Christmas & Holiday Activities in Northern Michigan
The holiday season in Northern Michigan includes Christmas tree lightings, decorated stores, parades, merchant open houses, and more.
Photo by Victoire Joncheray on Unsplash.com
Northern Michigan does winter right. No gray, mushy, damp days here. Blue skies, crisp temperatures, and an abundance of snow makes winter just as it is supposed to be: perfect.
If you enjoy the vigorous exercise of cross country skiing, Northern Michigan is for you. More than a dozen trails attract a skiers. The Petoskey State Park, Wildwood, Nub’s Nob, and Birchwood Country Club are just a few great places to cross country ski. Each February, the Loppet takes place, a cross country ski trek from Harbor Springs to Cross Village.
Downhill skiing is Northern Michigan. We boast of downhill skiing because we have it all: three spectacular resorts with a variety of terrain. Nub’s Nob and Boyne Highlands, both outside Harbor Springs, and Boyne Mountain in Boyne Falls, provide a ski experience that will bring you back for more. Ski schools, racing, demonstrations, snowboarding, night skiing, apres ski… what more can you ask for?
If snowmobiling is your passion, then you have come to the right place. Miles and miles of trails can take you from the woods to the water’s edge, from the countryside to a spot for a warm drink. The annual Moose Jaw Safari attracts hundreds of snowmobilers each February as they sled from Harbor Springs to Lark’s Lake where the famous bean pot awaits.
It may be the old fashioned way to get around in the snow, but it works and is gaining in popularity every year. And one hour of moderate snowshoeing burns 700 calories. Try any of the area cross country ski trails or take part in guided snowshoe walks by the Little Traverse Conservancy.
Iceskating on a beautiful winter evening with the stars overhead just can’t be beat. Outdoor rinks in Petoskey, Boyne City, Charlevoix, Boyne Falls, Harbor Springs, and Boyne Highlands; along with indoor skating in Harbor Springs, provide wonderful opportunities to glide across the ice. Sledding hills are perfect for a fast trip down the hill on a sled followed by hot chocolate in the warming house.
The holiday season in Northern Michigan includes Christmas tree lightings, decorated stores, parades, merchant open houses, and more.
Music, dance, art, and theater all come together for an event celebrating the New Year at the Crooked Tree Arts Center in downtown Petoskey.
Celebrate the winter at Petoskey’s Winter Wonderland Weekend, in partnership with the Winter Sports Park Winter Carnival!
March is a big month for the ski resorts Up North. Visit Nub’s Nob, The Highlands at Harbor Springs, and Boyne Mountain for winter fun!
Indian River’s Winterfest is packed with fun things to do including a poker run, bonfires, music, food, kid’s events, and more.
Northern Michigan appreciates spring after a long winter and holds lots of great activities to celebrate this time of year!
Northern Michigan appreciates spring after a long winter and holds lots of great activities to celebrate this time of year!
Northern Michigan appreciates spring after a long winter and holds lots of great activities to celebrate this time of year!
Fort Mackinac is open from May-October and includes buildings restored their original look after the fort’s occupation by the British
The Mackinac Bridge is the 10th largest suspension bridge (over water) in the world and connects Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsula.
In Northern Michigan, you’ll find lighthouses where lighthouse keepers once lived and worked that have been restored and are open to visitors.
Little Traverse Conservancy protects land and scenic areas and provides opportunities for all of us to appreciate the environment.
Within the historic Chicago/West Michigan railroad depot in Petoskey, the Little Traverse History Museum is a history filled gem.
Beaver Island is located 32 miles offshore of Charlevoix, Michigan and is the largest island in Lake Michigan.
The Harsha House and the Charlevoix Depot Museum, run by the Charlevoix Historical Society, preserve much of Charlevoix’s rich history.
A visit to Northern Michigan is not complete without a walk along the Lake Michigan in search of Petoskey stones.
Get off the ferry from Mackinaw City or St. Ignace to Mackinac Island and the first thing you’ll see is the historic downtown area.
Summer’s not summer without a day at the beach and Northern Michigan offers some of the best beaches anywhere.