Illustration of a christmas market scene (Tree Lighting & Kris Kringle Market)
Christmas Markets

Tree Lighting & Kris Kringle Market

Visitors gather in Downtown Highland to celebrate the season with a tree lighting ceremony and performances by a children's choir. The event offers horse-drawn wagon rides, visits and photos with Santa, and a stroll through the Festival of Trees. Guests can also browse gifts at the Kris Kringle Market, snap pictures at holiday selfie spots, and enjoy complimentary popcorn and hot chocolate.

What to Expect

Features horse-drawn wagon rides, Santa visits, a market, and tree lighting.

Event Details

Ages

All ages

Neighborhood

Downtown Highland

Timed Entry

No

Organizer

Highland DDA

Food & Drink

Complimentary popcorn and hot chocolate are available at the event.

Local Insight & Ratings

Family Friendly

🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 🎄 (5/5)

Best For

Families with young children

Vibe

Festive and community-minded

Energy Level

Moderate

Photo Friendly

High

Weather Sensitivity

Moderate

Location

Veterans Park/Steeple Hall
Highland, MI
48357

Know Before You Go

  • Tickets: Popcorn and hot chocolate are free.
  • Hours: Event: 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm; Tree Lighting Ceremony: 7PM; Kris Kringle Market: 5-9PM.
  • Parking: Parking is available at Highland Elementary.

Tips & Advice

  • Use the listed parking at Highland Elementary; the event page identifies it as the available parking location.
  • Arrive before 7 p.m. if you want to catch the tree-lighting ceremony, scheduled during the 5–9 p.m. market.
  • Find the Kris Kringle Market at the HVCA, which is its listed location within the celebration.
  • Wear warm layers for the evening celebration, which includes activities around Veterans Park and horse-drawn wagon rides.
  • Leave time to stroll through the Festival of Trees and visit holiday selfie spots, both listed among the event features.

Quick Actions

Frequently Asked Questions

Where should I park?

Parking is available at Highland Elementary.

What is there to do?

You can watch the tree lighting and hear a kids' choir. You can also visit Santa for photos, ride a horse-drawn wagon, walk through the Festival of Trees and stop at the holiday selfie spots.

Is there food and drink?

Yes. Popcorn and hot chocolate are free, and you can shop and dine in Downtown Highland.

How can I sell at the Kris Kringle Market?

Fill in the 2026 Kris Kringle Market vendor application before Friday, November 13. Selected vendors hear back on Tuesday, November 17.

Tags

tree lightingChristmas marketSanta visitsfamily friendlycommunity celebrationfestive foodholiday traditionartisanal goodshorse drawn carriages

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Always check the official website for the most current information.

We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly. Christmas Events Near Me is an independent guide and isn't affiliated with the events we list.

Contributors & Updates

Last Updated: Oct 20, 2026
Original Submitter: Sep 17, 2025 The Christmas Events Near Me editorial team