Top 10 Things to Do in Michigan in December

December ushers in the holiday season in Michigan, and with any luck, the first snowflakes begin to fly through the skies too. Throughout the month, visitors and locals alike gather at festive events, enjoy unique experiences, and spend time outside enjoying their favorite winter activities.

These are 10 things to do in Michigan in December that are sure to lead to lasting memories…

Enjoy Holiday Tours of Historic Homes

History comes to life in Michigan during the month of December, as some of the state’s most famous historic homes are decorated for the holidays and available for tours: 

Edsel and Eleanor Ford House

Facing Lake St. Clair in Grosse Pointe Shores, the Edsel and Eleanor Ford House is one of the most elegant and stately manors in Michigan.

Throughout December, members of the public are invited to visit the grounds and Main Residence in order to enjoy the holiday season. The Main Residence is decorated according to the time period of the home, and the outside grounds are adorned in shimmering lights, making for a magical December evening in Michigan.

Learn more about Home for the Holidays at Ford House.

The Loren Andrus Octagon House

Located in Washington Township, this historic home sets itself apart due to its octagonal shape. During the holidays, the home is open for Victorian Christmas teas, giving visitors an opportunity to enjoy high tea and seasonal decor inside this unique property.

Meadow Brook Mansion

This grand estate in Rochester opens its doors each holiday season, allowing visitors of all ages the opportunity to enjoy an outdoor light show as well as an indoor tour of the mansion’s elegant Victorian Christmas decorations.

Considered to be one of the top holiday destinations in Michigan, this home is a must-see on your December home tour.

Learn more about the holidays at Meadow Brook Hall.

Skate Under the Glow of the Christmas Tree at Campus Martius

Known as Detroit’s gathering place, Campus Martius is a public square in the heart of downtown Detroit, and it’s the epicenter of all of the best December activities in the city.

The city’s official Christmas tree towers over the square with its thousands of glittering lights, and visitors of all ages can enjoy ice skating around the tree at the city’s outdoor ice rink. 

Not far from Campus Martius, you will find Cadillac Lodge, which has become a beloved Detroit destination throughout the holiday season. Cadillac Lodge is a collection of pop-up shops located inside igloo-style structures, giving guests an escape from the chill in the air as they sip hot cocoa, enjoy treats, and catch up with their favorite people in Motown.

Discover more holiday happenings in Metro Detroit.

Head to One of Michigan’s December Festivals

Festivals are not just a summertime tradition in Michigan. Some of the best festivals in the state take place in December. If you are heading to Michigan this December, you may want to time your visit around these spectacular festivals that take place throughout the state:

Holly Dickens Festival

You may be in the heart of Michigan when you arrive for the Holly Dickens Festival, but you will likely feel as if you have been transported to 19th-century London.

This festival celebrates all things Charles Dickens, bringing his famed novel A Christmas Carol to life through galas, performances, and more. The festival takes place over the course of three weeks in December and includes street performers, vendors, live music, and more.

Christmas in the Village

This old-fashioned Christmas festival in Escanaba is sure to delight the hearts of young and old alike. Taking place each year in early December, this festival includes a variety of events and activities, including Christmas carols, wagon rides, bonfires, and, of course, chestnuts roasting by an open fire.

Find a Frozen Waterfall

Michigan may be known for its startlingly cold winters, which can make many people look for indoor activities to enjoy during December. While it’s easy to get cozy during this snowy season, you would be remiss if you didn’t enjoy at least a few outdoor adventures during this pristine and peaceful time of the year.

In December, some of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula waterfalls may freeze over, leading to a magical sight that is impossible to believe without seeing it for yourself. You may be able to find a frozen waterfall in Michigan at the following locations:

• Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
• Agate Falls Scenic Site
• Scott Falls
• Manido Falls
• Nawadaha Falls

Speed Along on a Luge Track in Michigan

You don’t need to be an Olympian to experience the thrill of gliding along a luge track. At the Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park, you will find one of the most unique outdoor activities in the entire state.

The park is home to a genuine Olympic-style luge track — one that is designed with first-time enthusiasts in mind. It is one of only four luge tracks in the country, and the only one that is crafted from natural ice.

If you are going to try this for the first time, don’t worry, you will be provided with all of the equipment and instructions that you need before you begin your descent down this icy track.

Related: Visit the Upper Peninsula Luge Club & Try This Fast-Flying Winter Sport For Yourself 

Check Out a Holiday Lights Display

December is one of the darkest months of the year in Michigan because the sun rises late and sets early as winter settles in. Fortunately, throughout the state, you can find bright and shining holiday light displays that add a sense of warmth, comfort, and joy during the month of December. 

These are some of the best holiday light displays in Michigan:

• Wayne County Lightfest — This drive-through holiday light display is located in Hines Park in Wayne County, and is a favorite among those who prefer to enjoy the beauty of the sparkling lights from the warmth and comfort of their own vehicle.
• Wild Lights — This light display is located on the grounds of the Detroit Zoo, where visitors can come after hours in order to enjoy the animals and the brilliant sculptures and light displays.
• Aurora — Glenlore Trails in Commerce Township is home to a mystical and magical light show called Aurora. This walk-through trail has gained notoriety over the past several years and stands out as one of the top light displays in the state.
• Big, Bright Light Show in Rochester — Downtown Rochester is covered in lights, making this one of the most all-encompassing light displays in Michigan. Stroll the streets in order to see the shops in their colored glory, and enjoy shopping and dining in this festive Metro Detroit town.
• Christmas Lite Show — This Grand Rapids light show has become a beloved tradition among residents and locals alike. You can either drive through the show or enjoy a holiday train ride to see the lights, and there’s even a chance to meet Santa while you are there.

Enjoy a Country Christmas in the Village of Ashley

The Village of Ashley Country Christmas is one of the most inspiring December events in Michigan because it comes to life each year thanks to the hard work and dedication of community volunteers.

While this is the primary destination of the North Pole Express train, guests who didn’t get a ticket on the beloved train can still drive to Ashley to enjoy the festivities. There are crafts, carnival rides, food, and, of course, Santa, so it’s the perfect way to celebrate the season.

Splash in the Waves at an Indoor Water Park

Michigan may have miles of shoreline, but it’s not quite possible to enjoy swimming in the lakes in December. Fortunately, if you are looking to splash and play in the water, you can visit one of the many indoor water parks in Michigan.

Top indoor water parks in Michigan include Great Wolf Lodge in Traverse City and the Bavarian Blast Indoor Water Park in Frankenmuth. 

Hit the Slopes at a Michigan Ski Resort

December marks the start of the official ski season in Michigan. If you are looking to hit the slopes, then you may want to head to one of these Michigan ski resorts:

• Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville
• Bittersweet Ski Resort in Otsego
• Boyne Mountain Resort in Boyne Falls

Indulge in a Night of Igloo Dining

Popularized during the pandemic as a way to maintain social distancing while enjoying a meal out, igloo dining has become a mainstay in Michigan.

These charming igloos lead to an intimate and inviting private dining experience, with many restaurants adding portable heaters and decorating their igloos with charming decor. 

These are a few places where you can find igloo dining in Michigan in December:

• Deadwood Bar and Grill in Northville
• White Horse Inn in Metamora
• Lumen in Detroit
• Grand Traverse Resort in Traverse City

Begin Creating Your December Plans in Michigan Today

From the beginning of the month, until the New Year arrives, December is a busy and exciting month in Michigan. If you take the time to plan ahead, you will find that you can fit in as much festive fun as possible. Begin planning your December adventures in Michigan today!