The next few weeks will be packed with seasonal fun all around Northern Michigan.
If you’re looking for tree lightings, concerts or downtown open houses taking place Nov. 26-Dec. 7, you can find it here.
Charlevoix County
Walloon Lake Village Lighting
Kick off the holiday season in Walloon Lake with an evening of festive fun on Wednesday, Nov. 26, including a visit from Santa, Mrs. Claus and their live reindeer, live music from the Petoskey Steel Drum Band, a holiday market, business specials and giveaways, and much more.
The event runs from 5-8 p.m. Guests can pick up an event passport at the Talcott Event Center and collect stamps from participating businesses for a chance to win special prizes in a drawing at 7:30 p.m.
15th Annual Kiwanis Boyne City Turkey Trot
The Kiwanis Club will host its popular annual 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run on Thursday, Nov. 27.
Registration opens at 8 a.m. in Veterans Park and the race will begin at 9 a.m. All proceeds from the event will go to the Kiwanis Club. Participants are also asked to bring a canned good or non-perishable item, which will then be delivered to a local food pantry.
You can sign up in advance at register.chronotrack.com/r/88315.
Thanksgiving Day Swim in Lake Michigan
Take a “dip to remember” in the cold waters of Lake Michigan in the annual Thanksgiving Day Swim in Charlevoix.
Charlevoix Elks Lodge #2856 has hosted this swim since 2001. Funds raised go towards local veterans, children and charities. Donations are accepted at the beach and via mail.
The horn will blow promptly at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 27 while friends and family cheer from the beach. The lodge will be open after the swim for fellowship and camaraderie.
East Jordan Lion’s Club Christmas Tree Sale
You can purchase your Christmas tree this year with the East Jordan Lion’s Club from Friday, Nov. 28 through Dec. 23 at the Jordan Inn, located at 228 Main St. Hours are from 12-6 p.m. and 12-4 p.m. on Sundays.
On Dec. 6 and Dec. 13, Santa will visit for photos and cookies from 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Holly Jolly Boyne
Head to downtown Boyne City on Friday, Nov. 28 for Holly Jolly Boyne, the annual kick-off to the holiday season.
Businesses will stay open late and the holiday parade begins at 6 p.m. Santa will then arrive to lead the tree lighting in Sunset Park. Santa will be at the Boyne City Eagles F.O.E 1583 afterwards for hot chocolate and cookies. Children can also enter a drawing for a chance to win a special prize.
This event runs from 5-9 p.m.
Charlevoix Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting
Charlevoix will be celebrating the start of the holiday season all day long on Friday, Nov. 28.
Head downtown to shop special Black Friday deals, where you could have a chance of winning up to $500 in Chamber Checks.
Pictures with Santa will be available at Charlevoix State Bank from 3–5 p.m. There will also be a holiday craft for kids from 3-5 p.m.
Enjoy hot cocoa in East Park starting at 5 p.m., thanks to the Weathervane, and then settle in to watch the holiday parade on Bridge Street at 5:30 p.m.
The evening will end with a tree lighting ceremony at 6 p.m. in East Park.
Holiday Merchant Open House in Charlevoix
The holiday fun continues in downtown Charlevoix on Saturday, Dec. 6 during the Merchant Open House.
All day long, there will be specials, giveaways and holiday treats at participating businesses.
There will be a free community movie at 10:30 a.m. at Charlevoix Cinema III. Guests are asked to bring a canned good or an unwrapped toy for admission.
The Hot Cocoa Run will be at 11 a.m. You can sign up for this fun run, hosted by Charlevoix Running Company, which will take runners through downtown Charlevoix and benefit local causes.
Don’t forget to enjoy the Hot Cocoa Contest from 12-4 p.m. Journey along the Cocoa Trail and cast your vote for Charlevoix’s Best Hot Cocoa.
Emmet County
Harbor Springs Turkey Leg 5K
You can help support the Harbor Springs Community Food Pantry during the Harbor Springs Turkey Leg 5K run/walk on Thursday, Nov. 27.
The Outfitter is hosting this event, which has a start time of 9 a.m. at Zorn Park and will take participants all through downtown Harbor Springs. Proceeds from entry fees will go to the Harbor Springs Community Food Pantry.
You can register in advance online or day-of registration is available starting at 8:15 a.m. A $10 donation is asked from each participant, with larger donations appreciated.
Holiday Fest at Pond Hill Farm
Pond Hill Farm, 699 S. Lake Shore Drive in Harbor Springs, will be throwing a Holiday Fest with Santa from 12-3 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 28.
The day’s activities include ornament making, cookie decorating, free tubing (if there is snow), holiday shopping, Christmas tree hunting and more. There will also be live music from 5-8 p.m.
Harbor Springs Christmas Tree Lighting
The Harbor Springs Area Chamber of Commerce will host the 110th annual Christmas Tree Lighting at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 9.
The popular holiday tradition includes the whole community gathering to sing carols before counting down to the tree lighting. The winners of the annual Holiday Window Decorating Contest will also be announced.
After the lighting, the public is invited to an ecumenical chili dinner in the Holy Childhood Parish Hall. There will also be homemade cookies and hot cocoa.
Earlier in the day, you can catch a free matinee of the holiday classic, “A Christmas Story” at 11 a.m. at the Lyric Theatre. Advance tickets are required. Santa will arrive on the Harbor Springs Fire Department’s fire truck after the movie.
A Bay Harbor Christmas
Bay Harbor is launching its first annual “A Bay Harbor Christmas” this year, with a lot of seasonal fun on the schedule, Dec. 4-7.
Weekend highlights include cookie decorating, a wreath workshop, live music, a Kris Kringle Holiday Market, the “Running of the Grinches” 3K, a meet and greet with Hallmark star David Haydn-Jones, holiday movies at the Great Lakes Center for the Arts and much more.
You can view the full schedule at bayharbor.com/christmas.
Holiday Vernissage & Swirl
Check out the Holiday Bazaar while enjoying live music and art at the Crooked Tree Arts Center’s Holiday Vernissage & Swirl on Thursday, Dec. 4 in Petoskey.
The event runs from 5:30-7 p.m. with appetizers and sweet treats by Spring and Porter, live music by Pete Kehoe, holiday shopping and more.
This event is for ages 21 and over only.
“Snow Days and Sleigh Bells” in Harbor Springs
Join the Harbor Springs Area Historical Society for a presentation on “Snow Days and Sleigh Bells: Winter in Harbor Springs.”
Curator Beth Wemigwase will showcase rare photographs and share stories of local traditions. There will also be a small pop-up display of holiday and winter themed artifacts on display.
Coffee, hot chocolate and cookies will be served during the Thursday, Dec. 4 event, which starts at 5:30 p.m.
Tickets are $15 and advanced registration is encouraged.
Gingerbread Cookie Decorating at Brandy’s
Brandy’s Harbortown in Bay Harbor will host a Gingerbread Cookie Decorating event from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 4.
This event is free to attend for dining guests, and guests can decorate their own gingerbread cookies with colorful icing and fun toppings.
Downtown Petoskey Holiday Open House
The Downtown Petoskey Holiday Open House is set to take place from 6-9 p.m. on Friday Dec. 5.
The popular tradition kicks off the holiday season with stores open late with deals and treats, live music from the Petoskey High School Steel Drum Band and more. The tree lighting with Santa in Pennsylvania Park will take place promptly at 6 p.m.
Experience a “Journey to Bethlehem”
Stutsmanville Chapel will provide an immersive walk-through nativity experience with “Journey to Bethlehem.”
The event will be available from 6-8:30 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 5 and from 5-8:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6. You can register online or call 231-550-1101 to reserve a spot.
Bubbles and Bows at The Highlands
The Highlands at Harbor Springs will host the Bubbles and Bows holiday pop-up market from 11 am. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6
The event features live music by Nelson Olstrom, seasonal drinks and unique gifts from local businesses.
Harbor Springs Merchants Holiday Open House
Visit downtown Harbor Springs on Saturday, Dec. 6 for the annual Merchants Holiday Open House.
The evening will include music by the Petoskey High School Steel Drum Band and special deals and treats at participating businesses from 6-9 p.m.
Enjoy “A Christmas Carol”
Guests can see Charles Dickens’ classic “A Christmas Carol” at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6 at the Great Lakes Center for the Arts in Bay Harbor.
This performance is adapted, staged and performed by Broadway veteran Allen Fitzpatrick. In Allen’s version, one actor creates 26 different characters.
Ticket prices start at $32. You can buy tickets or learn more at greatlakescfa.org/events/detail/a-christmas-carol-2025.
Breakfast with Santa at the Bay View Inn
Stafford’s Bay View Inn will host a special holiday breakfast buffet from 8-11:30 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 7.
Santa will be available for photos from 9 a.m. to noon during the event. Tickets are $32 for adults and $15 for children ages 4-11. Reservations are required at 231-347-2771.
Madrigal Dinner at the Perry Hotel
The Petoskey High School Madrigals will perform their annual Madrigal Dinner at the Perry Hotel in downtown Petoskey in December.
The four-course dinner and festive live entertainment are a highlight of the holiday season for many. The dinner will begin at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 7, and again on Sunday, Dec. 14. Tickets are $60 per person.
Otsego County
Experience the AlpenLights
The Otsego County Fairgrounds will sparkle with over 60 unique light displays during AlpenLights.
The drive-through experience runs every Thursday through Sunday from Nov. 20 to Dec. 7. Hours are 5:30-11 p.m., or until last vehicle. From Dec. 11-24, the display will be open daily.
Admission is $25 per vehicle. Guests must remain in their vehicles throughout the experience, no walking is permitted. Tickets are available online at AlpenLights.com.
Pictures with Santa
Community Financial Credit Union, 1360 W. Main St. in Gaylord, is having pictures with Santa from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 5.
The event is free to attend. Cookies, hot chocolate and coffee will be available for all attendees.
A farewell to the Extreevaganza
This year marks the final Extreevaganza for the Otsego Community Foundation.
The event will take place on Saturday, Dec. 6 at Treetops Resort in Gaylord. The evening includes a cocktail hour to mingle, a classic sit-down dinner and an afterparty at Hunters Grill.
Registration opened on Oct. 21, with seating capped at 250 guests.
Guests are also encouraged to submit their favorite Extreevaganza memory to help celebrate the joy, generosity and community spirit that defined this tradition for so many years.
This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Turkey trots, parades and Santa: Where to find holiday events in Northern Michigan
Reporting by Jillian Fellows, The Petoskey News-Review / The Petoskey News-Review
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