12 things to do in Michigan in December

Not surprisingly, our 12 things to do in Michigan in December, includes a lot of holiday-themed events, and also other uniquely Michigan fun.

Dec 1; 7-8; 14-15 Dickens Festival – Holly

Holly truly comes alive every Christmas season with the nation’s oldest and longest running Dickens festival. Stroll the streets of historic Battle Alley, visit unique shops, and dine on delicious food. This full sensory experience includes the scent of roasting chestnuts, the sounds of strolling carolers, and perhaps even a sighting of one grumpy soul known as Ebenezer Scrooge. Be sure to pop into Battle Alley Coffee, and warm up at one of the best java joints in the state.

Dec 1-Dec 4 Les Misérables – Detroit

Stepping into Detroit’s Fisher Building is a treat any time of year, but it has an exceptionally lovely look in December. Add to that the opportunity to see a legendary Broadway show, and you have a magical outing. Affectionately known as Les Mis, this is the world’s most popular musical. Set against the backdrop of 19^th century France, it tells an enthralling story of broken dreams and unrequited love, passion, sacrifice and redemption – a timeless testament to the survival of the human spirit. This particular production has received rave reviews.

Dec 1-21 Winter Wonderettes – Marshall

How about dinner and a show? Then Cornwell’s Turkeyville is the place to go. This unique Michigan business is home to a country gift shop, restaurant, campground, dinner theatre, and so much more. This particular show finds the all-girl singing group, The Wonderettes, entertaining at the annual Harper’s Hardware Holiday Party. When Santa turns up missing, the girls use their talent and ingenuity to save the party. This festive program features great ’60s versions of holiday classics such as Santa Claus Is Comin’ to Town, Jingle Bell Rock, and Winter Wonderland. Tickets may be purchased with or without dinner included. Hint: you might just be able to enjoy some turkey with your toe-tapping.

Dec 1-21 Michigan Made Holiday Art Exhibition – Lansing

Support a local artist this year. Whether treating yourself, or gifting a piece, it’s a wonderful way to boost our economy and spread joy. This exhibition has been an annual tradition for more than three decades. Both established and emerging artists are showcased. Pieces have been carefully curated. The event, at the Lansing Art Gallery and Education Center, will offer holiday shopping, as well as an opportunity to discover and become a fan of new artists. The exhibit will feature artworks ranging from fine art to small gifts including paintings, ceramics, glass, holiday cards and other unique hand-crafted goods, created by more than 80 Michigan artists.

Dec 1-Jan 5 HOCKEY: Faster than Ever Exhibition – Dearborn

Take an exciting journey through the evolution of ice hockey, showcasing the remarkable technical advancements and scientific breakthroughs that have shaped the sport over time. Test your skills and knowledge like true hockey pros with a variety of exciting interactives. Have lightning-fast reflexes? Put them to the test in Don’t Blink and see how many lights you can hit in one minute. Feel the adrenaline rush as you step up to Need for Speed and unleash your shot power: measure your slapshot speed and compete with your friends to see who has the fastest shot. Looking to finesse your aim? Hit the targets in Score Like a Pro and prove your precision with a puck. Pay tribute to the pinnacle of hockey at The Stanley Cup® touchscreen, where you can get up close to the most coveted trophy in sports history. From cutting-edge technologies to the physics of play, the exhibition will leave you amazed by the fusion of science and sport.

Dec 5-8; 11-15; 18-23; 26-28 Holiday Nights at Greenfield Village – Dearborn

As holiday traditions go, it is truly hard to top this one. Step back into a simpler time. Enjoy holiday melodies from Victorian carolers. Warm up and chat with other revelers around a roaring bonfire. Sip on a hot cocoa or craft cocktail. Taste a roasted chestnut. Pop into a home from a century ago and learn how they cooked the goose and other aspects of the yuletide feast. Be sure to stay until the end of the evening to take in the fireworks. There is something extra magical about those bursts of color on a cold winter’s night.

Dec 7 Noel Night – Detroit

This beloved Detroit tradition is about to celebrate its 50th year. Noel Night is an open house of the Midtown Detroit and Cultural Center districts amid the state’s premier arts and cultural institutions, historic churches, galleries, and a growing circle of small businesses. Noel Night provides the perfect backdrop for an evening packed with performances and other holiday experiences with family and friends, in one of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods.

Dec 13-15; 17-22 Christmas Cabaret – Augusta

Attending this event is like taking part in a Mickey Rooney and Judy Garland musical, for those old enough to remember what that is. (Hint: if you don’t, try streaming one, they’re lots of fun). This annual tradition at the Barn Theatre, just east of Kalamazoo, is filled with good old fashioned Christmas spirit. Perfect for the whole family, this joyous, reflective, upbeat show is sure to create wonderful memories that will last a lifetime. Plus, they’ll be serving up complimentary pie, coffee and hot chocolate. Showtimes are at 7pm, with 2pm matinees added on Saturdays and Sundays.

Dec 14 Antique Snowmobiles on Mighty Mac – St Ignace

One of the state’s more unique December parades has nothing to do with the holidays. Each year, vintage snowmobiles make their way across Mighty Mac. Whether you have an antique sled and want to take on this adventure, or just be a spectator, this is a uniquely Michigan experience. All snowmobiles that are 25 years or older are welcome. They must have a legal registration or the Historic Registration, a wheel kit with at least 2″ wheels, and no studs or cleats. Riders will be crossing from Mackinaw City to St. Ignace at about 11am. If participating, you’ll want to make sure your machine is in the Colonial Michilimackinac parking lot by 10am at the latest.

Dec 29-30 Great Lakes Invitational (GLI) – Grand Rapids

This wonderful annual tradition has moved in recent years from Detroit to Grand Rapids, but the fast-paced action is the same.  This year’s battle of the blades features Michigan Tech, Michigan State, Northern Michigan, and Western Michigan. The tournament takes place at Van Andel Arena, home of the Grand Rapids Griffins. The puck drops for round one at 3:30pm on Sunday, December 29, with the final rounds starting at the same time on Monday, December 30. It’s a rare opportunity to see many of the state’s best college players in one tournament. Tickets start at just $15, so it also makes for a cool place to entertain family and friends who may be visiting for the holidays. You can also easily hop over to one of the many local breweries like Founders, Vivant, or Kusterer, to understand how Grand Rapids has earned the nickname Beer City USA.

Dec 31 New Year’s Eve Fest – Kalamazoo

Thanks to this unique performing arts fest, Kalamazoo has become one of the liveliest places around the state to celebrate the dawn of a new year. The event features bands, comedians, magicians, ventriloquists, jugglers, and even super heroes and princesses. It culminates at midnight with a ball drop and fireworks. Performers are scheduled for four 30-minute or three 45-minute performances that rotate throughout the night. The outdoor live stage, fireworks, and ball drop are all free, as is riding the Holly Jolly Trolley.

Dec 31 CherryT Ball Drop – Traverse City

There are, of course, a wide range of parties happening all around the state to celebrate the coming new year, but this one is special. First, it takes place in the beloved hamlet known as Traverse City. Second, you get to see a giant cherry drop to countdown to 2025. Third, as the playful name suggests, proceeds benefit local charities. A live DJ will be on site encourage dancing in the streets. Guests are asked to make a $5 donation for entry. To date, the CherryT Ball Drop has raised nearly $127,000 for local nonprofits, making a meaningful impact on the community. Why not end your year by having fun and doing some good?

Join @BuyMichiganNow on social media for ongoing discussions about events and Michigan travel destinations. Let us know when you make it to one of our 12 things to do in Michigan. For next month’s event highlights, or to get ideas for your local bucket list, be sure to visit our Michigan Tourism page.