Christmas Attractions & Holiday Events in Petoskey Michigan & Surrounding Area

Petoskey Michigan and the surrounding area are popular places to visit any time of year. But during the holidays, they really shine both literally and figuratively. Load the family into the car and head to this corner of Northern Michigan to partake in all the fun and family-friendly events that are happening.

Whether you want to shop, sing carols, watch a parade or enjoy light displays, you will find it all here all while supporting local businesses and artisans. 

Best Holiday Events in Petoskey Michigan

Petoskey Michigan makes a great winter destination – especially during the holidays! Whether you’re looking for a Michigan day trip destination or you want to experience the best hotels in Petoskey during a holiday getaway, there’s something for everyone when you visit Petoskey in the winter months!

Light Up The Night Holiday Parade Downtown

The parade begins at 10 a.m. on December 14. The parade includes floats, walkers, trucks, and Petoskey High School Marching Band, and Santa.

Coveyou Scenic Farm Pre Cut Trees

Choosing a Christmas tree is a family affair, especially at Coveyou Scenic Farm. Before or after you make the big decision, enjoy shopping in the Barn Market, which features Northern Michigan local artisan products. From birch baskets to preserves, sauces, and other delicious food items, this is a great way to support the local economy. 

Holiday Open House

This annual event takes place on the first Friday in December. The Christmas tree in Pennsylvania Park will be lit. Santa will put in an appearance to accept wish lists from the children. The Petoskey Steel Drum Band will entertain with holiday classics and local merchants will be open to welcome shoppers. 

Northern Michigan Chorale Holiday Concert

The Northern Michigan Chorale invites you to come and join them for two afternoons, Saturday and Sunday, of holiday music at the Great Lakes Center for the Arts. The Chorale is a local group of singers who range in age from teens to seniors.

Handmade Holiday Craft Show

The Saturday before Thanksgiving, the Emmet County Fairground Community Building hosts the Handmade Holiday Craft Show benefiting Brother Dan’s Food Pantry from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Handmade crafts will be offered by local vendors.

You can get in by providing a non-perishable food item or paying $2 to benefit the food bank. 

Best Holiday Events in Boyne City

Holly Jolly Boyne

Downtown Boyne City comes alive with holiday cheer the day after Thanksgiving. Come and enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of the holidays. Local businesses offer shopping, hospitality, and refreshments. And, join Santa in a parade to the Old City Park tree lighting.

Annual Holiday Hobby Craft Show

This craft fair and bazaar held at the Boyne City High School is always a popular event. It is held on the first Saturday of December. The hours are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and this event is a fundraising event for the Boyne City Booster Foundation. This is a large event with more than 100 vendors offering their goods. 

Sleigh Rides to the North Pole

A fundraising event offered by the Northern Michigan Equine Therapy. It takes place the first weekend of December. Take a horse-drawn sleigh to meet Santa and enjoy cookies, hot chocolate, and crafts at Santa’s workshop. You get to meet the therapy horses and the staff. You can enter the raffle for gift baskets. 

Best Holiday Events in Indian River Michigan

Christmas Craft Show

The day after Thanksgiving, the Indian River makes Black Friday a family affair with more than 150 vendors crowding Inland Lakes School. You can shop for unique handmade gifts offering everything from painted items to soaps and spices. You can spend a few hours looking at all the available goodies.

Christmas in Indian River

If you come to Indian River for the Christmas Craft Show, don’t rush off. Christmas in Indian River includes a parade, the town tree lighting, caroling, children’s games, hot chocolate, and soup. What festivity at this time of year would be complete without a visit from Santa? Not this one. 

Best Holiday Events in Bellaire Michigan

ACCC Christmas Concert

This special benefit concert takes place in the Bellaire Middle/High School. Join in the festivities and feel good about supporting the Susie Hutchings Music Scholarship given out to music students throughout Antrim County. This is a Christmas celebration in song and music by the Antrim County Community Choir. 

Holiday Gift Fair

This holiday gift fair is a yearly tradition for many locals. It takes place early in November at Bellaire Middle/High School. Over 60 local artisans get together to offer unique holiday gifts. Come and enjoy lunch from the food vendors, the hourly raffles, and get a head start on your holiday shopping. 

Annual Light Up the Night

This day of festivities begins at noon and continues into the evening. It is a family event that includes a soup cook-off and loads of activities for families and kids. A visit from Santa, a tree lighting, a parade of lights, community caroling, and a live nativity are just some of the planned activities. 

Best Holiday Events in Charlevoix

Charlevoix Michigan is a holiday destination for Michigan day trippers and weekend getaways alike. Whether you’re looking to shop until you drop or you’re looking for a holiday overnight at one of Charlevoix’s boutique hotels, you’re sure to enjoy your visit to this Lake Michigan town.

Santa’s Workshop

For two fun-filled days in December, youngsters of all ages can visit Castle Farms to meet Santa Claus himself and enjoy an afternoon of crafting, hot cocoa, and more. Kiddos can have their photos taken with St. Nick and will receive a special gift as well. Families can also enjoy a room filled with festive holiday decor to really get into the spirit of the season.

Space is limited and tickets for the event cost $30 per child (ticket also includes 2 adult admissions), so make sure to get your reservation done early.

Boss Family Christmas Display

This holiday lights display in Northern Michigan has been a local tradition since 1978.  The house is decorated to the nines and the displays delight adults and children alike. Santa and Mrs. Claus have been known to put in an appearance. This event is open to the public. 

Holiday Parade Tree Lighting Celebration

Black Friday is about more than just shopping in Charlevoix, but local downtown merchants will be giving discounts. Enjoy the live music, holiday parade, free children’s activities including pictures with Santa. It all wraps up in East Park with the tree lighting ceremony. 

Charlevoix Merchant Open House

The first Saturday of December, the merchants in downtown Charlevoix welcome visitors with special sales, entertainment, snacks, raffles, and refreshments. From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. you can find the perfect stocking stuffer or a must-have gift. The whole family will enjoy this event.  

Winter Gala

The magic of Castle Farm is on display on two enchanted evenings in December. Classic Christmas carols will serenade you, and you will enjoy a delightful meal and drinks. The evening begins at 6 p.m. and ends at 8 p.m. This would make a great date night during the hectic holiday season and is the perfect way to enjoy a fun night of holiday cheer.

Best Holiday Events in Harbor Springs

Harbor Springs is a fantastic city to visit all year. There are tons of things to do, places to eat, and lodging options to rest.

Market at the Museum

A collaboration of the Harbor Springs Farmers Market and Harbor Springs Historical Society brings residents two indoor holiday markets at the Harbor Springs Historical Museum. The first market is held on the Saturday before Thanksgiving and it’s a great way to do some early or last-minute artisan shopping or pick up some local foods. 

Christmas Tree Lighting

For more than 100 years, Christmas tree lighting and carol singing have been a tradition in Harbor Springs. It takes place the Saturday after Thanksgiving.  The day begins with kids enjoying a free matinee showing of “Elf” at the Lyric Theatre, followed by a visit from Santa. Cookies and cocoa will be available at the tree-lighting.  A chili dinner will be served at the Holy Childhood Parish Hall. 

Merchants Holiday Open House

The downtown merchants in Harbor Springs offer this fun-filled evening. Main Street is closed to traffic so shoppers can stroll between stores. Hot and cold refreshments are provided by the merchants and the Petoskey High School Steel Drum Band will entertain. This tradition takes place on a Saturday in December from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Best Holiday Event in Walloon Lake

Annual Village Lighting on Walloon Lake

The evening before Thanksgiving, the village of Walloon Lake welcomes visitors to their village lighting event. This free event is family-friendly and takes place inside and out. Live entertainment, live reindeer, and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus are part of the festivities.