Good Cheer with Winter Holidays in West Michigan!
There's no place like home (or your home away from home) for the holidays, and there's plenty of good cheer to go around up north in West Michigan! Whether you live here, or plan to visit, check out all these great ideas and events to make your holidays bright.
ENJOY OUR SPECIALTY SHOPS AND SMALL TOWN CHARM
You can't beat the festive friendliness and magical lights of shopping at a local merchant. Their success depends upon your support and you will find the royal carpet treatment when you come in from the cold to browse. The friendly merchants of Pentwater welcome you to their Festival of Lights shopping event. The Hart Main Street Program and downtown Hart businesses invite you to their Holiday events and Tree Lighting Ceremony on Saturday, November 26 from 2pm-5pm. The Silver Lake Tree Lighting & Decorating Contest takes also takes place on November 26 starting at 5pm. Enjoy hay rides, free hot chocolate, Holiday Cookie Contest, cider, coffee, and cookies. You'll find many fine gift ideas with a local flavor in Ludington and that's just the beginning. Small town services, big smiles, and that great feeling that you shopped local, helping to support small businesses who go out of their way to give you their best.
CONCERTS AND PERFORMANCES
Find laughter and good cheer by catching a holiday performance at a theater, or attend one of the many local concerts sure to fill you with the spirit of the season. View the concert and performances information here and get your tickets today.
HOLIDAY ARTS AND CRAFTS SHOWS
Looking for a one-of-a-kind item for a very special person? The offerings at local arts or crafts shows are unique and hand-crafted. Check out this information about local arts and crafts shows and enjoy finding just the right item to deck the halls or warm a heart.
PARADES AND VISITS WITH SANTA
How lucky are we? Santa visits us up north in West Michigan at several different times and locations. Early December is magical, starting with Santa's arrival at the Manistee Victorian Sleighbell Parade and Old Fashioned Christmas Weekend and Santa's trip to Ludington for the Aglow on the Avenue Parade in Ludington. Downtown Hart has their Santa Parade Friday, November 25 at 6:30pm in the Historic District. Following the parade you can visit with Santa and enjoy cider, donuts and coffee. Santa also visits Ludington, Manistee, Scottville, and other nearby communities each year by train on the Santa Express, a favorite holiday treat for all ages.
NEW YEAR'S EVE LIGHTED BALL DROP
It's the only one of its kind in Michigan....the Lighted Ball Drop in downtown Ludington at midnight. At six feet five inches in diameter and 6,000 bright LED lights...this annual event brings thousands to the area. While you're waiting for the ball to drop, meet friends and enjoy a meal at downtown restaurants and get ready to bring the New Year in!
More Information for the Holidays in West Michigan...
- Good Cheer with Winter Holidays in West Michigan!
- Pentwater's Christmas in the Village
- Don't Miss the Aglow on the Avenue Parade with Santa in Downtown Ludington
- Arts & Crafts Shows and Holiday Shopping in Local Communities
- Enjoy Concerts and Performances During the Holidays
- The Season for Giving
- Holiday Parties Made Easier
- Downtown Ludington's New Year's Eve Ball Drop
- Santa Express is Coming to Ludington, Manistee and Scottville!
- Manistee's Victorian Sleighbell Parade & Old Christmas Weekend
More Winter in the West Michigan...
- Ludington Lake Jump
- Online Photo Contest
- Scottville's Blizzard Blast!
- Hamlin Hookers Ice Fishing Tournament on Hamlin Lake
- Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoeing on the Pentwater Pathway
- Enjoy Winter Up North Around Lake Michigan
- New Children's Wing Open at Mason County District Library
- Hamlin Lake Ice Fishing

