If the holiday season has you feeling like the Grinch, maybe a change of pace and space is in order? The Petoskey Area is a great escape with a generous dose of good cheer and seasonal events designed to leave you with a Cindy-Lu Who smile.
The Lighting of the Village of Walloon Lake is a delightful way to spend the Wednesday evening before Thanksgiving. The whole family will like the lights and planned activities in this waterfront community. One lucky winner will go home with a Walloon Lake getaway prize package, including lodging at Hotel Walloon.
Petoskey, Harbor Springs and Boyne City all start Thanksgiving with a bang of a starter pistol at 5K fun run/walks. Not only do the runs offer a bit of exercise before the big feasts, each race is a fund raiser and reminder to be thankful.
The day after Thanksgiving, Boyne City kicks off good cheer at their Holiday Open House and Santa Parade. Always a festive occasion, the holiday open house draws crowds with lots of family fun. It’s a great end to a day of skiing or boarding at Boyne Mountain, just six miles away.
On Saturday, November 25, Petoskey comes alive with the Stafford’s Downtown Petoskey Holiday Parade complete with a big balloon or two, candy and music.
Petoskey holds their Holiday Open House on Friday, December 1, and Harbor Springs adds to the excitement on Saturday, December 2, with their Merchants Holiday Open House. Both events offer lively entertainment by the Petoskey Steel Drum Band and treats galore throughout the downtowns. Need a twinkle in your eye? You’ll get it this weekend in the Petoskey Area.
Annual performances of the Petoskey Madrigals fill Stafford’s Perry Hotel and its sister restaurants with beautiful music accompanied by a delicious meal on various dates in December. Tickets to these shows make great gifts and don’t even require wrapping.
Many are familiar with the story of the ship and its captain who delivered Christmas trees to immigrants in Chicago in the late 1800’s. It’s a heartwarming tale that the Little Traverse Civic Theater brings to the stage during their performances of The Christmas Schooner.
Santa Workshops, Breakfast with Santa and Gingerbread House Decorating are some of the other holiday delights that are waiting for you in Petoskey, Harbor Springs, Walloon Lake, Alanson, Bay Harbor and Boyne Falls. Check out the Petoskey Area’s Calendar of Events for all the dates and info for fun-filled holiday times.
A quick getaway may be just the ticket to making your spirit bright! Make plans to stay a few days with info on lodging and packages.
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About the author
Diane Dakins is passionate about all the lakeside communities that comprise the Petoskey Area of northern Michigan: Petoskey, Harbor Springs, Bay Harbor and Boyne City. As assistant director of the Petoskey Area Visitors Bureau, she has “been there – seen that” when it comes to virtually every area attraction. Her blogs give potential visitors the scoop on planning a northern Michigan vacation.