Campus Martius, Detroit - Photo by Dig Downtown Detroit (CC by 2.0)
From expensive plane tickets to unpredictable weather, traveling at the holidays is a hassle. Thankfully, Michigan has a plethora of events celebrating winter’s arrival and along with it the holiday season. Below I’ve rounded up a few events that will help get you in the holiday spirit.
Silver Bell’s in the City: A trip to Rockefeller Center is not the only way to see the lighting of a Christmas tree. Every year Lansing hosts Silver Bell’s in the City: a winter and holiday themed event leading up to the lighting of the official state Christmas tree. This year’s festivities include a 3k fun run/walk, a parade, concerts, shopping and a fireworks show following the lighting of the tree. Silver Bell’s in the City is scheduled for Friday, November 22nd from 5pm-9pm.
America’s Thanksgiving Parade: Nothing quite kicks off the holiday season like America’s Thanksgiving Parade held every year in Detroit. Now in its 87th year, the Parade is expected to draw hundreds of thousands of parade goers to the city on Thanksgiving morning. For those early birds looking to get in a little pre-turkey workout the 31st annual Turkey Trot will take place before the parade! But don’t forget to pre-register, this race fills up and race day registration is not offered. Also, for those parade attendees not in a hurry to get to a big Thanksgiving turkey, why not stick around the city for some additional fun? Watch the Detroit Lions take on the Green Bay Packers at 12:30pm or swing by Campus Martius and spend your day ice-skating in downtown Detroit.
Winter Glow: On Saturday, December 7th, East Lansing, MI will host its annual free, outdoor winter festival, Winter Glow. This year’s event will involve a heated music tent, kid’s carnival, a special holiday market, plus many other fun activities! In conjunction with Winter Glow, the city is also hosting a Green Friday shopping event. On December 6th & 7th East Lansing retailers will be offering special sales to shoppers. Instead of waiting in infinitely long lines and fighting crowds this black Friday, why not shop local and support East Lansing businesses.
Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World: This holiday season take a break from the hustle and bustle and take a walk through the Frederik Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids, MI. From November 26 – January 5th the gardens transform into a winter wonderland, decorated with over 300,000 lights. Inside the gardens you will find horse drawn carriages, strolling carolers, and much more. A day spent in the gardens will remind you why this is truly the most wonderful time of the year.
Well there you have it, a sampling of just some of the events going on around Michigan this winter. I hope this list has inspired you to go out and have some fun over the next few months!
Until next time,
Katie
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