From seeing Wicked at the Detroit Opera House to shopping for wreaths at the Eastern Market’s Holiday Market, we’ve explored countless new places and built lifelong memories in half a decade’s time (yes, I just realized it’s been half a decade!). I know that there are so many other Michiganders who have built unique memories of their own, so I’ve reached out to some fellow Michigan blogger friends of mine, who’ve generously agreed to share their favorite holiday traditions and what they think makes Michigan so special this time of year.
Lauren (Mrs. Weber’s Neighborhood)
“My favorite Christmas tradition with my family is bundling up and loading the kids into a wagon for a walk around downtown Howell to look at Christmas lights. They are so magical and the perfect way to kick off the season. We round out the night with hot cocoa and a Christmas movie as a family. The memories we create together each season far outweigh any of the material items under the tree!”
Read more from Lauren on her blog.
Aaron (elATLboy)
“Miles of holiday lights and displays dot Hines Drive in Westland, making for a beautiful Detroit area drive every year at the Wayne County Lightfest. I have enjoyed evenings there with friends and loved ones over the years, usually with some hot chocolate or coffee alongside to stay warm.”
Amanda (The World Incorporated)
“The holidays call for a lot of reflection. It’s usually during this time that I look back on my year and think, “how do I define my 2016?”
I do this by ornament hunting at Bronner’s, the largest Christmas store in the world, located in Frankenmuth, Michigan. Nearly 2 million Christmas ornaments are purchased by visitors annually, and my mission is to find a single ornament to define my year or define my travels. This year I’m eyeing an ornament of a sushi roll, to commemorate a semi-spontaneous trip to Japan this year. My recommendation is to wander over to the “Christmas Around the World” section, and you’ll find hand-painted baubles from eastern Europe, miniature Chinese lanterns, crafts from Africa, or adornments from Latin America. Really, there’s an ornament for anything.”
Learn more about Amanda on her blog.
Rachel (Redesigning Happiness)
“One of my favorite events in December is Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village. The night is magical, almost like stepping into a Christmas scene from the past. By walking a lantern lit path, one can see carolers, horse-drawn wagons, Model T cars, presenters in costumes, and Santa himself! There are also lots of good smells including chestnuts roasting on an open fire, kettle corn, baked goods, and much more. To top it off, the night ends with a fireworks display. I am really looking forward to this year because I’m going to Holiday Nights along with dinner at the Eagle Tavern.”
See more from Rachel on her blog.
Lish Dorset (Detroit Maker & Museum Maven)
“Metro Detroit is crafty all throughout the year, but we’re especially crafty during the holidays. I love how many craft fairs there are to visit, from the Detroit Urban Craft Fair to DIYipsi, and fun hands-on workshops and events, like Signal-Return‘s annual Holiday Card Jam, to enjoy for a true do-it-yourself Christmas.”
Abby (FruitableBlog)
“During the Christmas season in my small village of Nashville, I love having eating and baking parties with my friends and going to our annual Christmas parade. In the past years, I have always marched in the parade with my high school band; we would march through whatever crazy and snowy weather Michigan would bring us! Afterwards my school choir would sing songs and warm up by drinking hot cocoa. This year will be different for me though because for the first time, I’ll be a spectator!”
Erica (Fashion Meets Food)
“I grew up near Rochester and every year, my mum would pop a big batch of popcorn, thermoses with hot chocolate and take my brother and I to downtown Rochester for the Big Bright Light Show. The lights line the buildings along Main Street, and it’s definitely a sight to see if you’ve never been. Even though we’re older now we still make an effort to visit downtown Rochester for the light show every year.”Keep up with Erica on her blog.
What are your favorite Christmas memories and holiday traditions? Share in the comments below!
Looking for more holiday cheer? Check out these articles:
Holiday Highlights: Eastern Market, Sanders Chocolate, & Eagle Tavern Dinner
Michigan Christmas Lights v. Virginia Christmas Lights
Little Bavaria: Family Visit to Frankenmuth
Try This: enfold Reusable Gift Wrap (Michigan-Made & Eco-Friendly)
The Ellen Show Visits Ann Arbor
8 Places To Find Unique Michigan Gifts In Metro Detroit
