Explore our picks of fun-filled events this holiday season for all your shopping opportunities, gift ideas, Santa meet-and-greets, tree lightings and more.
Updated 12:49 p.m. Dec. 10
Grand Traverse County
- Santa’s House (Nov. 23-Dec. 24 at Cass & State Streets) ― Families can create treasured memories visiting Santa at his cozy downtown house, where holiday wonder comes to life. Attendees can drop off letters to Santa in the mailbox or with Santa himself. The full schedule can be found at downtowntc.com.
- Hammond and Five Mile Christmas Lights Show (6-11 p.m. Nov. 29 through Dec. 28 at 3230 E. Hammond Road) ― Pull onto the shoulder of the road, turn your headlights off, turn your radio to 99.5 FM and watch the Christmas lights dance to the music. Please be kind to others watching the show, if someone pulls out in front of you please pull ahead.
- Northern Michigan Railroad Club Festival of Trains (Dec. 21-31 at Creekside Community Church, 3686 W South Airport Road) ― Nothing says the holidays like the fun and excitement of a working model train. Bring the whole family to enjoy this opportunity to see some of the best of them. Open daily 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. excluding Christmas and New Year’s Eve when hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed Christmas Day and on Sundays.
Manistee County
- 20th annual Sparkle in the Park (now through Dec. 31 at Hopkins Park in Bear Lake (just north of Manistee off US 31) ― Lighted holiday displays from area businesses light up Hopkins Park. Cost is free.
Do you have an event to add to our list? Email us your event information.