The holiday season is well underway, which means a multitude of things to do in Michigan.
Here’s a look at some of the state’s best bets for December.
HOCKEY: Faster than Ever Exhibition is the main draw in Dearborn at Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation. This extra special exhibit will be open until January 5.
The highly awaited Dickens Festival starts Sunday, Dec. 1 in Holly then resumes the second and third weekend of December.
Stroll the streets of historic Battle Alley – where infamous brawls once took place – see unique shops and dine on delicious food. Take in the scent of roasting chestnuts, the sounds of strolling carolers, and perhaps even a sighting of the grumpy soul known as Ebenezer Scrooge .
For the past 20 years, the city of Dearborn has been a first-rate destination for holiday revelers across the state. Holidays Nights at Greenfield Village have become a much-loved Michigan tradition.
The World’s Most Popular Musical Les Misérables takes center stage at Detroit’s Fisher Theatre from December 4-15.
Set against the backdrop of 19th century France, Les Misérables tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption – a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. For tickets, visit Broadway In Detroit online.
Charlevoix’s Christmas Cookie Walk will be chock-full of savory sweets.
The chocolicious cookie walk convenes Saturday, Dec. 7 at 1st Congregational Church on State St. All the cookies you can carry are available for $11 a pound.
About half an hour away is the Enchanted Trail by Little Traverse Bay. The Highlands of Harbor Springs hosts this dazzling outdoor light display. The Enchanted Trail opens Friday, December 13.
Say Salud to Detroit Tequila Fest . Agave aficionados, head over to Eastern Market for un gran fiesta del sur. On the menu are tequila creams, infusions, liqueurs, mezcals y mucho mas.
If holiday shopping is your thing, Frankenmuth has just what you need. 12 days of sales happen at Frankenmuth River Place Shops.
An array of holiday-related activities are also on the docket. Family Craft Night is booked at the Bavarian Inn December 3. Plus Holiday Popcorn Tastings, Hot Cocoa Bars and Pretzels Rolling Parties are scheduled every week of the month.
Walk Along the Wild Side at Detroit Zoo’s Wild Lights on select week nights and Sundays in Royal Oak.
Surrounded by sparkly sights, with millions of LED lights twinkling in the trees, buildings and tunnels. Enter an immersive forest of lights and marvel at the Polar Express 4D Theater!
There’s sure to be tons of thrills for kids and adults alike.
Kerrytown District KindleFest is on the marquee December 6 at Ann Arbor Farmers Market. Soak in the spirit of the season as local artists offer their homemade holiday wares.
In the Upper Peninsula, Iron Mountain puts on a luminous Lights at the Lake show that’s not to be missed. The season's show will go through the end of December at Lake Antoine Park.
Get ready for an exciting Michigan Made Holiday Art Exhibition at Lansing Art Gallery. Among the featured works are: ceramics, glass, watercolors, holiday cards and other unique hand-crafted goods from more than 80 Michigan-based artists. That goes til December 21.
Hanukkah begins the evening of Wednesday, December 25. The traditional Jewish festival of lights lasts for eight miraculous nights. Michigan has numerous events planned to mark the occasion.
A number of cities are on the slate to celebrate Kwanzaa around the state. NextMichigan News has the details:
https://nextmichigan.news/calendar#/show?search=Kwanzaa&start=2024-12-26
For a fun outing in Northern Michigan, check out the Antique Snowmobiles on Mighty Mac. These vintage vehicles cross the Mackinac Bridge from Mackinaw City to St. Ignace on Saturday, December 14.
Circle your calendar for Saturday, December 21. It's the 2024 Winter Solstice. -- which marks an official changing of the seasons. Come on Michigan, let’s give winter a warm welcome.
College hockey tops the bill at Grand Rapids’ Van Andel Arena Sunday, December 29 and Monday, December 30. This year’s Great Lakes Invitational will feature four of Michigan’s own.
Michigan State, Michigan Tech, Northern Michigan and Western Michigan hit the ice in a fast-paced single-elimination tournament. They will compete for the coveted MacInnes Cup.
Take a look at some highlights from last year:
Gear up for New Year’s Eve as we bid farewell to 2024. Be safe – have a happy and healthy 2025!