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December 2023 Events Calendar

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Featured December Events

(Scroll down to see more events in December.)

December 1-7, 2023

Friday, December 1st, 2023
5pm

Petoskey Open House, Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting
The event includes merchants open late, marching bands, floats by local businesses, marching characters, and much more. The parade is wrapped up by its most popular participant, Santa Claus. Downtown Petoskey.

Saturday, December 2nd, 2023

Harbor Springs Merchant Open House
The event includes merchants open late and offering specials, Downtown Harbor Springs.

December 8-14, 2023

Saturday, December 9th, 2023
3:30-6:30pm

Colonial Christmas at Fort Michilimackinac
The event includes refreshments, story-tellers, crafts, games, and more. Admission is $10 for adults, $6 for children age 5-12, and free for children younger than 12. Fort Michilimackinac- 102 W. Straits Ave., Mackinaw City.

December 15-21, 2023

Stay tuned for information on events happening during this time! 

December 22-31, 2023

Sunday, December 31st, 2023 (Tentative)

New Year’s Eve Party
Many activities for all ages at Crooked Tree Art Center, just outside it in the square, and at the nearby Petoskey District Library. Crooked Tree Art Center- 461 E. Mitchell St., Petoskey.

The following events are from 2022. Stay tuned for information on dates for these events in 2023!

 

Holidays Lasers on the Ore
A light display, operated by Fresh Coat Light Lab, will transform the Ore Dock with the colors of the season. Free and open to the public. Marquette Ore Dock- Lake Shore Boulevard on Presque Isle Harbor, Marquette.

Christmas Cookie Walk
Choose from thousands of homemade cookies in an infinite variety for only $7/pound. Come early for the best selection. 1st Congregational Church- 101 State St., Charlevoix. Call Stacy at (231) 547-9122 for more information.

Sleigh Rides to “the North Pole”
Take a sleigh ride to “the North Pole” on a horse-drawn sleigh to meet Santa and enjoy hot cocoa, cookies, and crafts at Santa’s Workshop. Meet the therapy horses, staff, and volunteers of Northern Michigan Equine Therapy. $15/person with proceeds benefiting therapy scholarships. Sleigh rides are every half hour and require reservations. For reservations or more information, email nmequine@gmail.com. Northern Michigan Equine Therapy- 05025 Church St Boyne City.

B May B Merry Christmas Bazaar
Shop unique and hand crafted gifts. La Casa De Roses food truck will be on site throughout the event. For more information, call (231) 622-4908.

Alanson Downtown Holiday Open House
The event includes a visit from Santa escorted by the Alanson Fire Department. Refreshments will be provided at the Village Hall- 7631 US-31, Alanson, courtesy of the Alanson Area Public Library. Downtown merchants will open their doors to offer warm holiday greetings the Petoskey Steel Drum Band performs on River Street at 6:30pm.

Mackinaw City Christmas in Mackinaw
The event includes a parade at 6pm followed by the tree lighting, then cookies will be provided by the Mackinaw Woman’s Club and cocoa provided by Audie’s Restaurant. Parade will go north on Huron to Central Ave, west on Central Ave to Nicolet Street and Indian Pathways Park.

Community Winter Bonfire
Event includes Santa, S’mores, Games, Food, Prizes, and more. Hosted by the Friends of the Winter Sports Park. $1 from every beer purchased will benefit the All Season Pavilion. The Back Lot- 425 Michigan St., Petoskey.

Check back often for updates to this calendar of events!

Current Events in Northern Michigan

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Activities & Attractions in Northern Michigan

Beaver Island

Beaver Island Up North

Beaver Island is located 32 miles offshore of Charlevoix, Michigan and is the largest island in Lake Michigan.

Maple Syrup Time

Maple Syrup Season

Spring brings lots of outdoor activities to Northern Michigan but one often ends up on pancakes: making maple syrup.

The Little Traverse Wheelway

The Little Traverse Wheelway

Bicyclists, walkers, and roller bladers can go from Harbor Springs to Charlevoix on the 26-mile long Little Traverse Wheelway.