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Christmas & Holiday Activities Up North

November-December 2024

Shopping

The holiday season in Northern Michigan begins Thanksgiving weekend. Unlike the big cities where Black Friday is a mad rush of people, the Christmas shopping season kicks off here with Christmas tree lightings, decorated stores, a holiday parade, merchant open houses, and smiles from shoppers and storekeepers. Shop local? Absolutely!

Christmas shopping in Northern Michigan is the way shopping is supposed to be. Friendly and knowledgeable shopkeepers can help you fulfill your gift list in a fun and enjoyable setting. Plan a weekend Christmas shopping get away to Northern Michigan and meander through Petoskey, Harbor Springs, Charlevoix, Boyne City, Mackinaw City, or Indian River.

Things to Do

Did we mention snow? Our ski resorts generally open on Thanksgiving weekend and skiers can’t wait to get fresh wax on the skis and hit the slopes.

Northern Michigan has three of the country’s best ski resorts right here so spend a day at each to them: Nub’s Nob, Boyne Highlands, and Boyne Mountain. Check the daily ski conditions and look at the webcams for a current look at action on the hills.

Northern Michigan has  a great line up of fabulous places to explore while cross country skiing and snowshoeing with choices near Harbor Springs, Petoskey, Boyne City, and Charlevoix. And with ice rinks and sledding hills in every community, skating and sledding is great way to spend the holidays Up North.

For those who enjoy snowmobiling, you’re in luck Up North. Trails, trails, trails! Bundle up and hit the snowmobile trails for a great time for the entire family.

Here's the most updated schedule for 2024:

November 2024

  • Saturday, November 29th, 2024 from 5-9pm – Holly Jolly Boyne- Boyne City parade (at 6pm), open house, and tree lighting
  • TBA – Walloon Lake Village Lighting
  • TBA – Christmas in Indian River including a craft show, parade, and tree lighting with Santa
  • TBA – Charlevoix Merchant Open House, Holiday Parade, & Tree Lighting 
  • TBA – Harbor Springs Tree Lighting

December 2024

  • TBA – Mackinac Island Christmas Tree Lighting and caroling. Downtown Mackinac Island.
  • TBA – Petoskey Open House, Holiday Parade, and Tree Lighting
  • TBA – Christmas in Mackinaw City, visit mackinaw-city.com for more info
  • TBA – Harbor Springs Merchants Holiday Open House
  • TBA – Sleigh Rides to “the North Pole” at Northern Michigan Equine Therapy- 5025 Church St., Boyne City
  • TBA – Colonial Christmas at Fort Michilimackinac
  • TBA – Alanson Community Open House
  • TBA – New Year’s Eve Celebration at Crooked Tree Art Center

Stay tuned for updated information on Christmas and holiday activities in Northern Michigan for 2024!

What's going on now in Northern Michigan?

Discover Northern Michigan Events throughout the year!

Indian River Summerfest

Indian River Summerfest

Indian River celebrates summer in Northern Michigan with SummerFest, an event with five days of family fun.

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Activities & Attractions in Northern Michigan

Cheboygan Opera House

Cheboygan Opera House

The elegantly restored Cheboygan Opera House is an acoustically superb, Victorian theatre that presents entertainment of many genres.

Charlevoix Circle of Arts

The Charlevoix Circle of Arts is a vibrant, cultural center in downtown Charlevoix that presents six major visual exhibits annually.

Northern Michigan Arts Scene

West Michigan is home to numerous artists with so many different talents. Groovy music, vivid paintings, gorgeous photography, and more!

Beaver Island

Beaver Island Up North

Beaver Island is located 32 miles offshore of Charlevoix, Michigan and is the largest island in Lake Michigan.

Downtown Mackinac Island

Get off the ferry from Mackinaw City or St. Ignace to Mackinac Island and the first thing you’ll see is the historic downtown area.

M-119 Tunnel of Trees

Take a beautiful color tour as you travel under a tunnel of colorful trees along M-119 from Harbor Springs to Cross Village.