The Best Christmas Shows and Events in Michigan

Ontonagon Michigan host a Hometown Christmas. It starts on Friday Night with a tree trimming on River Street, Saturday hosts breakfast with the Grinch, the Gingerbread House Contest, Pouring of the Lead (fortune telling) Craft Sales, etc., Sunday is the annual evening Parade and the home and business contests

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.

Join the city of Auburn Hills Michigan for the annual Tree LIghting Ceremony this event is a free family fun centered event that includes the arrival of Santa and Mrs. Claus. Our Mayor will light the Christmas tree on the corner of Squirrel and Auburn. Lots of fabulous activities for the family including photos with Santa and Mrs.

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.

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.

Downtown Kalamazoo has a long tradition of creating the best holiday memories with Santa. Thursdays through Sundays between Thanksgiving and Christmas, more than 8000 parents and children come through from 76 zip codes to visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, write wish lists to Santa, decorate cookies, and receive a FREE book to take home.

A Crystal Christmas takes place on the the 2nd Saturday of December and boasts an Ice Shack parade of hilarious Northwoods themed floats!
There will be business and residential decorating contest, Santa Claus, Fireworks and More!

Join your friends and family at the Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting Celebration on Friday from 3:00 to 6:00pm in downtown Charlevoix!

You are not going to want to miss Gull Meadow Farms “Walk through the Lights” experience. They transformed greenhouses into a beautiful walk-through Christmas experience each with a different theme.

Spending time this Christmas Season at the Rooftop Reindeer Farm will be a joy for the entire family. Find dates and times when you can visit and maybe even see Santa on Roftop Reindeer Calendar.

Lowell celebrates its Annual Christmas Through Lowell event during November. Area residents and visitors looking for a unique Christmas gift or home décor can find what they are looking for while supporting the Lowell community during this popular shopping experience.

Summer Train
We depart historic downtown Coopersville on the dates and times shown on our calendar. During the journey, our friendly Conductor will talk about local railroad history and answer your questions.

Michigan's enchanted forest of lights, Glenlore Trails Aurora. Wander along a one-mile outdoor path with interactive experiences, storytelling, and other exciting entertainment. An immersive wintry experience for all ages. Visit Michigan’s original illuminated forest this holiday season!

The River Lights of Wonder Experience

Friday Nights: Outdoor Activities include drive through, Lollipop train, hayride and fire pit.

Saturday Nights: Both Indoor and Outdoor Activities include drive through, Lollipop train, hayride, fire pit, indoor movie, children's activities and character photos.