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Get Ready for the Holidays with our Michigan Winter Activity List

December 2, 2021

The month of December is officially here— and with snow gradually beginning to fall and the holidays right around the corner, it’s time to take full advantage of all the wonderful winter activities happening around you. At Norfolk Homes, we’re so excited for the holidays, and we wanted to share some of the best things you and your loved ones can enjoy within your home state of Michigan. 

Get into the Christmas spirit with spectacular light displays

It wouldn’t be Christmas without incredible light displays filling the city streets, and luckily for you, our communities have some of the best ones around them. 

If you’re up for a longer drive to see some spectacular lights, you’ll want to add The Big, Bright Light Show in Downtown Rochester to your list. Every evening from 5 p.m. until midnight, take a walk through the brightly lit city streets, and pop into some local boutiques to get some holiday shopping in along the way.

Each week from Wednesday through Sunday up until New Years Eve, you can enjoy the magical scenery that was created at the Wayne County Lightfest. What’s more, on Wednesday, December 8 and 15, instead of paying the regular entrance fee to enjoy the light show, you’ll be able to donate any new, unwrapped toy in its place.  

Another event you won’t want to miss is Nite Lites at the Michigan International Speedway. As one of the largest light shows in the state, this is well worth the roughly 30 minute drive for those living at the Preserve at Magnolia Park in Jackson. Bring your family and friends, drive through the 250-foot tunnel and marvel at over 65 different themes the attraction has to offer. 

For a great night that both you and your kids are sure to love, you also want to add the Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo to your list. With over 280 animal sculptures scattered throughout the front half of the zoo, you’ll be able to spend an enchanting night under the Christmas lights.  

Embrace the winter winds with these outdoor activities

When the weather turns cold, our collars turn up and sometimes all we want to do is curl up in our home with a mug of hot chocolate. While this sounds extremely cozy, there are so many activities you can do this winter around your community. 

At Rolling Hills Winter Park, there is truly something for everyone to enjoy. Grab a sledding tube and race down the snowy hills, enjoy a peaceful stroll through the cleared walking trails or test your endurance on three miles of cross-country ski trails.

For those wanting to bring a little more excitement to the holiday season, there’s nothing better than hitting the slopes surrounding the pristine Michigan landscape. Pack up your skis or snowboards and jump in the car for a quick 40 minute drive northeast of Ann Arbor to enjoy the trails at the Alpine Valley ski resort. 

Enjoy the shows of the season

Does anything bring about the feeling of Christmas more than a showing of your favorite, classic Christmas movies? Not that we can think of. Lucky for us, the Michigan Theatre will be showing various movies with free admission this Christmas season (just make sure you reserve your spot before they’re all gone). Take your pick from A Christmas Story, Elf, It’s a Wonderful Life and Frozen for a month filled with your holiday favorites. 

Drop off your letters to Santa

No Christmas season is complete without a visit to see Santa. Take a trip to Hudson Mills Metropark on Saturday, December 11 to walk Santa’s Candy Cane Trail. Enjoy the natural scenery and meet up with your favorite winter characters and Santa himself before dropping off your letter right to his mailbox. 

A quick 20 minute drive from our Mystic Ridge community will bring you to Howell Nature Center on December 11 for their Wild Holiday with Santa event. Explore the winter wonderland after stopping by the hot cocoa bar and end the day with a meet-up with Santa to drop off your letter.  

For a virtual event this year, the Chelsea, Michigan Facebook and YouTube page will post their Hometown Holiday Santa Virtual Storyline. Gather around the screen with your family and tune in to listen to Santa read one of his favorite Christmas stories.

At Norfolk Homes, we hope your calendar is full of events happening around our beautiful state to fully enjoy your holiday season. We love building in incredible communities around Michigan, so if you’re in the market for a new home and want to learn more about where we build, contact us today.