Looking for fun over the holidays? Check out our full events list

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 10:53 a.m. Nov. 15

Grand Traverse County

• Traverse City West Craft Show (10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 16 at 5376 N. Long Lake Road in Traverse City) ― Come and explore a variety of local vendors and crafters from the area for unique holiday gifts.
• Santa’s Arrival with Tree Lighting & Light Parade (5:30 p.m. Nov. 23 at Cass & Front Streets) ― Join carolers to welcome Santa as he lights the tree, and enjoy the illuminated Light Parade, with Santa’s House opening after the parade for visits with kiddos. Presented by the Downtown Traverse City Association and National Cherry Festival and sponsored by Molon Asphalt & Excavating and K-Wall.
• 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.
• Black Friday & Small Business Saturday (Nov. 29-30 in downtown Traverse City) ― These shopping days offer a unique chance to support local businesses and discover special deals, bringing holiday spirit to every purchase. Deals will be listed online.
• Ladies Night (5-9 p.m. Dec. 5 in downtown Traverse City) ― Gather your friends for a festive night of downtown shopping, treats and holiday surprises.
• Men’s Night (5-9 p.m. Dec. 12 in downtown Traverse City ) ― Enjoy a spirited night out downtown with exclusive deals and holiday vibes, making gift shopping a fun and festive experience.
• 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.
• Santa & Sleigh Bells at Ranch Rudolf (noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 14-15 at 6841 Brown Bridge Road in Traverse City) ― Ranch Rudolph invites the whole family to enjoy an afternoon of Christmas Cheer. Santa will be visiting the lodge where the room will be decorated and the circular fireplace will be aglow. Children are encouraged to bring their letters for Santa, and parents should have cameras on hand to capture the magic. The ranch’s horses, Beau and Knox, will proudly wear their Christmas bells as they take attendees on an approximately 35-minute winter hayride- bundle up to enjoy this authentic experience and warm up by the fire upon your return. Enjoy a hot chocolate and dessert station following the ride with sweets and treats to please all ages. This event is reservation only, walk-ins are not permitted on event dates. Purchase tickets by calling 231-947-9529.
• Traverse City Track Club Jingle Bell Run (5:40 p.m. Dec. 22 at the Park Place Hotel, 300 E State St. in Traverse City) ―A non-timed 5k run/walk, followed by complimentary cookies and hot cocoa, holiday cheer and social time. The event, free to current TCTC members, is a reunion to welcome family and friends over the holiday season and enjoy the downtown Traverse City running scene in the winter season. To sign up, click here.
• 3rd Annual Kingsley Holiday Craft Show (9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dec. 14 at Kingsley High School, 7475 Kingsley Road) ― Join for all your holiday shopping needs with gifts available for purchase from many different makers, artisans and vendors. This year will also include a Kids Korner, full of kid crafters and entrepreneurs.
• Grand Traverse Resort Shop & Sip (Nov. 23 at 100 Grand Traverse Village Blvd. in Acme) ― A carefully curated marketplace event showcasing an extensive array of unique, handcrafted goods from exquisite home decor and fashion-forward accessories to mouthwatering gourmet treats and one-of-a-kind artworks, all crafted by the talented Michigan artisans. Reserve tickets at MyNorth.com.

Antrim County

• Thanksgiving Pony Tail Pals at Circle M Acres (4-5:30 p.m. Nov. 27 at 11247 Atwood Road in Ellsworth) ― Introduce your young children to ponies and horses at this interactive event. $25 cost, reservations encouraged.
• Elk Rapids Downtown Tree Lighting (6 p.m. Nov. 29 in the Elk Rapids Village) ― Kick off the holiday season with an evening of magic and cheer in the heart of downtown Elk Rapids and join for a night filled with the warmth of community spirit, Christmas caroling and festive surprises. Santa Claus will arrive on his sleigh, joined by the Miss Elk Rapids Court bringing a sparkle to young and old alike.
• Elk Rapids Ethanology Winter Market (1-10 p.m. Nov. 16 at 127 Ames St., Old St. in Elk Rapids) ― The event features local purveyors of fine goods, gifts and collectibles at the distillery from 1-6 p.m. and live music from 7-10 p.m. Chestnut Haven & Lavender Lakes will be roasting and serving chestnuts outdoors from 1-6 p.m.

Emmet County

• 4 Seasons 4th Craft & Vendor Show (9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 16 at VFW Post 2051, W. Conway Road, Harbor Springs) ― Over 30 vendors with unique one-of-a-kind items, visits with Santa from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Entry fee is a goodwill donation to help a local family.
• The Enchanted Trail (various dates beginning 5-8 p.m. Dec. 7 through Feb. 22 at 600 Highland Drive in Harbor Springs) ― The Enchanted Trail experience will be quaint, with limited spots available in each 20-minute time slot. When purchasing tickets, attendees will have the opportunity to select a start time. Includes hot cocoa and s’mores at the Woodlands Yurt, with adult beverages available at a cash bar. To purchase tickets, click here.
• Holiday Concert: Jazz at the Charlevoix Library (6:30 p.m. Dec. 10 at 220 Clinton St. in the community room) ― An evening of holiday favorites with Andy Evans on bass, Jon Lindeneau on drums, Bill Sears on sax, and Steve Stargardt on keys! No registration is required.
• Holiday Concert: Petoskey Madrigal Singers at Charlevoix Library (6:30 p.m. Dec. 17 at 220 Clinton St. in the community room) ― A special holiday concert with the Petoskey High School Madrigal Singers. The group will be singing holiday crowd favorites in costume. Come early and shop at the library’s Youth Craft Market featuring youth makers, creators and artisans selling handmade goodies from 5-6:15 p.m. No registration is required.

Kalkaska County

• 8th Annual Christmas in Kalkaska Holiday Craft Show (10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 7 at Kalkaska Middle School at 1700 W. Kalkaska Road) ― The gym, lobby, and hall will be filled with unique holiday gift-giving and home-decorating items. Come prepared to shop ‘til you drop. Proceeds from the show are used to support Christmas in Kalkaska initiatives including candy canes for Santa to pass out, signs, banners, printing, advertising, insurance and much more.

Cheboygan County

• Twice is Nice Annual Fall Tea Party (1-4 p.m. Nov. 16 at 227 Main St. in Cheboygan) ― Fundraiser will feature an exclusive Live Auction with items up for grabs. Bids will support the restoration house and provide resources for survivors of human trafficking and domestic violence.

Leelanau County

• Old Art Building Holiday Market (4-8 p.m. Nov. 29, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 30 at 111 S. Main Street in Leland) ― Peruse beautiful artisan items from artists throughout Michigan while experiencing the magic of the OAB at holiday time.
• The Bay Interlochen Jazz performance (shows at 1 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Dec. 7 at 214 N St Joseph St. in Suttons Bay) ― The Interlochen Arts Academy Jazz Orchestra is getting the holiday season into swing with a colorful performance of Duke Ellington’s “The Nutcracker Suite.” Enjoy an evening of playful takes on Nutcracker favorites such as “Toot Toot Tootie Toot” (Dance of the Reed Pipes), “Danse of the Floreadores” (Waltz of the Flowers), and “Peanut Brittle Brigade” (March).
• The Bay Holiday Magic concert with Miriam Pico and David Chown (7 p.m. Dec. 14 at 214 N St Joseph St. in Suttons Bay) ― Celebrate the season and enjoy some of your favorite holiday classics with a spectacular music ensemble. Pico and Chown have been dazzling audiences together since 2007.

Benzie County

• Christmas in the Village of Lake Ann (5 p.m. Nov 30 at Almira Township Hall, 7276 Ole White Drive) ― Join for an evening filled with festive cheer starting with holiday crafts, followed by joyful caroling and a cozy small-town parade leading Santa to his grand arrival. Delight in the annual tree lighting ceremony in the park where the glow of lights will set the perfect holiday atmosphere. Afterward, bring the kids to visit Santa in the town hall for cherished moments and holiday wishes. For the full events schedule, click here.
• Bee Merry Weekend at St. Ambrose Cellars (6 p.m. Dec 6-8 at 841 S Pioneer Road in Beulah) ― Features live music by Billy & the Kid on Dec. 6 at 5 p.m. Then, bring the family on Saturday for holiday cheer with kids’ crafts and a visit from Santa Claus. The weekend will wrap up with an evening performance by John Piatek at 5 p.m. On Dec. 8, and at 4 p.m. experience The Haunting of Ebenezer, an acoustic concert retelling of Dickens’ classic A Christmas Carol. Sixteen original Americana songs guide listeners through Scrooge’s journey from ghostly visitations to joyful transformation.

Manistee County

• The Lakeside Club’s Festival of Trees and Holiday Decor (Dec. 6-8 at Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple St. in Manistee) ― This family-friendly event is a popular highlight of the Victorian Sleighbell Parade and Old Christmas Weekend and raises critical funds for community nonprofits and scholarships. Jingle Bell Karaoke is a new activity that will be held during the Festival of Trees from 7-9 p.m. Dec. 6. The Festival of Trees and Holiday Décor event provides an opportunity to view and bid on beautifully decorated, one-of-a-kind holiday trees and décor through a silent auction ending at 8 p.m. Dec. 8.
• Manistee Victorian Sleighbell Parade (5:30 p.m. Dec 12 in downtown Manistee) ― Step back in time to one of Michigan’s most unique holiday parades. With horse-drawn carriages, bagpipers and carolers elegantly dressed in Victorian attire, historic River Street in Downtown Manistee is transformed into the late 1800s. The highlights of the parade are draft horses pulling a 30-foot Christmas tree down River Street followed by a beautiful display of luminaries, caroling and the lighting of the tree.

Charlevoix County

• Holiday Angels drag benefit show (10:30 a.m. Nov. 16 at The Boathouse On Lake Charlevoix, 204 Water St. in East Jordan) ― A benefit show supporting The Paper Angel Project with Child & Family Services of Northwestern Michigan featuring performers Deja Vaton, KoKo, Mercedes BenzOver, Aliya Holmes, Sydney Chablis and Manny Quinn.
• Holiday Doe Camp at Royal Farms Inc. (11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov 15-16 at 10445 N US Highway 31 in Ellsworth) ― The event offers shopping and holiday gift-giving ideas and free “Doe Tag” making (Holiday gift tags).
• Kiwanis 14th Annual Turkey Trot (9 a.m. Nov. 28 at Veteran’s Park, 207 N. Lake St. in Boyne City) ― The Turkey Trot is a 5K run/walk that welcomes participants of all ages and fitness levels. Proceeds from the event will support local youth programs and community initiatives. Participants are encouraged to come dressed in their best Thanksgiving-themed attire, think turkey hats, pumpkin costumes and fall colors. Awards will be given to the top three finishers in 10-year age groups.

Wexford County

• Toy Trot 5k (9 a.m. Nov. 16 at Toy Town Cadillac, 102 122 S Mitchell St.) ― Toy Town of Cadillac will once again partner with the Salvation Army of Cadillac to host the annual Toy Trot 5k. This event will raise money for Toys for Tots of Wexford and Missaukee counties. This year will be the thirteenth year of the event. Over the past twelve years, with the help of community partners, the event has been able to give over $70,000 worth of toys to families in need during the holidays. to register for the event, click here.
• Cadillac Christmas in the Park (5:30 p.m. Nov. 29 at Cadillac City Park) ― Join at the Cadillac Commons for this year’s annual Christmas in the Park including a tree lighting, carols, hot chocolate, Primos BBQ, picture opportunities with Santa and Mrs. Claus and more. Returning this year, the Holiday LED light Drone Show starts at 6:15 p.m. above the commons skyline courtesy of Starlight Aerial Productions/ Great Lakes Drone Company.
• Cadillac Holiday Market (2-6 p.m. Nov. 30 at the Cadillac Farmer’s Market) ― Get some holiday shopping done while enjoying some real southern BBQ.
• Annual Christmas Sale (9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Dec. 6 at 9052 E. 13th St. in Cadillac) ― All products and jewelry are going to be 20% off, with snacks and refreshments available all day long. There will also be multiple giveaways available to sign up for.
• WRAP IT UP Last Chance Christmas Shopping Event (noon to 4 p.m. Dec. 22 in downtown Cadillac) ― Don’t miss out on the ultimate holiday shopping event whether you’re hunting for the perfect gift or stocking up on festive essentials, downtown Cadillac’s got everything you need for last-minute purchases.

Crawford County

• 2nd Annual Vendor Craft Show (10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 23 at The Days Inn, 2556 Business Loop S. in Grayling) ― A full range of vendors will offer unique gifts for the holiday season, a 2:30 p.m. raffle drawing and more. Craft show proceeds will go toward supporting Ausable Valley Animal Shelter. $1 or any pet supply donation will grant entry.
• Annual Christmas Walk (11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Nov. 16 in downtown Grayling) ― Join for festivities including a chance to see Santa in his workshop, Santa’s reindeer, a light parade, store specials, raffle prizes and more.
• Winter Train/Dept. 56 Christmas Village Show (noon to 4 p.m. Nov. 17 at 1629 Industrial Drive off of M-72 just past I-75 overpass on the left) - A fundraiser for the local Grayling Boy Scout Troup featuring a large Christmas Village collection display.

Mason County

• Lakeshore Food Club’s Inaugural Turkey Drop (10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Nov. 14 at 5511 US-10 in Ludington) ― This one-day event hosted by Safe Harbor Credit Union invites the community to take action against food insecurity by donating frozen turkeys, which will help ensure families and individuals in Mason County and surrounding areas can enjoy a nourishing holiday meal this season.

Missaukee County

• Holiday Craft Market (9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 16 at Lake City Elementary 5534 W Davis Road in Lake City) ― Attendees can explore local arts and crafts to get holiday shopping done early with the help of various local artisans and business owners. On Broadway Street between Main & Franklin Streets, community/non-profit organizations selling holiday/seasonal fundraisers are invited to participate. The fee is $10 for businesses interested in being a vendor.
• Light Up Lake City (noon Dec. 7 at 112 E. John St. in Lake City) ― Join for a family fun day starting at noon with free activities at our local businesses followed by a parade and lighting of the tree ceremony with Santa in the city part at 7 p.m.

Isabella County

• Mount Pleasant Annual Christmas Celebration (5-8 p.m. Dec. 6 in downtown Mount Pleasant) ― Festivities will include Community Christmas Performances, Candy Cane Lane children’s carnival games, visits with Santa, the Winter Market, artisans, specialty crafts and food vendors. For more information on how to become a vendor, click here.

Mackinac County

• Community Concert featuring folk duo Imaginary Expedition (5 p.m. Nov. 26 at 110 W. Spruce St. in St. Ignace ) ― An hour of original, acoustic folk music will be presented by Boston-and-Toronto-based folk duo Imaginary Expedition. Admission is free. This Thanksgiving-week concert is being held in support of the St. Ignace Food Pantry. Donations of canned or packaged food are encouraged.

Do you have an event to add to our list? Email us your event information.