Michigan Parades and Festivals to Get You In the Holiday Spirit
Julie Bitely
| 3 min read
Michiganders love a good celebration, especially around the holidays. While there are too many parades and festivals to list here, we’re spotlighting some exceptional holiday-themed events from around the state. Bundle up and make time to celebrate the season this December.
Victorian Sleighbell Parade & Old Christmas Weekend | Dec. 6 – 9, 2018
Step back in time and make a holiday weekend trip to Manistee to enjoy a Victorian-themed parade, caroling, a tree-lighting ceremony and a beautifully-decorated downtown.
Holland Sinterklaas Eve | Dec. 7, 2018
Join Sinterklaas on a procession through Holland in a Dutch folk celebration centered around the benevolent St. Nicholas. Take part in crafts and family games before the procession and enjoy refreshments and meet Sinterklaas after.
Coopersville Santa Parade | Dec. 7, 2018
Coopersville is home to one of Michigan’s first and oldest nighttime parades. Enjoy cookies and hot chocolate, Santa visits, face painting and more following the parade in the Community Services Building.
Holiday Open House | Dec. 7, 2018
Santa Claus is scheduled to fly into downtown Petoskey to light the giant Christmas tree in Pennsylvania Park. After that, kids will have a chance to visit with Santa and adults can enjoy the hospitality of area merchants.
Lexington Christmas Horse Parade | Dec. 8, 2018
Watch beautifully decorated horses and buggies parade through downtown on a winter afternoon.
Reindog Holiday Parade | Dec. 8, 2018
St. Joseph hosts this unique parade which features pets and their owners dressed up in their best holiday garb. Santa Claus is also coming to town this day for a photo opportunity with the kiddos.
Ferrysburg Carol Sing | Dec. 8, 2018
Sing the carols of the season around a bonfire with hot chocolate, donut holes and Santa Claus.
WinterFest in Palmer Park | Dec. 9, 2018
The whole family will enjoy this multi-cultural holiday festival in Detroit. Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, take a hayride, enjoy treats and hot cocoa and make holiday ornaments.
Christmas Magic in Monroe | Dec. 15
Shop at the Vendor Village and stay for the main event, a magical Christmas parade. Santa Claus will be on hand after the parade to talk to kids and take pictures.
Enjoy all the season has to offer and kick it off with one of these fun events the whole family will enjoy. PureMichigan.org has a thorough list of holiday events in the state if you’re not finding anything close to you on our list.
What are your favorite Michigan holiday festivals and parades? What’s unique about your hometown’s celebration? Tell us in the comments.
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Photo credit: petrych
