Glen Arbor Luxury condos will be open all winter (our B&B typically closes in late October). Our luxury condos are perfect for a holiday or winter getaway. They accommodate 6-8 people and are your home away from home in Glen Arbor.
As the winter chill settles over Michigan, Glen Arbor transforms into a magical holiday destination. This charming town, nestled along the shores of Lake Michigan, comes alive with the spirit of Christmas, offering a delightful array of festive events and activities. From twinkling lights to joyful caroling, Glen Arbor captures the essence of the season, making it the perfect place to celebrate Christmas in Glen Arbor Michigan.
Visitors and locals alike can look forward to a host of holiday experiences that bring warmth to the cold winter days. The annual PJ Party and Bed Parade kicks off the season with whimsical fun, while the tree lighting ceremony and caroling tradition fill the air with holiday cheer. Glen Arbor shops and the Holiday Marketplace provide ample opportunities for holiday shopping, and outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy winter activities in the surrounding natural beauty. These events and more make Glen Arbor a must-visit destination to soak in the holiday spirit and create lasting memories.
Glen Arbor’s Annual PJ Party and Bed Parade
Better than Black Friday Shopping
Glen Arbor’s Annual PJ Party November 29, 2024 offers a unique alternative to traditional Black Friday shopping. This fun event invites visitors to wear their pajamas while exploring the town’s charming business district. The festivities kick off early, typically from 7-9 AM on the Friday after Thanksgiving. Participating local merchants open their doors to offer exclusive deals and special sales, creating a “Better than Black Friday” shopping experience. Shops like Coastal, M22 Glen Arbor, and Cherry Republic provide enticing discounts, with some stores opening as early as 6 AM to accommodate eager shoppers. This event encourages people to support small businesses and enjoy a more relaxed shopping atmosphere in their cozy pajamas.
Unique Bed Parade
Following the PJ Party, Glen Arbor hosts its quirky and entertaining Bed Parade. This one-of-a-kind spectacle features festively decorated beds on wheels rolling down Western Avenue. The parade typically starts November 29, 2024 at 9 AM, beginning near the Pine Cone and ending at the Post Office. Spectators line the streets to cheer on the creative participants as they showcase their imaginative bed designs. This whimsical event adds a touch of humor and community spirit to the holiday season in Glen Arbor, making it a must-see attraction for visitors and locals alike.
Community Bonding
The PJ Party and Bed Parade serve as more than just shopping and entertainment events; they foster a strong sense of community in Glen Arbor. These activities bring together residents and visitors, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere during the holiday season. After the parade, participants and spectators often gather at local establishments like Leelanau Coffee Roasters or Art’s Tavern for breakfast and post-parade treats. This shared experience helps to strengthen community bonds and creates lasting memories for all who participate in these unique Christmas in Glen Arbor Michigan traditions.
Heartwarming Tree Lighting and Caroling Tradition
Tree Lighting Ceremony
The holiday spirit comes alive in Glen Arbor with the annual tree lighting ceremony. This heartwarming event takes place outside the Glen Arbor Town Hall, typically on the Friday after Thanksgiving. As darkness falls, the community gathers to witness the magical moment when the town’s Christmas tree illuminates, casting a warm glow over the festivities. The ceremony is November 29, 2024 at 6:15 PM, creating an enchanting atmosphere that captures the essence of Christmas in Glen Arbor, Michigan.
Community Caroling
Following the tree lighting, the air fills with joyful melodies as community members join in a cherished caroling tradition. Led by members of Glen Lake Church, visitors and locals alike raise their voices in harmony, singing beloved Christmas classics. This festive sing-along fosters a sense of togetherness and spreads holiday cheer throughout the town. Art’s Tavern adds to the warmth of the occasion by providing donuts and cider, allowing participants to enjoy sweet treats while sharing in the musical merriment.
Holiday Market Preview Party
As the caroling concludes, the celebration continues with a special preview of the Glen Arbor Holiday Marketplace. (Preview evening of November 29th and actual Market on Saturday, November 30th.From 6:30 to 8:00 PM), attendees have the exclusive opportunity to be among the first to shop for unique, locally crafted goods. The Town Hall transforms into a winter wonderland of artisanal treasures, featuring an impressive array of handmade items from dozens of talented artisans. This preview party offers a perfect chance to start holiday shopping early and discover one-of-a-kind gifts while supporting local creators.
Festive Shopping Experiences in Glen Arbor
Small Works Holiday Exhibition
The Glen Arbor Arts Center hosts its annual Small Works Holiday Exhibition, a showcase of 2D and 3D artwork. This event, running from November 1 to December 19, features over 100 pieces by 16 artists working in various media. Each piece measures 12″ x 12″ or smaller and is priced at $150 or less, making it an ideal opportunity for holiday gift shopping. On November 17, the Arts Center holds a holiday open house from 5-7 PM, where visitors can enjoy festive music and refreshments while browsing the exhibit and a pop-up holiday store.
Glen Arbor Holiday Marketplace
The Glen Lake Chamber of Commerce organizes the annual Holiday Marketplace, a beloved Christmas in Glen Arbor Michigan tradition. Held on the Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving at the Town Hall, this free event offers a wide array of handcrafted, locally made goods from dozens of artisans. Shoppers can find unique gifts ranging from jewelry and knit accessories to paintings, pottery, and gourmet sauces. The marketplace opens on Friday evening following the tree lighting ceremony and continues on Saturday from 10 AM to 4 PM.
Local Artisan Gifts
Glen Arbor’s charming town center boasts several shops perfect for holiday shopping. Cottonseed Apparel offers unique women’s clothing, while Crystal River Outfitters provides outdoor gear and accessories. For book lovers, the small-but-mighty Cottage Bookshop is a must-visit destination. These local businesses, along with the Holiday Marketplace, showcase the town’s vibrant artisan community and provide visitors with ample opportunities to find one-of-a-kind gifts while supporting small businesses during the festive season.
Winter Wonderland Activities
Glen Arbor transforms into a magical winter wonderland during the holiday season, offering a variety of festive activities for visitors and locals alike. The town’s charm is enhanced by the sparkling snow-covered landscapes, creating a picturesque backdrop for Christmas in Glen Arbor Michigan.
Strolling Lights Festival
The Crystal River Outfitters Recreational District hosts the annual Strolling Lights Festival, a delightful event that combines holiday cheer with community support. Families, friends, and local organizations sponsor pre-lit trees, decorating them with creative themes. The festival not only adds a festive glow to the town but also raises funds for important causes like the Glen Lake School Student Assistance Fund and the Nicholas Wiesen Bentzien Musicianship Fund. Visitors can enjoy the dazzling display throughout the holiday season, with trees available for viewing from late November through the new year.
Snowshoeing and Skiing
Winter enthusiasts can explore the breathtaking beauty of Glen Arbor and the surrounding Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore through snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The area offers a range of trails suitable for all skill levels, from challenging ascents with thrilling descents to gentler paths perfect for beginners. The Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail is groomed for both classic track and skate skiing, providing an excellent opportunity to glide through the snow-covered landscapes. Visitors can rent equipment from local outfitters like The Homestead or Crystal River Outfitters and even join guided tours for a more immersive experience.
Ice Fishing on Glen Lake
For those seeking a unique winter activity, ice fishing on Glen Lake offers an exciting adventure. When conditions permit, anglers can venture onto the frozen lake to try their luck at catching perch and lake trout. The annual Glen Lake Winterfest Perch Fishing Contest, typically held in February, adds a competitive element to the experience. Participants can showcase their biggest catches and compete for prizes, making it a fun event for fishing enthusiasts of all ages.
Conclusion
Glen Arbor’s Christmas celebration is a delightful blend of small-town charm and holiday magic. The town’s festive events, from the quirky PJ Party and Bed Parade to the heartwarming tree lighting ceremony, create a warm and welcoming atmosphere for visitors and locals alike. These unique traditions, coupled with the opportunity to shop for handcrafted gifts at the Holiday Marketplace, make Glen Arbor a special destination to experience the joy of the season.
The winter wonderland activities add an extra layer of fun to the holiday experience in Glen Arbor. Whether it’s exploring snow-covered trails on snowshoes, gliding through the Sleeping Bear Dunes on skis, or trying your luck at ice fishing on Glen Lake, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the crisp winter air. This charming Michigan town offers a perfect backdrop to make lasting memories and soak in the magic of Christmas, making it a must-visit destination for those looking to celebrate the holidays in a truly special way. View our blog for other great Glen Arbor winter activities.