Miss Ludington Area Scholarship Program
The Miss Ludington Area Scholarship Program is typically held each September and is a precursor to the Miss Michigan program.
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The lakeshore communities of West Michigan do a fantastic job of hosting events and activities that include the whole family. There’s so much happening that is geared specifically toward kids and families as a whole, and that’s part of what makes being here so amazing!
Every season in West Michigan has it’s unique, fun things to do for kids of all ages- from babies up to the “young at heart”. Indoors or outdoors, no matter the time of year, there’s always something great going on along the lakeshore for families to experience together!
In addition to the following list, check out all the special events and programs provided by Sandcastles Children’s Museum and the Ludington and Scottville branches of the Mason County District Libraries.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Breakfast with Santa
At The Jolly Plate- 2516 N. US-31, Scottville.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Pentwater’s Christmas in the Village
Various locations in Pentwater.
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-.
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.
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.
The Miss Ludington Area Scholarship Program is typically held each September and is a precursor to the Miss Michigan program.
The communities along Lake Michigan are blessed with talented actors and musicians that entertain us throughout the year.
The Ludington Area Festival of Lights is a dazzling drive-thru light display that runs from Thanksgiving until the last weekend of December.
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.
Farm Markets & U-Pick farms offer locally grown and organic produce, flowers, plants, seeds, and more in West Michigan.
Pentwater’s Christmas in the Village, held throughout the month of December, has carriage rides, shopping, craft fair, and more.
Come see thousands upon thousands of Christmas lights set up in nearly 50 holiday displays at Hopkins Park in Bear Lake.
Ludington has many businesses to help you enjoy crafting and appreciate the finished product. Let them help you create your own masterpiece!
Find all the places where the kids can visit and have pictures taken with Santa in Ludington, Scottville, Manistee, Oceana County, and more.
Pere Marquette River, with it’s moderately fast current and clear water, is an extremely popular river for canoeists and kayakers.
West Michigan is home to numerous artists with so many different talents. Groovy music, vivid paintings, gorgeous photography, and more!
Dune Rides in your ATV or ORV are popular at Silver Lake Sand Dunes in Michigan, but many rules and regulations apply.
West Michigan is home to wineries galore! Enjoy a wine tasting tour and sample award winning wines.
Along the Lake Michigan shoreline between Ludington and Manistee, you’ll find natural splendor- the Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness area.
The Manistee Riverwalk follows the Manistee River from Jones Street, under the US-31 bridge, behind downtown, and ends at First Street beach.