Winter Wonders in Traverse City: 10 Fun Activities the Whole Family will Love
Winter Wonders in Traverse City: 10 Fun Activities the Whole Family will Love
The winter season in Traverse City can be cold, but it’s also full of things to do outside if you know where to look. From sledding, to ice fishing and cross country skiing, there’s plenty of fun activities the whole family will love no matter what age you are! Here are 10 fun activities to enjoy this winter season in Traverse City, Michigan!
1) Holiday Festivities
Downtown Traverse City, Huge Christmas tree in the street!
With a variety of events, winter is an exciting time of year in Traverse City. There are many family activities to enjoy during this season! Visit Santa Downtown (or even ski with him!), check out some live theatre productions or concerts at local venues, or try something new like the Jingle Bell Run. There's also a New Years Eve CherryT Ball Drop downtown at midnight that you won't want to miss!
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!
2) Cross Country Skiing or Snowshoweing
Cross country skiing and snowshoeing are both excellent ways to explore the winter woods. If you're not skilled enough to ski, you can always rent a pair of skis or snowshoes and learn how! The best part about these activities is that anyone can do them, regardless of their age or skill level. And because they're so low-impact, you'll be able to enjoy your day out on the trails for as long as you want.
3) Shopping in Traverse City (Downtown and Building 50!)
One of our favorite things to do during the winter is walk around and shop at Building 50 in the Commons of Traverse City. There are great stores, coffee shops, and restaurants to choose from! Plus, there are always holiday events happening throughout December.
Also be sure to check out the Downtown Traverse City website for a list of events happening this month downtown TC. You can also find other things to do, such as men's and women's holiday shopping nights, (and local craft shows!,) on their Events Calendar.
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!
4) Downhill Skiing & Snowboarding
KC Springberg, owner of Northern Nail Polish skiing at Crystal Mountain.
Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding is a great way to enjoy time with your family this winter. Whether you're new to winter sports or have been going for years, Hickory Hills or Mt. Holiday Resorts offers a variety of slopes for every level of experience and ability. Nearby Crystal Mountain Resort offers a full-service ski school that teaches both adults and children how to ski or snowboard from the basics, like getting on and off the chairlift, all the way up to more advanced turns and techniques.
5) Go Sledding & Tubing
Sledding and Tubing are favorite family winter activities in Traverse City, Michigan. It is easy to find hills in our area that are perfect for sledding, and there are several places where you can rent a tube. You can even ride a lift up the hill for an even easier adventure of tubing all day long at Timberlee Hills. Just make sure to dress warmly and enjoy this time of year!
6) Visit a Lighthouse
If you're looking for a great place to visit this winter, head up to Mission Point Lighthouse at the tip of Old Mission Peninsula. This is one of our favorite places to visit during the winter as there are beautiful views and plenty of things to do. Whether you want to go on an adventure with your family or just enjoy some peace and solitude, this is a great place to spend time during the winter months. If you want to go in the other direction, head out for a day trip to the Grand Traverse Lighthouse at the tip of Leelanau Peninsula
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.
7) Visit Old Mission Peninsula Wineries
Old Mission Peninsula wineries are the perfect places to visit if you are looking for a winter activity. The wineries are located close together so you can go on a self-guided tour of several wineries in one trip. You can even stop at some of the stores to pick up souvenirs and gifts for friends and family back home. It's a little far from downtown, but it is well worth visiting during your stay in Traverse City.
8) Ice Fishing
Another fun winter activity to enjoy as a family in Traverse City is ice fishing, because of all of the lakes in the area. It's a great family activity and provides a chance for everyone to get outdoors. You can choose to fish on your own or go with a group, so you're guaranteed to make some new friends! There are also places that offer equipment rentals if you don't have any of your own, and they'll teach you how to use it so you won't be left out of the fun.
9) Hot Chocolate In Front of a Fireplace
The perfect activity to do with your kids on a winter's night is to have some hot chocolate with marshmallows and try it sitting by a fireplace. Find a big blanket and cozy up next to someone you love and enjoy this time together. In Traverse City, there are many restaurants that offer fireside seating, or this could be as easy as ordering take-out and staying warm inside.
Hot Cocoa Weather ☕
Embrace the warmth of the season with Hot Cocoa Weather, a rich medium brown creme nail polish that perfectly captures the cozy comfort of sipping a hot cup of cocoa on a chilly day.
Warm medium brown 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: Did you know that Grand Rapids hosts the Michigan Chocolate Festival each year? The festival celebrates handcrafted chocolates from local chocolatiers, bringing together the state's best in artisan chocolate making and offering sweet treats to attendees!
10) See A Movie At The State Theatre Downtown
The State Theatre is an iconic landmark of Downtown Traverse City and a host of the many Winter Events in Traverse City. They show a variety of films, concerts, lectures and other special events all year long. They typically offer specials on kids movies and concessions during winter break. Don't miss out on seeing a movie there this winter!
Holiday Movie Season 🎞️🎄
Celebrate the cozy magic of festive evenings with Holiday Movie Season, a sparkling amethyst purple polish that captures the joy of gathering for holiday classics. This enchanting shade features a dazzling blend of silver and lilac shimmers, evoking the twinkle of holiday lights and the warmth of cherished traditions. Whether you're curled up by the fire or attending a holiday party, Holiday Movie Season adds a touch of seasonal glamour to your nails.
Sparkling amethyst purple polish with silver and lilac shimmers
Long-lasting and chip-resistant for everyday wear
100% vegan, cruelty-free, and toxin-free
Handmade with care in Traverse City, Michigan
Fun Fact: Did you know Michigan is home to the Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland in Frankenmuth, the world’s largest Christmas store? Spanning 7.35 acres, it’s a holiday lover’s paradise that attracts over 2 million visitors annually!
The bitter-cold winter months might feel like they drag on in Northern Michigan, but there are so many fun things to do in Traverse City and neighboring communities to keep you warm and entertained throughout the season. Whether you’re looking for family fun or date nights, we’ve got your nails covered with 10 new shades in our Winter Collection 2022. Check them out here!
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.
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!
Rochester 🎄
Light up your nails with Rochester, a playful glitter topper inspired by the dazzling holiday lights of Michigan’s festive town. Featuring a clear base filled with vibrant rainbow dot glitters in various sizes, this polish captures the cheerful glow and magic of the season. Perfect for layering, it brings a touch of holiday joy to any manicure.
Clear base with rainbow dot glitters in various sizes
Long-lasting and chip-resistant for everyday wear
100% vegan, cruelty-free, and toxin-free
Handmade with care in Traverse City, Michigan
Fun Fact: Rochester, Michigan, is home to the Big, Bright Light Show, where millions of twinkling lights transform downtown into a magical winter wonderland each holiday season. It’s a sight that truly captures the spirit of celebration!
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!