Whether you’re planning to cook a family feast, burn off some calories on a hike, or shop until you drop on Small Business Saturday, the Sleeping Bear Dunes region is a great place to spend the long Thanksgiving weekend.
It’s almost like entering a real-life Hallmark movie, especially if there is snow!
Thanksgiving kicks off the holiday season with parades, Santa’s arrival, tree lightings and Black Friday specials. Rediscover the magic of the season and enjoy a heartwarming start to the holidays in the quaint gateway communities near Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
Glen Arbor PJ Party, Bed Parade & Tree Lighting
You’ll find small-town charm, and a sense of community, with several fun events in Glen Arbor. This lakeside town supports its local business community on Black Friday, hosting an early morning PJ Party from 6-9 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 28. Come as you are—in your pajamas—and stroll the streets of downtown Glen Arbor.
You’ll find hot coffee, breakfast, and special sales at local merchants for a “Better than Black Friday” shopping experience. Select businesses open early during the PJ Party and offer specials and sales during this once-a-year event.
Following the PJ Party, find a spot on the street to watch the Bed Parade 9-9:30 a.m. This annual tradition starts in front of the Pine Cone and finishes by the Post Office/Art’s Tavern.
Enjoy shopping and dining locally throughout Thanksgiving weekend, during normal hours of operation. Several restaurants are open for breakfast during the PJ Party.
The fun continues on Friday after dark with the tree lighting, caroling and marketplace preview party. Gather with the locals and enjoy this community tradition starting at 6:15 p.m. with the Tree Lighting and Community Caroling, led by Glen Lake Church, at the Town Hall. Head inside for the Holiday Market preview from 6:30-8 p.m.
The Holiday Marketplace runs 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday with a unique selection of gifts and goods from 25+ local artists and makers. You can mark off your Christmas gift list or find a treasure for yourself.
Families and children are invited to meet Santa & Mrs. Claus at the M22 Wine Patio from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday for festive photo opportunities.
Also on Saturday, visit the Glen Lake Community Library 10 a.m.-4 p.m. for the Empire Artisan Marketplace.
Holiday in the Village in Suttons Bay
Across the Leelanau Peninsula, celebrate Holiday in the Village & Santa at the Bay all day on Saturday, Nov. 29 in Suttons Bay.
Hosted by Suttons Bay Chamber of Commerce, activities include holiday specials at area businesses, festive photos, tree displays, and Santa’s arrival.
- Support local shops and buy a uniquely made gift.
- Mail your letters to Santa in the mailbox in front of Bahle’s.
- Vote for the Best Decorated Christmas Tree.
- Take photos in front of the vintage fire truck.
- 1 p.m. Centerpiece Workshop hosted by Forget-Me-Not Florist. Registration required. Sign up online.
- 2 p.m. Free family movie at The Bay Theatre.
- 5 p.m. Santa arrives by fire truck to light the village tree.
Light Up Leland and Holiday Shopping
The Thanksgiving Eve celebration, Light Up Leland, is a great way to welcome the holiday season with joy, music, and Santa’s arrival.
Come out for an evening filled with warm community vibes, twinkling lights, festive music and the tree lighting in downtown on Wednesday, Nov. 26.
The celebration begins at 5:30 p.m. with caroling from the Old Art Building to town and the 6 p.m. tree lighting at Christmas tree corner. Santa arrives shortly after 6 p.m., followed by time for photos and kids of all ages to share their Christmas wishes.
This event coincides with the Season of Lights display at the Old Art Building across the bridge at 111 S. Main Street.
You can walk among lighted trees and other décor on the OAB lawn to see the 12 days of Leland. Each tree is decorated by a local business or organization. Season of Lights runs through Jan. 2 and it free to experience.
The support local theme continues during Leland Black Friday sales 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 28 and Small Business Saturday 9 a.m.-7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29 at area businesses.
You’ll feel like you’re in a quaint Hallmark movie as you wander through charming downtown shops, grab a bite at a local eatery, and support the local businesses that make Leland a popular year-round destination.
On Dec. 5-6, the Old Art Building will host its annual Holiday Market from 5-8 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday.
You can shop for one-of-a-kind gifts from artists throughout Michigan, while you experience the magic of the Season of Lights on the Old Art Building lawn. In addition to shopping, on Saturday, families can visit Santa’s reindeer on the front lawn, warm-up around the fire pit and make a s’mores.
Northport Tree Lighting
If you’re up for a post-holiday drive, the Village of Northport brings the wow factor with its community tree lighting on Saturday, Nov. 29. You can make magical memories throughout town with a full lineup of activities from 10 a.m. until midnight.
Beginning at 3:30 p.m., have hot cocoa (or beer) and a cookie at the Mitten Brewing outdoor patio. Hop a ride on a horse-drawn wagon ride departing from the Northport tree and throughout the downtown area.
Join in, or just listen for caroling through the Village from 4:30-5:15 p.m. plus other music and festivities leading up to a community celebration at the Northport Tree. Santa is slated to arrival just before 6 p.m., culminating in the lighting of the Northport tree.
- 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Letters to Santa, crafts and story time at Leelanau Township Library
- 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Tour the Grand Traverse Lighthouse at the very tip of the peninsula
- 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Holiday Arts & Crafts Sale at Northport Arts Association, Willowbrook Mill & Skye House
- 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Free cookie decorating at Barb’s Bakery
- 11 a.m.- 1 p.m. Festive calligraphy and ornament making at Northport Area Heritage Museum
- 12:30-2:30 p.m. Free holiday wreath making at Northport Pub & Grille
- 1-3 p.m. Soup Cook-off with local restaurants showcasing their best warm-weather creations at Faro
- 3-5 p.m. Meet Santa’s Reindeer at Around the Corner Food and Fun
- 5:30-6:30 p.m. Village Voices, Blessing of the Season, Santa’s arrival and the lighting of the tree at the Northport tree
Northport also hosts holiday activities and festivities every Saturday in December. Learn more at northportnutcrackers.com.
Frankfort Holiday Festivities
Frankfort’s charming Main Street is another popular destination for holiday shopping and community celebrations.
On Thursday, Nov. 27, Perks of Frankfort serves a free Community Thanksgiving Dinner from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Dine in or take-out is available. The event is open to everyone as a way to share community, gratitude and good food together.
The 31st annual Holly Berry Arts & Crafts Fair runs 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 29 at Frankfort-Elberta High School. The craft fair features hand-crafted gifts, kids’ cooking decorating and holiday crafts, a wreath sale, holiday raffle and more.
On Friday, Dec. 5, Oliver Art Center opens the 2025 Winter Member Exhibition, which runs until Jan. 2. This OAC all-media member showcase is one of the largest exhibits of the year. Opening reception runs 5-7 p.m. with refreshments. Free admission.
Frankfort’s tree lighting takes place at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6 at Rotary Park, where Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be on hand to greet children, plus enjoy Christmas carols or a wagon ride through the downtown area.
Prior to the event, visit the OAC for a Winter Celebration 3:30-5:30 p.m. featuring live music, caroling, sweet treats, and more.
Be sure to stop by The Garden Theater on Main Street for its annual Santa’s Workshop 4-5:30 p.m. Dec. 6 for free holiday crafts and story time with the elves. Visit Mr. and Mrs. Claus and write letters to mail to the North Pole.
Celebrate the holidays in Sleeping Bear
There are so many ways to rekindle your sense of joy and light up the dark nights leading up to Christmas. You won’t want to miss the small-town charm, decorated window displays, and holiday trees that make this a special time to visit Sleeping Bear Dunes.
The park has almost 100 miles of hiking trails and scenic overlooks, and the leafless landscape offers a different vantage point of the dunes this time of year. Bundle up, take a walk, and enjoy the crisp air and natural beauty of the region.
You can stay in the heart of it all and enjoy the amenities at The Homestead. Whether you’re looking for a couple’s getaway or want to start a new holiday tradition, this is the perfect time to experience a cozy, relaxing retreat at The Homestead.