It’s never too early to start preparing for the holiday season which includes a trip to the Victorian Sleighbell Parade & Old Christmas Weekend 2023. After all, there’s nothing more magical than gathering with family and friends to embrace the many delights of Christmastime. As December 25th draws closer, Michigan comes to life with all sorts of fun and vibrant events. This old-fashioned Christmas celebration will surely capture your heart, and you’ll want to make it a new family tradition. 

The annual Victorian Sleighbell Parade & Old Christmas Weekend 2023 will take place from Nov. 30 to Dec. 3 in Manistee.
Google Maps
The weekend features excitement for the whole family, from guided tours of a local historic mansion to plenty of costumed carolers.
Decorate your house with seasonal cheer purchased at the Lakeside Club’s Festival of Trees & Holiday Decor held during the Old Christmas Weekend, Dec. 1-3 at the Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts Ballroom.
Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple St, Manistee, MI 49660, USA
Victorian Sleighbell Parade & Old Christmas Weekend
View and bid on creatively decorated trees, wreaths, gift baskets, and seasonal decor.
Whether you’re a history buff or a Christmas enthusiast, you’ll adore this enchanting Old Christmas Weekend Michigan.
Flickr/jarroast
There’s no better way to step back in time and appreciate a Victorian vibe, especially with so much of the architecture still around.
This fun-filled Christmastime gathering is known for bringing plenty of holiday joy to the area.
Facebook/Downtown Manistee
Free horse and carriage rides are offered on Dec. 2 on River Street (east and west sides of Maple Street).
Also on Dec. 2 tours of the Ramsell Theatre at the Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts will take place every 30 minutes.
Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts, 101 Maple St, Manistee, MI 49660, USA
Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts/Facebook
And on Dec. 1-3, you can also enjoy more Michigan Christmas events, including an Art Exhibition and the Performance of the Nutcracker at this lovely place.

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At the heart of the weekend is the Victorian Sleighbell Parade at 5:30 p.m., Dec. 2, on River Street, which features horse-drawn sleighs, reindeer, music, and more; talk about enchanting!
River Street, River St, Manistee, MI 49660, USA
Victorian Sleighbell Parade & Old Christmas Weekend/Facebook
The big highlight of the parade, and one of the best holiday traditions in Michigan, is the beautiful draft horses pulling a 30-foot Christmas tree, for which you'll want your camera ready.
Victorian Sleighbell Parade & Old Christmas Weekend/Facebook
Follow the parade for caroling and the tree-lighting ceremony.
Facebook/Victorian Sleighbell Parade
And if that's not enough, watch out for some spectacular fireworks at Old Christmas Weekend 2023.
Downtown Manistee/Facebook
Of course, downtown Manistee is well worth exploring during the festival and year-round.
Facebook/Downtown Manistee
During the holiday season, its many shops come to life with warmth and charm.
If you’re looking for a creative way to welcome the season at one of the most magical Michigan Christmas events, mark your calendars for the Victorian Sleighbell Parade & Old Christmas Weekend 2023.
Victorian Sleighbell Parade & Old Christmas Weekend/Facebook
There’s so much to love.

Watch this video for an idea of the magic to come at one of the best holiday traditions in Michigan.

For a full schedule of the Old Christmas Weekend 2023, visit Manistee’s Victorian Sleighbell Parade & Old Christmas Weekend web page. Have you attended these Michigan Christmas events in years past? We’d love to hear your memories and see your favorite photos in the comment section below! Happy (almost) holiday season, Michiganders!

While you’re in Manistee, book a room at the historic Dempsey Manor Inn & House Museum. If you’re searching for another history-focused outing, be sure to check out Michigan’s oldest candy shop!

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More to Explore

Christmas in Michigan

Carolyn Harmon | October 25, 2023

What are some of the best Christmas events in Michigan?

  • Christmas towns: Without traveling too far and spending a lot of money, window shopping is one of the best reasons to visit small towns in Michigan during the holidays. Folks spend extra time and money just to offer some holiday excitement in the way of Christmas lights, decorations, and sometimes even live music. Visit some of the Christmas towns near me this holiday season, such as Rochester, Mackinac Island, and Traverse City.
  • Christmas light displays: This could also be a free event if you're walking, or it might cost a little gas money, but you'll be amazed at the efforts in your own neighborhood of holiday light displays. From twinkling reindeer to Santa on the rooftop, the imaginations flow freely in these nearby towns. Some events are larger and charge for vehicles to drive through, including The Big, Bright Light Show in Rochester; the Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad in Flint; or the The Big Reveal in Milford.

  • Christmastime Main Street: This time of year small-town main streets wrap the buildings in glitter and gold for the holiday season. Find one and explore, eat at a delicious restaurant, and do some gift shopping at a one-of-a-kind boutique that supports hand-made crafts from local artists. Try the one in Rochester located just 30 minutes from Detroit. And hey, if you're already that close to the big city, check out the main street over there.

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Manistee, MI 49660, USA