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Christmas & Holiday Activities Up North

November-December 2025

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 are typically scheduled:

November

  • Walloon Lake Village Lighting
  • Holly Jolly Boyne- Boyne City parade (at 6pm), open house, and tree lighting
  • Harbor Springs Tree Lighting
  • Christmas in Indian River including a craft show, parade, and tree lighting with Santa. Register for the craft show by clicking here.

December

  • Mackinac Island Christmas in Mackinac: Tree Lighting and caroling. Downtown Mackinac Island.
  • Petoskey Open House and Tree Lighting
  • Charlevoix Merchant Open House, Holiday Parade, & Tree Lighting 
  • Harbor Springs Merchants Holiday Open House
  • Sleigh Rides to “the North Pole” at Northern Michigan Equine Therapy- 5025 Church St., Boyne City
  • Alanson Community Open House
  • Christmas in Mackinaw City, visit facebook.com for more info.
  • Downtown Petoskey Holiday Parade beginning at Pennsylvania Park- 411 E Lake St., Petoskey.
  • Colonial Christmas at Fort Michilimackinac
  • New Year’s Eve Celebration at Crooked Tree Art Center

Stay tuned for the schedule of Christmas & Holiday events in Northern Michigan in 2025!

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