10 The Best Trips In Michigan to Celebrate Christmas
Michigan is a magical destination to celebrate the holiday season, offering an array of festive experiences that will leave you with warm and cherished memories. From the enchanting town of Calumet and its breathtaking winter scenery, to the vibrant city of Dearborn, where holiday traditions blend seamlessly with cultural delights, Michigan has something for everyone. And let's not forget about Detroit, with its captivating downtown lights and exciting festivities, or the charming village of Frankenmuth, known as "Michigan's Little Bavaria," where Christmas celebrations transport you to a winter wonderland. Join us as we embark on a journey through the best trips in Michigan to celebrate Christmas and discover the true spirit of the season.
1. Calumet
Calumet transforms into an old-fashioned Christmas town for the winter months! All December long, you can find holiday markets, Santa at various locations, horse-drawn wagon rides, sledding, hot cocoa, crafts, cookie decorating, ice skating, Children’s Theatre, and the infamous ‘Living Windows’ with the Friends of Fashion in the KNHP Visitors Center.
2. Christmas
It’s Christmas year round in this city in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. A 35-foot Santa Claus will greet you, in addition to a ‘Welcome to Christmas’ sign with Santa’s face right on it. This is a popular destination for snowmobiling in the snowy months. But, you can also find a historic lighthouse, ‘glamping’ at Uncle Ducky’s, Kewadin Casino, and Foggy’s Steakhouse and Lounge for some delicious Lake Superior Whitefish. If it is open, you can also find The Christmas Mall, an eclectic shop with antiques.
3. Crystal Mountain
This ski resort is sure to lift your spirits this holiday season. From a trip to the spa or fitness center, heading down the slopes, cross-country skiing or snow shoeing trails, dining, shopping, horse-drawn surrey rides, and other wonderful holiday events throughout the season. The annual tree lighting and Santa visit is a magical experience that we thoroughly enjoyed. They also quaintly decorate the property for the season with greenery and holiday lights throughout the spaces. Plus, you can enjoy the winter next to their two outdoor fireplaces or near one in the sitting area of the Inn.
4. Dearborn
The Holiday Nights in the Greenfield Village take you back in time with the smell of chestnuts roasting on an open fire, sleigh bells, and Christmas carolers. Santa and his reindeer visit. You can find ice skating, horse-drawn wagon rides, Model T car rides, and special holiday events (tickets sell fast for these events so please plan ahead).
5. Detroit
Detroit, and its surrounding communities, transform into winter wonderlands. Downtown, you can find Campus Martius Park has ice skating and the Christmas Tree, carriage rides, outdoor holiday markets, and Light Up Beacon Park where Beacon Park is transformed into “Toyland”. You can find a wonderful drive-thru experience at the Wayne County Lightfest, downtown Rochester lights up for a whimsical experience, and Canterbury Village hosts almost a million festive lights and Christmas Markets featuring Michigan Made items.
6. Frankenmuth
No one does Christmas quite like the Christmas capitol of the world! Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland is the largest Christmas store in the world and open all year. You can find thousands of ornaments, trees, lights, and decorations - there’s even a personalization counter where you can get items personalized or hand-painted. Over the last 3 years, Frankenmuth has come together as a community to bring the magic of the holidays to locals and the surrounding community. From free Christmas shuttles, ice skating at Zehnder Park, musical tree light shows, photo-op areas, and challenges, the events are sure to get you into the Christmas spirit.
7. Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids hosts culture, attractions, and winter time fun for the whole family! The Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Christmas display honors cultures and holiday traditions from across the world with 46 unique displays depicting facts and folklore from the past and present. You can go cross-country skiing in Millennium park or hit the slopes at Cannonsburg Ski Area. Can’t make it in time for Christmas? The World of Winter Festival from January through March is a must-see experience with interactive art installations all across the city.
8. Holland
Holland is dedicated to bringing the magic of Christmas from their sister city to Michigan. The downtown space comes alive with festive holiday decor! You can find holiday events with strolling carolers, roasting chestnuts, seasonal shopping deals, photo opportunities with Santa, reindeer, Parade of Lights, the Kerstmarkt (a European open-air Christmas market), Victorian Christmas Teas, special exhibits, musical performances, and so much more! Walking around the city is sure to be a breeze with their warmed cobblestone sidewalks, too.
8. Mackinac Island
Depending on your time of winter visit, you can either hop on a ferry to this enchanting town or fly in if the straights freeze over. If you are flying, you can catch a 7 minute flight from St. Ignace, at the southern tip of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. On this island, people travel by horse and buggy (or snowmobile this time of year), as motorized vehicles have been banned for the past century. The island enjoys an old-fashion Christmas, from the tree lighting, to carolers, cocoa, bake sales, Christmas markets, live music, and winter walks. You can find wonderfully unique items at the Christmas Bazaar to fill your gifting spirits.
10. Muskegon
Throughout the holiday season, you can find the tallest singing Christmas tree in Muskegon’s performing art center. This metal tree is covered in brightly colored lights and stands 67 feet tall! It’s been a community favorite since the 1980s. The tree holds 240 singers, where a high school choir sings acapella Christmas songs throughout the holiday season.
(Bonus) Traverse City
Traverse City has no shortage of winter activities including the snow-covered trails of Sleeping Bear Dunes, ski slopes of Hickory Hills and Mt. Holiday Ski Area, and tubing or sledding in local parks. They host a wonderful tree lighting, light parade, carriage rides, and Christmas Markets throughout the holiday season as well.
What are some of your favorite places to visit for Christmas?