Our approach to the holidays in the Bays de Noc area may seem old-fashioned, but all is calm and bright. While you’re here, you can focus on just being together. Or, take that much-needed time.

We love being home for the holidays. We hope this year, you will consider this your home, too. Here, you can experience the simple joys of oohing and ahhing as we light the community Christmas tree. Admire the care that our artisans put into each of their handmade gifts. Feel the warmth in your heart as Santa listens attentively to every hopeful child’s wishes. Laugh with your friends over a glass of wine or beer after a day of no-stress shopping. Drive around to see the decorations. Then, wrap up in a warm blanket to watch the sky turn vibrant colors as the sun sets beyond the Bays for yourself.

November 

Bonifas Art Center Holiday Art Fair: First Saturday, 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.; free admission. A variety of artists showcase their work at this Escanaba art center. Be sure to enter the raffle and also stop by the bake sale to bring home goodies for family and friends. 

Escanaba Baseball Holiday Art Fair: Second Saturday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Escanaba High School Commons; $2 admission/FREE for veterans and children. Over 120 vendors, concessions, bake sale and raffle await visitors. 

Black Friday on Tuesday and Tree Lighting: Tuesday before Thanksgiving, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; downtown Escanaba. Kick off your holiday gift buying with special “get-it-now” deals from local shops. The tree lighting ceremony adds extra sparkle to the festive atmosphere.

TV6 Thanksgiving Craft Fair: Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving, Ruth Butler Building U.P. State Fairgrounds, Escanaba; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $3 for adults/FREE for children 12 years and younger. This fair offers one of the U.P.’s premier selections of handcrafted gifts, jewelry, food and holiday decorations. 

Small Business Saturday: Saturday after Thanksgiving. Support local shop owners, art galleries, restaurants, wineries and breweries in communities throughout the Bays de Noc area. Unlike online shopping, you can see, feel and taste the gifts before choosing them for your loved ones. And with decorations, special sales and personal attention from shop owners, the experience keeps your spirits bright. 

Esky Baroque: Handel's Messiah: Join the Escanaba community on November 24 for this abridged performance of Handel’s Messiah, an annual Escanaba tradition. 

Gladstone: An Old-Fashioned Christmas: Friday after Thanksgiving, 5:30 p.m., near City Hall. Enjoy wagon rides, caroling, burning barrels, s’mores, Santa and live music at the Farmers Market. Various activities are available at Iverson’s, Gladstone Electrical Garage and local businesses. 

Rapid River Lights in the Park: Enbridge has granted $3,500 to support this annual light display, adding extra sparkle to the season! 

December 

Holiday Concerts: Check the lineup of holiday shows at Island Resort & Casino in Harris.   

Escanaba City Band Holiday Concert: Join Bay College and the Escanaba City Band for a free holiday concert on December 3 at 7 PM at the Besse Theater. Enjoy festive music while supporting local charitable efforts. Student clubs and staff will be collecting donations for causes such as the Bay College Food Pantry, Holiday Helpers, Warm Coats for Warm Hearts and the Salvation Army Christmas Drive. Donations are encouraged but not required to attend. It's a wonderful evening of music and giving back to the community!

Escanaba Christmas Parade: First Friday, 6 p.m., downtown. Line Ludington Street to watch the marching bands, beautiful floats, and wave at Santa, the star attraction. 

Christmas in the Village: First Friday and Saturday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m., U.P. State Fairgrounds, Escanaba. Hosted by the U.P. Steam and Gas Engine Association, enjoy roasted chestnuts, carol singing in the chapel, cookie sales, wagon rides and more. Admission is free, but please consider donating non-perishable food items for the community food drive. 

GFWC - Annual Charity Ball: First Saturday, 5:30 p.m., Terrace Bay Hotel, Gladstone. This festive evening of dinner, dancing and games benefits area children’s charities. 

Leigh’s Garden Winery Friday Night Piano: Kick off your weekend with live music and holiday cheer on Friday, December 6th, from 6 PM to 8 PM, enjoy the enchanting melodies of Pete Ammel on the winery’s 1921 Baldwin Grand Piano. Relax with friends and family in the cozy atmosphere while sipping your favorite wine. 

Whoville Whoop-De-Do: December 14. Family fun with a holiday twist! This fun-filled event is perfect for kids in Kindergarten through 3rd grade, featuring dancing, exciting contests, and plenty of activities to keep everyone moving and smiling. A great way for your little ones to enjoy music, friends, and unforgettable fun.

January & February

Rapid River Relic Riders Ride, Snowmobile Show & Swap: January 24-25, 2025, The Rapid River Relic Ride, held annually in Delta County, Michigan, is a two-day event celebrating antique snowmobiles and the camaraderie of enthusiasts. Taking place every last Friday in January, it features a scenic relic ride and a Saturday snowmobile swap meet, showcasing vintage machines on Rapid River’s Main Street. 

Trenary Outhouse Classic: Saturday, February 22 at noon, held every last Saturday in February, is a whimsical winter tradition in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Teams race homemade outhouses on skis down Main Street, showcasing creativity and community spirit. With age-based categories, a fur hat contest and plenty of laughs, the event draws participants and spectators from near and far. Originating in 1994, it has become a highlight of the U.P. winter season.

Bring home the freshest tree. It’s a great family tradition!

Hiawatha National Forest: For the price of a $5 “tree tag,” you can cut your holiday tree in the Hiawatha National Forest. Stop at the Rapid River Ranger District Office, 8181 U.S. Highway 2, to get your “tree tag” permit, tree cutting guidelines, information regarding cutting areas and suggestions for flame-proofing your tree. For more information, call 906-474-6442 or visit the US Forest Service site.

Teals Tree Farms: 4260 D Road in Bark River is open seven days a week starting the Friday after Thanksgiving, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. This is a charming place to find your perfect tree, wreaths and greenery. Tractor-drawn wagon rides are offered on weekends and a seasonal gift shop adds to the family fun. 

Make your holiday plans by the Bays today

Find gifts without the stress, explore charming shops, festive markets, and one-of-a-kind treasures that make finding the perfect present a breeze. Plan your getaway and enjoy the cozy, welcoming atmosphere that makes Escanaba feel like your home away from home. Make this holiday season one to remember! Then book your room for your holiday getaway. It’s the most heart-warming home away from home you’ll find. 

Happy Holidays to you and your family from all of us in the Bays de Noc area.