Top Fun-Filled Holiday Activities

Ready to add some extra cheer to your holidays this year? We asked locals to share their favorite traditions and activities for Christmas break in Southwest Michigan. Here’s what made the list:

Lights at Fernwood Botanical Garden and Nature Preserve

Enter the enchanting world of LIGHTS at Fernwood, running from late November to early January. Your holiday spirit will soar amid the dazzling light tunnels, cozy fire pits, nature-inspired sculptures and a larger-than-life LiteBrite display. Warm up inside the visitor center with hot chocolate, seasonal drinks and snacks, shop in the gift store for merchandise and presents and explore the Kay Boydston Fern House. Purchasing advance tickets is strongly encouraged to get the time slot you want.

Light up the Bluff

A million twinkling lights line the bluff, lighting up winter evenings from early December through mid-February. Enjoy the free display on foot or as you drive past and do not be surprised if it draws you back for multiple visits.

Ride the Silver Beach Carousel

A visit to the Silver Beach Carousel adds a playful stop to any holiday outing. During the season, Silver Beach Center is decorated throughout with Christmas décor, creating a festive setting before you even step onto the carousel. Inside, families can watch the detailed model train display wind through a miniature winter scene, then enjoy coloring activities and games. The highlight is the hand-carved carousel figures, adorned with festive decorations and enjoyed by riders of all ages.

Go Ice Skating

Ice skating adds classic winter fun to holiday plans. The John and Dede Howard Ice Arena and The Garden Ice Arena both offer public skating sessions where families, couples and friends can take to the ice.

Catch a Show at the Mendel Center

Touring productions fill the stage with big sound, bold movement and seasonal energy, making it easy for families and groups to enjoy a night out together. Past favorites like Cirque Musica Holiday and A Motown Christmas bring familiar music and eye-catching performances that keep the audience engaged from start to finish.

Visit a Chocolate Shop

Browse display cases filled with truffles, caramels and chocolate-dipped treats at places like Kilwins, Sweet On Elm, Veni’s Sweet Shop and Caruso Candy & Soda Fountain. Take your time choosing a few favorites, then pair them with a cup of hot chocolate for instant winter comfort.

Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding

Swiss Valley Ski & Snowboarding Area

Take a ski and boarding holiday at Swiss Valley, the closest Michigan slopes to Chicago and Indiana. If you or your family members want to try these sports, this day-use destination has a strong reputation in the Midwest as one of the best places to learn. More advanced skiers and boarders give it high marks for helping to fine-tune techniques on 11 runs and two terrain parks catering to different levels of snowboarding skills. Swiss Valley offers a variety of ski programs for all ages and a ski school for beginners. A grab-and-go cafe ensures you can maximize your time on the slopes. Regroup for a picnic by the fire on the patio or relax with specialty drinks and table service overlooking the ski hills at the Chalet restaurant.

Warren Dunes State Park

Experience the thrill of skiing and snowboarding on snow-covered dunes along Lake Michigan. It’s hard to say whether the views of Lake Michigan from the top or the adrenaline rush of flying down the dunes is the biggest wow! Bring your skis or snowboard and plenty of energy as rentals and lifts are unavailable. 

Hiking & Sledding

The best days in Southwest Michigan often come from simple joys. With six state parks and two nature preserves, hiking trails await around every corner. Step into quiet woods where evergreens stand trimmed in snow and branches sparkle with frost. Take in expansive views of Lake Michigan, where the shoreline is sculpted by winter weather. The dunes also become winter playgrounds for sledding, offering everything from gentle slopes to steep drops. Race down from the top and feel the thrill over and over again. 

The Trails Challenge adds even more fun to your adventure. Explore five different trails to earn prizes, starting by downloading the Visit Southwest Michigan app.

Cross-Country Skiing, Snowshoeing & Fat Tire Biking

Winter makes it easy to get outside with activities that are energizing without feeling rushed, making them a great fit for families and couples. Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and fat tire biking invite you to explore wooded trails, open landscapes and river views at your own pace. Places like Sarett Nature Center, Love Creek and Madeline Bertrand Park offer groomed routes that work well for beginners, with rentals available at several locations and lantern-lit evening skiing when conditions allow. Harbor Shores adds a different setting, transforming its golf course into miles of winter trails with paved paths still open for walks when the snow is light. Learn about even more places to enjoy these winter silent sports.

Plan Your Stay

Turn these holiday activities into a full getaway by planning a stay close to where the fun happens. After a day of lights, skating or outdoor adventure, head out to a local restaurant for dinner or follow the Makers Trail to sample craft beverages. Check the event calendar to see what performances, markets or seasonal happenings line up with your visit, then make time for holiday shopping. A winter break in Southwest Michigan is easy to fill with festive family fun.

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