Photo by Dea Andreea on Unsplash.com
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.
Lighting Up the Christmas Holiday
Free event featuring traditional Finnish ornaments, decorations, toys, candles, and Christmas tree. Bottle House Museum- 14551 Wuoski St., Kaleva.
Pentwater’s Christmas in the Village
Various locations in Pentwater.
Victorian Sleighbell Parade & Old Christmas Weekend
Downtown Manistee.
Letters to Santa
Drop off your letters to Santa in a magical mail box that delivers straight to the North Pole! Be sure to drop them off by December 15th to make sure you are able to hear back from Santa before his BIG day. Manistee County Library- 95 Maple St., Manistee.
Deck the Halls: A Mason County Decorating Contest
Mason County residents may enter the Ludington & Scottville Chamber’s holiday decorating contest. Get in the Christmas spirit, deck your halls and enter for a chance to win cash prizes! Find rules, entry form, and digital map at ludington.org/deckthehalls.
Photos with Santa
Lake-Osceola State Bank- 790 Michigan Ave., Baldwin.
Christmas Parade
Begins at U.S. Forest Service Building- 650 Michigan Ave. then north to the courthouse. Christmas tree lighting and community caroling follow at the Brown Trout Sculpture Park- E. M-37.
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 Church, 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.
Outdoor Live Nativity
Chili, hot chocolate, and warming fire. St Ann Catholic Church- 1001 Michigan Ave., Baldwin.
A WSCC Holiday Rock Spectacular Reunion
8pm on the 3rd and 2pm on the 4th. Presented by the West Shore Community College Performing Arts Series and the Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts. Ramsdell Theatre- 101 Maple St., Manistee. Purchase tickets at westshore.edu.
West Shore Community College Wind Symphony & Drumline
Performance at the Manistee High School Auditorium- 525 12th St., Manistee. Purchase tickets at westshore.edu.
West Shore Community College Concert Choir
Performance at the West Shore Community College Center Stage Theatre- 3000 N. Stiles Rd., Scottville. Purchase tickets at westshore.edu.
West Shore Community College Jazz Ensemble I & II
Performance at the West Shore Community College Center Stage Theatre- 3000 N. Stiles Rd., Scottville. Purchase tickets at westshore.edu.
Christmas in the Village
Explore Christmas traditions of the past and present with fun activities like letter writing to Santa, crafts, demonstrations, and more. Cost is $12 for Adults, $10 for Seniors, $8 for Children ages 3-13, and free for Children under age 3. Historic White Pine Village– 1687 S. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington.
Christmas Party at Sandcastles Children’s Museum
Mr. and Mrs. Claus will make a special stop from 10:30am-12pm with John Marek and his Balloon Creations. Deb Borema at the Creation Station will demonstrate and help you make Funny Sweater Ornaments from 12-1:30pm. Refreshments will also be provided. Regular admission rates apply. Visit sandcastleschildrensmuseum.com for more information.
Breakfast with Santa
At The Jolly Plate- 2516 N. US-31, Scottville.
Pictures with Santa
Kids and pets are invited to have their photo taken with Santa. Bring your own camera. Cost is a $5 minimum donation and will benefit Habitat for Humanity of Mason County. The event will be held at the Habitat Restore- 1916 W. US-10, Scottville.
Santa Social
Free event with photos with Santa, activities, hot cocoa, and cookies. Scottville Library– 204 E. State St., Scottville.
Floracraft’s Annual Santa’s Workshop
This free event includes crafting, games, snacks, gifts, a walk through our Winter Wonderland, and more. There will also be photos with Santa Claus and story time with Mrs. Claus. For more information, visit facebook.com. Floracraft- 1 Longfellow Place, Ludington.
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
Visit with Santa, Ugly-Sweater crafts, cookie decorating, and balloon animals. Regular admission rates apply. Sandcastles Children’s Museum– 129 E. Ludington Ave., Ludington.
Santa Visits the Brewery
Free and open to all ages. Ludington Bay Brewing Co.- 515 S. James St., Ludington.
Santa Social
Free event with photos with Santa, activities, hot cocoa, and cookies. Ludington Library– 217 E. Ludington Ave., Ludington.
The Story of the Nutcracker Ballet
Enjoy a magical experience at Sandcastles Children’s Museum as the story of the Nutcracker is told through live-action scenes and dance performed by Tye Chua Dance. Cost is $10 for non-members and $8 for members and can be purchased by calling (231) 233-9326. Refreshments will be served after the show. Sandcastles Children’s Museum– 129 E. Ludington Ave., Ludington.
Children’s Christmas Party
Children age 12 and younger are invited to this free event where they’ll receive gifts from Santa and have cookies and punch. Sign up at Fountain Market- 4931 N. Cleveland St., Fountain. The event will be held at the Citizen’s Sportsmen’s Club of Fountain- 5586 E. Fountain Rd., Fountain.
Christmas Party
Fun for all ages including live music by Steve Chapel, 50/50 drawings, Cookie Decorating & Ugly Sweater Contests, BYOB, free refreshments. Admission is free for kids and $11 for adults with proceeds benefiting the Pentwater VFW and Miss Sawyer’s Stockings.
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 available soon. Sandcastles Children’s Museum– 129 E. Ludington Ave., Ludington.
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.
The communities along Lake Michigan are blessed with talented actors and musicians that entertain us throughout the year.
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.
Come see thousands upon thousands of Christmas lights set up in nearly 50 holiday displays at Hopkins Park in Bear Lake.
Is your business located in West Michigan? If so, let us help you spread the word. Contact us today to learn more about advertising opportunities with WestMichiganGuides.com…and thank you!
