12 things to do in Michigan in December 2019

The holiday season is all about festivities and starting 2020 off on a magical note, like our 12 things to do in Michigan in December 2019.

Dec 1-31 Premium Pour – Leelanau Peninsula

Toast the year’s most festive season along the Leelanau Peninsula. During the month of December, guests may taste a wide selection of the best wines being produced on the peninsula for one fee. Tickets are $30 per person and include a signature wine glass and complimentary premium wine pours at more than 20 wineries. Take your time and sip your way throughout December.

Dec 5-8 The Potters Market – Southfield

Said to be the largest event of its kind in the country, thousands flock to The Potters Market each year. It’s a place to find truly unique gifts. Expect to see tiles, cooking and serving vessels, mugs, tea pots, and vases. Home furnishings abound like tiled and mosaic tables, mirrors, shelves, picture frames,  sculptures, and even lawn decorations. Pick out some new jewelry or Christmas ornaments. Admission and parking are free.

Dec 13-Dec 22 Christmas Cabaret – Augusta

Go over a river and through the woods and make your way to The Barn Theatre. There you’ll find some good old fashioned Christmas spirit. Now in its seventh year, this heartwarming show is filled with lively entertainment and carols that will delight the whole family. Plus, they’ll be serving up complimentary pie, coffee and hot chocolate. Tickets are $32 each.

Dec 14 Snowmobile the Mighty Mac – St Ignace

For the 4^th straight year, vintage snowmobiles will be humming across the 5-mile span of Mighty Mac. All snowmobiles that are 25 years or older are welcome. They must have a legal registration or the Historic Registration, a wheel kit with at least 2″ wheels, and no studs or cleats. A lunch will be included in the cost, at the Little Bear East Arena. Others not participating in the bridge crossing may purchase a lunch for $10. Call the St. Ignace Visitor’s Bureau for registration and details – 906-643-6950. Registration will be online or by phone.

Dec 14-15 Skate & Ski Clinics with Jordyn Ross – Roscommon

If getting outdoors more is a 2020 goal, then this may be the jumpstart you need. Northern Michigan University Nordic Team Alum and top Michigan Cup racer, Jordyn Ross, is back for another phenomenal clinic series. Divided into two days, this series will be geared towards “proficient beginner” and “intermediate” level skiers on Saturday, and “advanced intermediate” and “expert” level skiers on Sunday. Cost for a clinic is $15, or two clinics for $25. Registration in advance is required.

Dec 15 Maple Syrup Workshop – Detroit

Learn to appreciate the flavorful history of maple syrup in Michigan at the Outdoor Adventure Center. Registration is $10 and includes the opportunity to taste and enjoy different types of the luscious syrup while you learn. Renowned guest lecturer, Troy Linton, will even teach guests how to infuse different flavors with natural ingredients. Guests will get an 8-ounce Mason jar to fill with syrup and add infusion ingredients such as blueberries, cinnamon sticks, pumpkin spice, jalapeños, orange peels, strawberries, ginger, thyme, lemon and more.

Dec 15 Sounds of the Season– Dearborn

Welcome the holiday season in style with an afternoon of brass band music. Motor City Brass Band will be taking the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center by storm with an energetic program that will put even Scrooge in the holiday spirit. It’s more than a concert, it’s a full-fledged holiday show.

Dec 30-31 Great Lakes Invitational Hockey Tournament – Detroit

North meets south and east meets west. For just the 16^th time in over five decades of this tournament, all four participating teams are native to the state. The two-day tourney, affectionately known as the GLI, will bring Michigan Tech down from Houghton and Ferris State over from Big Rapids. Little Caesars Arena will also welcome tournament mainstays, the Wolverines and Spartans, to battle it out for state pride in Hockeytown.

Dec 31 New Year’s Fest – Kalamazoo

Start of the new year with a celebration of the arts in downtown Kalamazoo. There are a variety of activities that take place including music, magic, comedy, exhibitions, fireworks and great food. New Year’s Fest’s vision is to be a premier event that introduces the greater Kalamazoo community to the performing arts by providing an array of unique and talented artists and activities. Admission buttons are $7 in advance or $10 if purchased on site.

Dec 31 Cherry Drop – Traverse City

What else would they drop in Traverse City to celebrate the new year? This Front Street tradition aims to start the new year on a charitable note. While admission is free, guests are asked to make a contribution to the Salvation Army. The party begins at 10pm. The cherry will drop at midnight, followed by fireworks.

Dec 31 Bridge Drop – Charlevoix

From a Snowman Making Contest to horse-drawn carriage rides, there are plenty of family-friendly ways to ring in 2020 in Charlevoix. Enjoy s’mores and hot cocoa, arts and crafts, and a free kid’s movie at Charlevoix Cinema III. Festivities begin at noon with fireworks at 9pm for the little ones and again at midnight for those seeking a more authentic adventure.

Dec 31 Black Star Farms New Year’s Eve Wine Dinner – Suttons Bay

If you’d rather settle in for a warm and elegant way to usher in 2020, then head to Black Star Farms. Their talented and inspired culinary team, winner of the “Best Classic Pairing” at the Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer & Food Festival, will present a very special multi-course, wine-paired dining experience hosted in the luxurious Inn. Formal attire suggested, black tie optional. The 7-course meal begins at 6pm. Tickets are $150 and all-inclusive.

Join the conversation on social media and let us know which of our 12 things to do in Michigan in December 2019, you got a chance to enjoy. Tag @BuyMichiganNow in your posts. For our things to do in Michigan next month and other travel tips, be sure to visit our Michigan Tourism page.