Christmas & Holiday Traditions Around the World
Grand Rapids-November 20-January 7 -- This is a magical time of year at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, when more than 40 holiday displays and trees from around the world and 300,000 lights set the Gardens aglow with holiday spirit. Every Tuesday evening features special entertainment and carriage rides around the luminary-lit Sculpture Park. The exhibit also includes The Gardens Holiday Express, a miniature railway garden featuring familiar landmarks from around Grand Rapids built with all-natural materials-twigs, bark, acorns, walnut shells and cranberries-to create a magical world.
Dickens Festival
Holly, November 23-December 23 (weekends) -- Join in the fun as Charles Dickens' Merry Old England comes alive in Holly's turn-of-the-century buildings, welcoming shopkeepers and skilled craftspeople.
Dutch Winterfest
Holland, November 24-December 9 -- A highlight of the event includes an open-air Christmas market, where travelers buy foods and gifts ranging from rich Dutch pastries to handmade soaps. Sinterklaas and his helpers make a grand entry.
Christmas at the Lighthouse
Northport, December 1-2 -- A McCormick Christmas: The Grand Traverse Lighthouse will be decorated as a typical Christmas observed by the McCormick family during the 1920s and 1930s. The observance culminates with a December 2 open house featuring Santa's arrival with refreshments and musicians. The Lighthouse is located north of Northport, inside the Leelanau State Park.
Christmas on the Farm and at Dewey School
Munith, December 1-2 -- The Waterloo Area Historical Society takes a look at the ways a rural 1880s Michigan farm family celebrated the season with "Christmas on the Farm and at the Dewey School Museum" on Saturday, December 1, from 10 am to 4 pm and Sunday, December 2, from Noon to 4 pm. This re-creation of the holiday's traditions will include tours of the Farm Museum and Dewey School. Hand crafted greens, gifts and homemade baked goods will be for sale. Free refreshments and live music will be among the offerings for this homespun weekend. Maps will be available at the farm. There's something for everyone at this re-creation of "Christmas Past."
Victorian Sleighbell Parade and Old Christmas Weekend
Manistee, December 6-9 -- Horse-drawn sleighs jingle all the way in this nostalgic Victorian procession (December 8). Draft horses bring up the rear, pulling the 40-foot-tall community Christmas tree on a sled to its downtown location. Join in caroling around the tree after the mayor lights it. Also throughout the weekend: surrey rides, a Festival of Trees, crafts sale and a stage show at the Ramsdell Theatre.
Holiday Tea & Tour
Grosse Pointe Shores, December 1 -- There's no better way to spend an afternoon than enjoying a holiday tour of Ford House followed by tea and delectable bite-sized treats in the Tea Room. Reservations required.
Sand Point Lighthouse Holiday Open House
Escanaba, December 26-27 -- Carols, cookies and cheers! Shared history and friendships! Music will be furnished by local musicians, the tree will be decorated and cookies and hot cider will be served in the Lighthouse kitchen next to the cast iron cook stove.
Wintertime at the Zoo
Battle Creek, December 26-28 -- Bring the whole family to see what the zoo looks like in the winter! Snow Leopards, Mexican Wolves, Red Pandas and Red Kangaroos (weather permitting) will be on exhibit. There will be crafts, games, animal presentations and snow painting (weather permitting).
For a complete list of events taking place over the next month, click here.