Tis the season – for snowy drives after dark and screeches of “Look!” shouted in cars with the heat cranked up. Here are several light displays to go find in Leelanau County, along with a full list of beautiful displays in nearby Lake Ann and Traverse City. Short days and early sunsets aren’t such a bad thing when you have lights to go find! Enjoy!
Glen Arbor
Art’s Tavern is in full holiday garb, including a gigantic Santa skeleton that – somehow – feels perfect. Try their Peppermint Mocha Martinis if you have a minute to stop in.
Northwoods Hardware in Glen Arbor has a display set to music. Pull in and roll down your windows and watch the light dance.
Boonedocks Restaurant is gorgeous and decked out in never-ending white lights on the corner. And be sure to drive the M-22 causeway over the narrows and look for the “floating” Christmas tree lit up in Big Glen Lake. The tree is decorated with 2,000 LED lights and floats aboard a 14-foot boat. A great “I spy” game for the little ones!
Leland
It’s a must–visit the Old Art Building in Leland and feel JOY when you see the display!
Next, cross the river and watch for the towering pine reflecting into the Leland River.
Drive around the block (and get a close-up of that tree at the boat launch) and check out Leland Lodge (which is decorated like a Hallmark movie!). Spend a little time among the charming shops downtown like Leelanau Books with wreaths hung on their doors.
Finally, look for the quiet nativity scene on the little hill across from Lake Leelanau!
Suttons Bay
Look for Herman Holiday's on Murray Ct. – a MUST see. Bring the littles for a walk-through, but don’t be surprised when the kid in you wakes up and starts to wander through the endless displays looking for goodies like Big Bird, Yoda, a Golden Retriever - and a reindeer that MOVES!
Look inside their little shed to see snowmen roasting s’mores – you can’t help but laugh.
Northport
The traditional and stunning tree is lit in Northport! On Saturday, Dec. 14, Northport will have horse carriage rides from 3-6 p.m., cookie decorating and more events at shops throughout town. (Northport’s famous nutcrackers are under repair this year and will be back for Christmas 2025!)
Nearby places to go see:
Lake Ann
The village of Lake Ann is small but mighty. Burnett Park, located downtown, has a full Christmas display around the playground and covered pavilion. A perfect place to take the kids for a little fun in the lights. And just a block east of town on Oak Avenue, you’ll find a stunning, towering tree decked out for the season.
Traverse City
Some popular spots to check out in Traverse City include:
- Cass and Front: TC’s huge Christmas tree stands in the heart of downtown. This behemoth was harvested locally and is the perfect backdrop for holiday photos – and a popular spot for couples to get engaged in front of – or groups to visit for their holiday photos!
- Spruce Street – this is a block you can get out and walk and, if the mood strikes you, become a caroler if the neighbors pop their heads out to say hello.
- State and Railroad (near F & M Park): There’s a musical light display here that is an absolute charmer. Set your radio to 99.9 FM and look for the movie screen playing the related Christmas movie!
- Heritage Estates: Find this quiet sub off of Zimmerman Road and, once you turn in, head straight back. This sub is a hidden delight of several houses with displays just out of sight of the main road.
- Wayne Hill: Follow the loop on Wayne Street to see several houses decked out – and a sharp downhill right turn that – look up! - overlooks the lights of Traverse City.
- Three Mile and Oak.: This is a walk-through display where you can even see Santa on some nights!
- Five Mile and E. Hammond: Another awesome display set to music – enjoy!
(This photo is of Michigan Girl’s annual light tour!)
Enjoy the season, all!
