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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.

Most events are held on the Saturday after Thanksgiving Day, unless otherwise noted.

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

Walloon Lake Village Lighting

Christmas in Indian River

  • 9am-4pm – 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.
  • 5pm – Parade starts at Modern Pharmacy and ends at S. Straits Hwy and River St.
  • Following the Parade – 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

  • Charlevoix kicks off the holiday season on the Friday after Thanksgiving with Children’s activities, Christmas parade at 5:30pm, and tree lighting at 6pm.

Harbor Springs Christmas Tree Lighting

  • Announcement of winners of the Holiday Decorating Contest
  • Santa meet and greet outside the Lyric Theatre- 275 E. Main St., Harbor Springs
  • Mailbox to Santa will also be located at the Lyric Threatre At 6pm, Celebrate a magical tradition in downtown Harbor Springs at the Christmas Tree Lighting
  • 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

What's going on now in Northern Michigan?

Discover Northern Michigan Events throughout the year!

Emmett-Charlevoix County Fair

Emmett-Charlevoix County Fair

The Emmet-Charlevoix County Fair is held at the fairgrounds on Charlevoix Avenue, and is a mix of carnival rides, food, exhibits, and more.

St. Ignace Car Show Weekend

St. Ignace Car Show Weekend

Hundreds of antique, custom, and celebrity automobiles take part in the internationally acclaimed St. Ignace Car Show Weekend.

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Activities & Attractions in Northern Michigan

Harbor Springs History Museum

Museums in Northern Michigan

Northern Michigan is home to several different museums for people of all ages which highlight the area’s businesses, history, and culture!

Harbor Springs History Museum

Harbor Springs History Museum

The Harbor Springs History Museum offers a unique look at the history of the community, starting with the first Catholic missionaries.

Cheboygan Opera House

Cheboygan Opera House

The elegantly restored Cheboygan Opera House is an acoustically superb, Victorian theatre that presents entertainment of many genres.

Downtown Mackinac Island

Get off the ferry from Mackinaw City or St. Ignace to Mackinac Island and the first thing you’ll see is the historic downtown area.

Beaver Island

Beaver Island Up North

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