December in Michigan feels a little bit like living inside a snow globe, glittering lights, cozy traditions, bustling downtown streets, and that unmistakable mix of nostalgia and excitement that only the holidays can bring. Whether you love leaning into full festive mode or prefer lowkey winter charm, the state offers endless ways to savor the season.
This list of 12 Things to Do in Michigan in December blends classic holiday favorites with uniquely Michigan happenings, from Victorian parades and holiday cabarets to culinary events, wine tours, live theater, and even a snowmobile crossing over the Mighty Mac. No matter what corner of the state you’re exploring, you’ll find something here to brighten your month and add a little magic to your winter.
Let’s dive into the best December has to offer.
Dec 1-21 The Naughty List – Marshall
How about dinner and a show? Then Cornwell’s Turkeyville is the place to go. This unique Michigan business is home to a country gift shop, restaurant, campground, dinner theatre, and so much more. This particular show finds Sparkle the Elf facing a new star taking her spot in Santa’s Holiday Christmas Spectacular. She gets so jealous that she finds herself on a certain not-so-Christmassy list.
Tickets may be purchased with or without dinner included. Hint: you might just be able to enjoy some turkey with your toe-tapping.
Dec 2-Dec 14 Hell’s Kitchen – Detroit
Stepping into Detroit’s Fisher Building is a treat any time of year, but it has an exceptionally lovely look in December. Add to that the opportunity to see a legendary Broadway show, and you have a magical outing. Created by Grammy-winner Alicia Keys, and rooted in her own life experience, Hell’s Kitchen received 13 Tony nominations in 2024. The journey begins with Ali, a 17-year-old girl full of fire, searching for freedom, passion, and her place in the world.
Along the way, you’ll meet the musical mentor who changes her life, her dynamic family, and the neighborhood that helps her grow.
Dec 4-7; 12-14; 16-23; 26-28 Holiday Nights at Greenfield Village – Dearborn
As holiday traditions go, it is truly hard to top this one. Step back into a simpler time. Enjoy holiday melodies from Victorian carolers. Warm up and chat with other revelers around a roaring bonfire. Sip on a hot cocoa or craft cocktail. Taste a roasted chestnut. Pop into a home from a century ago and learn how they cooked the goose and other aspects of the yuletide feast.
Be sure to stay until the end of the evening to take in the fireworks. There is something extra magical about those bursts of color on a cold winter’s night.
Dec 4-7 Old Christmas Weekend – Manistee
Manistee’s Victorian Sleighbell Parade and Old Christmas Weekend is filled with charming, Victorian-inspired events including the Festival of Trees, craft bazaar, 5K race and more. This nostaligic weekend covers four days of excitement. Of particular interest is the Victorian Sleighbell Parade on Saturday, Dec 6. Expect to see bagpipers, reindeer, and carolers elegantly dressed in Victorian attire.
The highlights of the parade are draft horses pulling a 30-foot Christmas tree down River Street, followed by a beautiful display of luminaries, caroling and the lighting of the tree.
Dec 6 Midnight Madness – Ann Arbor
It’s party time in the Main Street area of Ann Arbor. While you need not be there at midnight, there will certainly be plenty of things to do in the middle of the evening. Stores stay open late with lots of holiday specials. Enjoy sidewalk entertainment while you shop. You may even get to say hello to Santa Claus and Miss Washtenaw County, who will be roaming about. The festivities also include local police serving up hot cocoa, winter games, a silent disco, and a social district cocktail crawl.
Downtown eateries will stay open late, serving special holiday menus, seasonal cocktails, and cozy treats to make your evening unforgettable.
Dec 6-7; 13-14 Dickens Festival – Holly
Holly truly comes alive every Christmas season with the nation’s oldest and longest running Dickens festival. Stroll the streets of historic Battle Alley, visit unique shops, and dine on delicious food. This full sensory experience includes the scent of roasting chestnuts, the sounds of strolling carolers, and perhaps even a sighting of one grumpy soul known as Ebenezer Scrooge.
Be sure to pop into Battle Alley Coffee, and warm up at one of the best java joints in the state.
Dec 6 and 13 Naughty and Nice Wine Dinner – Traverse City
Chateau Chantel famously offers a Naughty bottle and a Nice bottle each holiday season. This special event allows you to get ready for the holidays with a delectable winter menu built around those two wines. Each course is prepared in-house by their talented Executive Chef, Randy Minish, and expertly paired with delicious Chateau Chantal wine. The evening starts with a tour of the vineyard and indoor cellar at 6pm. Dinner seating begins at 6:30pm.
Tickets are $115 per person, and include 5 courses, wine, tax, and tip.
Dec 12-14; 17-21 Christmas Cabaret – Augusta
Attending this event is like taking part in a Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland musical, for those old enough to remember what that is. (Hint: if you don’t, try streaming one, they’re lots of fun). This annual tradition at the Barn Theatre, just east of Kalamazoo, is filled with good old fashioned Christmas spirit. Perfect for the whole family, this joyous, reflective, upbeat show is sure to create wonderful memories that will last a lifetime.
Plus, they’ll be serving up complimentary pie, coffee and hot chocolate. Showtimes are at 7pm, with 2pm matinees added on Saturdays and Sundays.
Dec 12; 19; 27 Black Star Farms Winter Polish Dinner – Suttons Bay
Join Estate Chef John Korycki at Bistro Polaris as he celebrates his Polish heritage and enchants guests with cherished family recipes that have been lovingly passed down through generations. The menu features dishes inspired by traditional Polish suppers, offering a unique opportunity to embark on a cultural and culinary journey through the rich flavors of Poland.
Dec 13 Antique Snowmobiles on Mighty Mac – St Ignace
One of the state’s more unique December parades has nothing to do with the holidays. Each year, vintage snowmobiles make their way across Mighty Mac. Whether you have an antique sled and want to take on this adventure, or just be a spectator, this is a uniquely Michigan experience. All snowmobiles that are 25 years or older are welcome. They must have a legal registration or the Historic Registration, a wheel kit with at least 2″ wheels, and no studs or cleats.
Riders will be crossing from Mackinaw City to St. Ignace at about 11am. If participating, you’ll want to make sure your machine is in the Colonial Michilimackinac parking lot by 10am at the latest.
Dec 31 New Year’s Eve Fest – Kalamazoo
Thanks to this unique performing arts fest, Kalamazoo has become one of the liveliest places around the state to celebrate the dawn of a new year. The event features bands, comedians, magicians, ventriloquists, jugglers, and even super heroes and princesses. It culminates at midnight with a ball drop and fireworks. Performers are scheduled for four 30-minute or three 45-minute performances that rotate throughout the night.
The outdoor live stage, fireworks, and ball drop are all free, as is riding the Holly Jolly Trolley from 6pm-11pm.
Dec 31 CherryT Ball Drop – Traverse City
There are, of course, a wide range of parties happening all around the state to celebrate the coming new year, but this one is special. First, it takes place in the beloved hamlet known as Traverse City. Second, you get to see a giant cherry drop to countdown to 2025. Third, as the playful name suggests, proceeds benefit local charities. A live DJ will be on site encourage dancing in the streets. Guests are asked to make a $5 donation for entry.
To date, the CherryT Ball Drop has raised nearly $130,000 for local nonprofits, making a meaningful impact on the community. Why not end your year by having fun and doing some good?
December in Michigan feels wonderfully alive, from the twinkling lights of historic villages to the cultural richness of theatre and the warmth of shared meals and traditions. Whether you’re exploring the state with family, hosting out-of-town guests, or simply looking for ways to make the most of the season, these twelve events offer something memorable for every kind of winter enthusiast.
Bundle up, embrace the magic, and let December in Michigan surprise you. Wishing you a bright, cozy, and joy-filled month ahead!
