Christmas is a special time of year no matter where you live, but we’re fortunate enough to reside in a state with some of the best holiday towns in the country. These ten spots in the Great Lakes State are full of beautiful decor, friendly faces, and heartwarming holiday traditions — and you’ll be utterly charmed.
- Mackinac Island
Facebook/Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry Make your way to the island for some unique holiday excitement that simply can’t be found anywhere else. There’s a reason that Mackinac Island is often included on lists of the country’s greatest Christmas towns — attend a Christmas bazaar, marvel at light displays, and grab a slice of fudge to go.
- Frankenmuth
Flickr/Christopher Woodrich This one is a no-brainer: serving as home to Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, Frankenmuth is one of Michigan’s quintessential holiday destinations. Whether you’re visiting the massive Christmas store or simply basking in the warm atmosphere of Frankenmuth’s Bavarian holiday decor, you’ll be charmed.
- Ironwood
Facebook/Ironwood Chamber Of Commerce Each December, Ironwood hosts a lovely event to kick off the holiday season. The Festival of Lights Parade is just the beginning of Christmas in this beloved Northern Michigan town, where you’ll be immersed in the spirit of the season.
- Detroit
Flickr/Michael Kappel Of course, Detroit is certainly larger than your typical “town,” but it’s no less full of Christmas spirit. Make your way to Noel Night, an annual celebration and open house that brings the city to life with shopping, breathtaking holiday decorations, and all sorts of Christmas-themed performances.
- Saugatuck
Facebook/Saugatuck & Douglas Saugatuck is a quaint location year-round, but there’s something absolutely magical about visiting during the Christmas season. Walk through the area’s tiny downtown and marvel at the lights that give this town an ethereal holiday feel — or dress up and head out for the annual Christmas parade!
- Christmas
Flickr/Jamie R. Rytlewski This town in the U.P. has the holiday right in its name: and you’ll want to visit. Throughout Christmas, businesses and attractions maintain the holiday theme. Check out a huge cutout of Santa Claus or grab a few decorative items from the local store.
- Grand Rapids
Facebook/Frederik Meijer Gardens The entire city of Grand Rapids comes alive around Christmastime, but there’s one spot in particular that will put you in the holiday mood: Frederik Meijer Gardens. Head to this gorgeous indoor garden for a display of Christmas decor from around the world — over 40,000 lights will completely dazzle you.
- Rochester
Facebook/Big Bright Light Show Each year, downtown Rochester is brilliantly illuminated with hundreds of holiday decorations in the Big, Bright Light Show. Through early January, you’ll feel as though you’ve been transported to a real-life winter wonderland while you shop in this quaint town.
- Holland
Flickr/Tom Gill Holland is an absolute delight around Christmastime, with lights and tinsel giving each downtown business a unique vibe. Attend a holiday open house on 8th Street to finish up your shopping — and don’t forget to marvel at the city’s heated sidewalks, which quickly melt incoming snow!
- Ann Arbor
Flickr/Jeffrey Smith Each holiday season, downtown Ann Arbor comes alive with stunning lights hung in every tree. Storefronts decorate for the holiday season and your heart will be warmed by a distinct Christmas feel as you walk though this college town.
While these are a few of the best Christmas towns in our state, we’re sure that each and every Michigan city is host to its own holiday traditions. What are some favorite Christmas pastimes in your hometown?
Facebook/Star Line Mackinac Island Ferry
Make your way to the island for some unique holiday excitement that simply can’t be found anywhere else. There’s a reason that Mackinac Island is often included on lists of the country’s greatest Christmas towns — attend a Christmas bazaar, marvel at light displays, and grab a slice of fudge to go.
Flickr/Christopher Woodrich
This one is a no-brainer: serving as home to Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, Frankenmuth is one of Michigan’s quintessential holiday destinations. Whether you’re visiting the massive Christmas store or simply basking in the warm atmosphere of Frankenmuth’s Bavarian holiday decor, you’ll be charmed.
Facebook/Ironwood Chamber Of Commerce
Each December, Ironwood hosts a lovely event to kick off the holiday season. The Festival of Lights Parade is just the beginning of Christmas in this beloved Northern Michigan town, where you’ll be immersed in the spirit of the season.
Flickr/Michael Kappel
Of course, Detroit is certainly larger than your typical “town,” but it’s no less full of Christmas spirit. Make your way to Noel Night, an annual celebration and open house that brings the city to life with shopping, breathtaking holiday decorations, and all sorts of Christmas-themed performances.
Facebook/Saugatuck & Douglas
Saugatuck is a quaint location year-round, but there’s something absolutely magical about visiting during the Christmas season. Walk through the area’s tiny downtown and marvel at the lights that give this town an ethereal holiday feel — or dress up and head out for the annual Christmas parade!
Flickr/Jamie R. Rytlewski
This town in the U.P. has the holiday right in its name: and you’ll want to visit. Throughout Christmas, businesses and attractions maintain the holiday theme. Check out a huge cutout of Santa Claus or grab a few decorative items from the local store.
Facebook/Frederik Meijer Gardens
The entire city of Grand Rapids comes alive around Christmastime, but there’s one spot in particular that will put you in the holiday mood: Frederik Meijer Gardens. Head to this gorgeous indoor garden for a display of Christmas decor from around the world — over 40,000 lights will completely dazzle you.
Facebook/Big Bright Light Show
Each year, downtown Rochester is brilliantly illuminated with hundreds of holiday decorations in the Big, Bright Light Show. Through early January, you’ll feel as though you’ve been transported to a real-life winter wonderland while you shop in this quaint town.
Flickr/Tom Gill
Holland is an absolute delight around Christmastime, with lights and tinsel giving each downtown business a unique vibe. Attend a holiday open house on 8th Street to finish up your shopping — and don’t forget to marvel at the city’s heated sidewalks, which quickly melt incoming snow!
Flickr/Jeffrey Smith
Each holiday season, downtown Ann Arbor comes alive with stunning lights hung in every tree. Storefronts decorate for the holiday season and your heart will be warmed by a distinct Christmas feel as you walk though this college town.
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