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Thanksgiving Week Kicks off the Holidays in Northern Michigan

Thanksgiving is a busy weekend in Northern Michigan as several special events kick off the holiday season in style. While Black Friday is busy everywhere, in Northern Michigan it is more personal with shopkeepers greeting you to announce their specials.

Most events are held on the Saturday after Thanksgiving Day, unless otherwise noted.

Here's a list of events that typically take place:

Walloon Lake Village Lighting

Christmas in Indian River

9am-4pm – Shop unique, hand-made gifts from more than 100 vendors at the annual Christmas Craft Show at Inland Lakes School- 4363 S Straits Hwy, Indian River. For an application, visit irchamber.com.
5pm – Parade starts at Modern Pharmacy and ends at S. Straits Hwy and River St.
Following the Parade – Santa lights the Community Christmas tree.

Holly Jolly Boyne

Boyne City’s downtown sparkles for this family fun event. Businesses stay open, and the parade begins at 6 pm. Join Santa as he travels to the tree lighting in Old City Park.

Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting in Charlevoix

Charlevoix kicks off the holiday season on the Friday after Thanksgiving with Children’s activities, Christmas parade at 5:30pm, and tree lighting at 6pm.

Harbor Springs Christmas Tree Lighting

Announcement of winners of the Holiday Decorating Contest
Santa meet and greet outside the Lyric Theatre- 275 E. Main St., Harbor Springs
Mailbox to Santa will also be located at the Lyric Threatre At 6pm, Celebrate a magical tradition in downtown Harbor Springs at the Christmas Tree Lighting
Following the parade, an ecumenical chili dinner will be held in the Holy Childhood Parish Hall- 150 W. Main Street. Homemade cookies and hot cocoa will also be available, courtesy of the American Legion Auxiliary and their sponsor, First Community Bank

What's going on now in Northern Michigan?

Discover Northern Michigan Events throughout the year!

Zoo-de-Mack Bike Ride

This 25-year-old rite of spring in Northern Michigan is a bike ride from the Zoo Bar at Boyne Highlands, Harbor Springs, to Mackinaw City.

Charlevoix Venetian Festival

The Venetian Festival in Charlevoix has been a highlight of summer in Northern Michigan for more than 80 years.

Mackinaw City’s Winterfest Celebration

Enjoy amateur snow carving, outhouse races, sleigh rides, poker walk, chili cook-off, and more at Mackinaw City’s Winterfest Celebration!

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Activities & Attractions in Northern Michigan

Museums in Northern Michigan

Northern Michigan is home to several different museums for people of all ages which highlight the area’s businesses, history, and culture!

Andrew J. Blackbird Museum in Harbor Springs

The Andrew J. Blackbird Museum is named for a counselor who helped Native American veterans. Native American artifacts fill the museum space.

Fort Mackinac on Mackinac Island

Fort Mackinac is open from May-October and includes buildings restored their original look after the fort’s occupation by the British

Icebreaker Mackinaw Maritime Museum

Built during World War II to haul heavy materials during the winter, the Icebreaker Mackinaw was in service for 62 years then became a museum.

Inland Water Route Historical Museum

The history Northern Michigan’s Inland Water Route is preserved at the Inland Water Route Historical Museum in Alanson.

Northern Michigan Beaches

Summer’s not summer without a day at the beach and Northern Michigan offers some of the best beaches anywhere.

Northern Michigan Lighthouses

In Northern Michigan, you’ll find lighthouses where lighthouse keepers once lived and worked that have been restored and are open to visitors.

The Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island

The majestic and historic Grand Hotel is one of the first sights visitors see as they head into the harbor on Mackinac Island.

Heritage Village Celebrates Mackinaw’s History

Mackinaw City’s Heritage Village lets visitors explore life in the Straits of Mackinac as it was during the era of 1880-1917.

Charlevoix Circle of Arts

The Charlevoix Circle of Arts is a vibrant, cultural center in downtown Charlevoix that presents six major visual exhibits annually.