Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash.com

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?

View Current Events Calendar

Discover more to do in Northern Michigan!

July 4th Up North

An amazing array of activities like parades, fireworks, and more, make the 4th of July a special day in Northern Michigan.

Advertisement – Please scroll below for more information.

Activities & Attractions in Northern Michigan

Cheboygan Opera House

Cheboygan Opera House

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

Northern Michigan Arts Scene

West Michigan is home to numerous artists with so many different talents. Groovy music, vivid paintings, gorgeous photography, and more!

M-119 Tunnel of Trees

Take a beautiful color tour as you travel under a tunnel of colorful trees along M-119 from Harbor Springs to Cross Village.

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.