After a fabulous fall in northern Michigan – a really fabulous fall, actually – I’m being greedy and hoping for a wonderful winter. Now that we’ve had a few snowflakes, the feeling is hopeful that we’ll have own version of “White Christmas!”
The holidays are a special time in the Petoskey Area with a wide variety of events that make these towns sparkle even more than usual. Plan a getaway around the magic of the season and come experience some of the festivities that make spirits bright.
Many of us will overindulge on the stuffing, pumpkin pie and other calorie-laden goodies that come with the day. Walk, run or jog some of that off at the Turkey Leg 5K in Harbor Springs, the Kiwanis Boyne City Turkey Trot or the 4th Annual Turkey Trot in Petoskey. Each event is held Thanksgiving Day morning and is more about having fun than competing.
Boyne City ushers in the Christmas season first with their Holiday Open House and Santa Parade on Friday, November 25th when they’ll also light up the Village of Walloon at 6pm. Then the jolly old elf heads north for the Stafford’s Downtown Petoskey Holiday Parade on the morning of Saturday, November 26th. And then it’s off to Harbor Springs for the 101st Tree Lighting complete with an old-fashioned community sing-along later that day.
December 2nd, Petoskey closes the street for their traditional Holiday Open House and December 3rd, Harbor Springs celebrates with their annual Merchants Open House. Both evenings feature live performances by the amazing Petoskey Steel Drum Band, lots of good will and merriment. These small town gatherings are like walking into a Currier and Ives card!
There are still other great holiday experiences that you can share with someone you love – or give them tickets as a gift. These experiences are the kind that really mean a lot.
The Great Lakes Chamber Orchestra will mesmerize guests during their December 15th & 16th performances of the Messiah Plus One.
The Petoskey High School Madrigals will take guests back in time with four fully costumed Madrigal Feast performances.
The holiday ballet favorite, “The Nutcracker” will be performed by the talented Crooked Tree Arts Center’s School of Ballet on December 17th & 18th.
The Little Traverse Civic Theater will delight goers with a live production of the Christmas classic “It’s a Wonderful Life”.
And in the spirit of the season of giving, Boyne Mountain and Boyne Highlands have a great gift for skiers and boarders – 6-for-1 Day on Friday, December 16th. Gather your friends and take advantage of this awesome present with five of your favorite people.
Holidays are all about being with those you love. Why not be in a place you’ll fall in love with? Make it a magical season and visit Petoskey, Alanson, Boyne City, Bay Harbor, Boyne Falls, Walloon Lake and Harbor Springs. For lodging and a complete calendar of events, visit PetoskeyArea.com. Happy Holidays!
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About the author
Diane Dakins is passionate about all of the communities that comprise the Petoskey Area of Michigan: Petoskey, Harbor Springs, Bay Harbor and Boyne City. As assistant director of the Petoskey Area Visitors Bureau, she has “been there – seen that” when it comes to virtually every area attraction; and is always ready to give potential visitors the scoop on planning a northern Michigan vacation.