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.

Petoskey helps march in the holidays with the Stafford's Holiday Parade held the Saturday after Thanksgiving at 6pm in downtown Petoskey. This fun event includes marching bands, floats by local businesses, marching characters, and much more. The parade is wrapped up by its most popular participant, Santa Claus. After the parade, he will greet children on the Veranda at Stafford's Perry Hotel and listen to all of their Christmas wishes. CANCELLED FOR 2020.

Bay Harbor decks the halls for a holiday open house on Saturday of Thanksgiving week 4-6pm. CANCELLED FOR 2020.

Boyne City hosts a parade on the day after Thanksgiving at 6pm followed by a merchants' open house 6-9pm. Shoppers love Earlier than the Bird shopping with great specials 7-11am, the Saturday before Thanksgiving.

Charlevoix kicks off the holiday season on the Friday after Thanksgiving with a tree lighting festivities at 3-6pm. Children of all ages are invited to stop in and make a fun craft to take home at Charlevoix Circle of Arts located at 109 Clinton Street from 3-5pm. The Christmas parade begins at 5:30pm with the tree lighting at 6pm. CANCELLED FOR 2020.

Cross Village starts the Christmas season with a Tree Lighting complete with music and festivities at Three Pines Studio. Held the day after Thanksgiving, Friday, this is a community event takes place 11am-7pm with the tree lighting at 5:30pm.

Harbor Springs begins the season with the annual Tree Lighting ceremony the Saturday after Thanksgiving at 6pm. Each year, a local family donates a large tree that is placed in the center of Main Street in front of Holy Childhood Church. The townspeople gather in front of the tree to sign carols and then a switch is turned and the tree--and all of the lights in the trees along Main Street--come to life. VIRTUAL THIS YEAR.


Indian River celebrates the day after Thanksgiving with a day long craft show followed by parade at 5pm and the merchant's open house 6-9pm.

Mackinaw City starts the season on the first weekend in December with Christmas in Mackinaw including a parade and tree lighting at 5pm on Friday followed by a sleigh rides and holiday activities all weekend.

Start your holidays in style with these special Northern Michigan activities!

More Northern Michigan Winter Info...

Uniquely Harbor Springs...

Current Northern Michigan Events...

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For more activities & attractions, check out these additional links for Things to Do in Northern Michigan:

Harbor Springs, Michigan -- Harbor Springs is the place to try new things! Rent a bike or a kayak, go snow tubing, attend a concert or an art fair, or play a round of golf with friends.
Petoskey -- There's so much to do in Petoskey from the Bear River Valley Recreation Area, to Petoskey State Park, to biking, golfing, hiking, and more.
Charlevoix, Michigan -- Visiting Charlevoix in Northern Michigan is a fun-filled vacation with great beaches, boating, skiing, fishing and year 'round family fun.
Things to Do in Boyne City, Michigan -- Nothing is quite like Boyne City in Northern Michigan with camping, boating, skiing, year 'round outdoor activities, and of course, the morel mushroom!
Lots of Activities in Mackinaw City, Michigan -- Explore Mackinaw City in Northern Michigan for history, the International Dark Sky Park, and outdoor activities.
Mackinac Island -- Take a step back in time and find lots of things to do when you visit Mackinac Island by horseback or bike--no cars allowed!
Northern Michigan Activities & Things to Do -- Northern Michigan offers many fun things to do for the entire family whatever the season, whatever the reason!

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