Discover the Charm of the Holiday Season in Alpena Michigan
There are many Michigan Christmas towns to consider when planning a holiday getaway, but a trip to Alpena is sure to bring a dose of Christmas cheer, especially when you share it with loved ones!
Holiday Getaway in Alpena Itinerary Overview
Follow our itinerary for a fantastic weekend of holiday fun & Christmas shopping in Alpena…
- Snag a Scrumptious Breakfast at Connie’s Cafe
- Shop ‘Til You Drop in Downtown Alpena Boutique Stores
- Linger Over Lunch at The Nest
- Find Unique Gifts at a Local Craft Show
- Experience Wonder at the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center
- Savor a Delicious Dinner at Red Brick Tap & Barrel
- Enjoy a Late Night Drink at PIF Cider
- Sleep in Heavenly Peace at Big Bear Lodge
Special thanks to Visit Alpena for partnering with Awesome Mitten for the holiday season!
2026 Holiday Events in Alpena
Plan your stay around one of these special events to make the most of your holiday visit to Alpena.
Hemlock Hills Holiday Arts & Crafts Show: Canceled for 2026
Enjoy a sip and shop experience while supporting local crafters from 10 am – 3 pm. Located at the scenic Hemlock Hills on Mill Pond, a beautiful venue for weddings and other events, shoppers can also tour the historic grist mill during the craft show.
Wishing for Christmas Arts & Crafts Show: November 7-8, 2026
Hosted at the Aplex Event Complex, visitors can shop for handcrafted treasures from plenty of arts and crafts vendors and enter cash prize drawings. The Saturday event runs 9 am – 3 pm, while the Sunday event runs from 11 am – 3 pm.
A North Country Christmas Craft Show: November 21, 2026
Head to Resurrection Lutheran Church from 10 am – 4 pm for local vendors, concessions, and raffles. Plus, a special visit from Santa himself!
Bolenz Jewelry Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting: November 27, 2026
One of the most magical nights of the year! Watch the annual Holiday Parade and Downtown Alpena tree lighting in Culligan Plaza from 5:30 to 8:30 pm. It’s the perfect chance to see Santa too.
Small Business Saturday: November 28, 2026
Stroll through downtown Alpena and check out special sales events from local shops.
Santa Saves the Play at Alpena Civic Theatre: December 10-13, 2026
Head to the Alpena Civic Theatre to enjoy a children’s Christmas production of Santa Saves the Play, a festive one-act play about a student struggling to produce a school adaptation of A Christmas Carol.
New Year’s Eve at Thunder Bay Resort: December 31, 2026
Book a NYE weekend to remember at Thunder Bay Resort, which includes an Elk Viewing Carriage Ride, an 11-course gourmet dinner and wine tasting event, entertainment, and more.
Unique Holiday Shopping in Alpena
You can enjoy a unique small-town shopping experience while enjoying a holiday getaway in downtown Alpena, checking off names on your Christmas list as you locate the perfect gifts for each person. Here are a few of our favorite Alpena shopping destinations this holiday season.
Shop for a Cause at Re-Tails Boutique & Second Chance Resale Shoppe
Re-Tails Boutique is a quirky resale shop and boutique based inside the Huron Humane Society of Alpena, operated by shelter staff and volunteers as a year-round fundraiser for the animals it serves. Specializing in upcycled furniture, interesting home decor, Grounds & Hounds Coffee Company products, small-batch candles, fine toiletries, and unique accessories for both pets and people. Talented local artists provide much of Re-Tails merchandise, so you can purchase a quintessentially Northern Michigan gift for yourself or a loved one while supporting the Huron Humane Society.
Second Chance Resale Shop is located right in the Second Chance Animal Shelter building and is an upscale resale shop run by volunteers that specializes in upcycled furniture; fun home decor; pet collars/leashes/toys; and so much more! Featuring KONG toys for dogs & cats and Second Chance Coffee Co. by Olde Mill Coffee, this shop is sure to have the purr-fect gift for any occasion (or just for yourself!)
The Nostalgia Factory
The Nostalgia Factory is a one-stop shop for all things related to the 80s, 90s, and early 2000s. Specializing in vintage clothing and collectibles, this unique shopping experience in Alpena has that special something for the 30-year-old on your list who loves reliving their childhood memories!
Noise & Toys
If you like to listen to vinyl records or collect toys, Noise & Toys is the best place to go holiday shopping in Alpena Michigan for kids and kids at heart.
Owner “Retro” Steve Szucs loves music and pop culture, so he buys, sells, and trades new and used items — records, CDs, cassettes, 8 tracks, stereo equipment, DVDs, and toys.
Traveling Ladders
Located in the former Sepull’s Pharmacy — a landmark in Alpena since 1920 — Traveling Ladders is a unique shop, to say the least. Its most distinctive features are a tin ceiling and a wraparound balcony with a bird’s-eye view of downtown.
The ceiling-high drawers and shelves are full of antiques, such as old boxes and medicine bottles. You climb ladders to reach the high items. You can also find home accents, art, and gifts.
Colburn Outfitters
Whether you’re looking for active styles for him or her, Colburn Outfitters has you covered. This shop focuses on carrying meaningful, mindful, and modern fashion designs that move with you wherever you go. Clothing line examples include Prana, Lole, Toad & Co, Free Fly, and Sherpa Adventure Gear.
Colburn carries other product lines too, such as Klean Kanteen, Haiku Bags, Darn Tough Socks, Enewton Jewelry, Mantrabands, Life is Good, and Beekman 1802.
The Local Basket Case
To pick up some Michigan swag while holiday shopping in Alpena, head to The Local Basket Case. This local shop is proud to sell unique Michigan-made products for recipients who love their home state.
You can peruse apparel for men, women, and kids — including hats and women’s apparel with Alpena designs and inland lake apparel. Additionally, the store features candles, coffee mugs, glassware, stickers, and gifts.
Parallel 45 Books & Gifts
The owners of Parallel 45 Books & Gifts always dreamed of having their own business, and the opportunity presented itself in Oct. 2019. Since then, they’ve worked hard to get the latest books in their shop. You can even purchase jigsaw puzzles, Michigan-themed gifts, and other items here.
Recommended Restaurants in Alpena
Alpena is home to many wonderful restaurants and breweries… here are just a couple that we recommend adding to your holiday shopping spree getaway!
Connie’s Cafe
Just down the road in Ossineke, Connie’s Cafe is the best place to start your day of shopping fun in Alpena. Order your favorite breakfast dishes and fuel up with a hot cup of coffee before hitting the boutique shops. Make sure to order one of Connie’s gigantic cinnamon rolls.
The Nest
Linger over lunch at The Nest. Located at 628 W Chisholm, this spot offers an upscale dining experience with gourmet steak burgers, chicken, vegetarian, fish, and pork options.
Red Brick Tap & Barrel
Recently voted the Sunrise Side’s Best Overall Restaurant, dinner at the Red Brick Tap & Barrel is a must on your holiday shopping spree getaway itinerary! Gourmet burgers, salads, entrees, sides, and desserts are designed to please both your eyes and your palate.
Rusty’s Corks & Cocktails
Rusty’s Corks & Cocktails brings a cozy, living-room feel to downtown Alpena. Settle in with a handcrafted cocktail, a glass of wine from around the world, or a craft beer while enjoying charcuterie boards, flatbreads, and sandwiches. There’s even an indoor golf simulator upstairs if you’re up for a little friendly competition.
PIF Cider
Don’t miss drinks at this taproom on West Chisholm Street in Alpena! It’s the perfect place to end your day of shopping fun with a glass of hard cider and a plate of small bites.
More Small Town Holiday Fun in Northern Michigan
While you certainly can get all your Christmas shopping done in downtown Alpena, there’s more to enjoy during the holiday season in this northern Michigan small town!
Experience Wonder at the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center
During the season of awe and wonder, step inside the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center to explore the power of the Great Lakes. Visitors will appreciate the impressive exhibits on maritime history and shipwrecks and may even find a unique gift in the sanctuary store.
Reserve Hemlock Hills on Mill Pond for Special Events
If you are searching for a venue to host a special event near Alpena during this holiday season, look no further than Hemlock Hills on Mill Pond. This beautiful location boasts several reservable locations – The Mill House, The Cabin, and two Cottages – that are perfect for family holiday gatherings or weddings.
Sleep in Heavenly Peace at Big Bear Lodge
Big Bear Lodge’s newly renovated kitchenettes and cozy, comfortable accommodations make it a great place to unwind and make new friends. Each room at this welcoming mom & pop inn in Alpena overlooking Thunder Bay has a coffee maker, microwave, refrigerator, and cable TV.
Explore additional lodging options in Alpena.