The One Michigan City That Transforms Into A Christmas Wonderland Each Year
By Emily Tieman|Updated on November 21, 2023(Originally published December 15, 2022)
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Emily Tieman
Author
Emily Tieman is a lifelong Michigander and has a love for locally owned small businesses. She is a freelance writer for Only In Your State and has her own vintage content creator business.
The Great Lake State is known for its beautiful winter scenery and idyllic small towns that are decked out for the holiday season. Some cities are so well known for holiday charm that they are swarmed with crowds, which can make a Grinch out of the best of us. But there’s one under-the-radar place in Michigan with the loveliest Christmas displays and seasonal events you need to experience. This magical Christmas wonderland can be found in the underrated town of Bay City, Michigan, and you’re certainly going to want to enjoy a Bay City Christmas this year!
Bay City, Michigan is a coastal town located on the east side of Michigan near the base of Saginaw Bay.
The once-thriving industrial town is filled with breathtaking architecture like the impressive City Hall building. The downtown area was listed on the National Register of Historic Places and sets the scene for a quintessential old-fashioned Christmas.
Among the historic commercial buildings downtown, you’ll find one of Michigan’s biggest antique stores, which is a must-see. You can get lost strolling through hundreds of antique booths with many of them decorated for Christmas. If you’re looking for a unique Christmas souvenir to bring home with you from your trip, check out the Bay Antique Center.
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Bay City loves to dress up its downtown for the holiday season with a giant live Christmas tree in riverfront Wenonah Park. You’ll feel like you’re in a Hallmark movie while you admire the glow of the neon signs on the water and walk through the lit-up downtown streets.
Just steps from the park is the adorable vintage State Theater that was built in 1908. The building used to be a burlesque house but has been renovated and is now a family-friendly movie theater. During the holiday season, you can find a variety of Christmas movies playing on the big screen.
The "Sundays in the City" holiday movie series features classics, like Elf, It's a Wonderful Life, and many more.
Many shops and eateries downtown participate in Sundays in the City as well, which is a festive holiday event that occurs on the four Sundays leading up to Christmas. You’ll see carolers roaming the streets and be amazed by the delightfully decorated window displays.
Feeling a little chilly while window shopping? You'll find a fireplace at Center & Washington to warm up by!
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You’re probably getting a little tired after walking around town, so sit back and relax on a horse-drawn carriage ride. The carriage rides are free for visitors to enjoy and it’s a wonderful way to view the city, especially on a snowy day!
Whether you’re shopping for antique Christmas ornaments, salivating over old-fashioned candy, or looking to check “horse-drawn carriage ride” off your bucket list, for a magical Michigan Christmas experience, Bay City has what you’re looking for.
Christmas in Bay City is certainly an enchanting time of year! You can stay up to date on holiday events by following the Downtown Bay City Facebook page.
Do you know an underrated town in Michigan? Submit a nomination form, and you may see it featured!
Since you’re feeling the holiday spirit, Christmas in Michigan wouldn’t be complete without an old-fashioned drive to check out neighborhood light displays! Check out this Christmas lights road trip around the state to make the most of the season – just be sure to wrap up that shopping to-do list while you’re out and about.
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