It’s getting colder outside, and those wintry gusts carry a hint of Christmas along with them! Now is the perfect time to start planning a festive holiday getaway for your family — and, luckily, you won’t have to travel far from home.
Continue reading for some top Midwest Christmas towns that deserve a spot on your holiday travel wishlist this season. And don’t miss three that are right here in Michigan, not too far from metro Detroit:
- Escape to cheery “Little Bavaria” with a trip to Frankenmuth
- Discover a Dutch Christmas with your family in Holland
- Get a grand getaway with festive fun awaiting in Grand Rapids
1. Santa Claus, Indiana
If you didn’t take it from the name already, the town of Santa Claus is built around Christmas. Starting Nov. 21, 2025, this small town in Southern Indiana celebrates for three weeks straight, giving families plenty of time to experience the Santa Claus cheer.
The Christmas experience starts as soon as you drive into the town with the Santa Claus Land of Lights, a drive-through light show presenting the story of Rudolph in twinkling neon colors.
Afterwards, bring your Christmas lists to the Santa Claus Post Office to get the Big Man’s seal of approval: a Santa Claus postmark from the only post office in the world with the Santa Claus name.
Further festivities you shouldn’t miss are the holiday treats and photos with Santa at the Christmas Market on Nov. 22 and the town-wide Santa Claus Christmas Parade on Dec. 13. Stay near the fun at Santa’s Lodge to continue the Christmas spirit until bedtime.
2. Frankenmuth, Michigan
Frankenmuth, or Michigan’s Little Bavaria, brings the Christmas traditions of Germany to Michigan during the holidays. Frankenmuth’s twinkling garlands and Bavarian architecture make families feel like they’ve stepped into a Christmas storybook.
The celebration begins on Nov. 28, 2025 with the Frankenmuth Christmas Experience Kickoff, bringing public ice skating, free hot cocoa and cookies, Santa visits and more. The town’s tree lighting show at the end of the evening is followed by a glittering drone show to start the season with a bang.
Make some time to visit Grandpa Tiny’s Farm for Santa’s Reindeer Farm, too, where kids can meet Santa and the reindeer that take him from house to house on Christmas Eve.
You can’t leave Michigan’s Little Bavaria without trying an authentic chicken dinner. Check out the iconic Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth or the Bavarian Inn Restaurant. And, before leaving, finish up your holiday shopping at Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland, the world’s largest Christmas store.
3. Cleveland, Ohio
Christmas lovers know that Cleveland is a top destination for the holidays. Home to the house from A Christmas Story, the WinterLand Christmas festival and more, this city is a must-visit.
Start your visit with a tour through the restored house from A Christmas Story, where you’ll see authentic presentations of the film’s set. Families can complete the full experience by staying overnight on the main grounds or at the Bumpus House next door.
Beyond its ties to the iconic 1983 movie, Cleveland has plenty of festivals to attend throughout the season. WinterLand kicks off Christmas time on Nov. 29, 2025 with s’mores, ice skating, live music and a Christmas tree lighting.
Later is Cleveland’s own Bavarian Christkindlmarkt, with pretzels and bratwurst galore, and horse-drawn carriage rides. If carriage rides aren’t your thing, embark on the North Pole Adventure at the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad for a tour of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park in all its Christmas glory.
4. Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin
Experience a white Christmas in Elkhart Lake — a scenic winter wonderland perfect for a serene family getaway. The holiday season begins with a tree lighting at Christmas in the Square under the historic train depot on Nov. 29, 2025.
The jewel of Elkhart Lake at Christmas time is the Old World Christmas Market, an immersive Christkindlmarkt experience at the beginning of December.
At The Osthoff Resort, shoppers can browse glass ornaments, nutcrackers and warm wool and fur products amid the warm scents of bratwurst and apple strudel sold nearby.
The Osthoff Resort has tons of other holiday events to check out during your stay in Elkhart Lake. Cookie, ornament and stocking decorating, breakfast with Santa and horse-drawn wagon rides are some of the recurring holiday events at the resort. There is also a Christmas Brunch feast for families staying through the holiday.
5. Holland, Michigan
Holland is a taste of the Netherlands on the Lake Michigan shoreline that erupts with Christmas cheer during the holidays. Starting with the Holiday Open House on Nov. 22, 2025, Holland’s downtown area turns to a festive Christmas celebration.
After the season’s start, there are plenty more events to experience. The Parade of Lights features festive floats and marching bands to mark the arrival of Sinterklaas – the Dutch equivalent of Santa Claus. Sinterklaas returns for Magic at the Mill with a meet and greet and light and music show.
One thing families can’t miss is the holiday treats at the Dutch Kerstmarkt, a traditional Christmas market inspired by the ones in the Netherlands. From Nov. 21 to Dec. 20, you can find warm drinks and food, dog sled demos and festive handbell performances.
Downtown Holland is the best place to stay for easy access to holiday events, and only a short drive away from winter activities like sledding at Van Raalte Farm and ice skating at the Holland Community Ice Skating Park.
6. Grand Rapids, Michigan
As the host of the largest winter festival in the Midwest, Grand Rapids is known to bring the full Christmas package for holiday visitors, from light shows to winter sports.
Grand Rapids kicks off the season on Nov. 22, 2025 with its annual Tree Lighting and Holiday Parade, starting the season with s’mores and hot cocoa. Light shows like ENLIGHTEN and The Christmas Lite Show continue the holiday fun from the end of November to the start of January until the World of Winter Festival to close out the winter months.
During your Christmas visit, the Grand Rapids Christkindl Markt is a must-see. Beyond food and gift vendors, the market features curling sheets and heated Alpenglobes available for rent, as well as carolers and other live entertainment.
Try the Glühwein, or mulled wine, at the Christkindl Markt, or walk among the 40 local breweries in Grand Rapids for a different kind of cozy beverage. And, with the town’s Refreshment Areas, you won’t get far from the holiday vibes while enjoying your drink.
Ready to plot your family’s festive getaway? Be sure to dig into our Michigan Christmas town guides, including Frankenmuth, Holland and Grand Rapids.
This story was originally written in 2021 by Cortney Fries and has been completely updated for 2025 by Naomi Kayser.
This content is sponsored by Southeast Michigan Ford Dealers. Visit buyfordnow.com. Find more articles like this at Metro Parent’s Ultimate Family Road Trip Guide.
