday-themed activities throughout Clare!

The first weekend in December we hold our annual Christmas Festival of Lights. Enjoy breakfast with Santa then watch as he arrives at the Depot on a firetruck! Go on a Cookie Tour all around the Village. There is also a Winter

Costumed villagers prepare for the holiday season in the Village’s homes and shops. The Colwell Opera House presents live entertainment, and Santa Claus visits with the children. See model trains and craft demonstrations, and enjoy holiday music and unique shopping opportunities.

The Mistletoe Market Christmas Boutique is an annual fundraiser featuring Holiday Fine Art & Crafts held by the South Haven Center for the Arts. Local artists display their jewelry, paintings, photography & more. This is an excellent way to begin your holiday shopping! A portion will benefit the art Center.

Christmas in Mackinaw is a magical event each holiday season. A Victorian Christmas in Mackinaw will be celebrated. Events will take place beginning at McGulpin Point Lighthouse and ending in Heritage Chapel in Heritage Village, both located about three miles west of Mackinaw City.

Holiday Celebration and Candlewalk in Frankenmuth River Place Shops is the perfect way to start the Christmas season. Free Hot chocolate and cookies. Ceremony starts at 6:30pm.

Frankenmuth River Place Shops
925 South Main Street
Frankenmuth, MI 48734

Festivities in Lansing start with the Annual Silver Bells in the City always the Friday before Thanksgiving. The Silver Bells in the City is scheduled in downtown Lansing. in downtown Lansing. The lighting of Michigan’s official state Christmas tree will take place just after 7:30 p.m.

The Holidays are always a magical time for everyone. This is an especially magical time at Peacock Road Family Farm.

The Laingsburg annual Winterfest Celebration! Winterfest is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy many memorable activities with our families and friends.

Take a lantern-lit journey into a living snow globe filled with live music, skating, fireworks and tons of winter wonder during America’s premier celebration of the season.

The Parade of Lights on Main Street comes alive with the lights of the Holiday season. Watch the many colorful floats, marching groups, and listen to the seasonal songs as they meander down Main Street. Children will beam with excitement as they watch for Santa Claus and his sleigh. This is not an event to miss!

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.

Step back in time as you take part in one of Michigan’s most unique holiday celebrations. An entire weekend of excitement including the Victorian Sleighbell Parade with horse drawn entries, bagpipers, reindeer meet and greet and carolers elegantly dressed in Victorian style attire.

The annual Christmas Tree Lighting downtown on Main Street kicks off the 3-day Christmas Bazaar and ushers in the winter season on Mackinac Island. Gather at 5:30 p.m. across from the Star Line Dock #1 for caroling and good cheer.

Come join us on a sleigh ride through the beautiful countryside of west Michigan. The sleigh trails wind through our third generation family farm which consists of agricultural fields and a beautiful forest that features rolling hills, deep ravines, river bottom and thick swamp.

Stroll the gently-lit pathway each evening. Meet Santa’s reindeer, and listen to carolers sing the songs of the season. Be sure to warm up in the festive conservatory and experience a dramatic display of poinsettias, while enjoying the merry sound of a live string quartet.

All aboard! It's time for the annual Festival of Trains, a Traverse City holiday tradition. Come see the massive 0-gauge model train layout along with spectacular HO-, S- and G-gauge layouts. There's a special kids layout, too, where the young (and young-at-heart) may operate the controls.