Top 10 Fun-Filled Holiday Activities in Southwest Michigan

Ready to add some extra cheer to your holidays this year? We asked locals to share their favorite traditions and activities in Southwest Michigan with you. Here’s what made the top 10 list: 

1. Cross-Country Skiing, Snowshoeing and Snow Biking

Let’s start with these three outdoor activities that are fun for all ages — including tough-to-entertain teens! 

Sarett Nature Center | Benton Harbor

This popular winter wonderland offers five miles of groomed cross-country skiing trails and designated snowshoeing paths through diverse forest, prairie and wetland habitats. Beginners and families love the mostly flat terrain. Bring your equipment or rent skis and snowshoes at the visitor center during regular business hours when there’s snow — or enjoy a winter hike on snowless days. Warm up by the outdoor fire pit on weekends — it’s the perfect spot to sit before or after your winter adventure. 

Love Creek County Park & Nature Center | Berrien Springs

Another family favorite is this multi-winter activity destination. Picturesque all year round, it sparkles in the winter! When there’s adequate snow, the park grooms its miles of cross-country ski trails for skate-style and classic diagonal stride skiing, plus its designated snowshoeing trails through open and wooded areas. There’s a three-mile groomed fat-tire or snow bike trail, too. Bring your gear or rent equipment for all three activities at the center. 

Madeline Bertrand Park | Niles 

This park is a magical place for families and a cherished date destination. It features miles of gently rolling cross-country ski trails through pine and oak forests, with a bluff overlooking the St. Joseph River. The park grooms the trails for classic diagonal stride skiing only. It offers a special night skiing experience on Fridays and Saturdays when conditions allow, with trails illuminated by lanterns until 9 p.m. Equipment rentals are available.

Harbor Shores Nature & Fitness Trail System | Benton Harbor

In the winter, this championship-level golf course turns into a cross-country skiing destination within minutes of downtown St. Joseph and Benton Harbor. The scenic 12-mile trail system includes a bluff-top loop with a spectacular overlook of Lake Michigan. This is also a spot where, when there’s not enough snow for skiing, the paved trails provide an exhilarating setting for walks or bike rides. After exploring the trails, head to Plank’s Tavern at the Inn at Harbor Shores, where you can try creative twists on comfort food alongside an extensive drink menu — all with beautiful views of the St. Joseph River and crimson-and-gold sunsets. Be sure to bring your cross-country ski equipment, as rentals are unavailable. 

2. Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding 

Swiss Valley Ski & Snowboarding Area | Jones

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. Snowmaking capabilities help extend the season, and equipment rentals are available.

Warren Dunes State Park | Sawyer

Want to experience the raw thrills of all-natural skiing and snowboarding? These magnificent dunes are your holiday destination. It’s hard to say whether the views of Lake Michigan from the top or the adrenaline rush of flying down the snow-covered dunes is the biggest wow! Bring your skis or snowboard and plenty of energy as rentals and lifts are unavailable. 

3. Hiking and Sledding in the Dunes

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. Spy glimpses of wildlife nibbling on winter berries, or take in expansive views of Lake Michigan where the shoreline is sculpted by wind and sand. Marvel at nature’s artistry, painted in whites and grays, often set against a clear blue sky. Our dunes are 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! 

Accepting the Trails Challenge will make your adventure even more exciting. Explore just five different trails to earn prizes. The fun starts by downloading the Visit Southwest Michigan app.

Add These 2024 Holiday Events to Your Celebration Plans

4. Snowflake Stroll & Prancer Palooza | Three Oaks

Big holiday fun is happening in little Three Oaks this holiday season. The first is the Snowflake Stroll on November 30, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Come downtown and celebrate Small Business Saturday. Shop for holiday gifts and join in the in-store festivities, savings, treats, and seasonal surprises. Don’t miss the holiday parade and tree-lighting ceremony! Then, cap off the evening with a live concert at The Acorn or craft cocktails at the iconic Journeyman Distillery. 

The second celebration marks the 35th anniversary of the heartwarming Christmas movie Prancer filmed in Three Oaks, a film that brought national attention to this charming small town. Prancer Palooza, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., will brighten the holiday season with a full day of holly, jolly fun! Take horse and buggy rides through downtown, catch the whimsical Prancer Parade, snap photos in a dazzling reindeer display, and watch the movie at the historic Vickers Theater, complete with Q&A sessions featuring cast members. Don’t miss a moment of the joy, laughter, and holiday magic that will make this a celebration you will always remember!

5. Lights at Fernwood Botanical Garden and Nature Preserve | Niles

Enter the enchanting world of LIGHTS at Fernwood running from November 29 to January 4. 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 light-up merchandise and presents, and explore the Kay Boydston Fern House. Purchasing advance tickets is strongly encouraged to get the time slot you want.

6. Light up the Bluff | St. Joseph

As the sun dips below Lake Michigan’s horizon and the displays start to softly glow, a gentle peace will fill your heart as you wander through Light Up the Bluff. Join us downtown on December 6 at 6 p.m. for the community tree lighting and bluff illumination ceremony. Thousands of twinkling lights will fill the evenings with warmth and wonder, shining brightly every night through mid-February. You will want to come here again and again.

7. Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland | Mendel Center

Even your young children will sit on the edge of their seats watching the Cirque Musica Holiday Wonderland performance on December 7, 7:30 p.m. at The Mendel Center. This awe-inspiring show features breathtaking acrobatics, aerial feats, and a fusion of circus artistry with beloved holiday melodies. Your family will share happy memories from this night for months.

8. The Citadel Spectacular | Benton Harbor

This is the perfect gift of time with your family and friends — brimming with favorite holiday tunes, classic dance scenes, and surprise appearances by Santa and his elves. Everyone will leave happier after seeing this performance at The Mendel Center on December 13 at 6 p.m. or December 14 at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.

9. Winter Art Hop | Benton Harbor

The walkable Benton Harbor Arts District is delightful all year round, but it truly shines during the Winter Art Hop on December 20 from 5 to 8 p.m. Bundle up for an evening overflowing with holiday cheer! Find one-of-a-kind gifts at galleries and studios, sing along to live music, and sip and savor tasty drinks and hors d’oeuvres at select spots. It’s the perfect night out to unwind before the final rush!

10. Merry & Bright | Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra | Benton Harbor

The countdown to the holidays is on! Take a break with family and friends at the Southwest Michigan Symphony Orchestra’s Merry & Bright concert on December 21, 6:30 p.m. at The Mendel Center. Feel your heart swell with happiness with every note of your favorite carols and songs and each verse of The Night Before Christmas. One lucky attendee will get to conduct the orchestra on Sleigh Ride! You will love every minute together with those you love. 

Plan Your Holiday Getaway Now

The earlier you make hotel reservations and purchase tickets, the more of your wishes you will get during this merriest of seasons in Southwest Michigan. Happy Holidays!

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