Traverse City Holiday Events

In Downtown Traverse City, November is a busy month for holiday happenings. Give back to Traverse City Community organizations while purchasing your gifts during Shop Your Community Days. Don't miss the annual Light Parade and Santa's Arrival and shop small during Black Friday & Small Business Saturday. And that's not all...in December have a little fun with your friends during Ladies' or Men's Night. 

Outside of Traverse City, nearby villages are also bursting with holiday spirit. Head north into Leelanau County and celebrate in Suttons Bay during Holiday in the Village where you'll find evening festivities including a nighttime stroll down luminaria-lined streets. Get your jingle on and your shopping done at the annual Glen Arbor Holiday Marketplace, experience the magic of the holidays during Northport's Annual Tree Lighting, and don't miss the yearly performance of The Nutcracker at Interlochen Center for the Arts. 

The holiday season in Benzie County is also full of activities! Start your shopping off right with a visit to the Holly Berry Arts and Crafts Fair at the Frankfort High School, bundle up and take a horse-drawn carriage ride, and be sure to check out all of the family-friendly activities at Crystal Mountain. 

New Year’s Eve isn’t forgotten here, either. For the past five years, hundreds of people have gathered for the annual “CherryT Ball Drop”, a three-hour “street party for charity” that culminates with the lowering of a large illuminated cherry over downtown Traverse City. 

View holiday events below and on our calendar. 

Ideas on where to stay during a holiday visit