Are you on the lookout for a beautiful holiday town near Detroit? While the Motor City itself is home to plenty of sparkling lights and gorgeous seasonal displays, there’s something genuinely magical about venturing out to explore a cozy community when winter weather arrives. You might be familiar with bustling Christmas towns in Michigan like Rochester, but one smaller spot near Detroit deserves a second look this year. Take a look at the lovely town of Holly, Michigan, a wonderful Christmas village near Detroit.

The charming town of Holly is located in Oakland County, just under an hour from Detroit by car.
Google Maps
When you’re ready to embrace the charms of the holiday season, Holly has you covered. After all, there’s Christmas cheer built right into its name, and this dedication to seasonal joy is evident throughout.
Facebook/Downtown Holly
Whether you’re stopping by for a special event like the annual Holly Dickens Festival (which pays homage to Charles Dickens) or simply doing some holiday shopping, the downtown area here will capture your heart.
Flickr/Michigan Municipal League
Take time to stroll through historic Battle Alley, a small collection of shops that comes to life after dark with twinkling lights and a real sense of charm. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a holiday Hallmark movie.
Google Reviews/Athena Holmquist

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Stop in for dinner at the longstanding Holly Hotel, which features Victorian decor and a celebratory atmosphere that will keep you smiling. It’s especially delightful when surrounded by fresh snow.
Facebook/Holly Hotel
Other attractions throughout Holly’s sparkling downtown area include the Vintage Farm House antique store, Bittersweet Cafe, and so much more. There’s no better place to enjoy an escape from the Motor City.
Facebook/Bittersweet Cafe
After dark, take a drive around Holly’s residential areas to admire locals’ holiday decorations and vibrant light displays. Whether you live here or not, you’ll feel a sense of nostalgia as you make your way through.
Facebook/Downtown Holly
From history-rich buildings to timeless holiday decor, there’s so much to love in Holly when the temperatures drop. As you make plans for the most wonderful time of the year, keep this small town near Detroit in mind.
Facebook/Downtown Holly

Take a closer look at Holly during the holiday season:

Have you and your loved ones been lucky enough to explore Holly, Michigan during previous outings? Share your favorite memories and experiences with us by leaving a Facebook comment or recommend another must-see Christmas display in Metro Detroit by filling out our nomination form. If you haven’t yet been, be sure to plan a visit to see it for yourself this year.

Searching for even more holiday charm this year? Be sure to read about this gorgeous Christmas tree near Detroit.

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More to Explore

Christmastime in Michigan

Will Suphan | October 24, 2023

What are some winter activities to do in Michigan?

Winter activities to do in Michigan include:

  • Cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, and snowshoeing are popular winter activities in Michigan.
  • Visiting frozen waterfalls is a way to take in some of Michigan’s natural beauty. Many people will climb the frozen waterfalls. 
  • Ice Golfing is a fun activity using brightly-colored balls so they can be seen in the ice and snow. At night, glow-in-the-dark balls are used. Many play this game on the frozen surface of Lake Huron.
  • Outdoor activities include ice skating, snow tubing, sledding, and mushing. 
  • Snowmobile racing is a fun spectator sport and many like to go snowmobiling themselves on one of Michigan’s over 6,500 snowmobile trails. 

Learn more about winter activities to do in Michigan. 

What are some good places to visit in Michigan during the winter?

Good places to visit in Michigan during the winter include:

  • Crystal Mountain Resort - A popular destination for skiing and golfing which also has a relaxing spa. This resort also has ice skating, horse-drawn surrey rides, and snowshoeing available.
  • Frankenmuth - This town has many buildings constructed in a German style and is known as “Little Bavaria”. There’s an indoor water park, and the town is a popular Christmas destination with ample shopping and dining options, especially for German cuisine.
  • Avalanche Bay at Boyne Mountain Resort - To warm up in the winter, come here to enjoy hot tubs and warm water slides. As the largest indoor waterpark in Michigan, Avalanche Bay has a surf simulator, a lazy river, and a kid’s pool.

Discover more about good places to visit in Michigan during the winter. 

What is Michigan like in winter?

Here is what Michigan is like in winter:

  • Snowfall happens often and in copious amounts, often ranging from 60 to 180 inches per year. 
  • Heavy snowstorms are a common event due to lake effect snow.
  • The most snowfall happens on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan in the Lower Peninsula.
  • The cold season lasts about 3.2 months, usually from December 1 to March 7. 
  • Winter temperatures in Michigan have an average high that is below 41°F.
  • The coldest month is January, where temperatures average 18°F for lows and 13°F for highs.

Find out more about what winter is like in Michigan. 

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Holly, MI 48442, USA