The holidays are just around the corner, and as they say, “it’s the most wonderful time of the year”. Why not get out and enjoy the holiday season? Jackson, Michigan has so many events and festivals that will get you in the holiday spirit! We’ve rounded up the top 12 things that will fill your family with holiday cheer this year!
Holiday Open House at Carnegie | November 17
Visit with Santa, get a free book, make some holiday crafts, enjoy live music, hotdogs, and hot chocolate.
Downtown Jackson Christmas Parade | November 17
Parade will feature floats, clowns, marching bands, and a grand finale featuring Santa.
Glow Ride 2017 | November 18
Join the festivities or watch as bikes decorated with dazzling lights flow through the Cascades and Sharp Park. Pizza and drinks to follow at P & T Fitness.
Nite Lites Christmas 5k Fun Run/Walk | November 22
This 5k is truly unlike any other because you’ll be surrounded by millions of holiday lights and animated displays!
Nite Lites | November 23 - December 30
One of Michigan’s largest Christmas light displays, this animated drive-through display is over one mile long and includes millions of lights. Santa Claus and his reindeer even come to enjoy the festivities on certain nights. Now held at Michigan International Speedway.
Brooklyn Holiday Parade & Christmas Tree Lighting | November 24
This event includes Santa's reindeer, horse drawn carriage rides, a choir, card making for the troops, Mrs. Claus' storytelling, cookie decorating, vendors and so much more.
Holiday in the Hills | December 1, 2, & 3
Experience a weekend full of holiday joy and festivities including visits with Santa, drive through Christmas light shows, gala, craft show, festival, and so much more.
Grass Lake Festival of Lights | December 2
This annual festival includes breakfast with Santa, carriage rides, parade, toy and canned goods drive, Cookie Tour throughout the town, and more.
MIS Cares Charity Track Toy Drive | December 2
Donate a bag of nonperishable food items or a new, unwrapped toy and take your vehicle on a lap around the track.
Christmas on the Farm | December 2 & 3
This re-creation of the holiday's traditions will include tours of the farmhouse, authentic log house, eight outbuildings, and Dewey School. Hand-crafted greens, baked goods, and gift items will be available for purchase.
The Nutcracker | December 8, 9, & 10
Ballet Chelsea presents its 20th anniversary performance of The Nutcracker, which includes a live symphony orchestra accompaniment.
Point of Grace & Aaron Shust Christmas | December 10
Enjoy an evening of inspiration and holiday songs from Grammy-nominated artists and an award-winning song writer.
Make it a Weekend!
Jackson, Michigan is the perfect midwestern destination to visit during the holiday season! On top of the events listed above, there is plenty to see, do, and explore here – trust us, your weekend getaway won’t be long enough! Take a taste of Jackson with our foodie finds. Uncover the past in historic Jackson. Explore the unknown with things that are uniquely Jackson.