Winter is a wonderful time of year for travelers to enjoy quality time away in scenic Manistee, Michigan. Whether you’re looking forward to all the ways to winter here on snowshoes and skis, or you’re excited for a relaxing snowy escape alongside family and friends, booking your trip over the holidays is a sure way to make even more of the experience. When you’ll be spending Christmas in Manistee, incorporating the following seasonal activities into your itinerary will help make your stay even more festive and magical.
Enjoy the Victorian Sleighbell Parade in Manistee This Year
One of the most popular and highly-anticipated events of the Christmas season in Manistee is always the Victorian Sleighbell Parade. This festive and family-friendly event is hosted along historic River Street and has made a name for itself as one of the state’s most memorable holiday traditions for visitors and locals alike to enjoy. In 2024, the Victorian Sleighbell Parade will be held on Saturday, December 7 starting at 5:30 pm and will once again include everything from turn-of-the-century characters and horse-drawn carriages to bagpipers performing for spectators. You and your traveling crew are also sure to be delighted by the 30-foot Christmas tree that’s pulled through the parade each year by a horse team. The parade comes to an end at the west end of downtown and is followed up with the official lighting of the Christmas tree and community caroling too. There’s a good chance this will end up being the highlight of your Christmas stay!
Include a Meeting with Krampus on Your To-Do List
While a traditional meet-and-greet with Santa Claus is on many families’ lists this time of year, when you find yourself spending Christmas in Manistee, you’re invited to switch things up and meet with Krampus instead! He’s arriving at the Manistee Library at 2:00 pm on December 5, 2024, and provides visitors with an opportunity to learn about “the bad Santa” of the story instead of the jolly version we’re all most familiar with. This is designed to be an informative and fun lecture, and you’ll find the library at 95 Maple Street. Afterward, head over to the Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts around 5:00 pm to enjoy Chamber unTapped. This holiday performance is sponsored by the Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce and is sure to be unforgettable.
Visit the Festival of Trees
Each year at Christmas, the Lakeside Club of Manistee County hosts an illuminating Festival of Trees and this year, the holiday event and fundraiser will be hosted on December 6 from 1:00 pm until 9:00 pm at 101 Maple Street. It’s an event that brings locals and visitors together to admire gorgeous holiday décor crafted by local artisans, bid on decorated trees, and spend time in good company. Proceeds from the event go towards supporting local organizations like the
Manistee County Historical Society and the Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts. There will be a Toys for Tots drop-off at the event as well.
Book Your Christmas Stay in Manistee
Make your Christmas in Manistee one-of-a-kind when you book luxurious holiday accommodations through Boardwalk Vacation Rentals. Our impressive array of amenities, features, and furnishings will have you feeling right at home upon arrival! Reach out today to learn more and to start planning your Christmas trip to Michigan.