Photo by Odion Kutsaev on Unsplash.com

Christmas & Holiday Activities Up North

November-December 2026

Shopping

The holiday season in Northern Michigan begins Thanksgiving weekend. Unlike the big cities where Black Friday is a mad rush of people, the Christmas shopping season kicks off here with Christmas tree lightings, decorated stores, a holiday parade, merchant open houses, and smiles from shoppers and storekeepers. Shop local? Absolutely!

Christmas shopping in Northern Michigan is the way shopping is supposed to be. Friendly and knowledgeable shopkeepers can help you fulfill your gift list in a fun and enjoyable setting. Plan a weekend Christmas shopping get away to Northern Michigan and meander through Petoskey, Harbor Springs, Charlevoix, Boyne City, Mackinaw City, or Indian River.

Things to Do

Did we mention snow? Our ski resorts generally open on Thanksgiving weekend and skiers can’t wait to get fresh wax on the skis and hit the slopes.

Northern Michigan has three of the country’s best ski resorts right here so spend a day at each to them: Nub’s Nob, Boyne Highlands, and Boyne Mountain. Check the daily ski conditions and look at the webcams for a current look at action on the hills.

Northern Michigan has a great line up of fabulous places to explore while cross country skiing and snowshoeing with choices near Harbor Springs, Petoskey, Boyne City, and Charlevoix. And with ice rinks and sledding hills in every community, skating and sledding is great way to spend the holidays Up North.

For those who enjoy snowmobiling, you’re in luck Up North. Trails, trails, trails! Bundle up and hit the snowmobile trails for a great time for the entire family.

Here's a list of activities that typically take place:

November

Walloon Lake Village Lighting
Christmas in Indian River including a craft show, parade, and tree lighting with Santa. Register for the craft show by clicking here.
Charlevoix Merchant Open House, Holiday Parade, & Tree Lighting including photos with Santa, Holiday Crafts, & Hot Cocoa
Holly Jolly Boyne– Boyne City parade (at 6pm), open house, and tree lighting
Harbor Springs Tree Lighting. Also, sing carols and celebrate the winners of the annual window decorating contest.

December

Sleigh Rides to “the North Pole” at Northern Michigan Equine Therapy- 5025 Church St., Boyne City
Christmas in Mackinaw City
Petoskey Open House and Tree Lighting. Merchants will open their doors to offer warm holiday greetings and hospitality. The Petoskey High School Steel Drum Band will be making its annual appearance and the windows will be decorated in holiday style.
Mackinac Island Christmas in Mackinac: Tree Lighting and caroling. Downtown Mackinac Island.
Fundraiser for Northern Michigan Equine Therapy– 5025 Church Rd., Boyne City. Event includes a beautiful, 1-mile hike to the “North Pole” to visit Santa, enjoy hot cocoa, cookies, meet the therapy horses, and make crafts at Santa’s Workshop.
Harbor Springs Merchants Holiday Open House with special music by the Petoskey High School Steel Drum Band.
Downtown Petoskey Holiday Parade beginning at Pennsylvania Park- 411 E Lake St., Petoskey.
Alanson Community Open House including a Chili Cookoff sponsored by Alanson Businesses, a performance by the Petoskey Steel Drum Band, and visits with Santa.
Colonial Christmas at Fort Michilimackinac
Visit with Santa at the Jordan Inn- 228 Main St., East Jordan. Visit with and take pictures with Santa and enjoy free cookies sponsored by the East Jordan Lions Club.
New Year’s Eve Celebration at Crooked Tree Art Center