Enjoy A Classical Christmas When You Visit This Charming Suburb In Michigan
By Jack Springgate|Published December 18, 2023
×
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.
The holidays are a magical time of year in Michigan, but a handful of communities take Christmas more seriously than anywhere else in the state. Few towns can match the passion and involvement of the people in Rochester, Michigan. This town’s holiday season is packed with events, traditions, and tons of lights.
Carrying a Christmas spirit that would rival Dr. Seuss’ Whoville, here are all the reasons why even a Grinch can fall in love with the holidays in this Detroit suburb.
Downtown Rochester hits the switch on millions of lights even before the calendar reaches December. The season is kicked off by the town’s Lagniappe event. The word has Creole origins meaning “little gift”.
Shop owners will offer free items or refreshments as they open their doors to guests, hence the name. This year’s event took place on Nov. 20th as they celebrated the 50th anniversary of Lagniappe’s inaugural event.
The Big Bright Light Show is one of the more iconic scenes during Lagniappe. The entire community comes together in downtown Rochester to light the big tree for the holiday season.
This traditional tree-lighting ceremony started in 2005 and attracts visitors all the way from Detroit. This is also when local businesses put on their light displays.
Advertisement
One of Rochester’s most iconic bars transforms into a holiday hideaway once the Christmas season rolls around. The Royal Park Hotel turns its bar into a Holiday Pop-Up wonderland through the end of December.
Share a Christmas cocktail with the Grinch or marvel at the beautiful Christmas decorations. The Holiday Bar is open from 5:00-11:00 pm on Thursdays and Fridays leading up to the new year. They stay open until midnight on Saturdays.
Find a unique authentic gift at their Kris Kringle Market. Most of your holiday shopping can all be done at one spot in Rochester. I always keep my eye out for the perfect annual ornament to add to my tree while perusing through the vendor booths.
This annual event occurs the first week of December each year. More than 35 vendors line the streets of this European-inspired open-air market. You can snack on holiday-inspired street food like cannolis, perogies, and toffee.
One of the reasons downtown Rochester looks so festive is due to the participation in the annual Holiday Window Contest. Downtown shops put up their best decorations while community members vote on their favorite storefronts.
Each year poses a different theme. In the past, local businesses competed for the best “Vintage Christmas” display. I don’t think you could go with a more magical theme. The competition runs from late November to early December, but business owners keep their displays up through the holidays.
One of the locations you have to visit in Rochester during Christmas time is Meadow Brook Hall. This massive estate invites guests on a breathtaking tour of their holiday light display and mansion.
The Holiday Walk invites visitors to see how they celebrate Christmas inside the walls of this historic home on Oakland University’s campus. The self-guided tour features more than 50 indoor Christmas trees and a ten-foot-tall poinsettia.
I can’t imagine a more heartwarming tradition than this event. Caroling In The City invites the community to come out for a night of Christmas-themed events including a caroling sing-along.
If you asked me, this scene is ripped right out of a classic holiday movie.
While many of us have memories of opening presents or spending time with family on Christmas day, this community treats the whole holiday season like it’s Dec. 25th. For a full list of upcoming events, I recommend checking out Downtown Rochester’s website.
You’ll not only find what’s coming up, but also more details about what to expect when you get there. If you’re one of those people who love surprising loved ones with unique holiday gifts, you should check out the Kris Kringle Market.
If you can’t find exactly what you’re looking for, you can always round out that holiday shopping list on Etsy.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
