Snowflakes and Santa, Christmas lights and luminaries, the last new moon and the first new powder: all incredible reasons to bundle up and get outside as we enjoy this holiday season.

Even more holiday events on MyNorth Events and our Community Calendar.


Sparkle in the Park  Dec. 1-31
Celebrate the Annual Sparkle in the Park holiday lighting showcase in Bear Lake. Over 50 holiday displays turn this summertime campground into a Celebration of Lights. Open nightly 5-10pm.

Stars & Snowflakes Astronomy Dec. 16
A crisp winter evening is a great time to learn the constellations. Begin indoors and then go for a walk. If the weather is not clear, they will use an interactive, indoor  “stellarium.” Grass River Natural Area, Bellaire. 231.533.8314, grass river.org.

Events at Boyne Highlands Dec. 16, 27, 29
Dec. 16 “6 for 1″ day pays homage to the Mountain Express six person lift, America’s first six person lift. On this day only, lift tickets are 6 for 1. Dec. 27 Demo Day, 9am-3pm. (Dec. 28 at Boyne Mountain.)  Dec. 29 Holiday Rail Jam, 2-5pm. (Dec. 30 at Boyne Mountain.) This is a judged event and top finishers walk away with great prizes like Boyne gift cards. Harbor Springs, 231.526.3088 boyne.com/boynehighlands.

Events at Crystal Mountain                  Dec. 16, 17, 20, 24, 29-30
Dec. 16 “6 for $60” to celebrate Crystal’s 60th Anniversary.  Dec. 17 Winter concert in the Art Park. Dec. 20 World Snowboard Day. Dec. 24 Hit the slopes with Santa starting at 1pm. Dec. 29-10 Ski & snowboard demo days. 855.995.5146crystalmountain.com.

Events at Shanty Creek Resorts           Dec. 17, 25, 30
Dec. 17  Tannenbaum Blitzen.  Enjoy a community buffet at Ivan’s Café, Christmas carols around the tree, a torchlight parade down the face of Schuss Mountain, cookie decorating and a visit from Santa, 6-10pm.  Dec. 25 Ski Free with Santa—Shanty Creek Resort’s gift to you. Join Santa on the slopes of Schuss Mountain and ski for free 9am-4:30pm. Dec. 30 Demo Day. Bellaire, 231.533.8621shantycreek.com.

Jingle Bell 5K           Dec. 18
Food and refreshments included; festive attire encouraged. Please bring a non-perishable food for ACTS food pantry. Park Place Dome, Traverse City. tctcjinglebellrun.com

Kaleva Cemetery Luminaries         Dec. 21
Light up Kaleva cemetery with luminaries to honor loved ones during the holiday season.   4pm on the longest night of the year, Winter Solstice.  Meet at Metsola Ave. to help with luminaries.  Soup supper and short program at 5:30pm, Bethany Lutheran Church.  Kalevami.com

Last New Moon of 2016         Dec. 29
Meet at the park entrance, 15675 Headlands Rd, Mackinaw City, for this free event. Hike or snowshoe with the Headlands staff to contemplate the passage of time in the old growth forest. 231.348.1713midarkskypark.org.


More Northern Michigan Holiday Fun:mynorth-holidays-2016

Photo(s) by Brian Confer