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Thanksgiving Week Kicks off the Holidays in Northern Michigan

Thanksgiving is a busy weekend in Northern Michigan as several special events kick off the holiday season in style. While Black Friday is busy everywhere, in Northern Michigan it is more personal with shopkeepers greeting you to announce their specials.

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

Walloon Lake Village Lighting

  • Enjoy a visit from Santa, Mrs. Claus, and their live reindeer. See performances from the Petoskey Steel Drum Band and warm up with free hot chocolate from Walloon Lake Inn. Shop holiday gifts for everyone on your list at our local vendor pop up shop.

Christmas in Indian River

  • Shop unique, hand-made gifts from more than 100 vendors at the annual Christmas Craft Show at Inland Lakes School- 4363 S Straits Hwy, Indian River. For an application, visit irchamber.com.
  • Parade starts at Modern Pharmacy and ends at S. Straits Hwy and River St.
  • Santa lights the Community Christmas tree.

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.

Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting in Charlevoix

  • Holiday Merchant Open House. Merchants will offer entertainment, samples, snacks, refreshments, special sales, and raffles.
  • Children’s crafts including holiday cookie decorating and a pinecone ornament craft at the Charlevoix Circle of Arts- 109 Clinton St., Charlevoix.
  • Pictures with Santa at Charlevoix State Bank- 111 State St., Charlevoix.
  • Free cookies and cocoa next to the Community Christmas Tree in East Park- 307 Bridge St., Charlevoix.
  • Holiday Parade
  • Tree Lighting Celebration

Harbor Springs Christmas Tree Lighting & Activities

  • Announcement of winners of the Holiday Decorating Contest & Christmas Tree Lighting. Mailbox to Santa will also be located at the Lyric Threatre- 275 E. Main St., Harbor Springs. Parade and following the parade, an ecumenical chili dinner will be held in the Holy Childhood Parish Hall- 150 W. Main Street. Homemade cookies and hot cocoa will also be available, courtesy of the American Legion Auxiliary and their sponsor, First Community Bank

Stay tuned here for info on Thanksgiving Week events in Northern Michigan in 2026!

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