Michigan's Christmas-Themed Towns and Attractions
Some people travel to Michigan to find a charming Hallmark-movie-type village for a holiday visit. Others want to explore attractions that bring Christmas to life. No matter what your goal is, these are the best of Michigan’s Christmas-themed towns and attractions to visit not only during the holidays but also throughout the year.
Charlevoix
Charlevoix has a bustling casino, but the holidays come to life with the Castle Farm’s Train Wonderland. The farm recreates Polar Express with the model trains, and there are trains for little ones to ride. The annual tree lighting and parade take place with downtown businesses offering discounts if you want to shop while you take in the lights.
Christmas
Welcome to Christmas. Year-round Santas are ready to greet you to this holiday town in the Upper Peninsula. Kewadin Casino – Christmas is on Candy Cane Lane, but there are other holiday-themed roads and plenty to do and see throughout the year. Uncle Ducky Paddler’s Village offers boat tours of the Pictured Rocks Shoreline and kayak/canoeing opportunities along with cabin rentals and yurts.
Detroit
Lake Orion has a must-visit Christmas village, but it’s just as important to visit Detroit between casino games. Detroit winter markets run throughout December, and Cadillac Square has one of the best. Ice skating at the Rink at Campus Martius Park is fun for all ages, and Monroe Street Midway has rides and games.
One thing that makes Detroit a great place to visit in the holidays is the fact that multicultural events take place throughout the month. In addition to the traditional tree lighting, there’s the lighting of a giant Menorah in the D and Kwanzaa Kinara.
Frankenmuth
If you only have time for one Christmas town, Frankenmuth should be on your list. It’s about 40 miles south of Saganing Eagles Landing Casino. Frankenmuth is a city filled with Bavarian-style homes and buildings, which is why its nickname is Little Bavaria. The Christmas Experience is not to be missed.
From the festive tree lighting to the Bavarian-style homes that are lit up for the season, there’s a lot to see and do. Go ice skating or complete the Little Driving Light Tour. Frankenmuth boasts Central Michigan’s largest European-style Christmas Market, which is a good alternative if you can’t make it all the way to Grand Rapids.
Grand Rapids
Christkindl Market is a must-visit attraction in Grand Rapids. It’s the largest European Christmas Market in Michigan. Multiple vendors make the marketplace their home for the holidays. Vendors might sell food and beverages or unique gifts. Marshmallow roasting, hot beverages, and delicious foods are all part of the unique Christmas attraction.
Lake Orion
Lake Orion is a neighborhood in Metro Detroit, and it’s home to one of the best Michigan attractions at Christmas. The Canterbury Holiday Stroll finds the village transformed into a holiday wonderland with a Caroling Corner for children, Christmas figures like Buddy the Elf, the Grinch, Jack Frost, and others strolling the grounds. Santa sets up for photo opportunities, and his mailbox is there for kids to drop off their letters.
Mackinac Island
Christmas on Mackinac Island is the experience of a lifetime. While the island doesn’t get a lot of tourists in the winter, it comes to life in the holidays. Carolers sing and hot chocolate flows for the annual tree lighting. There’s also a Christmas Bazaar that raises money for the island’s medical center and churches.
Marquette
With Ojibwa Casino Marquette providing games to play, what is there to do when you want to explore the area? The Winter Snow Fun Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting takes place in Downtown Marquette with local business trucks and decorated floats leading a parade of carolers down the road.
The village is converted into the North Pole with the post office collecting letters to Santa and ending at Marquette Commons where the tree lighting takes place. Live music and dancing continue well into the evening.
Muskegon
Muskegon is a bit of a drive from Detroit’s casinos, but if you have the time, it’s a gorgeous city on the shores of Lake Michigan. There is no casino here, but the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians has plans for a $180 million casino to bring revenue and jobs to the area. As of 2024, approval is uncertain as Michigan’s governor shot it down once. If it passes, Muskegon will be a great vacation destination.
What makes it a great Christmas-themed attraction is the giant singing Christmas tree that appears each year. The 67-foot tree is lit up with more than 25,000 Christmas lights and area performing arts students stand in the tree and sing holiday music. It’s America’s tallest singing tree, and it’s a must-see if you’re in the area. Also, check out the Victorian mansions that are decorated up for the season.
Petoskey
When you’re not at Odawa Casino Petoskey, head into town for the Petoskey Holiday Open House. This annual event finds Santa lighting up the tree in Pennsylvania Park. The park’s gazebo and sidewalks provide a peaceful place to stroll and look at the holiday decorations. Businesses often hand out hot beverages and snacks as all of the town’s lights fill the night with color.
Traverse City
Several casinos are in or near Traverse City, so there’s plenty of casino fun and lodging. During the holidays, the streets are decorated with twinkling nights and more than 150 shops and restaurants for holiday shopping and meals while you’re taking in the sights.
The Traverse City Light Parade marks Santa’s arrival and the annual tree lighting. Arrange a horse-drawn carriage ride and check out the pop-up holiday markets.
When you travel to Michigan for Christmas events and attractions, make sure you check the latest casino promotions. Throughout the year, especially on holidays, the number of Christmas promotions and cash giveaways is plentiful.