The Little-Known Small Town In Michigan That Goes All Out For Christmas
By Jack Springgate|Published November 29, 2023
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Jack Springgate
Author
I'm proud to be from the great state of Michigan. I've lived in the Mitten several different times throughout my life spending time in all corners of it. My journeys took me up and down the Lake Michigan coast, out east to explore Detroit and Ann Arbor, and to the dense forests of the UP.
Before writing with Only In Your State, I worked as a local TV news reporter and anchor, most recently in South Bend. Many of the stories I covered took place in Southwest Michigan. My roots are even deeper in the Wolverine State as I often head to Kalamazoo to visit family.
When I'm not out exploring nature, I'm avidly watching sports. I specifically have a deep love for the Michigan Wolverines (my alma mater), and I get to write about them and several other Big Ten teams as and editor for Athlon Sports. I also love to enjoy the great outdoors with my wife and our dog, Piper.
I'm excited to share all my favorite Michigan destinations with you. Keep exploring.
One of the most charming things about small towns is the attention to detail they give to the holiday season. It won’t be much of a surprise that our Ultimate Guide To Winter Attractions And Activities In Michigan includes several places in the Upper Peninsula.
If you make your way to Houghton, Michigan during the holiday season, be prepared to receive your annual dose of Christmas cheer.
For two weeks leading up to Christmas, the entirety of downtown Houghton’s shopping district will dazzle shoppers with hundreds of thousands of lights.
They not only show they’re ready for Christmas on the outside, but many boutiques offer unique Christmas products this time of year.
Houghton hosts their Winter Wonderland event on December 3rd, which kicks off the holiday season. Kids can meet some of their favorite characters from Disney’s Frozen.
One of the best ways to enjoy the downtown lights and holiday cheer is by taking one of the carriage rides downtown. This is a very popular tradition in Houghton.
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This Christmas town definitely makes it onto Santa’s nice list. Located on the shores of Lake Superior, this is one of the snowiest towns in Michigan too.
This includes the Mont Ripley Ski Area, which is the oldest ski area in Michigan, claiming Houghton is the ‘snowiest city in the Midwest.’ The season starts after Thanksgiving.
If you’re not the most talented on skis or a snowboard, snowshoeing is another way to enjoy the fresh snow while keeping it relaxing.
