A West Michigan Christmas: Your New Favorite Holiday Festivities In The Area

Celebrate this holiday season with enchanting festivities. Embark on a relaxing trip to West Michigan to bond with family and friends during the holiday season. Indulge in the sounds of jingle bells, the smells of roasted chestnuts, the local shops, and see all the Christmas lights all across the lakeshore for a magical holiday vacation. Discover your next holiday memories and traditions in the heart of West Michigan’s lakeshore. Below you’ll find the best festive activities across the quaint Michigan beach towns of West Michigan.
Date: 11/25/23
Location: 8 Center St
Gather around the charming Michigan beachtown of Douglas to watch the annual tree lighting ceremony. The Light Night starts at 6:00 pm with holiday festivities to follow. Delight in Christmas carols, hot chocolate and cookies and more with your family and friends!
Crane's Drive Thru Holiday Light Show
Crane’s holiday light show is a nostalgic event for friends and family to delight in the holiday magic! The orchard is decorated in a mile long trail of lights and wonder for you to enjoy in the comfort and warmth of your car. It is $20 for vehicles with 8 passengers and under. With vehicles with 9 or more it will be $25.
Fennville's Holiday Celebration
When: 12/2/23
Where: Downtown Fennville
The city of Fennville is hosting a holiday celebration with events starting at 9:00 am. There is fun for everyone with live reindeer, visits with Santa, a holiday market, crafts, caroling, tree-lighting and a parade and much more! Check out their webpage for more info.
Holiday In The Park
When: 11/24/23
Where: Dyckman Park
Enjoy the holidays in the park in South Haven. A full Christmas event from 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm featuring visits with Santa, ornament rafting, a pet parade, tree lighting, food trucks, ice-skating, s’mores and more! It’s perfect for all ages, families and friends. For more information please click here.
Kerstmarkt
The city of Holland is hosting it’s very own european-inspired Christmas Market! “Kerstmarkt” in the Dutch language means “Christmas market”. Nestled among the busy commerce district of Downtown Holland, the Christmas Market is a lively event full of artisan goods, fresh food, Dutch delicacies, and much more.
Magic At The Mill
When: 12/1/23-12/16/23 (Fridays and Saturdays)
Where: Windmill Island Gardens
The picturesque and iconic Windmill Gardens come to life with magic throughout December from 5:00 to 9:00 pm. The hundreds-year-old windmill is surrounded by LED tulips accompanied by a spectacular light show during Magic at the Mill. The park and shops will be open, goodies will be available for purchase, and there will even be an opportunity for children to greet Sinterklaas!
Saugatuck Christmas Parade
When: 12/2/23
Where: Wicks Park
Gather your family and friends together and celebrate with the community at the Saugatuck Christmas Parade filled with festive cheer. Get caught up in the joyous atmosphere of this annual event that captures the essence of the Michigan beachtown holiday spirit.
Parade of Lights
When: November 28
Where: 8th Street, downtown Holland
Time: 6:30pm
Admire the decorated streets of downtown Holland as you sit to watch a parade of trucks, floats, marching bands, and more escort Santa across the town. Enjoy the atmosphere with your family and children, sharing in community’s joyous traditions. For more information visit the city’s event page.
Mistletoe Market
When: November 18 – December 15, Thursday to Sunday
Where: South Haven Center For The Arts
Time: See schedule for varying times and dates
This holiday art market is perfect for finding unique Christmas gifts for your loved ones this season. It’s perfect for all ages, and families and couples alike. There will be family art activities and holiday card making booths as well!