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(Scroll down to see more events in November.)
Thanksgiving week in Northern Michigan is packed with several special events kick off the holiday season in style.
The holiday season in Northern Michigan includes Christmas tree lightings, decorated stores, parades, merchant open houses, and more.
Brother Dan’s Handmade Holiday Craft Show
Show featuring handmade items for sale just in time for the holiday season. Brother Dan’s will be collecting admission and concession sales to benefit feeding local families. Admission is $2 per person or a non-perishable food item. For more information, call Austin at (231) 348-5479. Emmett County Fairgrounds Community Center- 1129 Charlevoix Ave. (U.S. 31 S), Petoskey.
Ladies Night
Shopping & cocktails. Downtown Cheboygan. For more info, visit cheboyganmainstreet.org.
Craft & Vendor Show
VFW Post 2051- 599 W. Conway Rd., Harbor Springs. For more information, visit facebook.com.
Kris Kringle Craft & Vendor Show
Entry by donation to benefit the Up North Busker Festival. Senior Center Mill Street Campus- 95 Mill St., East Jordan.
Holiday Heroes Gift Drive
Gift/stocking stuffer drive for kids and senior citizens at the EMS/Fire Station- 55 Maple St., East Jordan.
Jordan River Arts Council Holiday Gift Market
Visit jordanriverarts.com for more info. Jordan River Arts Center- 301 Main St., East Jordan.
Earlier Than The Bird in Boyne City
This holiday shopping event has shoppers wandering the downtown Boyne City shops in their pajamas to score big savings prior to Black Friday.
Holiday Gift & Craft Show
Shop a wide variety of incredible local artists, small businesses, and other vendors. Donations will be collected for the Manna Food Project. Interested vendors should contact Sandy Williams at swilliams@odawacasino.com or (231) 348-5544. Odawa Casino- 760 Lears Rd., Petoskey.
Kiwanis Boyne City Turkey Trot 5k & Fun Run
Begins at Veterans Park Pavilion- 207 N. Lake St. Boyne City. Fee is $30 in advance or $35 day of the event. To register or for more information, visit facebook.com.
Friendsgiving
Free Thanksgiving dinner and games at St. Joseph Catholic Church- 207 Nichols St., East Jordan.
Free Thanksgiving Dinner
Locals of the Ellsworth area are invited to a free dinner at the Front Porch Cafe- 9235 Main St., Ellsworth. The meal will include turkey, roast beef, mashed potatoes and gravy, stuffing, vegetable, green bean casserole, and assorted pies courtesy of Front Porch Ministries. RSVP required by November 25th, 2025 by calling (231) 588-2000.
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.
East Jordan Lion’s Club Christmas Tree Sale
Monday-Saturday from 12-6pm & Sundays from 12-4pm. Jordan Inn- 228 Main St., East Jordan.
Christmas in Indian River
Christmas Craft Show: 9am-4pm at Inland Lakes School-363 S. Straits Hwy, Indian River. For an application, click here. Parade & Tree Lighting at 5pm- Downtown Indian River.
Charlevoix Merchant Open House, Holiday Parade, & Tree Lighting
The event includes Black Friday Deals, photos with Santa, holiday crafts, and parade at 5:30pm to be followed by the tree lighting. Downtown Charlevoix.
Holly Jolly Boyne
Boyne City’s downtown sparkles for this family fun event. Businesses stay open, and the parade begins at 6 pm. Join Santa as he travels to the tree lighting in Old City Park. Lake & Main Streets in Boyne City
Small Business Saturday
Local businesses will hae events, sales, specials, and promotions during their business hours. East Jordan.
Harbor Springs Tree Lighting
In addition to the tree lighting, sing carols and celebrate the winners of the annual window decorating contest.
Boyne City is a gem in Northern Michigan’s crown. This growing, bustling city has it all, including great festivals and events for all ages.
Skitoberfest celebrates the best of fall’s family offerings in an Oktoberfest style setting., all at amazing Boyne Mountain!
The Fort Michilimackinac Historical Reenactment Pageant in Mackinaw City is the U.S.’ longest running free Memorial Day historical program.
Fort Mackinac is open from May-October and includes buildings restored their original look after the fort’s occupation by the British
The Harbor Springs History Museum offers a unique look at the history of the community, starting with the first Catholic missionaries.
The Oden State Fish Hatchery in Alanson produces three strains of brown trout and one strain of rainbow trout.
Shop Northern Michigan antiques shops, art galleries, and furniture stores for home furnishings that are unique and affordable.
Petoskey State Park is one of the premier destinations for campers and outdoor lovers and is tucked away between Petoskey and Harbor Springs.
Why do people enjoy being up north so much? Find out what makes being up north feel special with our list of Northern Michigan specialties.