Last updated: November 11, 2024
Discover the joy of the holidays in Bay City with our detailed guide. For Bay City experts and novices alike, our guide reveals hidden gems and beloved traditions.
One of the highlights of the season is the Birmingham Winter Markt 2024, where festive stalls offer unique crafts and seasonal treats, creating a delightful marketplace atmosphere. Another notable event is the Holly Dickens Festival 2024, where visitors can immerse themselves in a charming Victorian Christmas with lively street performances and carolers. And don’t forget the Nate & Mary Ida Doan Santa House, a magical place where children can share their wishes with Santa himself. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Bay City Holiday Markets and Shopping
Hot Cocoa Crawl
- What to Expect
- Complimentary hot cocoa tasting with unique recipes.
- Description
- Join participating retailers and restaurants in Downtown Midland for a complimentary hot cocoa tasting. Sample unique hot cocoa recipes, vote for your favorite, and help one business win the Golden Mug Trophy. This free event is perfect for holiday shopping and enjoying the festive atmosphere.
- Where
- Midland | More Info : Hot Cocoa Crawl
Hollyday Art Mart
- What to Expect
- Supporting local and small businesses with face-to-face interactions.
- Description
- The Home for the Holidays Gift Market in Katy, Texas, is a premier shopping event featuring over 130 local and small businesses. It offers a wide variety of unique gifts, handcrafted items, and festive atmosphere, making it a tradition for families and friends to enjoy together.
- Where
- Midland | More Info : Hollyday Art Mart
The Great Lakes Market – Holiday Market
- What to Expect
- Unique holiday market with local artisans and festive atmosphere.
- Description
- The Great Lakes Market – Holiday Market features over 40 Christmas trees, handmade gifts, and seasonal treasures in a greenhouse setting. Enjoy live music, food truck fare, and a visit from Santa.
- Where
- Bay City | More Info : The Great Lakes Market – Holiday Market
Bay City Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Tis the Season Weekends
- What to Expect
- Contactless Santa meet-and-greet with safety barrier.
- Description
- Visit Frankenmuth River Place Shops for 'Tis the Season Weekends, featuring strolling carol performances and a contactless meet-and-greet with Santa Claus. Enjoy outdoor activities in an elaborately decorated Santa's Workshop, weather permitting. Share your Christmas wishes with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and enjoy musical performances by the Fenton Chorus and talented quartets.
- Where
- Frankenmuth | More Info : Tis the Season Weekends
Irving Berlin’s White Christmas The Musical
- What to Expect
- Classic holiday musical with iconic Irving Berlin songs.
- Description
- Irving Berlin’s White Christmas The Musical is a heartwarming and uplifting musical featuring classic songs and a timeless story of love and family.
- Where
- Midland | More Info : Irving Berlin’s White Christmas The Musical
Cirque Dreams Holidaze
- What to Expect
- Whimsical blend of Broadway and circus arts.
- Description
- Cirque Dreams Holidaze is a dazzling family holiday spectacular featuring a Broadway-style production infused with contemporary circus arts. The show includes an original musical score, twists on holiday classics, and a fantastical cast of holiday storybook characters. With new sets, scenery, and storylines, this event is an ultimate holiday gift for the entire family.
- Where
- Midland | More Info : Cirque Dreams Holidaze
Million Dollar Quartet
- What to Expect
- Historic rock 'n' roll legends performing iconic hits live on stage.
- Description
- Million Dollar Quartet is a high-energy musical celebrating the legendary jam session of Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins. The show features iconic rock 'n' roll hits like "Blue Suede Shoes," "Great Balls of Fire," and "Hound Dog."
- Where
- Midland | More Info : Million Dollar Quartet
Holiday Pops with the Midland Symphony Orchestra
- What to Expect
- Holiday concert featuring local and Broadway talent.
- Description
- The Midland Symphony Orchestra, accompanied by the caroling Choirs of the Center, will be joined by Broadway talents Kevin Massey and Gretchen Shope for an evening of holiday celebration. Gretchen, a recent graduate of H.H. Dow High School, made her Broadway debut this summer as Michigan's first winner of the Jimmy Awards. Kevin Massey has performed in numerous Broadway shows, including TARZAN, BIG RIVER, MEMPHIS, and THE GENTLEMAN'S GUIDE TO LOVE AND MURDER.
- Where
- Midland | More Info : Holiday Pops with the Midland Symphony Orchestra
Saginaw Bay Symphony Orchestra: Holiday Superstars
- What to Expect
- Holiday concert with local vocalists and orchestral performances.
- Description
- The Saginaw Bay Symphony Orchestra presents Holiday Superstars, a festive celebration featuring three local guest vocalists, including Todd Michael Hall, Amy Petty, and Sharrie Williams, conducted by Maestro Fouad Fakhouri.
- Where
- Saginaw | More Info : Saginaw Bay Symphony Orchestra: Holiday Superstars
A Classy Brassy Christmas & More
- What to Expect
- Holiday concert with big band and special guest.
- Description
- The Saginaw Choral Society presents A Classy Brassy Christmas & More, featuring traditional holiday favorites performed by the Choral Society, Saginaw Youth Choir, and Saginaw Elite Big Band, with special guest Todd Michael Hall. The event is hosted by Bill Harris and Lisa Marie from CARS108.
- Where
- Saginaw | More Info : A Classy Brassy Christmas & More
The Joy of Christmas Tour
- What to Expect
- Grammy-nominated country artist performing holiday favorites.
- Description
- Martina McBride brings her signature country sound to the stage with a collection of holiday classics and modern hits, celebrating the spirit of Christmas with her powerful vocals and heartfelt performances.
- Where
- Saginaw | More Info : The Joy of Christmas Tour
A Good Old-Fashioned Big Family Christmas
- What to Expect
- Traditional Christmas celebration with family activities.
- Description
- A Good Old-Fashioned Big Family Christmas features all traditional Christmas standbys as a family tries to throw the perfect holiday get-together.
- Where
- Bay City | More Info : A Good Old-Fashioned Big Family Christmas
The Eight: Reindeer Monologues
- What to Expect
- Humorous reindeer monologues.
- Description
- The Eight: Reindeer Monologues is a theatrical performance featuring eight reindeer sharing their stories and experiences, offering a unique and humorous take on the holiday season.
- Where
- Saginaw | More Info : The Eight: Reindeer Monologues
Bay City Other Holiday Activities
Nate & Mary Ida Doan Santa House
- What to Expect
- Meet Santa Claus in a historic setting.
- Description
- The Nate & Mary Ida Doan Santa House in Bay City, Michigan, offers a unique holiday experience where visitors can meet Santa Claus. Founded by personal friends of Santa, this house has been a cherished tradition for over 50 years. It is open on Saturdays and Sundays from 1-4 PM and 6-8:30 PM, and on Mondays through Fridays from 6-8:30 PM.
- Where
- Midland | More Info : Nate & Mary Ida Doan Santa House
The Northern Star Train
- What to Expect
- Holiday train tour through decorated downtown area.
- Description
- The Northern Star Train offers scenic tours through beautifully decorated Downtown Midland, providing a festive atmosphere during the holiday season.
- Where
- Midland | More Info : The Northern Star Train