6 Michigan Lake Towns That Stay Busy Long After Summer Ends

Once the beach towels are put away, it’s easy to think Michigan’s lake towns go quiet.

But Michiganders looking for a fall or winter getaway may find some of them busier than expected, with holiday events and races on the calendar.

Here are the lake towns worth a visit after summer ends.

1. Traverse City

In 2026, the Downtown Traverse City Association is splitting its holiday kickoff across two evenings.

You can catch the tree lighting on Friday, Nov. 20.

Santa arrives Friday, too.

The Light Parade runs down Front Street on Saturday, Nov. 21.

The split is meant to keep the event safe, sustainable, and enjoyable for all ages.

Traverse City’s tourism site also lists Ladies’ Night and Men’s Night in December, plus a CherryT Ball Drop on New Year’s Eve.

The CherryT Ball Drop is a three-hour street party for charity that ends with an illuminated cherry lowered over downtown.

There’s also a Glen Arbor Holiday Marketplace and the Northport tree lighting.

Holiday in the Village in Suttons Bay includes a nighttime stroll down luminaria-lined streets.

You’ll also find a Holly Berry Arts and Crafts Fair at Frankfort High School and The Nutcracker at Interlochen Center for the Arts.

2. Marquette

Marquette’s Noquemanon Ski Marathon is set for Jan. 22-23, 2027.

Travel Marquette describes it as one of the longest point-to-point ski marathons in the country.

The February U.P. 200 is a 12-dog mid-distance sled dog race and Iditarod qualifier.

Marquette’s Lower Harbor Ore Dock is in Lake Superior, close to downtown.

The Ore Dock also hosts a seasonal laser show called Holiday Lasers, and there’s a New Year’s Eve ball drop bash downtown.

3. Saugatuck

The Saugatuck-Douglas area has 12 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, according to the area’s visitors bureau.

You can go trick-or-treating at the Felt Mansion from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 31.

There’s also a Turkey Trot at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 21.

New Year’s Eve weekend at The Dunes Resort runs from Dec. 30 through Jan. 3.

A chili cook-off is set for Fenn Valley Winery at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 16, 2027.

Bundle up.

4. Petoskey

Petoskey’s holiday open house is on Friday, Dec. 4, and Harbor Springs follows on Saturday, Dec. 5, according to the Petoskey Area visitors page.

You can wander the streets while they’re shut down.

Participating businesses may offer a free beverage or snack.

A tree lighting with Santa is listed for 6 p.m. in Pennsylvania Park, with the Petoskey High School Steel Drum Band playing from a double-decker trailer.

There’s also a Downtown Social District, and the Downtown Petoskey Holiday Parade is on the second Saturday in December.

5. Grand Haven

Holiday Light Night in Grand Haven is on Friday, Nov. 20.

You can stroll the lit district from 5 to 8 p.m. along Washington Avenue, and the annual lighting kicks off the holiday season in town.

Winterfest follows in January, during the last full weekend of the month, according to the visitors bureau.

The festival's website lists Jan. 28-31, 2027, with events beginning Thursday and wrapping up Sunday afternoon.

Winterfest has been a winter tradition for over 30 years.

It typically includes a Bonfire Bash, a Euchre Tournament, a Family Dog Pull, and snow volleyball, along with cardboard sled races.

6. Manistee

Manistee County has 25 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, according to its visitors site.

Old Christmas Weekend takes over town from Dec. 3-6, and the 37th annual Victorian Sleighbell Parade is set for Saturday, Dec. 5.

The parade features horse-drawn entries, bagpipers, reindeer, and carolers in Victorian attire, and the weekend also has a Festival of Trees, a craft bazaar, and a 5K race.

Bring a hat.

You can also find an Artisans Market on Nov. 22, a Ladies Night on Dec. 9, and a Men's Night on Dec. 16.