Get into the Up North holiday spirit! From festive Northern Michigan events to gift and sip stops, here are our favorite ways to celebrate the holidays in Traverse City and Grand Traverse County.

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Explore Traverse City this Holiday Season

Grand Traverse Bay winks in the background as shoppers admire the Christmas tree on Front Street, browse boutiques in the trendy Warehouse District and delight in the magic of a fresh snow at The Village at Grand Traverse Commons.

Shop Local in Traverse City

Front Street’s shops and restaurants are all fabulously festive. A few of the many must-visits are: My Secret Stash for Michigan-made gifts, M22 for outdoor apparel, Orvis Streamside for the finest fly-fishing gear and Toy Harbor for creative children’s presents.

Make Merry at Grand Traverse Commons Mercato

Visit The Village at Grand Traverse Commons, and you’ll feel like you’re shopping inside a snow globe. Roam the Mercato and peruse shops like High Five Threads, Moonstruck Gardens and Silver Fox Jewelry. Then cozy up with a bevvy at Left Foot Charley or Earthern Ales.

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Photo by Dave Weidner

Santa’s Secret Stop in TC

Give the gift of serenity (or enjoy some yourself!) at Solitude Float & Wellness Spa in downtown TC. “Float” sessions involve floating in an Epsom salt bath, giving you a sense of weightlessness and deep relaxation. Or choose from an array of massage services, including deep tissue, Swedish and reflexology.

Explore Traverse City’s Winter Wonderland

Mt. Holiday is your local destination for family fun, from skiing and snowboarding to downhill tubing. Hit the slopes, then warm up by the fire with a brew and some wings at the on-site gastropub, The Lodge.

Can’t Miss Traverse City Holiday Events

Nov. 19 | Light Parade, Santa’s Arrival & Tree Lighting
Dec. 8 | Ladies’ Night
Dec. 16 | Men’s Night

Christmas tree in Traverse City

Photo by Dave Weidner

Give the Gift of Traverse Magazine this Year!

Northern Michigan is the greatest gift! Share it with the ones you love this holiday season. 🎄❄️✨ From feature stories on seasonal adventures to can’t-miss locally-inspired recipes, give the gift of Northern Michigan for under $30 with a 12-month Traverse Magazine gift subscription:

Photo(s) by Dave Weidner