Midwest holiday fun - that’s totally worth the drive
Ready or not, the holidays are upon us, and every year moms are on the hook to create a lot of magic. So let us take the pressure off with these drive-worthy events and stops across the Midwest! Whether you want to see spectacular light displays, meet Santa, enjoy holiday-inspired treats, or check out new places to explore and shop, (or all of the above!) we have a whole line-up of Midwest holiday musts.
Here’s Midwest holiday fun worth the drive:
Indiana
Famous holiday fun: The Santa Claus Museum and Village, Santa Claus
You won’t want to miss the town of Santa Claus this time of year. See the 22-foot-tall Santa statue, then have the kids mail wish lists from the town’s first post office (bonus: you’re guaranteed to receive a letter in return!). Residents amp up their Christmas celebrations during the festive season with a full calendar of events, including chestnuts roasting on an open fire at Santa’s Candy Castle and a live reindeer exhibit.
When to go: 11/24-12/31
Outdoor must: Carmel Christkindlmarkt, City of Carmel
You don’t have to travel abroad to experience the charm of an authentic, open-air German market at the Carmel Christkindlmarkt. Running from thru December, plan an outing to enjoy traditional German foods, gifts, and drinks sourced directly from Germany and other European countries. At the center of the market, find an outdoor ice skating rink for the right amount of holiday magic.
When to go: 11/18-12/24
CityMoms enjoying Carmel’s Christkindlmarkt with hot cocoa to “boot!”
Don’t-miss light display: Circle of Lights Tree Lighting, Indianapolis
Watch the downtown Indianapolis Monument Circle transform into a winter wonderland at Indy’s biggest night of the holiday season on 11/24. Enjoy live music, holiday performances, and plenty of festive food and beverages as you await the arrival of Santa to flip the switch shortly before 7pm, then return throughout the season for festive lights, a visit to the Indianapolis Symphony Yuletide Celebration, and sweet treats after the show at South Bend Chocolate Company.
When to go: 11/24-1/12
Off the beaten path: Jingle Rails, Indianapolis
Nestled within the Eiteljorg Museum in downtown Indianapolis lies the Jingle Rails exhibit. This magical diorama flows from the museum’s entry hall and into a whimsical space filled with scale landmarks and landscapes to explore. Track the nine G-scale trains as they wind their way high and low through scenes constructed of native materials from pine cone scales and gourds to eucalyptus seeds.
When to go: 11/18-1/15
Honorable mentions: Holiday in the Village at Spring Mill State Park (12/1-12/2) and Christmas Nights of Lights at the Indiana State Fairgrounds (11/10-12/31).
We talked Midwest Holiday Fun with the HomeTown Living team at WSBT-22! Catch the full segment here.
Michigan
Famous holiday fun: Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, Frankenmuth
Known as the “World’s Largest Christmas Store,” Bronner’s is the place in the Mitten State to stock up on holiday decor, trims, and gifts. Stop at the onsite Season’s Eatings snack bar for Christmas Lane for lights, or plan a longer trip to enjoy the surroundings of Frankenmuth, the surrounding village that feels Alpine, but is distinctly pure Michigan. When to go: Year-round
Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland | Photo Courtesy of Pure Michigan
Outdoor must: Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village, Dearborn
Be advised this popular metro Detroit activity “historically” sells out. Explore more than 80 acres of the historic Greenfield Village - located on the grounds of the Henry Ford Museum - in a glimmering after-hours setting. Stroll down Main Street brimming with holiday goods, food, and warm beverages, or take a ride on a historic Model T.
When to go: 12/1-12/28
Photo credits: Visit Detroit
Don’t-miss light display: Christmas Lite Show, Grand Rapids
This 2-mile, drive-thru light show - now a Western Michigan holiday staple - has grown to offer over 1 million lights, a Winter Wonderland Walk path for out-of-car excitement, and more.
When to go: 11/22-12/31
Off the beaten path: Downtown Light Parade and Holiday in the Village, Traverse City/Suttons Bay
Get into the holiday spirit before Thanksgiving with a downtown light parade, tree lighting, and arrival of Santa in Traverse City, then head north to Holiday in the Village in Suttons Bay for caroling on the corner, mailing letters to Santa, and stories from Mrs. Claus.
When to go: Light Parade - 11/18, Holiday in the Village - 11/25
Honorable mentions: Wild Lights at Detroit Zoo (11/24-1/7), ice skate at Campus Martius in Detroit (11/18-3/3), or Winter Bazaar on Mackinaw Island (12/1-12/3).
Illinois
Famous holiday fun: The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival, Chicago
Boasting the largest nighttime parade in the US, the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival features Mickey and Minnie Mouse, balloons, floats, Santa, and fireworks that illuminate the Avenue’s 200+ trees.
When to go: 11/18
Image courtesy of The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival
Outdoor must: Santa Claus Parade, Peoria
ISO a special way to see Santa and kick off the season? Head to Peoria for the longest-running parade in the U.S. the day after Thanksgiving. The Santa Claus Parade brings holiday-themed floats, live music, lots of candy, and the arrival of Santa Claus himself! When to go: 11/24
Don’t-miss light display: Morton Arboretum Tree Lights, Aurora
Explore the Arboretum’s 50 acres of majestic trees during this spectacle of color, light, and sound, featuring six new displays and returning favorites. Be awed by the first-ever Illumination display in the Arboretum’s new Grand Garden, complete with a laser-light finale.
When to go: 11/18-1/6
Off the beaten path: Immersive Nutcracker, Chicago
Experience the beloved Nutcracker ballet in a whole new way. Immerse yourself in the world of Clara’s dreams, surrounded by Tchaikovsky’s enchanting music in the Immersive Nutcracker. From “The March of the Toys” to the “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy,” you’ll become a part of the story.
When to go: 11/18-1/7
Photo courtesy of Storywall Entertainment
Honorable mentions: Festival of Lights in East Peoria (11/24-1/1), Chicago Christkindlmarket in Daley Plaza (11/17-12/24), and Snowland at Great Wolf Lodge of Gurnee (11/24-1/8).
WHILE YOU’RE IN TOWN
Ohio
Famous holiday fun: A Christmas Story House, Cleveland
For some pop culture nostalgia, make your way to Cleveland and visit the house from A Christmas Story. It offers a museum to tour behind-the-scenes photos, see original movie props, and book overnight stays. Snap a few selfies with the iconic leg lamp, Ralphie’s snowsuit, and the oversized pink bunny costume.
When: year-round
Outdoor must: Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad’s North Pole Adventure, Independence
Climb aboard the North Pole Adventure train for a whimsical ride to the North Pole. Enjoy cookies and cocoa, hand deliver your letter for Santa to the North Pole’s Postmaster, and dance and sing with Santa’s elves.
When to go: 11/8-12/21
Off the beaten path: Castle Noel, Medina
Aka the world’s largest indoor Christmas attraction, Castle Noel houses the world’s biggest privately-owned collection of Christmas movie props and costumes from your favorite holiday movies, animated NYC Christmas store window replicas from Bloomingdale’s, gift shop, and more.
When: Year-round
Photo credit: Ohio Traveler
Honorable mentions: WinterLand winter celebration in Cleveland (11/25-12/31), WonderLight’s Christmas in Hartford (11/10-12/31), and Dickens Victorian Village, Cambridge (11/1-12/31).
