Wally Kidd Blog: Holiday Events & Traditions of Northern Michigan

Happy Holidays! Festivities are in full swing in Northern Michigan, with plenty more to be enjoyed in the coming weeks. Revelry kicked off Thanksgiving weekend with Christmas tree lightings, parades, and open houses from Charlevoix to Harbor Springs. Each town in the area is trimmed with garland and twinkling lights, the ski resorts are becoming busier by the day, and hot chocolate is the drink of choice. With an abundance of holiday activities on offer, it’s the perfect time to gather with family and friends to celebrate and create cherished memories. 

Whether you take to the slopes or not, the area’s spectacular ski resorts are resplendent with holiday decor and events. Adorn some snowshoes or sturdy boots and stroll the Highlands’ Enchanted Trail for a leisurely two mile walk through a winter wonderland of illuminated forest. For a more adventurous Christmas light experience, try Boyne Mountain’s Lights in the Sky display as they outfit the world’s longest timber-towered suspension bridge, SkyBridge Michigan, in thousands of lights. On December 17th, dress as Santa, Mrs. Claus, or the Grinch, and ski for a good cause as Boyne Mountain hosts its first annual Santa Sunday, with all proceeds from the event going to Brother Dan’s Food Pantry. And if you’re looking for the man himself, rest assured that the kids can meet Santa at Boyne Mountain as well as the Highlands throughout the holiday season.

The School of Ballet at Crooked Tree Arts Center’s production of the Nutcracker is a favorite annual tradition. You can catch this wonderfully transportive show at the Great Lakes Center for the Arts in Bay Harbor on December 16th and 17th. For choral fans, Petoskey High School Madrigals are not to be missed. You’ll find them at Stafford’s Perry Hotel on December 17th. Just after Christmas, you can enjoy a week’s worth of live music at Pond Hill Farm. From December 26th through New Year’s Eve, unwind with a beverage and some tasty treats as you listen to a fantastic lineup of local musicians.

Walloon Lake’s annual Village Lighting event welcomed Santa, Mrs. Claus, and live reindeer, along with a stellar performance from the Petoskey Steel Drum Band. If you missed the festivities, be sure to mark your calendars for next year. This past weekend, Hotel Walloon treated guests to a memorable weekend of caroling, baking, cocktail crafting, visits from Santa, and breakfast with Sugar Plum Ballerinas. An exclusive event just for hotel guests, it’s something you’d be keen to bookmark for future holiday seasons. Just down the street, Walloon’s ice skating rink sits right on the shores of the lake where you can perfect your triple axel, (or maybe just learn the basics of skating). Afterwards, warm up in Barrel Back’s Kringle Bar, a kitschy Christmas-themed craft cocktail bar full of cozy, retro holiday spirit. Beyond the mulled wine, spiked hot chocolate, and cranberry punch, you can savor their delicious interpretations of traditional classic holiday bites.

For holiday shopping beyond our local brick and mortars, you can stop by Crooked Tree Art Center’s Holiday Bizarre to support artists in the area. From ceramics and jewelry to knitwear and ornaments, you’re sure to find a beautiful handmade gift. On December 16th, the Harbor Springs Farmers Market will be hosting Market at the Museum. Located in the town’s History Museum, the indoor, holiday market will feature a wide array of local vendors selling everything from artisanal cheese and pastries to lavender beauty products and treats from local farms. 

In Charlevoix, the Boss Family has been delighting onlookers with their over the top holiday decorations since 1978. Swing on by 9336 Pearl Street any evening until New Years to take in their festive display. The Borisch family brings a fabulous light show to Walloon Lake each year, with their lights shining through February at 4060 M-75. Over at Castle Farms, you’ll find 25,000 lights amongst their dozens of decorated trees, acres of gardens, holiday scenes, and model train display. 

As the year comes to a close, pour some bubbly on New Year’s Eve and revel in the Highlands or Boyne Mountain’s annual Torchlight Parades and Firework Extravaganzas. No matter what you’re seeking, you’re sure to find the perfect cheerful activity to celebrate the season. Wishing you and yours a safe and joyful holiday.