With our RVs safely nestled away for the winter, many of us are left scratching our heads thinking of a way to kill time until spring (AKA, camping season!). Thankfully, we live in a state bustling with activity — from family friendly, to adults only, to festive holiday experiences, there’s something for everyone. Here are 10 ideas to include on your calendar this November, all across the state.
1. Get your Game on at a Professional Sports Event, Detroit
Bring the whole family out to one of Michigan’s professional sports events. Our NFL team, the Detroit Lions; our NBA team, the Detroit Pistons; and our NHL team, the Detroit Red Wings all play within close proximity to one another. If you haven’t made it out to the newly completed Little Caesars Arena yet, now’s the time! You can catch a Wings game or a Pistons game here!
2. Catch a Flick at the East Lansing Film Festival, East Lansing
If you find yourself in Spartan territory this month, you won’t want to miss the ELFF! Independent filmmakers will be showing their works at various studios across East Lansing, and MSU students can get in at a discounted price. There really is no better escape from the cold than viewing a new and thought-provoking film at the local theater.
3. Shop Local
Small Business Saturday – traditionally the Saturday after Thanksgiving – is a unique opportunity to support all of our favorite local small businesses. Rather than perusing for Christmas presents at national chains, stop by one of your favorite stores in your downtown area.
4. Sip at Cocktail Week GR, Grand Rapids
Here’s that aforementioned 21-and-up event – Grand Rapids’ Cocktail Week! Head to Beer City USA, Grand Rapids, Michigan, to partake in a drink or two! Moe than 40 establishments are participating this year, so you’re sure to find a location and a flavor to suit every style. Grand Rapids has a good amount of transportation options, too, so if you don’t have a designated driver, no worries!
5. Celebrate at America’s Thanksgiving Parade, Detroit
Check a bucket-list item off this Thanksgiving and attend America’s Thanksgiving Parade in the Motor City. There are numerous Grand Stand seating options, with varying price points, to watch the event in person. But if you have family coming for the holiday, tune into the event on TV on WDIV-TV or on the radio on station WOMC – 104.3.
6. View the Wonderous Annual Luminary Festival, St. Joseph
Get in the holiday spirit by attending St. Joe’s Annual Luminary Festival. The streets will be lined with a thousand luminaries, the local shops will be open late, and there’s free gift wrapping! What could be better?
7. Attend the International Wine, Beer, and Food Festival, Grand Rapids
Named a Best Fall Wine Festival Not to Miss by Forbes.com, this fest has already established itself as the annual tasting event for drinking aficionados in the state of Michigan. More than 1,200 wines, beers, ciders, and spirits from around the world, including many local options, are featured and complemented by food from the area’s finest restaurants. Single day admission is $25.
8. Experience Old World Charm at the Holly Dickens Festival, Holly
Attend the “oldest, longest running Dickens Festival in the United States!” For three weekends between Thanksgiving and Christmas, downtown Holly celebrates with horse-drawn carriage rides, caroling, street sweeping contests and so much more! Bring the family out for a wholesome, fun time!
9. Toast the Season, Leelanau
Grab your hubby or your BFFs and head to the Leelanau Peninsula the first couple weekends of November to sample food and wine pairings at 23 picturesque wineries. As the website says, “Before the hustle and bustle of the holidays, before the frosty weather settles in…start your winter festivities off with a celebratory toast.” Purchase your tickets ahead of time (choose a starting location) and then pick up your wine glass, physical ticket, and $20 in Cork Cash on the day of the event from your chosen starting winery.
10. Feel like a Child Again at a Tree Lighting Ceremony
The wonder, the sense of magic, the feeling that everything is good and beautiful. Tree lighting ceremonies take place all across the state during the month of November. From larger ones in Detroit, Traverse City, and Grand Rapids to more intimate affairs in towns like Kalamazoo, Petoskey, and more, nothing brings out the holiday spirit more than watching the lights ablaze on that first grand tree.
*This article was updated in November 2024 after being originally released in November 2017.