9 Christmas Towns In Michigan That Would Even Charm The Grinch
There’s no place like Michigan for the holidays. With friendly faces, seemingly endless cheer, and all sorts of beautiful Christmas decor, the Great Lakes State truly comes to life each winter. When you’re ready to fully embrace the Christmas spirit, come explore the nine best Christmas towns in Michigan for the ultimate holiday adventure.
It’s no surprise that Frankenmuth tops our list. This beloved Bavarian locale embraces the Christmas spirit year-round with the presence of Bronner's Christmas Wonderland, and December is an especially magical time to visit. Marvel at unique architecture, sip on hot chocolate as you stroll down Main Street, and finish up with a bit of holiday shopping downtown.
With a name like Christmas, how could we leave this unique Upper Peninsula town off our list? This tiny but undeniably festive spot certainly lives up to its name, and no visit to Christmas is complete without stopping for a photograph with the area’s massive Santa Claus! Christmas even has its very own post office, so why not drop off your letter to the North Pole while you’re in town?
It’s tough to find a Michigan town with more charm during Christmastime than Holland. Tucked away along the shores of Lake Michigan, this community sparkles with holiday cheer and plenty of festive decor throughout its downtown area. The best part? Downtown Holland has state-of-the-art heated sidewalks that prevent ice and snow buildup, so you can stroll without fear of slipping! Holland is a must-visit during the holiday season and year-round.
When you’re ready for the ultimate display of Christmas lights, make your way to downtown Rochester for its annual Big, Bright Light Show. Millions (yes, millions!) of gorgeous lights twinkle on each storefront, and there’s an almost palpable sense of holiday spirit throughout town. You don’t even have to be a major fan of Christmas to embrace the joyous mood in the beautiful town of Rochester.
Ironwood might not be the most famous Upper Peninsula destination, but that doesn’t make it any less wonderful! During the holiday season, this tight-knit community hosts a variety of events, from theatrical performances to chamber choirs. Whether you’re 8 or 80, you’ll find a way to embrace the joys of Christmas during a visit to Ironwood.
While Grand Rapids is significantly larger than the other locations on this list, it still maintains a sense of small-town charm during the holiday season. Lights line the trees downtown, giving the entire area a sense of calm and peace. When you’re searching for a cold weather adventure, lace up your skates and hit the ice rink at Rosa Parks Circle. What better way to ring in the Christmas season than by experiencing all the magic that Grand Rapids has to offer?
This beautiful town is truly the place to be each Christmas season, and not just because of its festive name. There’s an undeniable sense of cheer permeating the streets of Holly each December, and you’ll feel right at home as soon as you arrive in this quaint Michigan Christmas town. As if that weren’t enough, the town hosts an annual festival celebrating Charles Dickens, complete with costumed carolers and a holiday parade.
Don’t let the holiday season pass you by without a visit to Petoskey, which has long served as one of northern Michigan’s most charming gems. Each year, the town hosts a holiday open house -- but the celebratory mood doesn’t end there. Venture through downtown Petoskey for a peaceful experience amid some of the loveliest Christmas decor imaginable.
This beloved town is a must-visit when it comes to holiday travels throughout the Great Lakes State. Northville fully embraces the Christmas spirit, hosting art exhibits, a holiday market, and plenty of opportunities to meet with Santa in the town square. You’ll have a blast strolling through the wintery wonderland that envelops downtown Northville.
Northville, MI, USA
Alright, Michiganders: we want to hear from you! Did we leave any of your favorite Christmas towns off our list? Let us know in the comment section below, and safe holiday travels!
If you are a visitor to the Great Lakes State during the holiday season, you might be wondering, “what are the best Christmas towns near me?” We’ve got a great list to start with here, but if you discover another Michigan Christmas town you’d love to see highlighted, please share it with us in the comments!
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Christmas In Michigan
October 27, 2022
Jessica Moore
Where can I see the best light displays in Michigan?
Michigan is a delightfully festive state to explore during the holiday season with plenty of spectacular Christmas light displays to be found statewide. If you're looking for a variety of options to choose from, consider these 11 best Christmas light displays or another selection of 8 amazing light displays to marvel at and enjoy around Michigan. We think one of the coolest ways to immerse yourself in the holiday spirit is by driving through Christmas light displays, and if that tickles your fancy (after all, you can keep warm and comfortable and play Christmas music while you drive!), then we suggest these nine unforgettable drive-thru light displays.
Can I ride the Polar Express in Michigan?
We'll give you a spoiler: yes, you can! And we'll tell you that this unique train ride offers a magical experience that you'll want to enjoy with the whole family over and over! For this attraction, you'll want to head over to the town of Owosso, Michigan to hop aboard the North Pole Express train. But this is much more than a simple train ride: it even includes admission to a Christmas yuletide festival to boot! Let the North Pole Express take you through gorgeous snow-covered scenery for a ride you'll never forget.
What are the best holiday events in Michigan?
It should be no secret by now that there are a plethora of exciting holiday activities to enjoy in Michigan at Christmastime. We've done the research and we believe we've found the nine best Christmas attractions in the state. From ice skating to Christmas-themed villages galore, we think you'll find plenty of festivities to enjoy with loved ones and family. Even the Detroit Zoo puts on an amazing light display throughout the holiday season! One thing is for certain, there is no shortage of holiday festivities to be found across the Great Lakes State!
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