Ready to kick-off the holiday season? From Grayling’s Christmas Walk to the annual tree lighting in Harbor Springs, here are 5 festive events you’re not going to want to miss this November in Northern Michigan.

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Grayling Christmas Walk on November 19

Grayling’s Christmas Walk on Nov. 19 is the perfect time to hit Main Street and get in the holly jolly spirit. Local businesses will host entertainment, offer refreshments or set up special holiday displays and in-store specials. The evening is capped off with the annual tree lighting and parade.

Photo by Grayling Main Street

Gaylord Santa’s Workshop on November 19

Head to Gaylord on Nov. 19 for Santa’s Workshop Craft & Vendor Expo at The Ellison Place. In addition to a wide array of vendors, activities will be going all day, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Don’t forget to come back on Nov. 20 for breakfast and pictures with Santa. (Plus, the first 50 people through the door each day score a free goodie bag!)

Holly Jolly Boyne on November 25

The streets of downtown Boyne City will be filled with the sounds, sights and smells of the holiday season during the annual Holly Jolly Boyne celebration on Nov. 25. Businesses will be open for shopping, refreshments and hospitality during the festivities. The night begins with a tree lighting ceremony by the Girl Scouts, and the Santa Parade starts at 6 p.m. New this year is a children’s coloring contest with prizes awarded in four age groups.

holly jolly boyne

Photo by Boyne City Main Street

Ludington Holiday Parade on November 26

Bring your family to Ludington’s Aglow on the Avenue Holiday Parade on Nov. 26 and welcome Santa to town. Enjoy shopping Small Business Saturday promotions, free horse-drawn carriage rides, the parade, a tree lighting, carols and cookies and juice with Santa.

aglow on the avenue parade

Photo by Visit Ludington

Harbor Springs Christmas Tree Lighting

The annual Christmas Tree Lighting in Harbor Springs, held this year on Nov. 26 at 6 p.m., features a Santa meet and greet for kids, a mailbox to Santa at the Lyric Theatre (open during the month of December), carol singing, the tree lighting on Main Street and announcement of the winners of the annual window decorating contest.

harborsprings holiday tree lighting

Photo by Harbor Springs Chamber of Commerce

Photo(s) by Gaylord Area Tourism Bureau