Michigan's holiday season kicks off in earnest Friday with the lighting of the state Christmas tree at Lansing's Silver Bells in the City. (Courtesy/Waverly Henkel)
If I had to pick one word to encapsulate this weekend’s events, it would be “lights.”
Highlights include the lighting of Christmas trees in all three of our major cities (including Lansing’s famous Silver Bells celebration), the opening nights of light displays at Detroit and Lansing’s zoos, and Meijer Gardens.
As always, I’d love to hear your suggestions! If you know of an upcoming event you want me to highlight, send me a note here (please send suggestions at least one week before the event).
Michigan events to check out this weekend
West Michigan
1. International Wine, Beer and Food Festival
Nov. 21-22
DeVos Place (303 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids)
Saturday, Nov. 22, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.
HSB, Inc. (5625 Burlingame Ave. SW, Wyoming)
3. Grand Rapids Santa Parade & Tree Lighting
Saturday, Nov. 22, parade begins at 5 p.m.
Downtown Grand Rapids (Division Avenue and Michigan Street)
4. Cedar Springs Celebration of Lights
Saturday, Nov. 22, 6-9 p.m.
17 N. Main St., Cedar Springs
5. ENLIGHTEN at Frederik Meijer Gardens Opener
Sunday, Nov. 24
Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park (1000 E. Beltline Ave. NE, Grand Rapids)
Northern Michigan/UP
Saturday, Nov. 22, 7-11 a.m.
Downtown Boyne City (Lake and Main streets)
Saturday, Nov. 22, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Fairview School (1800 E. Miller Road, Fairview)
Mid/South Michigan
Friday, Nov. 21, 5-9 p.m.
Downtown Lansing
9. Holidays in the Heart of the City
Nov. 21-22
Old Town Saginaw to South Washington Avenue
10. Potter Park Zoo’s Wonderland of Lights Opener
Saturday, Nov. 22, 5-8 p.m.
Potter Park Zoo (1301 S. Pennsylvania Ave., Lansing)
Southeast Michigan/Thumb
Friday, Nov. 21, 4-9 p.m.
Campus Martius Park (800 Woodward Ave., Detroit)
Friday, Nov. 21, 5:30-10 p.m.
Michigan International Speedway (12626 US-12, Brooklyn)
13. Sebewaing Spirit of Christmas Festival
Saturday, Nov. 22, all day
Downtown Sebewaing
14. Downtown Rochester Festival of Trees
Nov. 21-23
The Rochester Community House (816 Ludlow Ave., Rochester)
15. Brighton’s Holiday Glow with Christmas Market
Saturday, Nov. 22, 1-7 p.m.
Downtown Brighton
16. Arts and Greens Holiday Art Market
Nov. 22-23
Bogie Lake Greenhouses (1625 Bogie Lake Road, White Lake Twp.)
17. Detroit Zoo’s Wild Lights Opener
Saturday, Nov. 22, 5-10:30 p.m.
Detroit Zoo (8450 W. 10 Mile Road, Royal Oak)
18. The War Memorial Tree Lighting Ceremony
Sunday, Nov. 23, 4-7 p.m.
The War Memorial (32 Lake Shore Drive, Grosse Pointe Farms)
Author
Want to see frozen waterfalls in Michigan? Try these 10 gorgeous winter hikes
Whether your route is ice climbing, snowshoeing, or a good old-fashioned hike, here are 10 frozen waterfalls in Michigan worth visiting. I was...
Here’s what’s happening in Michigan this weekend (Jan. 9-11)
We've got fewer events than usual on this week's list (probably since everyone is still getting into the flow of the new year after the holidays)....
Michigan’s best spring & summer festivals preview
Mark your calendars for these 19 can’t-miss spring and summer 2026 festivals in Michigan. After the holiday season comes our other favorite time of...
Here are 20 NYE events across Michigan (Dec. 31, 2025)
There are literally hundreds of New Years events happening across Michigan to ring in the new year. But if you're looking for a bit of inspiration...
10 small towns in the UP that are magical in the winter
From French-named islands to frozen lighthouses, rustic snow-covered trails, or lively downtown restaurants, find your Michigan magic in these small...
