Top Holiday Towns and Cities in Michigan for Seasonal Fun

For many people, the holiday season is one of the best times of year. The celebrations with family and friends, the tasty seasonal treats, and the festive atmosphere contribute to an exciting time. Many also look to travel to different towns and cities known for their appealing holiday celebrations. In Michigan, the wintery setting and natural beauty make the state a hotspot for seasonal festivities. Let’s look at some of Michigan’s most desirable towns and cities for a holiday getaway. 

Grand Rapids, located along the Grand River, is a scenic city home to nearly 200,000. This is a popular holiday destination due to the many seasonal events and celebrations it hosts. Even the biggest of grinches couldn’t resist all the fun this city can offer. 

The Gentex Santa Parade is one of the city’s iconic Christmas events and is a blast for the whole family. You can also enjoy holiday shows like The Nutcracker or A Christmas Carol at one of the many performance venues in Grand Rapids.

Holland is a gorgeous city that is a popular summer destination thanks to its location along Lake Macatawa and its famed lighthouses. But winter is just as exciting here with its many entertaining seasonal celebrations.

Downtown is spectacularly adorned with Christmas lights and decor to create a festive atmosphere. Holland takes the inspiration behind its name seriously and runs a fantastic European-inspired Christmas market called Kerstmarkt. This is a lovely place to find handmade gifts and enjoy tasty seasonal treats in a vibrant atmosphere. There are also family-friendly spectacles like the annual Festival of Lights.

Petoskey is a popular resort community in Michigan situated on the gorgeous Little Traverse Bay. It is popular for boating and fishing in the summer with a scenic waterfront, but this charming little town is transformed into a holiday paradise in the winter. With lush forests and thick winter snow, it is a beautiful place to head for your next holiday excursion.

Winter sports are a great way to enjoy outdoor recreation in Petoskey, with cross-country skiing and snowshoeing being very popular around the holidays. There are also many seasonal events to enjoy, like the Light Up the Night Holiday Parade in the city’s quaint downtown and the Holiday Open House, where residents can do their seasonal shopping, and Santa Claus himself visits the town and lights the Christmas tree.

Rochester is a pleasant suburb with a classic small-town America feel. With a small population of around 12,000, it is a laid-back community with much to enjoy. The winter season brings cold weather, plenty of snow, and a festive atmosphere that makes it an excellent choice for a holiday vacation.

Rochester has plenty of lively events with seasonal twists, making it a blast for all ages. The annual Big Bright Light Show spectacularly displays downtown Rochester covered in an abundance of Christmas lights and decorations. The wholesome atmosphere will warm your heart as the town comes together for Christmas caroling around the massive Christmas tree on Main Street.