Christmas & Holiday Activities in Northern Michigan
The holiday season in Northern Michigan includes Christmas tree lightings, decorated stores, parades, merchant open houses, and more.
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Northern Michigan does winter right. No gray, mushy, damp days here. Blue skies, crisp temperatures, and an abundance of snow makes winter just as it is supposed to be: perfect.
If you enjoy the vigorous exercise of cross country skiing, Northern Michigan is for you. More than a dozen trails attract a skiers. The Petoskey State Park, Wildwood, Nub’s Nob, and Birchwood Country Club are just a few great places to cross country ski. Each February, the Loppet takes place, a cross country ski trek from Harbor Springs to Cross Village.
Downhill skiing is Northern Michigan. We boast of downhill skiing because we have it all: three spectacular resorts with a variety of terrain. Nub’s Nob and Boyne Highlands, both outside Harbor Springs, and Boyne Mountain in Boyne Falls, provide a ski experience that will bring you back for more. Ski schools, racing, demonstrations, snowboarding, night skiing, apres ski… what more can you ask for?
If snowmobiling is your passion, then you have come to the right place. Miles and miles of trails can take you from the woods to the water’s edge, from the countryside to a spot for a warm drink. The annual Moose Jaw Safari attracts hundreds of snowmobilers each February as they sled from Harbor Springs to Lark’s Lake where the famous bean pot awaits.
It may be the old fashioned way to get around in the snow, but it works and is gaining in popularity every year. And one hour of moderate snowshoeing burns 700 calories. Try any of the area cross country ski trails or take part in guided snowshoe walks by the Little Traverse Conservancy.
Iceskating on a beautiful winter evening with the stars overhead just can’t be beat. Outdoor rinks in Petoskey, Boyne City, Charlevoix, Boyne Falls, Harbor Springs, and Boyne Highlands; along with indoor skating in Harbor Springs, provide wonderful opportunities to glide across the ice. Sledding hills are perfect for a fast trip down the hill on a sled followed by hot chocolate in the warming house.
The holiday season in Northern Michigan includes Christmas tree lightings, decorated stores, parades, merchant open houses, and more.
Music, dance, art, and theater all come together for an event celebrating the New Year at the Crooked Tree Arts Center in downtown Petoskey.
Celebrate the winter at Petoskey’s Winter Wonderland Weekend, in partnership with the Winter Sports Park Winter Carnival!
Indian River’s Winterfest is packed with fun things to do including a poker run, bonfires, music, food, kid’s events, and more.
March is a big month for the ski resorts Up North. Visit Nub’s Nob, The Highlands at Harbor Springs, and Boyne Mountain for winter fun!
Northern Michigan appreciates spring after a long winter and holds lots of great activities to celebrate this time of year!
Northern Michigan appreciates spring after a long winter and holds lots of great activities to celebrate this time of year!
Northern Michigan appreciates spring after a long winter and holds lots of great activities to celebrate this time of year!
With woods, dunes, and frozen lakes, the trails near Charlevoix and Boyne City are the places to cross country ski from December-March.
The Charlevoix Circle of Arts is a vibrant, cultural center in downtown Charlevoix that presents six major visual exhibits annually.
With miles of scenic trails terrain and local snowmobile clubs, Northern Michigan is the place to bring the snow sleds in the winter.
The Andrew J. Blackbird Museum is named for a counselor who helped Native American veterans. Native American artifacts fill the museum space.
The Oden State Fish Hatchery in Alanson produces three strains of brown trout and one strain of rainbow trout.
A visit to Northern Michigan is not complete without a walk along the Lake Michigan in search of Petoskey stones.
The majestic and historic Grand Hotel is one of the first sights visitors see as they head into the harbor on Mackinac Island.
The history Northern Michigan’s Inland Water Route is preserved at the Inland Water Route Historical Museum in Alanson.
West Michigan is home to numerous artists with so many different talents. Groovy music, vivid paintings, gorgeous photography, and more!
The Harsha House and the Charlevoix Depot Museum, run by the Charlevoix Historical Society, preserve much of Charlevoix’s rich history.