There is no more important thing you can do this month than vote on November 6, but there may be a few things that are more fun. Here are our 12 things to do in Michigan in November 2018.
Nov 4 All Things Detroit Holiday Edition – Detroit
Already known for a wide variety of homegrown buying opportunities, this month Eastern Market is host to a shopper’s frenzy that emphasizes the region’s small businesses. Sample, dine, browse and buy. Talk to a wide array of local entrepreneurs, and acquire acclaimed products and services from in and around Detroit. General admission tickets are $5 and doors open at 11 p.m. Beat the crowd tickets include advance shopping opportunities at 9:30 a.m. as well as a complimentary food truck voucher, complimentary Faygo beverage voucher, and a tote bag.
Nov 8 Making It in Michigan Marketplace – Lansing
In conjunction with an annual conference, the MSU Product Center brings together a wide variety of agriculturally-based businesses to learn and to showcase and sell products. The conference is a ticketed event. Admission to the trade show marketplace is free. There you have the opportunity to sample a wide range of Michigan-made foods and beverages. Discover unique products to serve during the holidays and maybe even a gift or two. If you’re thinking about starting an agricultural-based business, this is an incredible learning opportunity.
Nov 9-16 Traverse City Beer Week – Traverse City
You might think wine first when you think TC, but the town is actually home to a thriving craft brew scene. From bagels made from beer to beer made with cherries, it’s a town that has its own unique take on this bustling statewide industry. Guests can test their beverage IQ at the TC Ale Trail IPA Challenge, run a beer-themed 5k during the Great Beerd Run or get out their coziest flannel and be ready for the Flapjack and Flannel Festival. Visit the website for a full list of available events.
Nov 11 Vets Fest – Detroit
No one deserves to be honored and have some fun, more than our military vets. Show them how much you care by turning out for the parade at 11 a.m. The event also includes live entertainment and a 4 Star 4 Mile Run. Take some time this November to remember and honor those who have done so much for us.
Nov 15-17 International Wine, Beer & Food Festival – Grand Rapids
This event has grown into one of the most popular culinary fests in the state. It features over 1,800 beverages from around the world, along with creations from the area’s finest restaurants. Whether you are an experienced taster looking for the latest and greatest, or a novice hoping to gain a little expertise, this event has something for you. It offers a vast array of extraordinary tastings, cooking demonstrations, wine and beer seminars, mixology, gourmet foods, specialty items and accessories.
Nov 16 Silver Bells in the City – Lansing
Silver Bells in the City is a Lansing tradition that is loved by generations of families. It attracts over 80,000 people to the Capital City each year and takes place annually on the Friday before Thanksgiving. The Electric Light Parade welcomes the holiday season in the Capital City with lighted floats and the arrival of Santa. The parade starts out at 6p.m. at the corner of Lenawee and South Washington Square. Over sixty units and ten area high school marching bands will sparkle with thousands of lights as they make their way through the streets of downtown Lansing. Then, stick around for the lighting of the state’s official Christmas Tree at 7:45p.m., followed by a community singalong.
Nov 17 Luminary Festival – St. Joseph
Start your holiday shopping in one of the state’s most charming shoreside towns. The downtown shops of St. Joseph will be offering refreshments and special sales to get your holiday shopping off to a good start. Best of all, you can simply stroll the beautiful candlelit streets, as 1,000 luminaries light your way. You may even find some elves on hand to do your gift-wrapping for you.
Nov 17-Dec 17 The North Pole Express – Owosso
Always one of the hottest tickets in town, gather the family and hop aboard the North Pole Express. It’s a thrill to ride the Pere Marquette 1225, a glorious locomotive, built in 1941. This tremendous train was the inspiration for the locomotive depicted in the 2004 Christmas movie classic, The Polar Express. Passengers will board the train at the Steam Railroading Institute in Owosso and journey back in time to the Village of Ashley’s Country Christmas. The 4-hour magical experience includes a train ride that will last approximately an hour each way, and two hours for passengers to participate in the activities in Ashley.
Nov 16-Dec 31 International Festival of Lights – Battle Creek
Cereal City is all aglow for the holidays with colorful displays along the Battle Creek River and State Street every night throughout this festive season. One of the most popular displays that attracts viewers year after year is the Twelve Days of Christmas located on the back lawn of the W. K. Kellogg Foundation. Aside from the beautiful lights, downtown games, music, horse-drawn wagon rides, crafts, bike races, and even singing competitions add to the fun.
Nov 22 America’s Thanksgiving Day Parade – Detroit
Thanksgiving is a tad early this year so perhaps it will be a hint warmer. Whether its balmy or bundle up weather, the city is filled with warmth during this annual holiday tradition. Folks have been marching down Woodward to celebrate our national holiday of gratitude since 1924. Look for the trademark “big heads” of famous Michiganders, remarkably detailed floats, and hilarious giant balloons. It takes place before the Lions take on the chase down the Bears at nearby Ford Field, so plan to come down early to find a place to park, and a good viewing spot!
Nov 24-Dec 10 Dickens Festival – Holly
With a name lie Holly, this town was destined to do something special for the holiday season, but it would’ve been hard to predict that Charles Dickens would be at the heart of it. The Holly Dickens Festival is the longest running Dickens-themed event in the United States. Set in this quaint and historic town, the festival spans three weekends between Thanksgiving and Christmas. The fun kicks off with a lighted parade, the arrival of Santa, and a tree-lighting ceremony on Friday, November 23, and all the Dickens delights beginning on the 24th.
Nov 25 Holiday in the City – Muskegon
Shop local downtowns throughout the holiday season, and especially on Saturday, November 25. Widely known as Small Business Saturday, many towns are filled with local merchants creating unique experiences that day, and Muskegon is no exception. You’ll find discounts, giveaways, historic holiday tours, carriage rides, and the holiday lighting of Hackley Park. Santa will also make an appearance. If you’re feeling lucky, be sure to get your card stamped for an opportunity to win a beautiful basket of goodies from local merchants.
Join the conversation on social media and let us know which of our 12 things to do in Michigan in November 2018, 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.
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