2024 Family Holiday Guide
There is no place like HOME during the holiday season! The festivities in the Great Lakes Bay Region start in November and go right through to New Years. This is your family’s guide to holiday events, planning visits with Santa and a Christmas Tree Farm, Light Shows and shopping.
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HOLIDAY EVENTSFamily-friendly events occurring in Bay, Isabella, Midland, and Saginaw County during the months of November & December View: HOLIDAY EVENTS |
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SANTA HOUSES/REINDEER FARMSVisit Santa at one of these unique locations in Bay City, Midland, Frankenmuth, and Chesaning View: SANTA HOUSES View: REINDEER FARMS
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CHRISTMAS TREE FARMSStart a family tradition by visiting one of Great Lakes Bay Region’s Christmas Tree Farms. Be sure to call ahead for the 2022 hours. View directory: CHRISTMAS TREE FARMS |
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LIGHT SHOWSBe awed by the holiday light shows in Saginaw County. View: LIGHT SHOWS |
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STEM WINTER STAYCATION
View: STAYCATION |
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SUPPORT STEM-RICH BUSINESSES
View: STEM-RICH BUSINESSES View: LOCAL BOUTIQUES |
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HOLIDAY STEM GUIDEA guide to STEM items that your child will love! This list was created by one of our region’s teachers, Mark Lyons. His website contains a list of distance learning resources that may be helpful for your family. View: HOLIDAY STEM GUIDE |
Santa Houses
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The Nate & MaryIda Doan Santa HouseJohn F Kennedy Dr
Opens: The first Saturday after Thanksgiving Hours: Monday – Friday at 6:30 – 8:30 pm Learn More: THE NATE & MARYIDA DOAN SANTA HOUSE |
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Midland Santa HouseMain St Opens: The Midland Area Santa House will be opening on November 28th, kicking off the season with a return of Santa’s arrival and the Santa House Lighting. The Midland Area Santa House, located at the corner of M-20 and Main Street, is an iconic landmark in Midland. The present house was built in 1987, with assistance from the Midland Area Community Foundation and generous donors. Learn More: MIDLAND SANTA HOUSE |
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Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland25 Christmas Ln Learn More: BRONNER’S CHRISTMAS WONDERLAND |
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Frankenmuth River Place Shops925 S Main St Frankenmuth Experience the magic of the holiday season at River Place Shops – activities include strolling carol performances and a meet-and-greet opportunity with Santa Claus and his North Pole team. Free and open to the public; activity times are subject to change due to weather. All activities take place outdoors in our elaborately decorated Santa’s Workshop and are weather-dependent. Saturdays – November 25, December 2, December 9, December 16 1 – 5 PM: Visit Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus on the Fest Platz stage near the Cass River Bar and Grill. Share what you want for Christmas with the Head Elf himself, atop his magical Christmas throne surrounded by a North Pole-themed background. Photos encouraged. 1 – 4 PM: Enjoy strolling musical performances by by carolers featuring classic Christmas carols and new favorites. Tips encouraged if you enjoy the show! Learn More: FRANKENMUTH RIVER PLACE SHOPS |
| MT. PLEASANT | Visit Santa: Information Coming Soon |
Reindeer Farms
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Rooftop Landing Reindeer Farm2706 East Stevenson Lake Road
Opens: October 28th Hours: Hours and days fluctuate, visit the website for full schedule! Learn More: ROOFTOP LANDING REINDEER FARM |
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Grandpa Tiny’s Santa Reindeer Farm7775 Weiss Street Opens: Nov 18 – Dec 17 Saturday’s & Sunday’s Noon-4pm Tickets are not available at the gate, only online to reserve your spot. Tickets are limited. Children aged 5yrs old and under are FREE with ticket holding adult (limit four children 5yrs old and under with one supervising adult). Everyone over the age of 5yrs old needs an admission ticket to this event. Learn More: SANTA REINDEER FARM |
LIGHT SHOWS
CLARE-GLADWIN COUNTY
Gladwin County
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A Sweet Sweet ChristmasWHERE: Main Street, Gladwin WHEN: December 2, 2023 DESCRIPTION: Admission is FREE! Tree Lighting @ 5:30 p.m., Parade @ 6:00 p.m. COST: FREE Learn More: FESTIVAL OF THE LIGHTS |
Clare County
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Christmas Light ParadeWHERE: Main Street, Harrison WHEN: December 9, 2023 DESCRIPTION: Admission is FREE! Line up: 5:00 p.m. Parade: 6:00 p.m. COST: FREE Learn More: FESTIVAL OF THE LIGHTS |
SAGINAW COUNTY
Freeland
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Freeland Light ShowWHERE: Tittabawassee Township Park, 9200 Midland Rd., Freeland WHEN: Information coming soon. DESCRIPTION: Looking for some Christmas spirit?? Come take in a free show at the Tittabawassee Township Park! From the warmth of your vehicle, watch as the “Christmas display comes to life thru Music & Lights.” * Approximately, every 15 minutes the series of songs or ‘show’ will restart. * Each show lasts ~12 minutes, with a 3 minute break between shows. (Approximate show times: 5:30, 5:45, 6:15, 6:30 etc.). COST: FREE Learn More: FREELAND LIGHT SHOW |
Frankenmuth
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Frankenmuth’s Spectacular Musical Tree ShowWHERE: Frankenmuth Visitor’s Center, 635 South Main Street, Frankenmuth WHEN: Daily Shows will play from mid-November to mid-January. DESCRIPTION: This one-of-a kind tree shines it’s bright lights (23,000 lights to be exact) and spreads the sweet sound of Christmas throughout downtown Frankenmuth. Take a 7-minute musical journey through some of the most popular Christmas songs with us! Sit back and watch as the lights on the tree dance along to each beautifully remixed holiday tune. COST: FREE Learn More: FRANKENMUTH’S SPECTACULAR MUSICAL TREE SHOW |
*Did I miss something? CONTACT me to have your event listed.
** KIDS DAILY CALENDAR is packed full with fun family events in the Great Lakes Bay!