The Ludington Area Festival of Lights is a dazzling drive-thru light display that runs from Thanksgiving until the last weekend of December.
Photo by Angelina Jollivet on Unsplash.com
(Scroll down to see more events in November.)
The Ludington Area Festival of Lights is a dazzling drive-thru light display that runs from Thanksgiving until the last weekend of December.
Find all the places where the kids can visit and have pictures taken with Santa in Ludington, Scottville, Manistee, Oceana County, and more.
The communities along Lake Michigan are blessed with talented actors and musicians that entertain us throughout the year.
West Michigan is a popular location for various races and runs... including the Lakestride Half Marathon and the Lighthouse Triathlon.
The Frankfort-Elberta area is host to several arts and crafts fairs through the summer months as well as a holiday fair in late November.
Arts & Crafts Shows and Bazaars during the fall/winter in West Michigan have handcrafted and specialty items for your Christmas gift giving.
Current family-friendly events in West Michigan, great, fun, things to do for kids of all ages! Fun for the whole family!
The Traverse City area has several arts and crafts fairs scheduled throughout the year, offering many unique handcrafted items.
The popular tourist town of Ludington, Michigan will celebrate its 150th birthday (sesquicentennial) in 2023. Many events will be included.
Downtown Ludington presents the annual Aglow on the Avenue Holiday Parade in conjunction with Small Business Saturday and more!
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.
Pentwater's Christmas in the Village, held throughout the month of December, has carriage rides, shopping, craft fair, and more.
Book lovers will find bargains at the many used book sales held in Manistee, Ludington, and Hart in West Michigan.
Ludington has many businesses to help you enjoy crafting and appreciate the finished product. Let them help you create your own masterpiece!
Come see thousands upon thousands of Christmas lights set up in nearly 50 holiday displays at Hopkins Park in Bear Lake.
Coat Drive for Ludington Area Schools Youth Resource Center
Anyone donating a coat/blanket will receive a $6 coupon for Ludington Bay Brewing Co. Drop coats and blankets off at the brewery- 515 S. James St., Ludington.
Coat Drive for Ludington Area Schools Youth Resource Center
Anyone donating a coat/blanket will receive a $6 coupon for Ludington Bay Brewing Co. Drop coats and blankets off at the brewery- 515 S. James St., Ludington.
Annual Christmas Expo
Vendors and door prizes. Event benefit Mason County Family Events and will be held at Cornerstone
Baptist Church- 121 Nelson Rd., Ludington. To register or for more info, email mcfamilyevents@gmail.com.
Ladies Night
Shop vendor booths and bring in a donation for West Shore Family Support for a special drawing. There will also be door prize drawings throughout the night. West Michigan Kitchen Studios- 5909 W. US-10, Ludington.
West Michigan Symphony presents Orchestra’s Greatest Hits Audience Choice Concert
Frauenthal Center- 425 West Western Ave., Muskegon.
Coat Drive for Ludington Area Schools Youth Resource Center
Anyone donating a coat/blanket will receive a $6 coupon for Ludington Bay Brewing Co. Drop coats and blankets off at the brewery- 515 S. James St., Ludington.
Traverse City West Senior High Arts & Crafts Show
5376 N. Long Lake Rd. Traverse City
Downtown Holiday Hunt
Downtown Ludington merchants will have exclusive deals, giveaways, and festive atmospheres.
West Michigan Symphony presents Charlie Albright – Classical Piano
The Block- 360 W. Western Ave., 2nd floor, Muskegon.
Diapers & Desserts
Families with children ages 3 and under are invited to attend and receive free diapers and treats. A parent or legal guardian must be present to receive diapers for the child(ren). Diapers up to size 6 are available. Car seat safety checks will be available upon request. West Shore Family Support- 603 E. Tinkham Ave., Ludington.
Coat Drive for Ludington Area Schools Youth Resource Center
Anyone donating a coat/blanket will receive a $6 coupon for Ludington Bay Brewing Co. Drop coats and blankets off at the brewery- 515 S. James St., Ludington.
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.
Home for the Holidays Parade & Tree Lighting
Parade line-up at Hart Public School- 304 Johnson St., Hart (5:30-6:15pm), Parade (6:30pm) with Tree lighting to follow. Downtown Hart.
Pentwater & Hart Small Business Saturday
Parade is followed by caroling, a tree lighting, and a Santa visit in Legacy Plaza. 102.7 WMOM-FM radio will be broadcasting the parade live on Facebook. Held in Downtown Ludington.
Stage Left Theatre Company presents Ken Ludwig’s ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas
Tickets are $5 each or $15/immediate family. Purchase them at stageleftmi.org or at the door. Ludington Area Center for the Arts- 107 S. Harrison St., Ludington.
Aglow on the Avenue Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting
Parade is followed by caroling, a tree lighting, and a Santa visit in Legacy Plaza. 102.7 WMOM-FM radio will be broadcasting the parade live on Facebook. Held in Downtown Ludington.
Drive-Thru Medication Take Back Event
Entrance of the Mason County Fairgrounds- 5302 US-10, Ludington.
Friends of the Library Book Sale
Saturday from 9am-3pm and Sunday from 12-3pm. Ludington Library- 217 E. Ludington Ave., Ludington.
Hunter’s Dinner
Meal includes one half chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, baked beans, roll, and apple pie. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children with options of dine-in or carry out. The event is sponsored by the Evergreen Women’s Group and proceeds benefit local charities. Evergreen Covenant Church- 7396 S. Evergreen Rd., Branch Township.
Community Service Resource Night
Families can enjoy a complimentary Thanksgiving dinner and meet with representatives from organizations that provide health, wellness, and safety services to the community. Families should reserve their spot by calling (231) 745-4791.
Registration period for the Ludington Area Jaycees Light Up the Night Outdoor Holiday Decorating Competition
Cash prizes in two different categories.
Get tickets to Carriage Rides for a Cause
Bring two non-perishable items (per person) into any Mason County West Shore Bank branch to receive tickets for a free carriage ride on Saturday, November 30th, 2024 from 3:30-5:10pm. You may also show up to the event with your non-perishable items and receive tickets then. Just keep in mind, tickets are limited. Find a wish list of items needed by clicking here. For more info, visit facebook.com.
Celebration of Lights
At Farr Center- 5283 Main St., Onekama. Donate toward a tree light to honor or memorialize a loved one. Donation envelopes are available at the Onekama Post Office- 8311 Mill St. or the Onekama Public Library- 5283 Main St., Onekama.
Christmas Concert
Free Christmas Concert featuring Daniel Ball & the Gibson Girls at the United Methodist Church of Ludington- 5858 Bryant Rd., Ludington. A free will offering will be collected.
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.
Light Up the Park
Christmas caroling and live music (6-7:30pm), Big Tuck’s Food Truck (5-8:30pm) various booths, horse-drawn wagon rides, light show and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus throughout the event. Fireworks at 8pm. Webster Park- 48 E. South Ave., Hesperia. For more information or to volunteer, visit facebook.com.
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.
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.
Native American Heritage Celebration
Indoor exhibition and powwow celebrating Native American culture that will feature a vibrant display of traditional dance styles and live music, alongside a variety of craft vendors offering authentic, Native-made goods. Free and open to the public. Little River Casino Resort- 2700 Orchard Hwy, Manistee.
Carriage Rides for a Cause
Bring two non-perishable items (per person) to West Shore Bank- 201 W. Loomis, Ludington for a free carriage ride.. You may visit any Mason County West Shore Branch with your non-perishable items to receive tickets from November 18th until the day of the event. Just keep in mind, tickets are limited. Find a wish list of items needed by clicking here. 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.

The Traverse City area has several arts and crafts fairs scheduled throughout the year, offering many unique handcrafted items.

Current family-friendly events in West Michigan, great, fun, things to do for kids of all ages! Fun for the whole family!

Ludington has many businesses to help you enjoy crafting and appreciate the finished product. Let them help you create your own masterpiece!

Farm Markets & U-Pick farms offer locally grown and organic produce, flowers, plants, seeds, and more in West Michigan.

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.

The spring/fall runs of steelhead and salmon, the resident brown trout and “brookies” make the PM River extremely popular for fishing.

The Annual Show of the Western Michigan Old Engine Club is held the first weekend of August at Scottville’s Riverside Park.

Todd and Brad Reed offer Photography Workshops throughout the year. These classes are great for beginners as well as seasoned professionals.

Along the Lake Michigan shoreline between Ludington and Manistee, you’ll find natural splendor- the Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness area.

The Pere Marquette River area is rich with wildlife, offering great outdoors hunting and fishing opportunities.

West Michigan is home to wineries galore! Enjoy a wine tasting tour and sample award winning wines.