It’s the most wonderful time of the year! From lantern-lit hikes to brunch with Santa, these 18 festive Northern Michigan events celebrate winter’s arrival and the holiday season all December long.
December 1-23 | The Santa Experience | Buckley
Santa awaits in his cozy cabin at Pahl’s Country Store! Roast marshmallows at a roaring bonfire, drink hot cocoa and shop for your last-minute gifts. Stop by from 4-7 p.m. on Fridays and 1-7 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
December 8-9 | Grand Traverse Lighthouse Holiday Lights Hike | Northport
Go on a lantern-lit stroll through the Leelanau State Park campground and take in gorgeous views of Christmas trees and holiday decorations with 3D glasses. After the hike, attendees are invited to walk through the decorated home of the McCormick family.
December 8 | Traditional Raclette Dinner | Suttons Bay
Join Black Star Farms at Bistro Polaris for a raclette dinner hosted alongside Leelanau Cheese Company. Before dinner, you’ll get a brief introduction to the history of raclette and the company’s cheese-making process. Dinner will feature assorted meats, vegetables, potatoes, bread, wine and, of course, melted cheese.
December 9 | Meet Santa | Interlochen
Santa is coming to Lake Ann Farm! Enjoy a meet and greet, hot cocoa and coffee, a s’mores bar, letter writing, pony rides and a petting zoo.
RELATED READ: Enjoy an Adult Snow Day at Delamar Traverse City
December 9 | Patrick Owen and Hyemin Kim | Williamsburg
The Music House Museum presents two talented musicians, Patrick Owen and Hyemin Kim, performing a standard classical repertoire for cello and piano by Ludwig van Beethoven, Leoš Janáček and Sergei Prokofiev.
December 14 | Christmas by Candlelight | Curtis
Get into the holiday spirit at this relaxing Christmas concert at Erickson Center for the Arts, featuring extraordinary harpist and soprano Karen Beacom accompanied by cellist Maggie Twining.
December 15 | Alpine Cheese & Wine Tasting Workshop | Suttons Bay
Get a taste of the Alps! Most people know that Europe’s Alpine region boasts a unique variety of cheeses, but if you haven’t had a taste, now’s your chance. Experts from the Leelanau Cheese Company are teaming up with Black Star Farms to bring you a delightful selection of cheeses paired with wine.
Photo by Black Star Farms
December 15 | Christmas Concert at The Music House | Williamsburg
This holiday concert is a yearly favorite. Red Wings Organist Dave Calendine performs seasonal favorites for you to enjoy with family and friends.
December 15 | Comedy with Brad Wenzel | Traverse City
Brad Wenzel’s offbeat one-liners, dry delivery, and unassuming presence are what set him apart from other comedians. See his standup act at the Traverse City Comedy Club.
December 16-17 | Breakfast with Santa | Traverse City
Have breakfast with Jolly Old St. Nick at Delamar Traverse City. This family-friendly event includes a breakfast buffet, a chance to write letters to Santa, an ornament decoration station, s’mores, cookie decorating, as well as a hot cocoa and coffee bar.
December 16 | Tannenbaum Blitzen | Bellaire
Shanty Creek’s Tannenbaum Blitzen includes a torchlight parade down the face of Schuss Mountain, Christmas carols and a visit from Santa. Stay for fireworks over the mountain.
Photo by Shanty Creek Resort
December 16 | Holiday Cocktail Class | Traverse City
Make your spirits bright! Refine your cocktail-making skills with this fun holiday workshop at The Cooks’ House. Hosted by Roman Albaugh of The Bartending Co., you’ll create unique and classic holiday cocktails using Ethanology spirits.
December 17 | The Haunting of Ebenezer | Northport
Don’t miss this holiday classic and acoustic concert retelling of Dickens’ classic tale. These sixteen original Americana songs guide listeners through Ebenezer Scrooge’s haunting and transformation.
December 17 | Jingle Bell 5K Run/Walk | Traverse City
Traverse City Track Club’s Jingle Bell 5K Run/Walk weaves through downtown and surrounding decorated neighborhoods.
December 22 | Comedy with Darius Bennett | Traverse City
Head to the Traverse City Comedy Club to catch the comedic musings of Darius Bennett. Originally from Detroit, this West Coast comedian can be seen on Netflix’s “Introducing…”
December 31 | New Year’s Eve Wine Dinner | Suttons Bay
Ring in the New Year at Black Star Farms with a multi-course, wine-paired dinner hosted at their luxurious Inn.
Photo by Jacqueline Southby
December 31 | Northern Home & Cottage Virtual Home Tour
Our 2023 NHC Virtual Home Tour comes to a close this month. Don’t miss your chance to explore seven of Northern Michigan’s most stunning homes through video documentaries. Proceeds benefit Child & Family Services of Northwestern Michigan.
December 31 | New Year’s Eve Ball Drop | Ludington
Can’t make it to New York for the ball drop? Take a drive to Ludington for the annual New Year’s Eve celebration, complete with a beer garden, music, fireworks, countdown and much more.
Tickets on Sale for TC Comedy Fest
Get ready to laugh away your mid-winter blues! Tickets are now available for this 2024 festival, which runs from January 31 to February 3, 2024. Check out this year’s headlining acts and get tickets here.