There's no place like home (or your home away from home) for the holidays, and there's plenty of good cheer to go around up north in West Michigan! Whether you live here, or plan to visit, check out all these great ideas and events to make your holidays bright.

ENJOY OUR SPECIALTY SHOPS AND SMALL TOWN CHARM

You can't beat the festive friendliness and magical lights of shopping at a local merchant. Their success depends upon your support and you will find the royal carpet treatment when you come in from the cold to browse. Join your neighbors in Scottville on November 29 beginning at 12:30pm for a Christmas parade and party as part of its Small Business Saturday event encouraging local shopping. The friendly merchants of Pentwater welcome you to their Merchant Open Houses shopping event in conjunction with their Festival of Lights. Hart has its Home for the Holidays event throughout the month of December. Ludington also schedules special activities in its downtown for Small Business Saturday, ending with the Aglow on the Avenue Parade.. While in Ludington, you'll find many fine gift ideas with a local flavor and that's just the beginning. Small town services, big smiles, and that great feeling that you shopped local, helping to support small businesses who go out of their way to give you their best.

CONCERTS AND PERFORMANCES

Find laughter and good cheer by catching a holiday performance at a theater, or attend one of the many local concerts sure to fill you with the spirit of the season. View the concert and performances information here and get your tickets today.

HOLIDAY ARTS AND CRAFTS SHOWS

Looking for a one-of-a-kind item for a very special person? The offerings at local arts or crafts shows are unique and hand-crafted. Check out this information about local arts and crafts shows and enjoy finding just the right item to deck the halls or warm a heart.

PARADES AND VISITS WITH SANTA

How lucky are we? Santa visits us up north in West Michigan at several different times and locations. Downtown Hart has its Santa Parade in the Historic District November 28 from 6:30pm-8pm. Following the parade you can visit with Santa and enjoy cider, donuts and coffee. Santa travels to Scottville for a parade and party on Saturday, November 29 starting at 12:30pm and then travels on to Pentwater the same day at 5pm for the Pentwater Festival of Lights and Christmas in the Village. Santa ends his travels that Thanksgiving weekend Saturday in Ludington for the Aglow on the Avenue Parade. Early December is magical, with Santa's arrival at the Manistee Victorian Sleighbell Parade and Old Fashioned Christmas Weekend.

NEW YEAR'S EVE LIGHTED BALL DROP

It's a unique and special way to welcome the New Year....the Lighted Ball Drop in downtown Ludington at midnight. At six feet five inches in diameter and 6,000 bright LED lights...this annual event brings thousands to the area. While you're waiting for the ball to drop, meet friends and enjoy a meal at downtown restaurants, shop in the many stores open late that night and get ready to bring the New Year in!

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More Holiday Information in West Michigan...

More Winter in West Michigan...

Upcoming West Michigan Events...

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

Ludington Activities & Things to Do -- Play on a beautiful beach, take a tour at Historic White Pine Village, or explore the barn quilt trail, murals or sculptures in the county--Ludington offers many fun things to do for the entire family!
Have Fun in Manistee, Michigan -- Explore Manistee's historic downtown district and riverwalk, hike the Manistee National Forest, canoe on the Manistee River, and more.
Hamlin Lake -- Just 4 miles north of Ludington, Hamlin Lake is a great destination for boating, fishing and climbing dunes! The Hamlin Lake shoreline is also part of the Ludington State Park.
Silver Lake Sand Dunes -- Visiting the Silver Lake Sand Dunes makes for a terrific vacation because you can take your off-road vehicle for a spin on the scenic sand dunes overlooking Lake Michigan and Silver Lake.
Things to Do in Pentwater, Michigan -- Nothing is quite like the quaint, artsy, harbortown village of Pentwater. Don't miss the popular Charles Mears State Park beach on Pentwater's Lake Michigan shoreline.
Lots of Activities in Scottville, Michigan -- Explore the Riverside Park along the National Scenic Pere Marquette River.
Canoeing or Fishing on the Pere Marquette River -- Many boat liveries offer canoe rentals.

Also, check out West Michigan Guides and our locally produced WestMichigan.MichBiz.com for our largest lists of Things to Do in West Michigan.

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