9 Christmas Towns In Michigan That Would Even Charm The Grinch
By Sophie Boudreau
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Updated on October 27, 2022
(Originally published October 22, 2022)
There’s no place like Michigan for the holidays. With friendly faces, seemingly endless cheer, and all sorts of beautiful Christmas decor, the Great Lakes State truly comes to life each winter. When you’re ready to fully embrace the Christmas spirit, come explore the nine best Christmas towns in Michigan for the ultimate holiday adventure.
1. Frankenmuth
It’s no surprise that
Frankenmuth tops our list . This beloved Bavarian locale embraces the Christmas spirit year-round with the presence of
Bronner's Christmas Wonderland , and December is an especially magical time to visit. Marvel at unique architecture, sip on hot chocolate as you stroll down Main Street, and finish up with a bit of holiday shopping downtown.
2. Christmas
With a name like Christmas, how could we leave this unique Upper Peninsula town off our list? This tiny but undeniably festive spot certainly lives up to its name, and no
visit to Christmas is complete without stopping for a photograph with the area’s massive Santa Claus! Christmas even has its very own post office, so why not drop off your letter to the North Pole while you’re in town?
3. Holland
It’s tough to find a Michigan town with more charm during Christmastime than Holland. Tucked away along the shores of Lake Michigan, this community sparkles with holiday cheer and plenty of festive decor throughout its downtown area. The best part? Downtown Holland has state-of-the-art heated sidewalks that prevent ice and snow buildup, so you can stroll without fear of slipping!
Holland is a must-visit during the holiday season and year-round.
4. Rochester
When you’re ready for the ultimate display of Christmas lights, make your way to downtown Rochester for its annual
Big, Bright Light Show . Millions (yes, millions!) of gorgeous lights twinkle on each storefront, and there’s an almost palpable sense of holiday spirit throughout town. You don’t even have to be a major fan of Christmas to embrace the joyous mood in the
beautiful town of Rochester .
5. Ironwood
Ironwood might not be the most famous Upper Peninsula destination, but that doesn’t make it any less wonderful! During the holiday season, this tight-knit community hosts a variety of events, from theatrical performances to chamber choirs. Whether you’re 8 or 80, you’ll find a way to embrace the joys of Christmas during a
visit to Ironwood .
6. Grand Rapids
While Grand Rapids is significantly larger than the other locations on this list, it still maintains a sense of small-town charm during the holiday season. Lights line the trees downtown, giving the entire area a sense of calm and peace. When you’re searching for a cold weather adventure, lace up your skates and hit the ice rink at Rosa Parks Circle. What better way to ring in the Christmas season than by experiencing all the magic that
Grand Rapids has to offer ?
7. Holly
This beautiful town is truly the place to be each Christmas season, and not just because of its festive name. There’s an undeniable sense of cheer permeating the streets of
Holly each December , and you’ll feel right at home as soon as you arrive in this
quaint Michigan Christmas town . As if that weren’t enough, the town hosts an annual festival celebrating Charles Dickens, complete with costumed carolers and a holiday parade.
8. Petoskey
Don’t let the holiday season pass you by without a visit to Petoskey, which has long served as one of northern Michigan’s most charming gems. Each year, the town hosts a holiday open house -- but the celebratory mood doesn’t end there.
Venture through downtown Petoskey for a peaceful experience amid some of the loveliest Christmas decor imaginable.
9. Northville
This beloved town is a must-visit when it comes to holiday travels throughout the Great Lakes State. Northville fully embraces the Christmas spirit, hosting art exhibits, a holiday market, and plenty of opportunities to meet with Santa in the town square. You’ll have a blast strolling through the wintery wonderland that envelops
downtown Northville .
Alright, Michiganders: we want to hear from you! Did we leave any of your favorite Christmas towns off our list? Let us know in the comment section below, and safe holiday travels!
If you are a visitor to the Great Lakes State during the holiday season, you might be wondering, “what are the best Christmas towns near me ?” We’ve got a great list to start with here, but if you discover another Michigan Christmas town you’d love to see highlighted, please share it with us in the comments!
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