Get in the holiday spirit at these Christmas events in Northern Michigan.

​The Nutcracker | November 23 & 24

The Northwest Michigan Ballet Theatre presents The Nutcracker for three performances at Traverse City’s Milliken Auditorium. With beautiful choreography by Thomas Morrell, stunning costumes by Donna Hood and breathtaking set design by Amber Harker, you won’t want to miss this holiday classic!

Irish Christmas in America | December 1

Celebrating its 15th year, this hugely popular holiday show is a fascinating performance of music, song, dance and stories. The family-friendly event at Traverse City’s Milliken Auditorium will feature lively instrumental tunes on fiddle, flute, uilleann pipes and harp, along with thrilling Irish old-style dancing from Samantha Harvey. Evocative photographic images provide a backdrop of some of Ireland’s rich historical traditions.

A Holiday Cabaret | December 2–4

This yuletide take on Old Town Playhouse’s popular Broadway Showstoppers will feature songs from the season in a fun, dance-filled musical revue. Presented in the intimate Mary Schmuckal Theatre in the lower level of the Playhouse, A Holiday Cabaret will fill you with the joy of the season.

Annual Holiday Home Tour | December 7

Visit four homes decorated in the finest fashions of Christmas! The Cadillac Garden Club has sponsored this premier event for the past 18 years and it has proven to be one of the highlights of the season. Enjoy free refreshments, music and surprises along the way.

Laith Al-Saadi, Sleighbell at the Ramsdell | December 7

In 2016, Laith Al-Saadi won America’s hearts and a spot in the finale of NBC’s The Voice. Now he’s bringing his authentic blend of blues, soul and classic rock to audiences around the nation and world. Opening the evening is Cousin Curtiss, a musical mastermind that combines the picking style, soul and energy of John Butler, the harmonica style of John Popper and the multi-instrumentalist-live-looping talents of Keller Williams. See the show at the Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts during Manistee’s Old Christmas Weekend.

NMC Concert Band Concert – A Winter Wonderland | December 10

What better way to get into the holiday spirit than with festive melodies and trills of Christmas cheer brought to you by the NMC Concert Band directed by Pat Brumbaugh. The concert will be at Traverse City’s Milliken Auditorium.

Tipsy Trolley Bar Crawl – Christmas Lights Edition | December 14

Join St. Ignace for another Tipsy Trolley Bar Crawl! Dress warmly and hop on a trolley to see all the fabulous holiday light displays by participating businesses and residences in St. Ignace. Tickets include a wristband, a bar crawl T-shirt, two $3 drink tokens and $10 free slot plays at Kewadin Casino. Stops include the casino, The Club at Breakers, The Driftwood, B.C. Pizza, Village Inn and Fred’s Pub.

May Erlewine and The Motivations – Holiday Dance Party | December 14

We’ve got the grooves if you’ve got the moves. On a few special dates each year, singer-songwriter May Erlewine breaks from her Americana and folk roots to front The Motivations: a seven-piece dance-party funk band that dishes up boogie jams and classic soul cuts. This special dance party is at Leland’s Old Art Building.

Breakfast with Santa and his Reindeer | December 15

Great Wolf Lodge is hosting a kid-inspired breakfast buffet with Santa and his reindeer. Santa will read one of his self-authored books, followed by visits and photos. Music, live reindeer, balloon animals and more during the event. The menu includes a scrambled egg bar, smoked sausage, crispy bacon, lodge potatoes, smoked pit ham, sugar pearl waffles with Michigan maple syrup, Bay Bread Cherry Sourdough French toast, cereals with milk, fresh fruits and pastries, hot chocolate and a coffee bar.

Edgar Struble Presents: A Nashville Family Christmas | December 21

Hometown musical hero Edgar Struble has outdone himself assembling a powerhouse of many of the nation’s best country musicians including musical director and musicians from the Grand Ole Opry band. Visit West Shore Community College’s Peterson Auditorium for two showings of a country music extravaganza including traditional and contemporary holiday favorites, guest appearances, treats and pictures with Santa!

Brunch with Santa | December 21

Bring the family to Black Star Farms in Suttons Bay for a special brunch with Santa. The festive Inn will be the backdrop for this strolling family-friendly brunch, including a fun pancake bar that will delight your little ones. Santa will arrive for those priceless photo opportunities and to hear your Christmas wish lists.

Live in the Yurt: Seth Bernard | December 23

Born and raised on Earthwork Farm in rural Northern Michigan, Seth Bernard was brought up in the folk and farmstead culture with an enriching integrative experience of the arts, agriculture and community. In 2001, Seth founded Earthwork Music, a renowned Michigan-based collective of successful independent musicians who focus their efforts on environmental advocacy, social justice, creative empowerment and community building. The Live in the Yurt concert series is a collection of intimate shows at The Little Fleet in Traverse City. Limited tickets available.Â