10 Best Christmas Family Experiences in Michigan
Best 10 Christmas Family Experiences in Michigan
Here are some of Michigan's best holiday family experiences to embark on this season! Browse through our suggestions for novel, wholesome Christmas fun from all around the state.
The Singing Christmas Tree, Muskegon
Do not miss this extravagant experience hosted by the Frauenthal Center for the Performing in Muskegon. This is the largest singing Christmas Tree in Michigan, towering over 67 feet. 200 Mona Shores High School Choir singers create this masterpiece performance that will inspire the young and old.
2. Night of Lights, Livonia
Masco at Greenmead Historical Park hosts the Night of Lights event. The organized and performed part of this event can be experienced Friday- Sunday, during the first three weekends in December, for a donation-based admission fee. The display is available all month long for free self-guided walking tours. Special weekend opportunities include but are not limited to crafting at Newburg Schoolhouse, Music at Newburg Church, street hockey, and even visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus!
Winter Mittens ~ Glitter nail polish topper, clear nail polish with white snowflakes, icy blue stars and glitters of all shapes and sizes.
3. Blizzard of Oz, Taylor
From mid-November until early January, the Blizzard of OZ is hosted at Heritage Park in Taylor, Michigan. Friday through Sunday after 6pm, admissions are open for visitors. With more than 100 lighted Christmas trees, an abundance of iconic décor, and endless strung lights, it is no wonder the destination is coined "The Winter Wonderland of Metro Michigan". Each weekend showcases a new theme, from classical Nutcracker to modern approaches like Harry Potter. The thoughtfulness of this event caters directly to families, making it an excellent holiday family experience.
Frankenmuth 🧑🎄
Experience the festive charm of Michigan's "Little Bavaria" with Frankenmuth, a captivating multichromatic polish that shifts between red, pink, purple, and orange in different angles and lighting. Inspired by the colorful energy of this beloved town, famous for its Christmas store and Bavarian-themed architecture, this color-shifting polish reflects the vibrant spirit of Frankenmuth.
Multi-chromatic shimmer (shifts between red, pink, purple, and orange)
Long-lasting and chip-resistant for everyday wear
100% vegan, cruelty-free, and toxin-free
Handmade with care in Traverse City, Michigan
Fun Fact: Frankenmuth, Michigan, is home to the world's largest Christmas store, Bronner’s, attracting visitors year-round to celebrate the magic of the holiday season!
4. Michigan's Christmas Town, Frankenmuth
Frankenmuth is an excellent choice for a family Christmas exploration, as it's more than just an event. The whole city comes alive at this time of year, with its Bavarian heritage and eclectic provisions stepping into character upon the seasonal shift. Dancing, glorious lights, the singing Christmas tree, outdoor ice skating, and the vibrant decorated downtown; is only the beginning. There are special events throughout the city at different locations all season, such as the Ice Sculpting Contest and the Magic Show! For a spectacular holiday getaway with the whole family, look at the annual Christmas guide for the city and plan out a trip that aligns with what matters most.
An ode to the beautiful, glittery, snow-covered winters of Northern Michigan is the Winter Wonderland glitter topper!
Contains iridescent and metallic blue, violet, silver and aqua glitters and holographic silver snowflake shape glitters! Looks great alone or applied over another shade!
5. Wonderland of Lights, Lansing
Lansing is an incredible Michigan city journey for the holidays, especially as a family. The Wonder of Lights event is hosted at the Potter Park Zoo in Lansing. This community engagement is a unique way to get into the spirit, with animal encounters, light shows, and crafting stations. Stop by Santa's workshop on your way out for a photo opportunity, cookie decorating, and other holiday surprises!
Winter in the City is an icy blue holographic nail polish that captures the enchanting chill of a winter's day. This stunning shade features turquoise lowlights that add depth and dimension, reminiscent of shimmering ice and frosty cityscapes.
Perfect for those who want to bring a touch of winter magic to their nails, this polish offers a captivating holographic effect that catches the light beautifully. Whether you’re dressing up for a night out or embracing everyday elegance, Winter in the City is a must-have for adding a cool, sparkling finish to your manicure.
6. Canterbury Village Holiday Stroll, Orion Township
The Canterbury Village Holiday Stroll is a local favorite for southeast Michigan. This lakeshore town goes all out, with choreographed light displays, live music and entertainment, and public caroling opportunities— there is something for everyone!
Royal Oak 🌳
Experience the timeless beauty of Michigan’s natural wonders with Royal Oak, a mesmerizing color-changing polish inspired by transformation. In cooler temperatures, it showcases a deep royal purple, radiating richness and elegance. As the warmth rises, it transitions to a vibrant medium blue and finally to a refreshing sky blue, capturing the essence of Michigan’s ever-changing skies.
Temperature-reactive polish with three stunning shades in one, shifts from royal purple to vibrant medium blue to refreshing sky blue
Long-lasting and chip-resistant for everyday wear
100% vegan, cruelty-free, and toxin-free
Handmade with care in Traverse City, Michigan
Fun Fact: Royal Oak, Michigan, takes its name from a massive oak tree that reminded settlers of the Royal Oak where King Charles II once hid in England. Today, it’s a vibrant city known for its art, culture, and community spirit!
7. Wild Lights, Royal Oak
The Detroit Zoo puts on a spectacular display of lights and statues throughout the holiday season. This is a great seasonal walk-around experience for families to enjoy the zoo after dark!
8. Reindeer Ranch, Kalamazoo
With such an affordable entry cost, this experience is not one the pass up for the family. Enjoy reindeer tours, crafting, and seasonal amenities like cocoa during your visit. Make sure the young ones bring their letters to Santa during this experience to partake in a special opportunity before wrapping up.
Feeling Crafty ✨
Embrace your creative side with Feeling Crafty, a warm, golden mustard-yellow creme polish that captures the cozy energy of self-expression and artistry. This vibrant shade is perfect for adding an inspiring pop of color to your nails, evoking the rich tones of autumn leaves and the joy of seasonal creativity.
Golden mustard-yellow creme
Long-lasting and chip-resistant for everyday wear
100% vegan, cruelty-free, and toxin-free
Handmade with care in Traverse City, Michigan
Fun Fact: Michigan is home to over 500 craft shows and art fairs each year, celebrating the creativity of local artisans and makers from across the state!
9. Frederik Meijer Gardens Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World, Grand Rapids
The Frederik Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids puts on an outstanding display of holiday exhibits for the whole family to enjoy. While the gardens are open year-round, the holiday theme remains from mid-November to early January. With over 40 holiday culture displays, this event is top-rated for families to attend to take a holiday journey through cultural diversity.
North Pole Express ❄️
All aboard the North Pole Express, a dazzling silver glitter nail polish that embodies the magic and sparkle of the holiday season. This versatile polish can be layered for a subtle twinkle or built up to near opacity in just two coats, making it a festive favorite for any winter celebration.
Dazzling silver glitter for a sparkling holiday look
Long-lasting and chip-resistant for everyday wear
100% vegan, cruelty-free, and toxin-free
Handmade with care in Traverse City, Michigan
Fun Fact: Michigan is home to the Pere Marquette 1225, a historic steam engine that inspired the beloved holiday film The Polar Express! Experience the magic with this enchanting polish.
10. Santa Train at Coopersville & Marne Railway, Coopersville
The Santa Train at Coopersville is a 90-minute family-oriented holiday experience that takes children around the tracks on a restored 1950s-era train. Depending on the provisions of the day, children have options to either sit with Santa for gifting or enjoy the ride with "the princess" as she reads the Polar Express. The price for this family experience has fluctuated throughout the years, so check their website for updates.
Magic of Lights ✨
Bring the enchantment of twinkling lights to your nails with Magic of Lights, a dazzling gold glitter polish that sparkles like a starry night. Perfect for adding a touch of glamour and festivity, this versatile shade can be worn alone for bold brilliance or layered over your favorite polish for a subtle twinkle.
Sparkling gold glitter polish inspired by twinkling lights and starry nights
Long-lasting and chip-resistant for everyday wear
100% vegan, cruelty-free, and toxin-free
Handmade with care in Traverse City, Michigan
Fun Fact: Michigan’s numerous winter festivals and events, feature dazzling light displays that illuminate towns and parks, transforming them into magical wonderlands during the holiday season!
In the culturally lavished state of Michigan, there is no reason to spend the holidays indoors. Get out and explore the vibrant communities of metro, mid, and northern Michigan with the whole family this Christmas.
Don't forget to share with @northernnailpolish your favorite family holiday experience from the list while sporting a polish from our 2022 Winter release for a chance to get featured in our IG story! We love to connect with our community through the shared inspiration that is Michigan.
Sparkling Snow Angels 👼
Bring the enchantment of a winter wonderland to your nails with Sparkling Snow Angels. This pink glitter polish sparkles like delicate snowflakes dancing in the light, capturing the magic of snowy Michigan winters. Whether you’re adding a festive touch to your holiday look or embracing a year-round sparkle, this versatile, buildable polish lets you shine as subtly or boldly as you like.
Pink glitter polish with multichromatic shimmer
Long-lasting and chip-resistant for everyday wear
100% vegan, cruelty-free, and toxin-free
Handmade with care in Traverse City, Michigan
Fun Fact: Michigan’s snowy winters create the perfect backdrop for snow angels, with some regions like the Upper Peninsula receiving over 200 inches of snow annually—a true winter wonderland!