10 Unique Michigan Town Christmas Traditions
It is quite apparent that Michigan would be a festive paradise pretty much any month of the year, but the reality of this is full force come December. It seems that every county does something special, but ten unique Michigan town traditions take the cake.
1) Detroit
Detroit is a big city; that most people can agree on. It is also a city that has risen from the ashes of a more despairing past and has again begun thriving economically. This is the first on the list because its events tend to be wholesome yet unique and filled with artistic expression in a culturally diverse way. Aside from the ice skating in the city and the icy riverfront walking path, traditional events make the city lively and memorable.
Holiday Lights at The Zoo
There are so many things to do in Detroit at Christmas time that it can be overwhelming. One of the unique facets of the festive Detroit experience is the light display within the zoo. A zoo is a fascinating place on its own, year-round, but when you pair it with the crisp, quiet, get-dark-early nights and some bright, dazzling displays— it reaches stardom.
This experience is a family favorite, making children squirm with excitement, trying to spot the animals in their enclosures via the colorful displays. Questions like "what does Santa bring lions for Christmas" and "do the reindeer play with the zebras" flutter through the air, creating a chorus with the squawks and squeals of the nocturnal animals within the enclosures.
Noel Night
The performers on Noel Night are probably one of the main attractions to this celebration, but there are many other parts to this event that are exciting and unique. The music is culturally diverse and soaked in talent, the horse-drawn carriage rides are fun for the young and old alike, and the community involvement is one of a kind. Institutions such as the College for Creative Studies, the Wayne State University, the Detroit Historical Museum, and an immense number of others work together to create an engaging town walk-through experience that is saturated in the holiday spirit.
Bars, restaurants, cultural institutions, nonprofit organizations, galleries, you name it; there is a place for everyone to enjoy. This event is a family-fun experience, providing crafts and activities throughout these many venues, along with street orientated provisions. If you are participating, you are guaranteed to leave with a souvenir and great memories. It is by far one of the most engaging and fun "economically stimulating" festive events in lower Michigan.
Bavarian Inn Holz Brücke Covered Bridge, Frankenmuth, United States
2) Frankenmuth— Christmas Year Around
Frankenmuth is a fantastic place to look for Christmas traditions, as the town itself is a Christmas tradition solidified into brick and mortar. During the particular time of year where everything shimmers red, green, and white, Frankenmuth is sure to be a place worth visiting.
There are various spectacles worth playing sightseer to, such as the annual magic show that features Santa, the Zehnder's Restaurant "Eat with Mr. and Mrs. Claus", and of course the extravagant light display. These are all family-fun based and full of holiday spirit, but honestly, there is something even more jaw-dropping and unique that originates from Frankenmuth.
Bronner’s
The Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland is a 96,000 square foot retail store that is the acclaimed LARGEST Christmas store in the world! They are open 361 days a year, but they tend to be the busiest during the holiday season. If you are a nutcracker fanatic, reindeer lover, or just plain full of Christmas spirit, I guarantee this is the place to be!
3) Holland— Parade of Lights
Putting on a parade that will imprint a child for the rest of their life, Holland goes all out. The parade showcases family favorites such as Elsa, Olaf, the Grinch, and even Santa Claus himself. Almost 80 local businesses involve themselves in the event, participating through costume-wearing, float driving, or even just passing out souvenirs.
This event both brings in expecting locals who cherish this tradition, being able to follow it back in time to when they were children and those who have found themselves present for the party by chance. The effort that goes into this walking performance is immaculate and will even make your jaw drop at moments. The music, the dancing, and of course, the lights all leave a person Merry about spending their holidays in Michigan.
4) Mackinac Island— Antique Experience
Mackinac Island is known for its antique, holistic experience that takes a person back in time to an era that was much simpler and slower-paced. The atmosphere resonates in such a peaceful way during the holiday season. Despite the lack of "extreme festivities," the island experience is one of the most unique.
One ferry travels to the island a day, making it a rarity for the destination to be crowded at this time of the year (which is contrary to that of the summer). Many aspects of this experience are unique in core ways. For example, the opportunity of the lessened distance of establishments allows a person to snowshoe through town. If that is too demanding, though, there is always the horse and buggy route.
If you are planning to make this a holiday get-away, try to plan it around being present for the Christmas Bazaar. The bazaar starts with a Christmas tree lighting ceremony and is followed by local shopping, meals, and community involved auction. This experience is filled with locals and travelers alike, puffed in their winter coats and sipping in hot drinks. If you are looking for liberation paired with simplicity, this traditional celebration is one of a kind.
5) Muskegon— Singing Christmas Tree
Over thirty years in the making, the Muskegon Singing Christmas Tree is a phenomenal holiday tradition that brings in people from all over the state. This artistic chorus-styled performance includes an acapella, candlelight processional, and a 67-foot-tall tree of people, yes people, singing holiday songs.
This concept has been adopted from an idea originating in Southern California, though Muskegon has outdone themselves with the comparison in size. This event requires preparation starting in October, getting singers, crafters, and organizers ready for the big day. The Singing Christmas Tree is usually performed during the first week of December and is showcased on various days as it seems always to end up a full house. If you seek a genuinely dazzling way to feel Merry in Michigan, Muskegon may be a fun place to find yourself at.
6) Rochester— Big Bright Light Show
Home to the largest annual light display in Michigan, Rochester sure knows how to make a mountain out of a molehill— and in a good way! The Big Bright Light Show occurs in downtown Rochester, brought in by singing groups and musical performances. This is a public favorite in terms of events but is also prone to drawing in a not-so-local crowd.
A big focus on this event is highlighting the local businesses within the town, allowing them to uniquely decorate their location and draw in customers during the downtown walk-around. Just looking down the street during this time of year is mind-boggling. One has to decide whether they feel like they are in a winter wonderland or rather Vegas!
The flashing, flamboyant colors and packed in street sides are all signs of a healthy economy as well as a healthy community. What is so fantastic is how encompassing this event is, bringing together families, friends, and those who support the social scene with the food, entertainment, and services that keep the community functioning. This symbiotic experience is merrier than most could realize. The time spent together allows another individual to give gifts and embrace the holiday season just the same.
7) Midland— Santa House Experience
The Santa House experience in Midland is one of a kind in various ways. This is ideal for children or those who still have a sense of wonder for the holidays. You can enjoy a personal visit with the big man himself, be dazzled by the lights and décor, and even enjoy a ride on The Northern Star Train.
This event even involves reindeer for the children to admire and feed, giving a reason to believe in the magic of the holiday and embrace it after that with heartwarming photos and red winter noses. The Santa House experience is hosted by volunteers whose hard work and dedication to the event make it a glorious affair.
8) Comstock Park— Light Tunnel
This 2-miles light show is one of a kind and very peaceful for those who aren't into bearing the winter weather, no matter how many cookies are involved. This grand display offers 1 million lights, animated displays, and merry invoking spectacles unique to the tunnel in many ways.
This experience is exceptional, though, as it was started by only five veterans trying to give back to their community. Over the past 22 years, the group has grown to more than thirty people who have all played a role in expanding it to the marvel it is today. The Light Tunnel has also improved its impact by changing its display to being 100% LED lighting. Let's hope this initiative creates a trend for even more holiday events throughout the state.
9) Grand Rapids— Christmas Holiday Traditions Around the World
Grand Rapids Christmas Holiday Traditions Around the World is a fun and graceful experience filled with artists' collections, displays, and engaging and educational activities. There is an immense amount of lighting to keep the stroll well visible and maintain viewers' holiday spirit as they venture through the exhibits. Carolers are to be found throughout the entire traditional event, spreading smiles and wonder to all who visit.
This old fashion form of holiday fun, along with all the other mesmerizing displays, are idolized through this event and then normalized after. There is word that after the Christmas Holiday Traditions Around the World event, the town is buzzing with holiday treats. Many of these public impacters speak of being inspired by the pure positivity that radiates from those who entertain at this unique experience.
10) St. Joseph— Reindog Holiday Parade
If you are an animal lover, then this is the holiday tradition for you! St. Joseph is a quaint city that offers a one-of-a-kind Reindog Holiday Parade, followed by the appearance of Santa Claus himself. While being a fun spectacle for families and children, the event is just as jolly and joyful for anyone else. Seeing the wagging dog tails march through the street pretending to be reindeer makes anyone feel Merry in Michigan.
Merry in Michigan
Despite the cold weather and longer-than-average drive time demanded for travel during this time of year, Michigan is truly the paradise for holiday lovers— especially those looking for something unique!
Merry in Michigan is not just a feeling but rather a theme. The holiday experience you get from notable towns such as Frankenmuth or St. Joseph will follow you and your family back home and onto the next adventure. This radiating glow of joy and wonder has become the inspiration for one of Northern Nail Polishes Winter Collection colors, Merry in Michigan.
Chip resistance, toxin-free ingredients, and a vegan standard with every bottle. These are safe, reliable, and impressive in quality. This holiday season, embrace being Merry in Michigan within a community or simply take that joy with you wherever else you find yourself feeling festive with this unique, fun shade of berry mauve.
