Christmas Events in Northern Michigan

Outdoor and indoor holiday markets with local artisans, handmade gifts, food vendors, and seasonal products run throughout December. Traverse City hosts one of the more established holiday markets in the region. Petoskey's Gaslight District and Charlevoix's downtown also draw shoppers looking for local gifts.

Downtown tree lightings are a community tradition in Northern Michigan. Traverse City's tree lighting typically draws a large crowd to Open Space park or downtown. Petoskey, Charlevoix, Boyne City, and Elk Rapids all have their own ceremonies, usually with hot cocoa, carolers, and a countdown. Most happen late November or early December.

Santa appears at shopping areas, libraries, parks, and community centers across Northern Michigan through December. Events range from free drop-in visits at local libraries to ticketed photo sessions. The Traverse City area and Petoskey both have multiple Santa events running on weekends through December.

Choral concerts, holiday orchestra performances, church cantatas, and theatrical productions fill December. The Traverse Symphony Orchestra runs holiday concerts at the Milliken Auditorium. The City Opera House in Traverse City programs holiday shows. Local choral groups and school performances add to a packed December calendar.

Horse-drawn carriage rides through downtown Charlevoix and Petoskey are an occasional December offering from local outfitters. Ice skating rinks, snowshoe outings, and winter hayrides appear when conditions allow. Some ski resorts begin operations in December, adding another winter activity to the mix.

Wineries, breweries, and restaurants run holiday-themed tastings, prix-fixe dinners, and mulled wine events throughout December. Old Mission and Leelanau wineries are especially cozy in December with fires, holiday music, and limited-release wines. Several breweries release their annual winter warmers and holiday ales.