Come see thousands upon thousands of Christmas lights set up in nearly 50 holiday displays at Hopkins Park in Bear Lake.
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(Scroll down to see more events in December.)
Come see thousands upon thousands of Christmas lights set up in nearly 50 holiday displays at Hopkins Park in Bear Lake.
Find all the places where the kids can visit and have pictures taken with Santa in Ludington, Scottville, Manistee, Oceana County, and more.
The Ludington Area Festival of Lights is a dazzling drive-thru light display that runs from Thanksgiving until the last weekend of December.
The popular tourist town of Ludington, Michigan will celebrate its 150th birthday (sesquicentennial) in 2023. Many events will be included.
The communities along Lake Michigan are blessed with talented actors and musicians that entertain us throughout the year.
Downtown Ludington hosts an annual lighted ball drop on New Year's Eve along with live music, beer tent, and fireworks.
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!
Arts & Crafts Shows and Bazaars during the fall/winter in West Michigan have handcrafted and specialty items for your Christmas gift giving.
Farm Markets & U-Pick farms offer locally grown and organic produce, flowers, plants, seeds, and more in West Michigan.
Downtown Traverse City bustles with party goers for the annual CherryT Ball Drop held on New Year's Eve drawing between 8,000-12,000 people.
Manistee Michigan's Victorian Sleighbell Parade and Old Christmas Weekend is held the first full weekend of December.
Current family-friendly events in West Michigan, great, fun, things to do for kids of all ages! Fun for the whole family!
Book lovers will find bargains at the many used book sales held in Manistee, Ludington, and Hart in West Michigan.
The Traverse City area has several arts and crafts fairs scheduled throughout the year, offering many unique handcrafted items.
Ludington has many businesses to help you enjoy crafting and appreciate the finished product. Let them help you create your own masterpiece!
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.
Visit Santa
Visits and photos with Santa at Ludington Bay Brewing Company- 515 S. James St., Ludington.
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.
Ladies Night
Explore participating retailers for the ideal holiday gifts, complete with special promotions, gift wrapping, and more. Create a wish list at your favorite stores and join the Passport Program—visit all participating businesses for a chance to win an amazing gift basket filled with downtown treasures. For more information, visit downtownludington.org.
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.
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.
Performance of All is Calm: The Christmas Truce of 1914
City Opera House- 106 E. Front St., Traverse City.
Christmas in the Village
Visits with Santa, shopping specials, vintage firetruck rides, musical performances, and more at The Village at Grand Traverse Commons- 1200 Village Center Dr., Traverse City. 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.
Holiday Cabaret Performance
Friday at 7pm, Saturday at 2pm AND 6pm, & Sunday at 2pm. Old Towne Playhouse- 148 E. Eighth St., Traverse City.
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.
Home for the Holidays Concert
Free showcase of numerous locally known performers. Ludington Area Center for the Arts- 107 S. Harrison St., Ludington.
Great Start Book Walk
Held in conjunction with the Festival of Trees, families will receive a free copy of the book “Christmas Humbugs” (first come, first serve). Stix- 1963 N. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington.
Men’s Night
Use the wish lists created on Ladies Night to find gifts that are sure to impress. Take advantage of exclusive in-store specials, gift wrapping services, and the chance to shop local, all while enjoying your favorite drinks as you explore the Ludington Outdoor Social District. For more information, visit downtownludington.org.
Men’s Night
Downtown merchants feature specials, drawings, and spirits for the gents. Downtown Manistee.
Cookie Decorating
John’s Place After School Program invites kids to come decorate and eat cookies while enjoying holiday music. St. John’s Place- 209 N. Rowe St., Ludington.
West Shore Community College Jazz Ensemble I & II Performance
West Shore Community College Center Stage Theatre- 3000 N. Stiles Rd., Scottville.
Christmas Crafts & Cookie Decorating
Sponsored by the Pentwater Rec Program. Park Place- 310 N. Rush St., Pentwater.
Create Letters to Santa
Regular admission applies. Sandcastles Children’s Museum– 129 E. Ludington Ave., Ludington.
Gift Wrapping Expo
Bring in your gifts to be wrapped while you wait, donations are appreciated and will benefit the Oriole Giving Tree. Every person who donates will receive a discounted (up to 20% off) stay at the Comfort Inn. Max of 20 gifts per household. Comfort Inn- 5323 W. US-10, Ludington.
Great Start Book Walk
Families will receive a free copy of the book “Don’t Let the Pigeons Drive the Sleigh!” (first come, first serve). River Community Center- 690 9th St., Baldwin.
Children’s Christmas Party
Children age 12 and under are invited. All children in attendance will receive a gift. Sign up by December 14th by calling (231) 757-9665. Custer VFW Gold Bar Post- 2022 State St., Custer.
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.
Muskegon New Year’s Eve Ball Drop
The event includes four DJ’s and a large 8 foot LED ball drop at midnight followed by a fireworks display. There will also be food trucks on-site. 460 W. Western Ave., Muskegon. For more info, visit facebook.com.
Family New Year’s Eve Party
Free party includes games, crafts, and snacks. Ludington Library- 217 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.
West Michigan is a popular location for various races and runs… including the Lakestride Half Marathon and the Lighthouse Triathlon.
Downtown Ludington hosts an annual lighted ball drop on New Year’s Eve along with live music, beer tent, and fireworks.
Downtown Traverse City bustles with party goers for the annual CherryT Ball Drop held on New Year’s Eve drawing between 8,000-12,000 people.
Ludington has many businesses to help you enjoy crafting and appreciate the finished product. Let them help you create your own masterpiece!
The Ludington Area Festival of Lights is a dazzling drive-thru light display that runs from Thanksgiving until the last weekend of December.
The communities along Lake Michigan are blessed with talented actors and musicians that entertain us throughout the year.
Come see thousands upon thousands of Christmas lights set up in nearly 50 holiday displays at Hopkins Park in Bear Lake.
The Miss Ludington Area Scholarship Program is typically held each September and is a precursor to the Miss Michigan program.
Current family-friendly events in West Michigan, great, fun, things to do for kids of all ages! Fun for the whole family!
Farm Markets & U-Pick farms offer locally grown and organic produce, flowers, plants, seeds, and more in West Michigan.
The Manistee Riverwalk follows the Manistee River from Jones Street, under the US-31 bridge, behind downtown, and ends at First Street beach.
The Michigan Audubon Society Lake Bluff Center overlooks Lake Michigan near Manistee and features wildlife and a bird sanctuary.
The Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts is a cultural center in West Michigan and plays an integral part in Manistee’s history.
Created in 1980, this trail has 1,000 miles running through Michigan, which also runs through the Huron-Manistee National Forest.
Beautiful color emerges come Fall. Take it all in with an afternoon drive, or stroll, through the many forests of West Michigan.
West Shore Community College in Scottville offers classes, the West Shore Ice Arena, and a complete recreation center.