Here’s a look at some outdoor or holiday events coming up in the county – from night snowshoes to sip & shops…
Glen Arbor
Stroll through the lights of 20-plus trees in Glen Arbor! Hosted by The Crystal River Outfitters Recreational District. Families, groups and individuals sponsored these trees and decorated them for the 4th Annual Strolling Lights Festival. The proceeds from this year’s festival will go to the Nicholas Wiesen Bentzien Musicianship Fund. The money raised will go towards helping students who have a love of music but may not have the means to purchase an instrument.
All trees will be available for viewing through the New Year. You can stroll the grounds at any time and enjoy seeing the works of the generous sponsors. Visit The District’s stores, too, for holiday shopping and hot spiced wine! There is no charge to stroll. If you would like to donate to the District Giving Tree, an ornament will be placed on the tree in your name.
Empire
Winter Solstice Hike - Saturday, Dec. 21, 5 p.m.
Join Ranger Casey for a special guided hike on the winter solstice in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore – and – bonus! - this will be a no-lights night hike. Rangers will educate attendees on the transformations our senses undergo in the darkness, as well as teach about lakeshore animals and their adaptations, and much more!
Because of changing snow conditions, the hike location will be decided a few days before the program. This hike is open to anyone ages 10 and older and will last 1 to 1.5 hours. The terrain might include hilly and uneven ground, covering between half a mile to a full mile. If there is enough snow, this hike will become a snowshoe. You can bring your own or borrow a pair from the park. Bring a red-colored light or headlamp for added safety. If you do not have a red-colored light, we will provide red cellophane to cover your light. Don't let the fear of venturing outdoors in the dark hold you back—this is a great opportunity to explore at night in a safe way. Pre-registration is required here.
In addition, the park offers Family-Focused Night Hikes every Saturday from Jan. 18 to Feb. 2 at 6 p.m. Registration is required. Visit here for details.
There is also a Youth Ice Fishing program every Saturday from 1-4 p.m. at the Dune Center in Glen Arbor, where kiddos can earn a “Junior Angler” certificate. Visit here for details.
There is no cost for Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore events or programs; however, you must have a park entrance pass or an annual pass displayed in your vehicle. Passes can be purchased online.
Leland
Leelanau Sip & Shop - Dec. 19, 4-7 p.m., downtown Leland
Join a festive and fun-filled evening at the Leland Sip & Shop! Enjoy complimentary wine while you browse the offerings at downtown stores. There will also be caroling performances by students from Leland Public School, adding to the holiday cheer. A receipt from any business will get you 20% off 
your meal at the Riverside Inn that night! (Reservations highly encouraged.) Come for the shopping, stay for the festive spirit!
Suttons Bay
Santa’s Letters!
Stop by Bahle's in Suttons Bay and send your letter to Santa before Christmas! Drop it off at the mailbox to the North Pole, right outside the store. You can also sprinkle reindeer food to help the reindeer fly!
Northport
The Northport Arts Association presents “Christmas in the Village Arts Building” running Tuesdays through Saturdays, 12-4 p.m. through Jan. 4. Find out more here about this special holiday cheer.
Traverse City
Rove Winery Snowshoe Sundays are back!
Grab your boots and snowshoes and embrace the magic of winter at Rove Winery – the highest point in Leelanau County. Enjoy $2 off charcuterie boards (fuel up for your snowy trek with a delicious spread of meats, cheeses, and all the cozy bites.) and $1 off winter sangria (sip on a seasonal blend to warm the bones). Snowshoe through the vines, warm up by the fire, and make every Sunday an adventure (weather permitting)!
So it is – winter is upon us in Leelanau County and we love it! Enjoy these events and we will share another list soon as more events are announced this winter!
