Thumbcoast Articles

Michigan Thumbcoast Holidays Unwrapped: 2024 Events, Lights, and Tree Farms

‘Tis the season for a magical Michigan holiday, perfect for the whole family! Along Michigan’s Thumbcoast, you’ll discover a wonderland of festive events and experiences, from sparkling lighted parades to charming gift boutiques and horse-drawn wagon rides. Whether hunting for the perfect Christmas tree at one of the region’s unique tree farms or soaking in the holiday spirit with a hot chocolate, the Thumbcoast promises memorable moments and unexpected delights. So, cozy up with a warm blanket, turn on some festive tunes, and mark your calendar—it’s time to plan your unforgettable Thumbcoast holiday adventure!

This guide will be updated as the holiday season unfolds, so be sure to check back often for new events and fun activities!

^{_{Downtown Port Huron Photo by Andrew Jowett}}

Holiday Tree Farms

• Western’s Tree Farm in Applegate, about 36 miles north of Port Huron, a 4th generation family farm featuring wagon rides, craft shop with u-cut and pre-cut trees to pick from. They will be open starting Nov. 19th with special event days listed on their Facebook page.
• Natural Farms in Ruby, 12 miles west of Port Huron, has locally grown organic Blue, White and Norway Spruce trees. They will not be open in 2024 to replenish their harvest, but they will be back in 2025.
• Centennial Pines Tree Farm in Goodells, 17 miles west of Port Huron. They are a family owned farm open on the weekends for u-cut, hayrides and tree wrapping.
• Country Christmas Tree Farm & Gifts in Greenwood, 25 miles north of Port Huron, has a classic holiday experience including wagon rides, hot chocolate, gift shopping and u-cut trees. Opening day is Nov. 23rd, and they will be open Friday-Sunday, 9-5 pm. Leashed pets are welcome.
• Szymanski’s Creekside Acres in Port Austin is open year-round with pre-cut trees, wreath classes, and gifts at the Sugar Plum Shack seasonally.
• Shea Tree Farm in Marine City is open for the season starting the day after Thanksgiving at their “Choose and Cut Tree Farm” with wagon rides. Open Friday-Sunday, 10-5 pm

Elf-Worthy Treats

Indulge in elf-worthy treats this holiday season! We’ve rounded up our top local spots to find festive sweets like cupcakes, peppermint bark, and cocoa piled high with whipped cream—perfect for a seasonal sugar rush as you check off your holiday list!

• Sweet Tooth of Marine City – 312 S. Water St., Marine City
• Sweet Tooth of St. Clair – 201 N. Riverside Ave., St. Clair
• Yum Yums – 1150 Gratiot Blvd., Marysville
• Dot’s Candy Bar – 318 Grand River Ave., Port Huron
• M’z Sweets – Inside Country Style Marketplace 310 Huron Ave., Port Huron
• Culinary Institute Courses Bakery – 2000 St. Clair St., Port Huron
• Royal-T Cakery – 2040 Holland Ave., Port Huron

Holiday Boutiques

Holiday Lights

Ice Skating

2024 Holiday Events

Our list of fantastic, family-friendly, small-town charm events in November and December will get you in the holiday spirit. Check out bluewater.org/events for all the details, links, and digital maps.

November

Nov. 21 • Holiday Tea, Port Sanilac

Nov. 22 • Lighted Santa Parade, St. Clair

Nov. 23 • Christmas Arts & Craft Show, Port Huron

Nov. 22-30 • Winter Celebration at Pine Grove Park, Port Huron

Nov. 29 • Cookies & Cocoa with Santa, Port Huron

Nov. 29 • Santa Parade, Port Huron

Nov. 29-30 • Letters to Santa Pine Grove Park Drop-Off, Port Huron

Nov. 29 • Christmas Tree Lighting, Port Austin

Nov. 29 • Rocky Mountain Christmas, A John Denver Tribute, Lexington

Nov. 29-30 • Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides, Port Huron

Nov. 30 • Yes Virginia, There is a Santa Claus Play, St. Clair

Nov. 30 • Christmas Tree Walk, Algonac

Nov. 30 • Holiday Market, Fort Gratiot

Nov. 30 • Festival of Lights Lighted Trail, Port Sanilac

December

Dec. 1-31 • Winter Celebration at Pine Grove Park, Port Huron

Dec. 1-31 • Christmas Lighted Trail, Port Sanilac

Dec. 1-16 • Letters to Santa Pine Grove Park Drop-Off, Port Huron

Dec. 1, 6-8, 13-15, 20-22 • Yes Virginia, There is a Santa Claus Play, St. Clair

Dec. 1, 5-8, 12-15, 19-22 • Christmas Tree Walk, Algonac

Dec. 1 • Santa Brunch, St. Clair

Dec. 1 • Tree Lighting, Ira Township

Dec. 6 • Festival of Trees Gala, Port Huon

Dec. 6 • Mini and Me Cookie Decorating, Port Huron

Dec. 6 • Krampus on Stage at the Mariner, Marine City

Dec. 6 • Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl, Marine City

Dec. 6-7, 13-14, 20-21, 27-28 • Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides, Port Huron

Dec. 7 • Festival of Trees Tree Hop, Port Huron

Dec. 7 • Jingle Bell Run, Port Huron

Dec. 7 • Merrytime Christmas, Marine City

Dec. 7 • Christmas in the ‘Nac, Algonac

Dec. 7 • Santa on Stage at the Mariner, Marine City

Dec. 7 • Small Business Saturdays: Elf on the Shelf, Port Huron

Dec. 7 • Christmas Parade, Marysville

Dec. 7 • Christmas Tree Lighting & Merchant Walk, Lexington

Dec. 7 • Lighted Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting, Harbor Beach

Dec. 7-8 • Nutcracker Ballet, Port Huron

Dec. 7-31 • Christmas in the Park, Marysville

Dec. 7 • Pine and Wine Event, Jeddo

Dec. 10 • Holiday Cheers in the Abbey, Port Huron

Dec. 11-12, 18-19 • Christmas Cabaret, Marine City

Dec. 12 • Holiday Tea, Port Sanilac

Dec. 13-14 • Holiday Lights Trolley Tour, Port Huron

Dec. 13-15 • Sound of Music Play, Port Huron

Dec. 14 • Symphonic Band Concert: A Winter Celebration, Port Huron

Dec. 14 • Brunch With Santa, St. Clair

Dec. 14 • Small Business Saturdays: Ugly Sweater Day, Port Huron

Dec. 14 • Christmas Horse Parade, Lexington

Dec. 14 • Holiday Tea, Port Sanilac

Dec. 14-15 • Christmas Market, St. Clair

Dec. 20 • Yuletide Ball, Port Huron

Dec. 21 • Small Business Saturdays: Holiday Hustle, Port Huron

Dec. 27 • Nuclassica Electro-Pop Christmas, Port Huron

Dec. 29 • Detroit Circus Christmas Theme, Port Huron

Dec. 31 • New Year’s Eve Masquerade Party, Port Huron

Dec. 31 • Rockstar-NYE, Lexington

Dec. 31 • New Year’s Eve Gala, Lexington

Port Huron Santa Parade

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram
• YouTube
• TikTok

_{Article by Katie Stepp, Blue Water Area Convention & Visitors Bureau}