Everything you need for the holidays in Midland is in our guide. Discover all the best festive events and activities. For those who wake up to Midland views and those just dreaming of them, this guide brings holiday wishes to reality.
Popular events in Midland during this season include the enchanting Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland, where twinkling lights and holiday decor come together in a spectacular display. Another highlight is the Santa House, a charming location where children can share their holiday wishes. And the Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring breathtaking light displays throughout the zoo. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
Please contact us if you have suggestions or corrections!
Join the Midland Discussion!
Top Holiday Events In and Around Midland
- Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland (Frankenmuth)
- Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village (Dearborn)
- Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo (Royal Oak)
- Santa House
- Wonderland of Lights at Potter Park Zoo (Lansing)
- Wayne County Lightfest (Westland)
- Winter Wonder Lights at Meadow Brook (Rochester)
- Silver Bells in the City (Lansing)
- The Northern Star Train
- Midland County Courthouse Lighting
See these and even more events listed below!
Midland Holiday Light Displays
Midland County Courthouse Lighting
What to Expect:
Historic courthouse lighting tradition with Santa's arrival and Santa House opening.
Description:
The Midland County Courthouse Lighting is an annual event where the courthouse is adorned with festive lights, signaling the start of the holiday season. Santa's arrival and the opening of the Santa House follow, offering a joyful experience for visitors of all ages.
Where: Midland | More Info: Midland County Courthouse Lighting
Silver Bells in the City
What to Expect:
Electric light parade with high school marching bands and a firefly drone light show.
Description:
Silver Bells in the City is a beloved Lansing tradition featuring millions of lights, an electric light parade, and festive activities that bring families together to kick off the holiday season.
Where: Lansing | More Info: Silver Bells in the City
Wonderland of Lights at Potter Park Zoo
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration in a zoo setting
Description:
Potter Park Zoo's 31st annual Wonderland of Lights features thousands of glistening lights transforming the zoo into a holiday paradise. Take a leisurely stroll through festively illuminated pathways, surrounded by the warm glow of twinkling lights and soothing holiday music. This event offers a unique opportunity to create unforgettable family memories amidst breathtaking light displays.
Where: Lansing | More Info: Wonderland of Lights at Potter Park Zoo
Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo
What to Expect:
Holiday light display with interactive trails and festive food options.
Description:
Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo features millions of twinkling LED lights illuminating buildings, trees, sculptures, and a walk-through light tunnel. Guests can enjoy immersive displays like the Enchanted Trail and Underwater Trail, as well as seasonal treats and drinks.
Where: Royal Oak | More Info: Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo
Winter Wonder Lights at Meadow Brook
What to Expect:
Immersive outdoor light show with interactive environments.
Description:
Winter Wonder Lights at Meadow Brook features unique light displays across the grounds, with fun concessions like glow-in-the-dark cotton candy and seasonal drinks. The event transforms the estate into an immersive light environment with music and magic.
Where: Rochester | More Info: Winter Wonder Lights at Meadow Brook
Christmas at Crossroads Holiday Magic
What to Expect:
Historic train ride through a beautifully decorated village.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season at Crossroads Village with thousands of twinkling lights, artisan crafts, and a historic 1800s Huckleberry Railroad ride. Explore the charming village streets filled with classic decorations and enjoy a festive atmosphere perfect for family gatherings.
Where: Flint | More Info: Christmas at Crossroads Holiday Magic
Nite Lights
What to Expect:
Five-mile long holiday lights drive-through experience.
Description:
Nite Lites is a five-mile long holiday lights drive-through experience featuring a spectacular display of twinkling lights at Michigan International Speedway. The event includes a train ride-through show, 5K run/walk, and special events like Veterans Night.
Where: Brooklyn | More Info: Nite Lights
Magic of Lights
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday light display with augmented reality features.
Description:
Magic of Lights at Pine Knob Music Theatre features dozens of holiday displays, digital animations, and classic holiday scenes using millions of individual LED lights. Guests can enjoy iconic scenes like Winter Wonderland and the 12 Days of Christmas from the comfort of their own vehicles. The event also includes new light tunnels and interactive elements.
Where: Clarkston | More Info: Magic of Lights
Wayne County Lightfest
What to Expect:
Animated light displays along a five-mile stretch of Hines Park.
Description:
Wayne County Lightfest is a five-mile stretch of Hines Park featuring nearly 50 animated displays and over 100,000 lights. The event is open from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM on Wednesdays through Sundays, with special Toy Nights where visitors can donate a new, unwrapped toy instead of paying the car entrance fee.
Where: Westland | More Info: Wayne County Lightfest
Midland Holiday Markets and Shopping
Fall Craft Bazaar
What to Expect:
Unique shopping experience with local crafters.
Description:
The Fall Craft Bazaar at Greater Midland North Family Center offers a variety of handmade and handcrafted items from over 40 local vendors. Enjoy a hot lunch and beverages while shopping for unique gifts. Free admission makes it a great event to bring a friend.
Where: Midland | More Info: Fall Craft Bazaar
Hot Cocoa Crawl
What to Expect:
Complimentary hot cocoa tastings and holiday shopping.
Description:
Join Downtown Midland for the Hot Cocoa Crawl, where you can sample unique hot cocoa recipes from participating retailers and restaurants while browsing shops and enjoying lunch. Vote for your favorite cocoa to help one lucky business win the Golden Mug Trophy.
Where: Midland | More Info: Hot Cocoa Crawl
Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland
What to Expect:
Extensive collection of glass ornaments and holiday decorations.
Description:
Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland is a vast retail store in Frankenmuth, Michigan, featuring over 50,000 items including glass ornaments, artificial trees, and Christmas decorations. The store is designed with Alpine architecture and boasts extensive holiday displays, including 100,000 lights illuminating its Christmas Lane.
Where: Frankenmuth | More Info: Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland
Midland Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Festival of Trees
What to Expect:
Decorated trees and live entertainment in a historic theater setting.
Description:
The Festival of Trees at the Embassy Theatre features lavishly decorated trees, visits with Santa, and festive entertainment including the Grande Page pipe organ and youth choirs and dance performances.
Where: Various | More Info: Festival of Trees
Midland Other Holiday Activities
Santa House
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday experience with Santa visits and festive displays.
Description:
The Santa House in Midland is a holiday staple located next to the Midland County Courthouse. It offers a festive experience with Santa visits, holiday displays, and the Northern Star Train. Volunteers play a crucial role in facilitating these visits, ensuring the health and safety of all participants.
Where: Midland | More Info: Santa House
The Northern Star Train
What to Expect:
Scenic holiday train tour through downtown Midland.
Description:
The Northern Star Train offers guided tours through downtown Midland during the Santa House season, providing a scenic 10-15 minute trip from the Midland County Courthouse.
Where: Midland | More Info: The Northern Star Train
Holidays in the Heart of the City
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday celebration with diverse activities.
Description:
Holidays in the Heart of the City is a festive event featuring free Christmas concerts, horse-drawn wagon rides, open houses at various venues, free pony rides, and food vendors. The event includes the Annual HAP Cookie House Competition, where participants receive sugar compliments from Michigan Sugar.
Where: Bay City | More Info: Holidays in the Heart of the City
Fantasy Carriage Company & Frankenmuth Carriage Company
What to Expect:
Historic horse-drawn carriage tour of Frankenmuth's streets.
Description:
Take a horse-drawn carriage ride through historic Frankenmuth, passing by historical sites and Main Street attractions.
Where: Frankenmuth | More Info: Fantasy Carriage Company & Frankenmuth Carriage Company
Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village
What to Expect:
Historic Model T rides and decorated homes.
Description:
Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village is a premier holiday celebration featuring live entertainment, costumed presenters, carriage and Model T rides, holiday shops, ice skating, fireworks, and more. Explore over 80 acres of Greenfield Village in this glimmering after-hours celebration of a beloved holiday. Stroll down Main Street brimming with holiday goods, food, and warm beverages, or take a ride on a historic Model T, carousel, or horse-drawn wagon. Warm up in historic homes as we open the doors to centuries of favorite family traditions.
Where: Dearborn | More Info: Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Saginaw Township North (16 miles)
- Bay City (18 miles)
- Saginaw (20 miles)
- Mount Pleasant (26 miles)