Downtown Ludington hosts an annual lighted ball drop on New Year's Eve along with live music, beer tent, and fireworks.
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(Scroll down to see more events in December.)
Downtown Ludington hosts an annual lighted ball drop on New Year's Eve along with live music, beer tent, and fireworks.
Arts & Crafts Shows and Bazaars during the fall/winter in West Michigan have handcrafted and specialty items for your Christmas gift giving.
Come see thousands upon thousands of Christmas lights set up in nearly 50 holiday displays at Hopkins Park in Bear Lake.
Pentwater's Christmas in the Village, held throughout the month of December, has carriage rides, shopping, craft fair, and more.
The park remains open year-round for hiking, snowshoeing, activities to give those who love winter something fun to look forward to!
The popular tourist town of Ludington, Michigan will celebrate its 150th birthday (sesquicentennial) in 2023. Many events will be included.
Current family-friendly events in West Michigan, great, fun, things to do for kids of all ages! Fun for the whole family!
Manistee Michigan's Victorian Sleighbell Parade and Old Christmas Weekend is held the first full weekend of December.
Performance of A Christmas Carol
Thursday-Saturday at 7:30pm & Sunday at 3pm. Muskegon Civic Theatre- 425 W. Western, #401, Muskegon.
Voting Period for the Manistee County Community Christmas
Households that are decorating their homes register and the public is invited to tour the decorated homes and vote on their favorite. Households may register through the voting period ending on December 31st. To register your home, click here. For more info, visit facebook.com.
Ludington Area Festival of Lights
Drive-thru lights display at the West Michigan Fairgrounds- 5302 US-10, Ludington. Cost is $10/vehicle and proceeds go to local non-profits. For more information, visit checkoutthelights.com.
Festival of Wreaths Auction
Wreaths created by local artists will be on display and up for silent auction in the lobby of the performance hall. Wreaths will be accepted until November 23rd and must be pre-registered by contacting the Ludington Area Center for the Arts at (231) 845-2787 or info@ludingtonartscenter.org. LACA- 107 S. Harrison St., Ludington.
Little River Festival of Lights
Get ready for a free drive through the Little River Casino Resort RV park. The park is filled with twinkling lights, dazzling displays, and festive cheer. 2700 Orchard Hwy, Manistee. For more info, visit facebook.com.
Bear Lake’s Sparkle in the Park
The annual celebration of the holiday season offers a walk-through display of local business and residential Christmas light displays. Hopkins Park- 7727 Lake St., Bear Lake.
Viewing & Voting period for the Ludington Area Jaycees Light Up the Night Outdoor Holiday Decorating Competition
Cash prizes in two different categories. Visit facebook.com for more information.
Rotary Club of Ludington Holiday Auction
Tickets are $50 per person and include heavy hors d’oeurves, cash bar, and the opportunity to bid on dozens of items donated by local businesses. Items will also be available to bid on online from November 28th-December 4th. Purchase tickets or bid online at bidpal.net. The event will be held at the Lincoln Hills Golf Club- 1527 N. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington. Proceeds benefit the Rotary Club’s STRIVE Program and college scholarships.
Victorian Sleighbell Parade & Old Christmas Weekend
Downtown Manistee.
Christmas in Baldwin
Parade line up begins at 5pm. There will also be visits with Santa, tree lighting, cocoa, tunnel of lights, and music by the Baldwin Community School Band. Downtown Baldwin. For more info, visit facebook.com.
Christmas in the Country
Open house and craft show. Friday from 4-8pm and Saturday from 9am-2pm. Benona Town Hall- 7169 W. Baker Rd., Shelby. For more info, visit facebook.com.
Performance of Miracle on 34th Street
Presented by the Central Park Players at 7:30pm with 1:30 matinee on 12/14. Central Park Place- 421 Columbus Ave., Grand Haven.
Performance of Matilda: The Musical
6th, 7th, 13th, & 14th at 7:30pm and 8th & 15th at 2pm. Ramsdell Theatre- 101 Maple St., Manistee.
Jingle Bell Jog 5k
5K Run/Walk to benefit the Manistee Area Public Schools Cross-Country program. The race begins and ends at The Tabernacle Manistee Campus- 77 Hancock St., Manistee. To register or find more info, visit runsignup.com.
Candy Canes & Characters
Meet and take photos with Santa, Mrs. Claus, Rudolph, elves, the Grinch, Cindy Lou Who, a polar bear, a penguin, and the Oriole bird at Ludington High School- 508 N. Washington Ave., Ludington. Hours are 3-6pm with Sensory Friendly hours from 1-3pm by appointment. There will also be face painting, snacks, games, and holiday crafts. Admission is $5 per participant or $15 per family (caregivers enter free). Proceeds benefit the Ludington High School Year Book Fund. For more information or to schedule a sensory visit, call (231) 794-9936 or email yearbook@lasd.net.
COVE Holiday Party
Holiday Party Fundraiser for Communities Overcoming Violent Encounters at the Ludington Area Center for the Arts- 107 S. Harrison St., Ludington. For more info, visit facebook.com.
Voting Period for the Manistee County Community Christmas
Households that are decorating their homes register and the public is invited to tour the decorated homes and vote on their favorite. Households may register through the voting period ending on December 31st. To register your home, click here. For more info, visit facebook.com.
Ludington Area Festival of Lights
Drive-thru lights display at the West Michigan Fairgrounds- 5302 US-10, Ludington. Cost is $10/vehicle and proceeds go to local non-profits. For more information, visit checkoutthelights.com.
Festival of Wreaths Auction
Wreaths created by local artists will be on display and up for silent auction in the lobby of the performance hall. Wreaths will be accepted until November 23rd and must be pre-registered by contacting the Ludington Area Center for the Arts at (231) 845-2787 or info@ludingtonartscenter.org. LACA- 107 S. Harrison St., Ludington.
Little River Festival of Lights
Get ready for a free drive through the Little River Casino Resort RV park. The park is filled with twinkling lights, dazzling displays, and festive cheer. 2700 Orchard Hwy, Manistee. For more info, visit facebook.com.
Bear Lake’s Sparkle in the Park
The annual celebration of the holiday season offers a walk-through display of local business and residential Christmas light displays. Hopkins Park- 7727 Lake St., Bear Lake.
Viewing & Voting period for the Ludington Area Jaycees Light Up the Night Outdoor Holiday Decorating Competition
Cash prizes in two different categories. Visit facebook.com for more information.
Performance of Miracle on 34th Street
Presented by the Central Park Players at 7:30pm with 1:30 matinee on 12/14. Central Park Place- 421 Columbus Ave., Grand Haven.
Performance of Matilda: The Musical
6th, 7th, 13th, & 14th at 7:30pm and 8th & 15th at 2pm. Ramsdell Theatre- 101 Maple St., Manistee.
Pentwater’s Christmas in the Village
Various locations in Pentwater.
Performance of Creole Du Nord
Hart Middle School Auditorium- 308 Johnson St., Hart.
Pet Portraits with Santa
Donations benefit Homeward Bound Animal Shelter. No appointments necesssary. Just sign in and wait in your car. Patina- 4850 Main St., Onekama.
Cartier Mansion/Ludington House Bed & Breakfast Holiday Tour
Carson the Butler will welcome visitors. Tours will be given of both Cartier Mansion (409 E. Ludington Ave., Ludington) and The Ludington House Bed and Breakfast. Tickets are $20 per person and may be purchased the day of the event at Cartier Mansion. All proceeds will benefit Mason County Mutts. For more information, visit facebook.com.
COVE Holiday Tea
Enjoy an afternoon of tea at the Oceana County Council on Aging- 4250 W. Tyler Rd., Hart. Cost is $15 and proceeds benefit Communities Overcoming Violent Encounters (COVE). Space is very limited, call (231) 843-2541 early for reservations.
Performance by the Good Lovelies
City Opera House- 106 E. Front St., Traverse City.
West Shore Community College Wind Symphony & Drum Line Performance
Manistee High School Auditorium- 525 12th St., Manistee.
West Shore Community College Concert Choir Performance
West Shore Community College Center Stage Theatre- 3000 N. Stiles Rd., Scottville.
Ladies Night
Downtown merchants feature specials, drawings, and spirits for the ladies. Downtown Manistee.
Performance of Candlelight: Holiday Special Featuring “The Nutcracker” & More
City Opera House- 106 E. Front St., Traverse City.
Performance of Candlelight: A Tribute to Taylor Swift
City Opera House- 106 E. Front St., Traverse City.
Holiday Cabaret Performance
Friday at 7pm, Saturday at 2pm AND 6pm, & Sunday at 2pm. Old Towne Playhouse- 148 E. Eighth St., Traverse City.
Visit with Santa
Visit with and get photos with Santa. North Country Cafe- 110 N. Main St., Scottville.
Visit with Santa
Families and pets are invited to meet and get a free picture with Santa. Hot Cocoa and Cookies will also be provided. Gold N Deals will be offering 15% off storewide and Gomez Photography will be doing a drawing for a Free Photo Session for 2025. Gold ‘N Deals- 112 S. Main St., Scottville-.
Performance of All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914
City Opera House- 106 E. Front St., Traverse City.
Voting Period for the Manistee County Community Christmas
Households that are decorating their homes register and the public is invited to tour the decorated homes and vote on their favorite. Households may register through the voting period ending on December 31st. To register your home, click here. For more info, visit facebook.com.
Ludington Area Festival of Lights
Drive-thru lights display at the West Michigan Fairgrounds- 5302 US-10, Ludington. Cost is $10/vehicle and proceeds go to local non-profits. For more information, visit checkoutthelights.com.
Festival of Wreaths Auction
Wreaths created by local artists will be on display and up for silent auction in the lobby of the performance hall. Wreaths will be accepted until November 23rd and must be pre-registered by contacting the Ludington Area Center for the Arts at (231) 845-2787 or info@ludingtonartscenter.org. LACA- 107 S. Harrison St., Ludington.
Little River Festival of Lights
Get ready for a free drive through the Little River Casino Resort RV park. The park is filled with twinkling lights, dazzling displays, and festive cheer. 2700 Orchard Hwy, Manistee. For more info, visit facebook.com.
Bear Lake’s Sparkle in the Park
The annual celebration of the holiday season offers a walk-through display of local business and residential Christmas light displays. Hopkins Park- 7727 Lake St., Bear Lake.
Viewing & Voting period for the Ludington Area Jaycees Light Up the Night Outdoor Holiday Decorating Competition
Cash prizes in two different categories. Visit facebook.com for more information.
Holiday Cabaret Performance
Friday at 7pm, Saturday at 2pm AND 6pm, & Sunday at 2pm. Old Towne Playhouse- 148 E. Eighth St., Traverse City.
Taste of Finland
Traditional Finnish foods like panukkuku, nissua, and other delicacies will be served. The museum will be decorated in holiday style with touches from Finland like the Finnish Heaven. Don’t miss this cultural event at the famous house made out of 60,000 pop bottles. For more info, visit kalevamichigan.com.
Cookie Walk
Stroll the downtown Ludington district, sampling delicious cookies. Tickets are $20 per person and only 100 are available. Ticket price includes over two dozen cookies and a cookie box. For more information or tickets, visit downtownludington.org.
Holiday Parade & Activities in Scottville
Parade at 6:30pm beginning on W. Beryl St. ending on Main Street, Activities on Main Street will follow including kids crafts, pictures with Santa, cocoa, popcorn, and cookies.
Christmas Party
This FREE event is sponsored by FloraCraft & Sandcastles Children’s Museum. It includes a FloraCraft Christmas craft project, a visit by Mr. and Mrs. Santa Clause from 1-3pm, Cookie Decorating from 12-1pm or while supplies last, live music by Eric Englade, a free bike raffle, and free access to the museum exhibits. Visit facebook.com for more information.
Men’s Night
Downtown merchants feature specials, drawings, and spirits for the gents. Downtown Manistee.
West Shore Community College Jazz Ensemble I & II Performance
West Shore Community College Center Stage Theatre- 3000 N. Stiles Rd., Scottville.
Musical performance: Home for the Holidays
Presented by the Traverse City Symphony Orchestra Saturday at 7:30pm and Sunday at 3pm. Corson Auditorium- 4000 M-137, Interlochen.
Voting Period for the Manistee County Community Christmas
Households that are decorating their homes register and the public is invited to tour the decorated homes and vote on their favorite. Households may register through the voting period ending on December 31st. To register your home, click here. For more info, visit facebook.com.
Ludington Area Festival of Lights
Drive-thru lights display at the West Michigan Fairgrounds- 5302 US-10, Ludington. Cost is $10/vehicle and proceeds go to local non-profits. For more information, visit checkoutthelights.com.
Bear Lake’s Sparkle in the Park
The annual celebration of the holiday season offers a walk-through display of local business and residential Christmas light displays. Hopkins Park- 7727 Lake St., Bear Lake.
Musical performance: Home for the Holidays
Presented by the Traverse City Symphony Orchestra Saturday at 7:30pm and Sunday at 3pm. Corson Auditorium- 4000 M-137, Interlochen.
New Year’s Eve Balloon Drop
Fun activities and refreshments for the whole family with a balloon drop to celebrate New Year’s Eve. Tickets are $60/immediate family or $15/person and can be purchased by calling (231) 233-9326 or messaging them on facebook.com. Sandcastles Children’s Museum– 129 E. Ludington Ave., Ludington.
Ludington New Year’s Eve Ball Drop
Live music, beer tent, lighted ball drop at midnight with fireworks to follow. Legacy Plaza- 110 N. James St., Ludington.
CherryT Ball Drop
This family friendly event includes live music and the CherryT Ball drop on the corner of Front and Cass Streets in downtown Traverse City. Cost is a $5 donation which benefits a local charity. Event runs from 10:30pm to 12:20am.
Breakfast with Santa
At The Jolly Plate- 2516 N. US-31, Scottville. Kids 10 and under get a free reindeer pancake.
Visit with Santa
Hamlin Town Hall- 3775 N. Jebavy Dr., Ludington.
Home for the Holidays Concert
Free showcase of numerous locally known performers. Ludington Area Center for the Arts- 107 S. Harrison St., Ludington.
Visit with Santa & the Grinch
During the Festival of Tree at Stix- 1963 N. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington.
Santa’s Headquarters
Visit with Santa at Manistee Marina- 2 Pine St. Manistee.
Holiday Skate to Benefit West Shore Wolves
Admission and skate rental are $10/person. Also, bring a pre-decorated Gingerbread House to enter into the contest for a chance to win $100 cash. All entries will be auctioned off during the event.
Houses must be entirely edible and entries are due no later than 7pm that night. West Shore Community Ice Arena- 3000 N. Stiles Rd., Scottville.
Cookies & Cocoa
Decorate cookies, watch a movie, and drink hot chocolate. $5 for 6 cookies. Eagles #1354- 108 S. Harrison St., Ludington.
Children’s Christmas Party
Children age 12 and under are invited. All children in attendance will receive a gift. Custer VFW Gold Bar Post- 2022 State St., Custer.
Veteran’s Christmas Breakfast
Free for veterans, $10 for family/friends to join. Call to (231) 723-9501 to sign up. American Legion Post 10, 10 Mason St., Manistee.
Create Letters to Santa
Regular admission applies. Sandcastles Children’s Museum– 129 E. Ludington Ave., Ludington.
Visit with Santa
Visit with Santa and get a photo, eat a cookie, sip on hot chocolate, and more! All children will receive a stocking filled with goodies, and a $10 voucher to be deposited. Filer Credit Union- 1117 28th St., Manistee.
Family New Year’s Eve Party
This free event includes snacks, a potluck, a chili cook-off, crafts, video games, board games, a dancing competition, a photo booth, and much more. The evening will be wrapped up with an exciting midnight ball drop (live-streamed from downtown Ludington) and a worship celebration. Radiant Church- 409 S. Washington Ave., Ludington.
Family New Year’s Eve Party
Free party includes games, crafts, and snacks. Ludington Library- 217 E. Ludington Ave., Ludington.
New Year’s Eve Party
Enjoy a hot beverage, make a candle, and enjoy live music featuring Third Coast Swing. The Port- 222 W. Ludington Ave., Ludington.
The Traverse City area has several arts and crafts fairs scheduled throughout the year, offering many unique handcrafted items.
Farm Markets & U-Pick farms offer locally grown and organic produce, flowers, plants, seeds, and more in West Michigan.
Come “Home for the Holidays” during the Christmas season in Hart with events scheduled in November & December.
The Ludington Area Festival of Lights is a dazzling drive-thru light display that runs from Thanksgiving until the last weekend of December.
Come see thousands upon thousands of Christmas lights set up in nearly 50 holiday displays at Hopkins Park in Bear Lake.
Downtown Ludington presents the annual Aglow on the Avenue Holiday Parade in conjunction with Small Business Saturday and more!
The communities along Lake Michigan are blessed with talented actors and musicians that entertain us throughout the year.
Arts & Crafts Shows and Bazaars during the fall/winter in West Michigan have handcrafted and specialty items for your Christmas gift giving.
Ludington has many businesses to help you enjoy crafting and appreciate the finished product. Let them help you create your own masterpiece!
Pentwater’s Christmas in the Village, held throughout the month of December, has carriage rides, shopping, craft fair, and more.
Find artifacts, photographs, and lots of information and stories about the rich history of Pentwater at this historic museum!
The Michigan Audubon Society Lake Bluff Center overlooks Lake Michigan near Manistee and features wildlife and a bird sanctuary.
Pet live animals, enjoy fresh produce and dairy products, and more! Lots of experiences are available for the family when you visit the farm!
Much of West Michigan is bicycle-friendly, and you’ll find many nice paths on which to ride. It’s great exercise with great scenery to enjoy.
Take one of the most scenic drives in the nation as you travel across M-22 in West Michigan. A long winding road of adventure awaits!
Before you make a splash in Lake Michigan, check out the water temperatures for beaches from Manistee, Ludington, Pentwater, and Silver Lake.