***This article originally appeared in the Winter 2013 issue of Traverse Bay Family Magazine. It has been reprinted with permission.***

As the temperatures drop and the winds blow, the girls start to get tired of being cooped up in the house. Luckily, there are lots of things to do around Traverse City during the cold, but maybe not snowy yet, holidays.

Holiday Fun in Grand Traverse County

Here are a few of my favorites.

Festival of Trees

11/20 to 11/22 @ NMC’s Hagerty Center

Over the course of the weekend, there are several activities. Thursday evening is family night & when we went on this night a few years ago, we pretty much had the run of the place. I’m not sure if it was because we went early or late, but it was pretty nice! Saturday’s activities include Santa’s Workshop, which includes crafts, Santa & even a Father-Daughter Dance (seperate tickets required for the dance).  Admission is $8.00 adult, $4.00 student, preschool & under is free. For more information about the events or family pricing visit. http://bit.ly/TCtrees

Santa’s Arrival & Tree Lighting

12/4 @ Downtown TC

Each year, Santa arrives in downtown Traverse City to light the giant Christmas Tree in the middle of the intersection of Cass & Front Streets. It’s usually cold & late-ish, so bundle up & try to avoid strollers. Use slings & carriers if possible since there are tons of people packed in. Pack some hot chocolate or stop by Brew to grab some on your way over. Shops will be open until 9 pm and children can visit Santa after the tree lighting. For more details visit http://bit.ly/TCsanta

Tree Chopping Parties

We’ve decided that we’d rather have a real Christmas Tree and so every year, we’ve gone out to get one. Some years we go out with family & some years we go out with friends. We had the most fun the year we went out with about 7 families & then went out to eat afterward. I’m hoping to do it again this year — the kids had a blast!

PJ’s & Lights

You know those nights where the kids just aren’t tired & won’t go to sleep? This is the perfect outing for one of those nights :). Put your children to bed and then go make hot chocolate, warm milk or warm spiced cider. Get them out of bed, pj’s & all and drive around to look at Christmas lights. The closer to Christmas, the easier it is. Share your favorite TC area lights displays in the comments!

What activities does your family like to do in winter?

Jen S.

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