Manistee Michigan's Victorian Sleighbell Parade and Old Christmas Weekend is held the first full weekend of December.
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(Scroll down to see more events in December.)
Manistee Michigan's Victorian Sleighbell Parade and Old Christmas Weekend is held the first full weekend of December.
The Traverse City area has several arts and crafts fairs scheduled throughout the year, offering many unique handcrafted items.
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.
The Ludington Area Festival of Lights is a dazzling drive-thru light display that runs from Thanksgiving until the last weekend of December.
Arts & Crafts Shows and Bazaars during the fall/winter in West Michigan have handcrafted and specialty items for your Christmas gift giving.
Book lovers will find bargains at the many used book sales held in Manistee, Ludington, and Hart in West Michigan.
Farm Markets & U-Pick farms offer locally grown and organic produce, flowers, plants, seeds, and more in West Michigan.
Come see thousands upon thousands of Christmas lights set up in nearly 50 holiday displays at Hopkins Park in Bear Lake.
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.
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.
Downtown Ludington hosts an annual lighted ball drop on New Year's Eve along with live music, beer tent, and fireworks.
Ludington has many businesses to help you enjoy crafting and appreciate the finished product. Let them help you create your own masterpiece!
Current family-friendly events in West Michigan, great, fun, things to do for kids of all ages! Fun for the whole family!
Pentwater's Christmas in the Village, held throughout the month of December, has carriage rides, shopping, craft fair, and more.
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.
Rotary Club of Ludington Holiday Auction
Tickets are $50 per person and include appetizers, a buffet dinner, desserts, 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 21st-December 4th. For tickets or more info, click here. 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.
Manistee Victorian Sleighbell Parade & Old Christmas Weekend
This annual event includes activities for all ages including live music, a craft show, shopping specials, and more.
Holiday Parade & Activities in Scottville
Parade at 6pm beginning on W. Beryl St. ending on Main Street. Activities to follow in the pocket park on South Main Street include kids crafts, pictures with Santa, cocoa, popcorn, and cookies.
Christmas Extravaganza
Event includes a book and bake sale, letter writing to Santa, ornament workshop, parade, tree lighting, marketplace vendors, and more. Visit lakecountymichigan.com for more info. Downtown Baldwin.
Christmas in the Village
Pentwater’s shops, art galleries and restaurants will be decked out for the holiday season and many have refreshments and in-store specials. Downtown Pentwater.
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.
Christmas in the Village
Pentwater’s shops, art galleries and restaurants will be decked out for the holiday season and many have refreshments and in-store specials. Downtown Pentwater.
Ladies Night
Downtown merchants feature specials, drawings, and spirits for the ladies. Downtown Manistee.
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 bag. For more information or tickets, visit downtownludington.org.
Lantern Lit Hike
The hike begins at the Warming Shelter and has approximately 1 mile of lighted trails for walking, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing. There are bonfires at both the Warming Shelter and the Amphitheater, along with free warm beverages at the Amphitheater. No registration is needed and lantern lit walks are free. Ludington State Park- 8800 M-116, Ludington.
COVE Holiday Fundraiser: Framed in Strength
Event includes a gallery of photography and stories that highlight the resilience of survivors and the dedication of advocates. Proceeds benefit Communities Overcoming Violent Encounters. Timeless Picture Framing- 103 E. Ludington Ave., Ludington. For tickets, visit eventbrite.com.
West Michigan Symphony presents Paul Keller Quintet – A Jazzy Christmas
The Block- 360 W. Western Ave., 2nd floor, Muskegon.
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.
Christmas in the Village
Pentwater’s shops, art galleries and restaurants will be decked out for the holiday season and many have refreshments and in-store specials. Downtown Pentwater.
Home for the Holidays Concert
Free showcase of numerous locally known performers. Ludington Area Center for the Arts- 107 S. Harrison St., Ludington.
Fat Tire Biking Season
Riders can enjoy 450 acres of open sand dunes, elevation changes of 80-100 feet, access to Lake Michigan, and sunsets over the lake from the top of the dunes. For more info, visit michigan.gov. Silver Lake State Park- 8890 West Shore Dr., Mears.
Men’s Night
Downtown merchants feature specials, drawings, and spirits for the gents. Downtown Manistee.
West Michigan Symphony presents Home for the Holidays Around the World
Frauenthal Center- 425 West Western Ave., Muskegon.
Christmas Concert
Free Christmas Concert featuring Daniel Ball & the Friends at the United Methodist Church of Ludington- 5858 Bryant Rd., Ludington. A free will offering will be collected.
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.
Fat Tire Biking Season
Riders can enjoy 450 acres of open sand dunes, elevation changes of 80-100 feet, access to Lake Michigan, and sunsets over the lake from the top of the dunes. For more info, visit michigan.gov. Silver Lake State Park- 8890 West Shore Dr., Mears.
Miss Ludington Area Scholarship Program
Women between the ages of 18-28 from Mason, Manistee, Oceana, and Lake counties compete and are judged based on-talent, evening wear, on-stage interview, and their social impact initiative pitch. The winner is qualified to enter the Miss Michigan Pageant, a precursor to the Miss America Pageant. Peterson Auditorium- 501 N. Washington Ave., Ludington.
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. Sandcastles Children’s Museum– 129 E. Ludington Ave., Ludington.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
New Year’s Eve in Pentwater
Event includes a small fireworks show with a fire pit. Near the Marina.
Downtown Ludington presents the annual Aglow on the Avenue Holiday Parade in conjunction with Small Business Saturday and more!
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.
Farm Markets & U-Pick farms offer locally grown and organic produce, flowers, plants, seeds, and more in West Michigan.
Current family-friendly events in West Michigan, great, fun, things to do for kids of all ages! Fun for the whole family!
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.
Ludington has many businesses to help you enjoy crafting and appreciate the finished product. Let them help you create your own masterpiece!
Manistee Michigan’s Victorian Sleighbell Parade and Old Christmas Weekend is held the first full weekend of December.
Arts & Crafts Shows and Bazaars during the fall/winter in West Michigan have handcrafted and specialty items for your Christmas gift giving.
The West Michigan area, with many small lakes and rivers to explore, is a popular location for paddle sports.
The Silver Lake State Park is 3,000 acres and is situated between Silver Lake and Lake Michigan, offering boating, fishing, swimming, & ORV.
West Michigan boasts numerous museums to learn about the area’s rich history and to expand knowledge through activities and exhibits.
Hop aboard the Lake Michigan S.S. Badger Carferry! Take the famous cruise across Lake Michigan and experience the Badger and all it has to do!
Agriculture plays a large role in the economics of Mason County. Take this self-guided tour to learn about agriculture in Mason County.
Winter in Manistee County includes great outdoor activities like skiing, snow shoeing, hiking, ice skating, and more.