Explore our picks of fun-filled events this holiday season.
Updated Dec. 27
Grand Traverse County
- New Year’s Eve CherryT Ball Drop (Dec. 31): The annual cherry drop at midnight will again take place in Traverse City. Presented by the National Cherry Festival, the CherryT Ball Drop is at Cass and Front streets from around 10 p.m. till 12:20 a.m. More info here.
- 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.
Crawford County
- New Year’s Eve Canoe Drop (Dec. 31): The Grayling Downtown Development Authority is hosting the first-ever Canoe Drop as the clock ticks down to 2025. The event takes place in front of the county building around 11:45 p.m. In addition to the Canoe Drop, there is a special ticketed event. More info here.
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.