Best Traverse City Holiday Events (By a Local)

It’s the holiday season in Traverse City – the most wonderful time of the year! As a local resident making memories here for over 35 years, I’ve explored dozens of holiday celebrations and festivals in the area, and have come up with a list of my favorites. From the Festival of Trees and downtown shopping nights to the twinkling Light Parade and best decorated neighborhoods, Traverse City captures the spirit of the season like nowhere else.

So bring on the holiday cheer – here’s my insider’s guide to the best Traverse City Holiday events to welcome winter and ring in the holidays.

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The Festival of Trees

The holiday season in Traverse City officially begins with a beloved local tradition — the annual Festival of Trees,  hosted by the Zonta Club of Traverse City. This three-day celebration will take you through a winter wonderland filled with sparkling lights, themed trees, holiday gift shopping, and community spirit — all for a great cause.

Twenty beautifully decorated Christmas trees — each uniquely designed by women-led businesses or nonprofits — fill the Tall Tree Gallery. Tree hosts range from mom-and-pop style businesses to larger organizations. Tall Trees can be purchased through Silent Auction during the opening night party.

Smaller trees make up the Tiny Tree Tour. These trees between three and five feet tall have themes designed to spark joy in kids and families. Guests can get involved in a scavenger hunt to spot specific, unique trees in the gallery. Tiny Trees are available for purchase throughout the event and typically sell out over the weekend.

The festivities begin on Thursday, November 6th, with the Jingle Mingle, a ticketed preview party from 5:30–7:30 p.m. Guests can sip festive cocktails, sample holiday-themed treats, and enjoy live music by local pianist David Chown while getting the first look (and first bids!) on silent auction items and tree displays.

Tickets are $40 per person or $75 per pair, and include exclusive access to the Holiday Emporium for early shopping. The other family-friendly events throughout the weekend are free of charge.

Open throughout the festival weekend, the Yuletide Emporium is the perfect place to shop for a cause while checking off your holiday gift list. Browse holiday décor, handcrafted gifts, and gift baskets with themes for foodies, pet lovers, sports fans, and more — all lovingly assembled by the “Zonta Elves.”

Foodie Friday runs from 10:00 – 1:00 pm. This is your chance to enjoy delicious samples and small bites from local caterers and restaurants.

Sleigh Bell Saturday takes place on November 8th from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm. Enjoy live music and a  live demonstration that changes each year. In 2024 there was a flower arranging presentation, while 2025 hosts a bow-making class.

Holly Jolly Sunday happens from 12:00 – 4:00 pm on November 9th. Meet Santa and Mrs. Claus during their first appearance of the season! Snap a family photo with them, make crafts, and enjoy festive fun with the Zonta Elves.

This annual Christmas fundraiser supports programs that empower women and girls in the community. Proceeds go to Zonta’s Service Grant Fund, which awards grants to organizations supporting area women and girls, and the Scholarship for Change programs.

The Festival of Trees happens on November 7th – 9th, 2025, inside of the Grand Traverse Mall, 3200 West South Airport Road, Suite 210. (The ticketed Jingle Mingle preview party will be held in the evening of November 6th)

Christmas Tree Lighting, Santa’s Arrival, and Light Parade

The holiday season gets in full swing on November 22nd with the Downtown Traverse City Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration and Light Parade. Bundle up, grab your glow sticks and light-up accessories, and head downtown for an evening of music, lights, and cheer for the whole family!

The night kicks off at 5:00 with downtown business owners and organizations handing out treats in front of the majestic Christmas Tree at the intersection of Front and Cass Streets. Get ready to enjoy hot chocolate and sing some Christmas carols!

Santa himself makes his grand arrival at 5:45. He’ll join up with the Mayor to flip the switch to illuminate the tree. Then, he’ll dash away to board his vintage fire truck just in time for the Light Parade!

The Light Parade rolls down the length of Front Street from Franklin to Union Street, with floats, trucks, and musical groups all decked out with thousands of twinkling lights.

Streets along the parade route close at 3:00 pm. This event is free to the public and typically draws between 10,000 and 20,000 spectators.

Visit Santa’s House

Downtown Traverse City has its very own North Pole stop! Head to Santa’s House in City Centre Plaza at the corner of Cass and State Streets. The jolly old elf himself is waiting to greet visitors with a warm smile and a hearty “ho ho ho!” Little ones can share their Christmas wishes, pose for a festive photo, and head home with a holiday candy cane.

Santa will welcome his first guests after the Light Parade, and visits continue through December 24th. Click here for Santa’s House Hours.

Downtown Traverse City’s Holiday Shopping Nights

Downtown Traverse City takes holiday shopping to the next level with three wildly popular themed evenings. Front Street sparkles with lights, music, and laughter as local businesses feature special deals, refreshments, prize drawings, and extended hours to help with holiday shopping. 

Each week in December offers a new reason to ring in the holidays and join the fun!

Downtown Traverse City’s Ladies Night

Early December kicks off with Ladies’ Night, always held the first Thursday evening of the month. Start your girl’s night out with a cocktail or an appetizer at one of Front Street’s restaurants before setting off in search of great deals on holiday gifts.

Storefronts are all decked out for the season. Explore shops filled with handmade soaps, candles, and candies, stylish boutiques, glittering jewelry stores, and Traverse City’s beloved Horizon Books. Be sure to drop in at Miner’s North for one of their famous light-up LED rings!

Many shops offer complimentary bubbly and treats. You may even encounter Santa along the way. Before you head home, snap a photo in front of the downtown Christmas tree!

Downtown Traverse City’s Men’s Night

A week later, the spotlight shifts for Men’s Night. (held the second Thursday of December) This is the guys’ chance to support local businesses while finding that perfect last-minute gift. Cheerful employees are available to lend a hand with gift suggestions!

Just as with Ladies’ night, store owners roll out special deals and refreshments. Glasses of wine and bubbly are often switched out for craft beer. Head into Cherry Republic for all things cherry and cocoa and cookie samples while you shop.

Wrap It Up Shopping Night

The final shopping event of the season, Wrap It Up Night, is about just that: finishing touches and wrapping it up. This family-friendly event is the perfect chance to discover last-minute deals and get those gifts wrapped.

Visit one of the donation-based gift wrapping stations to get your gifts ready to go and support local nonprofits. Plus you have one more chance to get a photo with Santa!

Wrap It Up Shopping Night is held from 4:00 – 9:00 the Thursday before Christmas.

Pro Tip: Not sure what to get for that special someone on your list? You can’t go wrong with a Downtown Traverse City Gift Certificate! Certificates are redeemable at restaurants, shops, theaters, and businesses in – you guessed it -downtown Traverse City. It’s the perfect present for that hard to-shop-for person who “doesn’t need anything!”

Christmas in the Village at Grand Traverse Commons

Christmas in the Village takes place over one magical weekend within the historic, beautifully restored buildings of Traverse City’s Grand Traverse Commons. In 2025, the event takes place on Saturday, December 13 (starting at 3:00 PM) and Sunday, December 14 (starting at 2:00 PM).

Throughout the event, the shops in the Mercato stay open with special holiday deals highlighting unique, locally made gifts. Kids can meet Santa and Mrs. Claus, write letters, or hop up for a ride on a vintage fire-truck or horse-drawn carriage.

Enjoy cocoa and s’mores while listening to live music. For a more unique adventure, take a guided tour through an underground brick steam tunnel built in 1883. 

The Mercato also hosts their indoor holiday farm market throughout December, showcasing handmade gifts, wreaths, and Michigan-made treats. There is something for everyone on your list!

Christmas At The Ranch! (Close Encounter with a Yak)

Ready for a truly unique experience? (And you don’t mind a bit of a drive?) Head out to A Yak or 2 Ranch in Mancelona for a close-up encounter with a yak!

A Yak or 2 Ranch hosts Christmas at the Ranch on Saturdays during December. Hop on a wagon ride out into the pasture with the yaks to meet them and offer them treats. You can warm up by a bonfire and sip on hot cocoa. Head into the shop and check out items made from soft yak wool, including sweaters, socks, hats and mittens. There’s also a great sledding hill on the property – bring your own sled if there is snow!

This is a family-owned ranch, run by folks who initially envisioned owning a yak or two. The herd has now expanded to more than 40 animals. These amazing creatures are native to the mountains and plateaus of Nepal, Tibet and Mongolia. Yaks are well-adapted Michigan’s winter – they are such hearty animals they spend their entire time outdoors and don’t even require a barn!

In 2025, Christmas at the Ranch take place from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on the following Saturdays – November 29th, and December 6th, 13th and 20th. The Ranch will also host a Christmas Market Day on December 20th, with nearly 20 local vendors on site for last minute Christmas shopping.

A Yak or Two Ranch is located at 6885 County Rd 571, in Mancelona. It’s about a 45 minute drive from Traverse City.

SkyBridge Michigan – Walk Through the Lights This Holiday Season

While SkyBridge Michigan sits about an hour away from of Traverse City at Boyne Mountain Resort in Boyne Falls, it’s one of Northern Michigan’s most unforgettable holiday-season experiences—and absolutely worth the drive if you’re up for a winter outing.

SkyBridge is the world’s longest timber-towered suspension bridge, stretching a quarter mile across the slopes and soaring 118 feet above the ski hill. It’s impressive any time of year, but during the holiday season, the entire span glows with thousands of colorful LED lights. Walking across is a real thrill, especially when you get towards the middle and the bridge begins to sway!

Your visit begins with a scenic chairlift ride to the summit. At the top, you head out onto the pedestrian bridge for sweeping views of Boyne Valley and the village below. Skiers glide beneath you as you make your way across.

On the far side, a warming area and the SkyBridge Food Truck offer hot chocolate, pierogies, and other cold-weather treats. A short loop trail nearby delivers one of the very best vantage points for photos of the illuminated bridge—don’t miss it! You can complete the loop and continue on to the chairlift, or turn back around to make another trip across the bridge.

Drop into the The Eagle’s Nest restaurant at the summit and enjoy a burger, soup, or sandwich by the fireplace before you ride the chairlift back down the mountain.

Hours and ticket pricing vary throughout the season, so be sure to check Boyne Mountain’s official website before planning your visit.

Moomers Dairy: Holiday Flavors and Gingerbread Decorating

Moomers Homemade Ice Cream, the family-run dairy that’s become a local legend, deserves a spot on your December itinerary. While it’s a popular attraction any time of year, Moomers goes all out for the holidays.

Located just west of downtown at 7263 N. Long Lake Rd., Moomers makes all of its premium ice cream right on site — more than 150 flavors in total. The Christmas season brings out some special flavors you can’t get any other time of the year.

My personal favorite is their peppermint stick – creamy vanilla ice cream swirled with crunchy peppermint candy pieces. A close second is their gingerbread ice cream, rich with cinnamon and soft chunks of spiced cake. Other seasonal flavors include Egg Nog, Rum Raisin, and Hot Cocoa — all perfect on a snowy afternoon.

Moomers also has special treats available at holiday time. Fan favorites include a 7 layer peppermint pie on a chocolate cookie crust, and their yule logs made with chocolate cake. I like to pop in for a grab-and-go ice cream sandwich. With peppermint stick ice cream, of course!

Ready to create a new holiday tradition? Head to Moomers for some family-friendly gingerbread-decorating fun. Make a reservation (231-941-4122) to create your masterpiece right in the store, or pick up a to-go kit to decorate at home. Choose from gingerbread boys or girls, houses, or the uniquely special gingerbread sleigh pulled by a gingerbread cow.

Each kit comes with a muffin tin filled with assorted candies and a bag of royal icing “glue” to hold your creation together. Prices start at $35 for an in-store gingerbread house or $25 for a boy or girl. Take-out kits have a $10 discount.

Employees get in on the fun as well. Stop by the shop in mid-December during the annual staff gingerbread decorating contest to see all of their creations on display. Cast a ballot for your favorites!

Moomers will close for the season beginning January 1st.

The Festival of Trains

Looking for a family-friendly indoor event when the weather outside is frightful? All Aboard for one of Traverse City’s favorite December traditions: the annual Festival of Trains. This lively miniature railroad exhibition, operated by the local Northern Michigan Railroad Club, delights thousands of visitors each year.

Model train enthusiasts of all ages gather to admire modern and antique trains chugging through miniature towns and villages. Some of the displays have interactive buttons and hand-on materials so even the youngest “guest engineers” can be a part of the action.

On Saturdays and Sundays during the event, the Railroad Club hosts its annual swap meet — a great chance to find unique pieces and accessories for your own train set. Interested in selling items? Call 231-218-7563 to reserve a table ($20 each).

Admission is $6.00 per person. Children age four and under are free.  Families can also purchase a $30 Festival Pass, good for up to five family members and unlimited visits throughout the event. Proceeds benefit several local non-profits, including the Northern Michigan Rail Road Club, Creekside Community Church, and the Great Lakes Children’s Museum.

You’ll find the Festival at the Creekside Community Church, 3686 W South Airport Road. (just north of Best Buy) It starts on December 20, 2025 and runs through Saturday, January 3rd. (closed on Christmas Day). Monday through Saturday hours from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.. Hours on Sundays, Christmas Eve and New Years Eve are from 1 p.m.-4 p.m.

Traverse City’s Tastiest Tradition: Holiday Cookie Sales

For me, Christmas cookie sales rank pretty high on my list of the best Traverse City Holiday events! I especially love being able to bring home a whole variety of cookies—already beautifully decorated—without spending hours in the kitchen myself. Cookie sales also perfect for creating holiday plates to give as gifts to family and friends. Here are some of the best holiday cookie sales happening around Traverse City.

Trinity Lutheran Church and School Cookie Sale

One of my favorite holiday traditions is the annual cookie extravaganza at Trinity Lutheran Church and School. This year’s event takes place on December 13, 2025, and according to their flyer, they’ll have 23,000 traditional decorated sugar cookies and old-world favorites ready for shoppers.

I especially look forward to this sale because it’s one of the only places where I can stock up on some of my hard-to-find favorites: German  Lebkuchen and Austrian Linzer cookies. Other delicious varieties include Russian teacakes, ginger snaps, peanut butter blossoms, thumbprint cookies and beautifully decorated gingerbread.

Cookies are sold by the pound. I like to wander around the rows of tables lined with cookies, selecting a few of nearly every variety!

If you’re short on time—or easily overwhelmed by too many choices—you can also purchase one of their pre-assembled variety packs: boxes of 12 cookies for $13 or 24 cookies for $26. Payments are accepted via cash, credit card, or check.

The official hours are from 9:00 a.m. until sold out, and the event this sale draws a huge crowd every year. Trinity Lutheran has an army of volunteers to make the whole process run smoothly – just know the cookie selection will be thinned out by 11:00.

Trinity Lutheran is located at 1003 S. Maple Street in Traverse City.

The Old Mission Women’s Club Cookie Sale

Another beloved annual cookie sale is hosted by the Old Mission Women’s Club. With about 130 members contributing their treasured family recipes, this sale offers an impressive assortment of delicious home made holiday treats.

You’ll find everything from classic decorated sugar cookies and gingerbread to truffles, candies, and sweet breads. There will even be some gluten-free options and doggie treats for your four-legged friends.

I select a few of their beautifully decorated cookies for my gift plates, but I also love hunting for one-of-a-kind goodies. Last year’s unique treats included eggnog cookies, caramel-covered pretzels, and cranberry bars—each one a hit with my family and friends.

Cookies will be priced at $15 per pound, paid for by cash, check or credit card.

The Old Mission Women’s Club sale will also take place on December 13, 2025, and they’re moving to a new venue this year: the Peninsula Community Library at 2893 Island View Rd on Traverse City’s Old Mission Peninsula. The sale runs from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., or until sold out. Every purchase helps support the library’s programs.

Potter’s Bakery: Christmas Cookies Seven Days a Week!

If you can’t make it to one of Traverse City’s scheduled holiday cookie sales, don’t worry—Potter’s Bakery has you covered. This longtime local favorite makes it easy to stock up on holiday cookies any day of the week!

During the Christmas season, their bakery cases are filled with classic holiday cookies. You can select beautifully decorated sugar cookies from the display cases, choose a box of cookies such as pecan wafers or chocolate angel food cookies, or go for a prearranged assortment of cookies that includes several types of cookies.

Of course, this family-owned bakery offers much more than cookies. Potter’s is known year-round for its breads, donuts, pastries, and special-occasion cakes—making it a worthwhile stop no matter the season.

Potter’s Bakery is open Monday through Friday from 6:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Saturdays from 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and Sundays from 7:00 a.m. until they sell out.

You can find Potters Bakery at 908 E 8th Street in Traverse City.

Holiday Concerts & Performances

The holidays in Traverse City shine a little brighter thanks to a lineup of holiday performances that celebrate music and dance. From elegant gala evenings to beloved family classics, these events have become annual favorites for locals and visitors alike.

“Tis the Season” 2025 Gala, City Opera House

Start your holiday festivities in grand style with the City Opera House’s signature event, the “’Tis the Season” Gala – Broadway on Front. It all happens Saturday, December 6, 2025 at 6:000p.m..

Performances of the season’s most beloved Christmas classics presented by Broadway Stars will make this a night to remember. Guests will be greeted with hors d’oeuvres, and complimentary drink tickets, followed by a full cash bar for the duration of the event.

Tickets are $200 for a table seat, $75 for a seat in the balcony, or $1,500 for a table of eight. Proceeds benefit The City Opera House.

Pro tip: this gala routinely sells out, so reserve early. The City Opera House is located at106 E. Front Street in Traverse City.

The Nutcracker, Interlochen Center For The Arts

The performance of Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker at the Interlochen Center for the Arts is one of the most highly anticipated events of the holiday season, and continues to captivate audiences year after year. Each December, families, alumni, and arts lovers from across northern Michigan make the annual pilgrimage to Interlochen’s scenic campus to experience this classic holiday ballet.

The treasured tale of young Clara and her enchanted nutcracker -who transforms into a handsome prince -is brought to life with dazzling choreography accompanied by the sounds of the Academy Orchestra. Presented by the Interlochen Arts Academy Dance Division, the production features multiple performances in the intimate Corson Auditorium, running December 11–14, 2025.

Tickets are priced at $42 for adults and $19 for children and college students, with evening performances at 7:30 p.m. and weekend matinees at 2:00 p.m.

For an extra touch of holiday cheer, families attending the matinee performances on December 13 or 14 can enjoy the Magical Holiday Tea Party—a delightful pre-show event held inside the Music Center next to Corson Auditorium.

Meet Elsa, Anna, and other beloved characters from the world of Frozen while enjoying punch and cookies, singing carols, and creating holiday crafts.

Tickets are required for both the Tea Party and the performance, and space is limited—so early booking is highly recommended. The Tea Party begins at 12:30 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday.

Location: Corson Auditorium, Interlochen Center for the Arts, 4000 M-137, Interlochen

Sounds of the Season – Interlochen Center for the Arts

Sounds of the Season, the annual student and staff holiday showcase at Interlochen Center for the Arts, is one of my absolute favorite holiday events. The presentation features mix of seasonal songs and stories performed by the Academy’s music, dance, theatre, and interdisciplinary arts students. Over 100 student performers will take the stage!

Arrive early for this event at Corson Auditorium and join in on caroling in the lobby. The show concludes with a holiday sing-along, and an appearance by – you guessed it- Santa Claus!

Performances are on December 18 and 19, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $36 for adults, and $19 for children and students. Billed as a family-friendly holiday spectacular, Sounds of the Season is very popular and likely will sell out.

Location: Corson Auditorium, Interlochen Center for the Arts, 4000 M-137, Interlochen

Home For The Holidays – Traverse City Symphony Orchestra

Treat yourself to an evening of seasonal splendor on Saturday, December 20, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. or on Sunday, December 21 at 3:00 p.m. as the Traverse City Philharmonic returns to Corson Auditorium on the beautiful Interlochen Center for the Arts campus. Their holiday concert, Home For The Holidays, showcases variety of holiday hits and favorite genres, including jazz, classical and Broadway.

The concert features the Philharmonic, joined by the combined choir of Northwestern Michigan College and special guest soprano Hanna Brammer — a local talent whose national opera career makes this a particularly special homecoming.

Tickets range from $27 – $65. Location – Corson Auditorium, Interlochen Center for the Arts, 4000 M-137, Interlochen.

TLC Handbell Choir

A special holiday performance close to my heart is the TLC Handbell Choir concert, held each year at the Traverse Area District Library’s Woodmere branch. The small, intimate setting makes the performance feel like a peaceful pause amid all the holiday bustle. I love how the ringing tones of each individual bell come together to create beautiful Christmas carols that truly fill the room and spread holiday joy.

Arrive a bit early to settle in and get a good seat.

The concert takes place December 21, 2025, from 3:00 -4:00 p.m., at 610 Woodmere Ave. in Traverse City.

The Best Neighborhood Holiday Decorations

There’s something extra special about driving through Traverse City’s streets during the holidays. Entire blocks come alive with twinkling lights, decorated Christmas trees, and eye-catching displays.

From the charming homes along 6th Street, to the dazzling decorations in Heritage Estates and the over-the-top displays in Christmas Alley, the city truly shines during the holidays. So tune in to your favorite Christmas carols and pile everyone into the car for a festive night out.

For all the details and my favorite spots to visit, check out my full guide to The Best Christmas Lights in Traverse City.

New Year’s Eve CherryT Ball Drop

Get ready to ring in the New Year with downtown Traverse City’s CherryT Ball Drop. It’s the next best thing to being in Times Square!

The festivities begin at 10:30 pm with live entertainment. Each year, thousands of people gather at the intersection of Front and Cass Streets. Suspended above the intersection, a 600-pound cherry serves as the centerpiece for the evening, glowing with over 3,000 LED lights. It symbolizes the city’s deep connection to its cherry-growing heritage. Dancing in the street is encouraged!

The main event takes place with the countdown to midnight. At the stoke of 12, the cherry descends, and a short fireworks display follows to welcome the New Year.

Best of all, the CherryT Ball Drop is a party with a purpose. People attending are asked to make a $5.00 donation to benefit a local Nonprofit organization. Past recipients include Traverse City’s Project Feed The Kids, The Father Fred Foundation, and Food Rescue. (Fun fact: the name CherryT combines “cherry” and “charity” — perfectly fitting for the Cherry Capital of the World!)

If you prefer to hanging out in your pajamas over bundling up in your winter coat, you can watch the CherryT Ball Drop livestream from home beginning 15 minutes before midnight. donating online to support the chosen cause.

Where to Park for Downtown Events

Downtown parking is free for the first 2 hours in most public lots, but it fills up quickly during events. Arrive early or use of the parking structures for easy access to Front Street shops and restaurants.

Try the Larry C. Hardy Parking Structure with entrances at both 300 East Front Street and 300 East State Street, or the Old Town Parking Structure at 125 East Eighth Street.

There are also metered spaces along the main downtown streets. You can pay for up to ten hours of parking can be made via coin, credit card, or the ParkMobile app, which is available at most meters. Parking meters are enforceable Monday through Saturday, 8 AM to 6 PM.

Where To Stay In Traverse City This Holiday Season

Luxury Option – The Delamar

The Delamar Traverse City is one of the best places to stay during the winter season – it offers the perfect mix of luxury and convenience. Just a short walk from downtown’s holiday events, The Delamar unbeatable views of Grand Traverse Bay.

Guests can unwind fireside in the elegant lobby, enjoy locally inspired cuisine at Artisan Restaurant, or take a dip in the heated indoor pool. For an extra touch of winter magic, relax in one of the heated cabanas overlooking the outdoor pool, where you can stay cozy while watching the snow fall.

The Park Place Hotel & Conference Center

The historic Park Place Hotel offers a cozy, centrally located stay right in the heart of downtown Traverse City — just steps from holiday shopping, local restaurants, the iconic State Theater and the City Opera House. Its recently renovated rooms blend modern comfort with classic charm.

After a day of exploring, warm up with a drink at the Beacon Lounge, the hotel’s top-floor bar featuring panoramic views of Grand Traverse Bay, or take a relaxing soak in the indoor pool and hot tub. Minerva’s Restaurant is located in the hotel lobby and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

The Park Place offers a free shuttle to Cherry Capital Airport.

The Wrap-Up

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a long-time local like me, I hope this guide helps you discover the best holiday events in Traverse City. So bundle up, gather your favorite people, and go make some unforgettable winter memories —it’s the most wonderful time of the year!