There’s no better way to embrace the holiday spirit than with a joyful walk through your city’s downtown. Storefronts come alive with sparkling lights, sidewalks are sprinkled with snow, and merriment is in the air. Here are ten of the best “main street” areas in Michigan that will charm you this Christmas season.
- South Main Street, Ann Arbor
Flickr/Jeffrey Smith A walk down South Main during the holiday season is positively breathtaking. Trees are covered in twinkling lights and friendly businesses offer all sorts of opportunities to find the perfect gift.
- Eighth Street, Holland
Flickr/Tom Gill There’s one thing you won’t notice during your joyful jaunt down Holland’s Eighth Street: snow. Holland prides itself on a heated sidewalk system that keeps icy patches at bay.
- Rochester Road, Rochester
Flickr/Scott Smithson You’ve never seen Christmas lights quite like the ones you’ll find in Rochester. Storefronts along Rochester Road are magically illuminated every winter.
- Washington Street, Marquette
Facebook/Downtown Marquette Marquette is one of Michigan’s most beloved gems, and it’s especially charming at Christmastime. Walk along Washington Street and take in the Christmas spirit – but don’t forget to bundle up!
- Front Street, Traverse City
Facebook/Downtown Traverse City It’s difficult to travel down Front Street in Traverse City without being absolutely charmed, no matter what the season. During Christmastime, you’ll be utterly elated by the holiday spirit that surrounds you.
- Butler Street, Saugatuck
Facebook/Saugatuck & Douglas This small town on the state’s west side might be tiny, but its main street is huge on holiday charm. It’s even home to a Christmas shop, Tuck’s, that’s open year-round, and an annual holiday parade.
- Lake Shore Drive, Mackinac Island
Facebook/Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau Mackinac Island is like something out of a fairytale come Christmastime. Your heart will be warm as you meander down Lake Shore Drive and check out everything from fudge shops to gift stores.
- Phoenix Street, South Haven
Facebook/Downtown South Haven This waterfront community has a small but simply beautiful downtown area. Phoenix Street is home to plenty of eateries and shops that sparkle with holiday decor each December.
- Main Street, Frankenmuth
Flickr/jettajet The Bavarian-style buildings of Frankenmuth’s Main Street are brilliantly dressed every Christmas season. As you peruse shops with loved ones, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a real-life winter wonderland.
- Military Street, Port Huron
Flickr/User Kristy Take in the sights and sounds of Christmas with a visit to Military Street in Port Huron. For some extra winter excitement, walk along the St. Clair River and watch as ice floats below the Blue Water Bridge.
Does your city have a particularly charming Main Street? Share your favorite Christmastime photos in the comment section below.
Flickr/Jeffrey Smith
A walk down South Main during the holiday season is positively breathtaking. Trees are covered in twinkling lights and friendly businesses offer all sorts of opportunities to find the perfect gift.
Flickr/Tom Gill
There’s one thing you won’t notice during your joyful jaunt down Holland’s Eighth Street: snow. Holland prides itself on a heated sidewalk system that keeps icy patches at bay.
Flickr/Scott Smithson
You’ve never seen Christmas lights quite like the ones you’ll find in Rochester. Storefronts along Rochester Road are magically illuminated every winter.
Facebook/Downtown Marquette
Marquette is one of Michigan’s most beloved gems, and it’s especially charming at Christmastime. Walk along Washington Street and take in the Christmas spirit – but don’t forget to bundle up!
Facebook/Downtown Traverse City
It’s difficult to travel down Front Street in Traverse City without being absolutely charmed, no matter what the season. During Christmastime, you’ll be utterly elated by the holiday spirit that surrounds you.
Facebook/Saugatuck & Douglas
This small town on the state’s west side might be tiny, but its main street is huge on holiday charm. It’s even home to a Christmas shop, Tuck’s, that’s open year-round, and an annual holiday parade.
Facebook/Mackinac Island Tourism Bureau
Mackinac Island is like something out of a fairytale come Christmastime. Your heart will be warm as you meander down Lake Shore Drive and check out everything from fudge shops to gift stores.
Facebook/Downtown South Haven
This waterfront community has a small but simply beautiful downtown area. Phoenix Street is home to plenty of eateries and shops that sparkle with holiday decor each December.
Flickr/jettajet
The Bavarian-style buildings of Frankenmuth’s Main Street are brilliantly dressed every Christmas season. As you peruse shops with loved ones, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a real-life winter wonderland.
Flickr/User Kristy
Take in the sights and sounds of Christmas with a visit to Military Street in Port Huron. For some extra winter excitement, walk along the St. Clair River and watch as ice floats below the Blue Water Bridge.
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