Mid-fall in Michigan can sometimes present a challenge to enjoying outdoor activities. The leaves have fallen, the weather is questionable, and there’s only the promise of snow.  But that doesn’t mean there’s nothing to do.

There are events taking place throughout Michigan during the month of November, both indoors and out. Full event listings are available through the Michigan Festivals & Events Association and Pure Michigan, but here are some of our top choices, ordered by when they take place.

All Things Detroit    
November 1, Detroit
Authentic Motor City, Michigan-made products including apparel, jewelry, food, and custom artwork from 100 local vendors takes place at the historic Eastern Market.

Toast the Season  
November 7-8, Suttons Bay
A Northern Michigan holiday tradition, two consecutive weekends are set aside for folks to taste and tour the wineries of the Leelanau Peninsula.

Graveyards of the Great Lakes          
November 12, Port Huron
A special one-night screening of a shipwreck hunter’s quest to discover the past will give you chills and up-close details of some of Michigan’s sunken ships.

Riverside Saginaw Film Festival      
November 11-15, Saginaw
Movie buffs can enjoy a selection of award-winning foreign films, documentaries, and classic favorites in the eighth annual event.

Grand Ledge Fall Fest                              
November 14, Grand Ledge
This indoor seasonal beer and cider festival that features some of the best seasonal craft brews in the state.

Silver Bells in the City                                            
November 20, Lansing
A capital city tradition, this popular event features an Electric Light parade, a shopping village, Christmas tree lighting ceremony, and fireworks over the capital building.

Festival of Trees                                         
November 19-29, Muskegon
The galleries of the Muskegon Museum of Art are transformed into a wonderland of bright, cheerful Christmas trees and a gingerbread village.

Looking Ahead: The Sparkle of Light

Toward the end of November many communities launch the Christmas season with tree lightings, holiday parades, and other fun, family-friendly activities. Attending one of these events can be an enchanting experience, especially for children – and even for the child in all of us. Shops stay open late, offering the first deals of the season or perhaps provide a small treat or two. Meet Santa, feed some reindeer, and sing along with the carolers.

Towns in Michigan with light-themed holiday events taking place or beginning in November (there are some in December, too) include:

  • Tecumseh’s Streetscape Lighting, Tecumseh……….November 13-14
  • Holidays in the Heart of the City, Saginaw……….November 20
  • Light Night, Grand Haven……….November 20
  • The Big, Bright Light Show, Rochester……….November 23-January 3
  • Holiday Celebration and Candlewalk, Frankenmuth……….November 27
  • Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony, Charlevoix……….November 27
  • Santa Parade and Downtown Open House, Boyne City……….November 27
  • Festival of Lights, Pentwater……….November 28
  • Tree Lighting, Cross Village……….November 28
  • Nite Lites Jackson, Jackson……….November 27-December 30
  • Christmas and Holiday Traditions Around the World, GR……….November 24-January 3