There can never be too much holiday spirit this time of year!
When the weekend hits, it's the perfect time to enjoy the festivities with your loved ones—with a cup of hot cocoa, of course. We've gathered some of our favorite winter wonderland weekend destinations in Michigan to add to your list of holiday fun.
Frankenmuth
Chances are, you know it and love it. Surround yourself with Bavarian-style architecture in Frankenmuth and peruse the snow-covered streets in search of the perfect gift (a.k.a. a bottle of wine or three) at one of the many shops along Main Street, like the well-loved Frankenmuth Cheese Haus. Be sure to get your hard-to-find ornaments and nostalgic lawn decorations at the world-famous Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland—open 361 days out of the year. Of course, grab some chicken at the Bavarian Inn or Zehnder's and wash it all down with drinks at Frankenmuth Brewery.
Detroit
See the lights of downtown Detroit from a whole new perspective on a festive horse-drawn carriage ride down Woodward Avenue. From there, head over to Campus Martius Park and lace up your skates for some ice skating on the seasonal outdoor rink. Don't want to miss your football fix? Join the fun at Beacon Park for a family-friendly Detroit Lions Watch Party inside the heated Winter Lodge, complete with the game on a 10' x 20' screen, food trucks, signature drinks and more. Catch the Lions vs. the Panthers on November 18, 2018, at 11 a.m. and the Lions vs. the Rams on December 2 at 11 a.m.
Dearborn
If the smells of roasting chestnuts and warm bonfires are up your alley, visit Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village for a lantern-lit stroll complete with fireworks and live music. Once you arrive, you're in for an evening of caroling, ice-skating and bustling streets full of yuletide cheer. Even the carolers and presenters are dressed in traditional costumes, really setting the mood.
Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island is one of America's favorite summer travel destinations. But did you know it's also one of the country's best Christmas towns? If you love to bask in the outdoor splendor of the season, hop on a snowmobile and explore! Maybe even win a new one at the Mackinac Island Christmas Bazaar, November 30 – December 3. The island truly embraces sledding, snow golf and broom hockey, and has no shortage of scenic cross-country ski trails to enjoy. There are some lodging options that stay open all winter, but spots are limited, so don't hesitate to book.
Charlevoix
Historic Castle Farms has various family-friendly ways to get in the festive spirit. Visitors can now drive under thousands of twinkling lights with the debut of the new half-mile drive-thru Christmas light display, starting November 22 and running most evenings throughout the season. The French Renaissance castle is also offering Story Time with Santa complete with a craft for kids, cocoa and cookies.
Written by Sarah Suydam, Staff Writer for West Michigan Woman.
Photo courtesy of Dennis Gilmore.
