Organize your holiday fun in Portage with our guide. We’ve gathered all the top festive events and activities. Whether Portage is your backyard or a new adventure, our guide highlights the best holiday events.
One of the highlights of the season is the Detroit Thanksgiving Day Parade, where captivating floats and lively performances fill the streets with holiday spirit. Another must-see is the Big Bright Light Show, which transforms downtown into a dazzling spectacle of lights throughout the season. And the HollyDazzle at the Michigan Renaissance Festival is something you definitely don't want to miss, featuring enchanting holiday festivities in a unique setting. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Portage
- Detroit Thanksgiving Day Parade (Detroit)
- Big Bright Light Show (Rochester)
- HollyDazzle at the Michigan Renaissance Festival (Holly)
- Canterbury Tree Lighting and Cocoa Crawl (Orion Township)
- Grand Rapids Merry Market (Grand Rapids)
- Rochester Hills Holiday Bazaar (Rochester Hills)
- Monroe Holiday Gift, Food and Craft Show (Monroe)
- Mona Shores Holiday Arts and Crafts Show (Muskegon)
- Bellaire Holiday Gift Fair (Bellaire)
- Dakota Holiday Craft Show (Macomb)
See these and even more events listed below!
Portage Holiday Light Displays
Big Bright Light Show
What to Expect:
Over 1 million points of glimmering holiday lights on downtown buildings.
Description:
Downtown Rochester transforms into a dazzling spectacle with over 1 million points of glimmering holiday lights adorning its buildings. The display is lit every evening from 5 pm to midnight, making it a must-see holiday attraction.
Where: Rochester | More Info: Big Bright Light Show
HollyDazzle at the Michigan Renaissance Festival
What to Expect:
Immersive holiday experience with festive light displays and interactive activities.
Description:
HollyDazzle at the Michigan Renaissance Festival features a three-quarter mile outdoor trail with over a dozen Christmas scenes, including visits with Santa Claus, a Polar Pub Crawl, and a Holiday Token Hunt. The event offers free gift bags for all attendees, including dogs, and is open rain or shine.
Where: Holly | More Info: HollyDazzle at the Michigan Renaissance Festival
Harbor Springs Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Live streaming of the event on the Harbor Springs Facebook page.
Description:
The Harbor Springs Tree Lighting is a cherished annual tradition celebrating 109 years of holiday spirit. The event features the lighting of the Christmas tree on Main Street, caroling, and a window decorating contest. Additionally, there will be an ecumenical chili dinner at Holy Childhood Parish Hall, where attendees can see Santa and enjoy homemade cookies and hot cocoa.
Where: Harbor Springs | More Info: Harbor Springs Tree Lighting
Portage Holiday Markets and Shopping
Grand Rapids Merry Market
What to Expect:
Santa, entertainment, and food trucks.
Description:
Grand Rapids Merry Market features Santa, entertainment, and food trucks, offering a lively holiday experience with local retail offerings.
Where: Grand Rapids | More Info: Grand Rapids Merry Market
Monroe Holiday Gift, Food and Craft Show
What to Expect:
Unique gifts and crafts from local artisans.
Description:
The Monroe Holiday Gift, Food and Craft Show offers a weekend of shopping for unique gifts and treasures. Thousands of interesting, innovative, and creative products are available, making it a great place to find something special.
Where: Monroe | More Info: Monroe Holiday Gift, Food and Craft Show
Rochester Hills Holiday Bazaar
What to Expect:
Local artisans selling handmade crafts and holiday items.
Description:
The Rochester Hills Holiday Bazaar is a community event featuring local vendors selling handmade crafts, holiday decor, and seasonal items. It provides a platform for artisans to showcase their unique gifts and supports local businesses.
Where: Rochester Hills | More Info: Rochester Hills Holiday Bazaar
Dakota Holiday Craft Show
What to Expect:
Unique handmade crafts by local artisans.
Description:
The Dakota Holiday Craft Show is an annual event featuring handmade items from local artisans and crafters. It offers a variety of unique gifts and seasonal items, providing an opportunity to support local talent.
Where: Macomb | More Info: Dakota Holiday Craft Show
Bellaire Holiday Gift Fair
What to Expect:
Unique handmade gifts and local artisanal products.
Description:
The Bellaire Holiday Gift Fair is a premier event featuring over 60 local artisans and crafters selling handmade items, artwork, and seasonal gifts. The event includes children's activities, live music, and raffles with great prizes.
Where: Bellaire | More Info: Bellaire Holiday Gift Fair
Mona Shores Holiday Arts and Crafts Show
What to Expect:
Lakeshore's biggest holiday craft show with 180 booths.
Description:
The Mona Shores Holiday Arts and Crafts Show is an annual event featuring over 180 booths with quality, handcrafted items from various Michigan exhibitors. Held at Mona Shores High School, it offers a wide array of unique gifts and seasonal items.
Where: Muskegon | More Info: Mona Shores Holiday Arts and Crafts Show
Pre-Black Friday Craft and Vendor Market
What to Expect:
Showcase of local artisans selling handmade crafts and accessories.
Description:
The Pre-Black Friday Craft and Vendor Market at Roseville Masonic Center features a variety of unique crafts, accessories, and handmade items. Attendees can connect with local artisans and shop for unique holiday gifts.
Where: Roseville | More Info: Pre-Black Friday Craft and Vendor Market
Black Friday & Small Business Saturday in Downtown Traverse City
What to Expect:
Exclusive offers and promotions at local stores.
Description:
Shop local and kick off the holiday season with incredible deals at Downtown Traverse City's Black Friday & Small Business Saturday. Find distinctive gifts and seasonal savings at our shops, restaurants, and other venues.
Where: Traverse City | More Info: Black Friday & Small Business Saturday in Downtown Traverse City
Portage Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Detroit Thanksgiving Day Parade
What to Expect:
Iconic parade with balloons, floats, and marching bands.
Description:
The Detroit Thanksgiving Day Parade is an annual celebration featuring colorful floats, high-soaring balloons, and thunderous marching bands. It includes the Big Head Corps and Distinguished Clown Corps, culminating in the arrival of Santa Claus. The event is a beloved tradition for families in Michigan and is televised nationwide.
Where: Detroit | More Info: Detroit Thanksgiving Day Parade
Spring Lake Holiday Celebration
What to Expect:
Classic carols sung in a historic beachside church.
Description:
Join us for the Annual Christmas Carol Sing at Holy Trinity Spring Lake, featuring a beautiful, historic church setting and a joyful celebration of the holiday season.
Where: Spring Lake | More Info: Spring Lake Holiday Celebration
Portage Other Holiday Activities
Canterbury Tree Lighting and Cocoa Crawl
What to Expect:
Cocoa tasting event with festive village atmosphere.
Description:
Indulge in the sweet treats of Canterbury Cocoa Crawl, where you can sample various cocoa flavors and enjoy the village's festive ambiance.