Michigan’s BIG List of 30+ December Events & Festivals You Won’t Want to Miss
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December in Michigan brings a variety of holiday festivals, winter solstice celebrations, and some creative outdoor activities you won’t find during the peak summer season. From Metro Detroit to the far reaches of the Upper Peninsula, there’s something special for everyone in Michigan this December.
Let’s look at a few of the biggest events, longest traditions, and most unique stops to wrap up 2025 across The Mitten State.
Winter at the Station | Detroit
November 14 – December 28, 2025
This holiday season, Detroit’s Michigan Central will once again transform into a winter wonderland for the second annual Winter at The Station. The event is free and open to the public most days, with a few special ticketed programs sprinkled throughout the season. Whether you’re stopping by for a cup of coffee, catching a live show, or doing some holiday shopping, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo | Detroit
November 26, 2025 – January 4, 2026
A Metro Detroit holiday staple now in its 13th year, this event fills the zoo’s front grounds with more than five million LED lights and over 500 animal- and nature-themed displays. Expect immersive zones like an Enchanted Rainforest, a Field of Lights synchronized to music, and interactive features such as a Light Bright wall and a Wishing Tree that kids will love.
Tickets must be purchased online in advance for a specific date and time slot.
The Holidays at Meadow Brooke | Rochester
November 28 – December 30, 2025
This one feels like stepping into a holiday movie set. The historic mansion opens for its annual Holiday Walk, where more than fifty trees, lavish décor, and a giant real poinsettia display fill the halls. After dark, Winter Wonder Lights takes over with an outdoor trail of music, glowing installations, fire pits, and treats. Reservations are required for both experiences.
Home for the Holidays at Ford House | Grosse Pointe Shores
November 30 – December 21, 2025
This event invites guests to meander a one-mile outdoor trail across the beautifully lit grounds of Edsel & Eleanor Ford House in Grosse Pointe Shores, catch a peek inside the historic Main Residence all decked out for the season, and enjoy hot cocoa along the way. The walk includes varied terrain like pavement, wood chips, and gravel. Buy tickets ahead of time; this isn’t a walk-up attraction.
ENLIGHTEN at Meijer Gardens | Grand Rapids
November 24, 2025 – January 3, 2026
ENLIGHTEN at Meijer Gardens transforms the grounds into a radiant world of art, light, and imagination. Stroll glowing pathways, immerse yourself in interactive light installations, and experience sculptures reimagined through color, music, and motion.
Warm up in the Festive Beer Garden with cocoa, mulled wine, or local brews before exploring sensory experiences, glowing forests, laser-lit waterfalls, and playful light displays. It’s immersive, artistic, and unlike any holiday event in Michigan.
Aurora Winter Wizards | Commerce Township
November 21 – December 28, 2025
Step into a magical forest walk where every guest helps the Winter Wizards push back the holiday gloom. The illuminated trail, open Thursday to Sunday from late November through December, spans about a mile and lasts roughly an hour. You can even buy a wand to activate extra surprises along the path. Timed tickets are required in advance.
Holly Dickens Festival | Holly
November 29 – December 14, 2025
This long-running festival turns downtown Holly into a full Victorian scene with costumed characters, street performers, and carolers roaming the shops and sidewalks. Expect horse-drawn wagon rides, roasted chestnuts, a lively marketplace, and plenty of Dickens storytelling moments. The whole village feels like a set from A Christmas Carol, complete with impromptu performances and charming small-town holiday energy.
Midland Area Santa House | Midland
December 2 – 23, 2025
Head to Midland and step inside one of Michigan’s most charming Santa Houses. Throughout the month of December, you can visit Santa in his cozy storybook cottage on Main Street, with free admission, thanks to the Midland Area Community Foundation. After your visit, hop aboard the Northern Star Train for a free, twinkling ride through downtown’s holiday lights. Arrive early and soak up every bit of this magical North Pole-inspired experience.
The Christmas Barn | Williamston
December 1 – 23, 2025
Tucked inside a barn in Williamston, The Christmas Barn at Wamhoff Farms (3494 Burkley Road) is a privately owned holiday attraction overflowing with festive decorations. Created by Cheryl Gray Underwood and her creative crew, this walk-through experience feels like stepping into Christmas itself.
This free-to-visit, family-friendly attraction is well worth bundling up for. Santa even stops by on select nights, making this holiday display one you truly have to see in person.
A Very Bay Harbor Christmas | Bay Harbor
December 4-7, 2025
Bay Harbor Village is kicking off its first annual “A Very Bay Harbor Christmas,” a four-day celebration filled with lakeside holiday charm. Weekend highlights include a special vendor market, a playful 3K run Grinch-themed fundraiser, a Holiday Tree Fundraiser, and hands-on holiday crafts You can make a whole weekend of it with lodging specials, boutique shopping, live music, and Great Lakes Center for the Arts programming.
The Merry Mile Drive-Through Lights | Marshall
December 4-28 2025, Thursdays-Sundays
For festive views from the comfort of your own vehicle, the Merry Mile at the Calhoun County Fairgrounds offers a breathtaking drive-through light display featuring a full mile of sparkling scenes and whimsical holiday themes. It’s the perfect finale to a day spent shopping, dining, and exploring Marshall’s charming downtown.
Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village | Dearborn
December 4 – 28, 2025
At Greenfield Village (part of The Henry Ford), more than 80 acres light up with lantern-lit streets, carolers, and historic holiday traditions. Visitors can skate on the rink, ride in a Model T or horse-drawn wagon, watch artisans at work, and finish the night with fireworks. Advance tickets are required due to high demand.
deLIGHTfully Portland | Portland
December 5, 2025 – January 9, 2026 (select dates)
Make your holiday season unforgettable with deLIGHTfully Portland, a breathtaking light display in Portland’s Historic Downtown District. Three blocks of historic buildings burst to life with a dazzling 25-minute light production set to music, changing weekly to keep the experience fresh and exciting. Stroll through the glowing streets, grab a bite to eat, shop for unique gifts, and soak in the ambiance of a community brought together by vision and festive spirit.
Magic at the Mill at Windmill Island | Holland
December 5-20, 2025 (Fridays & Saturdays)
Windmill Island Gardens transforms into a twinkling Dutch wonderland during the first three weekends in December. Picture the historic DeZwaan windmill glowing under the night sky, thousands of LED tulips dancing to music, and Sinterklaas himself spreading cheer. With open shops, cozy treats, and plenty of holiday magic, this is the kind of festive night Holland does best – charming and family-friendly.
McLaren Port Huron Festival of Trees | Port Huron
December 5 & 6, 2025
This holiday-season highlight starts with a black-tie-optional gala on Friday evening at the Blue Water Convention Center in Port Huron. Live music, dinner, and fundraising form the backdrop for decorated “designer trees,” and proceeds support the hospital’s new K-9 security unit.
The next day (Saturday) is open to everyone. The same trees from the gala stay on display for the public to stroll through, plus you’ll find family-friendly extras like a Teddy Bear Hospital and holiday raffle tickets.
Candlelight Walk | Marshall
December 6 & 7, 2025
Experience Marshall’s historic charm during the annual Candlelight Walk, a guided holiday tour of five beautifully decorated historic homes. Tours begin with a festive reception at the Presbyterian Church on Mansion Street and include an escorted walking circuit with groups of about 30 guests. Visitors are encouraged to arrive 30 minutes early, dress for winter weather, and be prepared to remove shoes inside the homes. This beloved tradition runs in all conditions, offering a warm, nostalgic glimpse into Marshall’s holiday spirit.
Krampusnacht | Lansing
December 6, 2025
At this one-of-a-kind festival in Old Town Lansing, you’ll find a parade of folks dressed as the folklore creature Krampus, fire-dancing, spooky-themed vendors, live music, and even a children’s area early on (but things get a little darker as night falls). Costumes are encouraged, and the vibe is part holiday, part mischievous throwback to Alpine legend. It’s free and open to the public.
Festival of Trees | Cedarville
November 28, 29, 30, December 5, 6, 7
This charming fundraiser invites visitors into the museum in Cedarville, where Christmas trees, wreaths, and centerpieces are on display and up for a silent auction. Santa himself appears on opening night and again the following day, and guests can sip treats, vote on their favorite creations, and soak in lots of holiday décor.
Old Christmas Weekend | Manistee
December 4 – 7, 2025
This four-day holiday bash in early December brings vintage Victorian charm to downtown Manistee with horse-drawn sleighs, bagpipers, reindeer meet-ups, carolers dressed in period costumes, and draft horses hauling a massive 30-foot Christmas tree down River Street. During the weekend, you’ll also find craft bazaars, cookie crawls, carriage rides, evening live music, and plenty of small-town festive fun.
Christmas in the Village 2025 | Escanaba
December 5 & 6, 2025
This holiday event at the U.P. Steam & Gas Engine Association’s Antique Village in Escanaba invites families to stroll through historic buildings dressed up for the season, enjoy wagon rides, cookie and chestnut treats, live caroling in the chapel, and a cozy holiday shopping area. It’s a relaxed, festive outing with plenty of charm.
Jinglefest | Fenton
December 6, 2025
This full-day holiday celebration takes over Downtown Fenton with a mixture of high-spirited fun and community warmth. The day starts with Breakfast with Santa, then moves into free activities like horse-drawn wagon rides, ice-carving demonstrations, cookie-decorating stations, and a live nativity. Shopping local takes center stage with “Jingle, Mingle & Shop,” and the grand finale features a lighted parade, community tree lighting, and fireworks to close out the night.
Holidays at The Highlands | Harbor Springs
December 12, 2025 – January 5, 2026
The Highlands Resort turns into a holiday playground with twinkling lights, crafts, hot cocoa, bonfires, and gingerbread-house sessions. Families can decorate ornaments, write letters to Santa, and catch movie nights outdoors. Even ski blessing and hot-treat moments make an appearance. Timed and ticketed activities apply.
Downtown Petosky Holiday Parade | Petosky
December 13, 2025
Expect a festive one-hour morning march through downtown Petoskey featuring the award-winning Petoskey High School Steel Drum Band, creatively decorated floats, local non-profits, and Santa himself. Kids and families can grab hot chocolate or a take-out drink from nearby cafés while watching the parade route that winds through Lake Street, Mitchell Street, and ends near Pennsylvania Park. The mid-month event is free and perfect for a cozy community celebration.
Boyne Mountain Holiday Open House | Boyne Falls
December 12 – 14, 2025
This December, Boyne Mountain transforms into a festive playground with lights on the iconic SkyBridge, visits with Santa, bonfires with s’mores, holiday crafts, shopping specials, and even a Grinch-meetup. Dress up for “Santa Sunday” and ski for less while giving back to charity. Timed activities and lodging specials apply, so check ahead and reserve if you’re going.
Antique Snowmobile Bridge Crossing | St. Ignace
December 13, 2025
This annual tradition features a long line of vintage snowmobiles rumbling across the Mackinac Bridge in a slow, proud parade. Every sled is at least 25 years old and fitted with a wheel kit so it can make the five-mile trip safely. Riders cross from Mackinaw City into St. Ignace, where the celebration continues with meet-ups, photos, and awards. Spectators line both sides of the bridge approaches to watch the procession roll in.
Ski with Santa at Caberfae Peaks | Cadillac
December 20, 2025
Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind Santa experience at Caberfae Peaks on December 20, 2025. The magic starts the night before as you check in to the Mackenzie Lodge for a family fun night. Grab dinner at Beaties Bar & Grill or head straight for the outdoor heated pool and hot tub. Everyone will sleep great after a night of swimming under the stars and snowflakes.
Wake up for breakfast with Santa & watch your child’s eyes light up as they discuss their Christmas wish list. No lines, no expensive photo packages, just quality time with Mr. C over eggs and orange juice.
The magic continues after breakfast as Santa skis his way around Caberfae Peaks, chatting up kids on the chairlift and waving to all his fans. Santa is a great skier being from the North Pole and all. Even your BIG kids will have a blast skiing with the big guy!
Book your room today at Caberfae Peaks and count down the days til you make core memories with the family in Cadillac, Michigan.
*Breakfast with Santa is 8am – 10am and skiing follows.
– Contributed by Jessica Bassett from @mom_in_the_mitten
Light Up Baraga County | L’Anese
December 20, 2025
This winter celebration in downtown L’Anse brings together the community with a Christmas carnival, a visit from Santa, a festive parade of illuminated floats, open skating at Meadowbrook Arena, and a tree-lighting ceremony at Waterfront Park. It’s a family-friendly event designed to spark local holiday spirit and raise funds for student scholarships.
Winter Solstice Celebration at Cranbrook | Bloomfield Hills
December 20, 2025
Celebrate the season at Cranbrook’s Winter Solstice Celebration, where one ticket grants access to both the Cranbrook Institute of Science and the Cranbrook Art Museum. Guests can stroll between the two venues for a full day of hands-on activities, including lantern-making, creating suncatchers and seasonal ornaments, assembling winter feeders, exploring a Yule Log display, and enjoying solstice storytime. The Institute also offers live medieval music, family photo opportunities, and seasonal treats for purchase, all leading up to a lantern parade to welcome the return of light.
Winter Solstice at Belle Isle | Detroit
December 21, 2025
Celebrate the shortest day of the year at the Winter Solstice event at the Belle Isle Nature Center. This free, family-friendly celebration invites visitors to welcome the changing seasons with storytelling, guided walks, hands-on activities, a warming fire, and full access to the nature center. No registration is needed – just bundle up and enjoy a cozy winter afternoon on Belle Isle.
Fire & Seed Winter Solstice Community Celebration | Kaleva
December 21, 2025
Celebrate the longest night at this immersive winter solstice event in Kaleva. Expect Yule-style poetry readings, ethereal “tree-music” made from a giant sequoia’s vibrations, and a fire-spinning show under the stars. Browse vendor booths, sip mulled cider, and hop on workshops where you write what you’re releasing from the year and plant your intentions for the next. Advanced tickets are strongly recommended.
Lights at the Lake | Iron Mountain
November 27, 2025 – January 1, 2026
This free, drive-through display at Lake Antoine Park fills the shoreline with glowing campsites, decorated pavilions, and dozens of community-made light setups. It runs all season and is an easy add to any winter night since you never need a reservation. One highlight is the Open House night (Sunday, December 14), when volunteers greet visitors and hand out treats along the route.
CherryT Ball Drop | Traverse City
December 31, 2025
Head downtown to the intersection of Front Street and Cass Street, where the city’s own spin on a ball drop happens: a giant illuminated cherry drops at midnight. Gates open around 10:30 p.m., live music starts, and a DJ keeps the vibe until the countdown. Attendees are asked for a small donation at the gate, with all proceeds going to local charities.
New Year’s Eve Fest | Kalamazoo
December 31, 2025
Celebrated in downtown Kalamazoo at Bronson Park and nearby venues, this all-ages New Year’s Eve festival starts at 6 PM and goes until midnight. The lineup includes live bands, magicians, jugglers, comedy acts, and a huge variety of performances spread across indoor locations, a heated outdoor tent, and the outdoor stage. At midnight, there’s a ball drop and fireworks.
New Year’s Eve Ball Drop | Marquette
December 31, 2025
The celebration kicks off early for families around 6 p.m., then a full-scale block party takes over the 100 block of W. Washington Street from 10 p.m. until after midnight. Live DJs pump out music, the ball drops precisely at midnight, and downtown closes to traffic for the festivities. Free to attend, but arrive early for a good spot.
More Winter Fun in Michigan
Even after the holidays pass, there are still plenty of winter wonderland activities to explore. Check out our article about the Michigan Winter Festivals & Events. You can also do a deeper dive into Michigan’s Best Illuminated Winter Trails. Have a happy holiday season, and we’d love for you to share your photos of a Michigan winter festival or event!