Bay West’s Favorite Things to Do This Holiday Season

The holidays are a special time of year! Living in a small town we breathe the fresh air a little deeper and can feel the sense of community Dickinson County has to offer. Because our home offers countless winter activities, we hope any grinches who utters the words, “there’s nothing to do,” find this list. Grab your winter coat and Stormy Kromer and check out our top picks on things to do this December.

Big red barn in a country field

Big Red Barn
December 8, 9, 15, and 16

Why we like it: There are magical activities for the family, including horse drawn carriage rides, face painting, coloring, visits with Santa and much more. It feels like you took a trip to the North Pole! Plus, this year they have camels!

christmasbigredbarn.com


People dressed up as Christmas characters

The Downtown Christmas Walk
December 7

Why we like it:  Our downtown continues to develop so does the beautification of the whole district, especially during the holidays. On December 7th, drink free cider and count down to the First National Bank and Trust’s tree lighting where you’ll have to fight the urge to sing “ya-who-da-who” and grab someone’s hand. Store fronts will be decorated for window shopping, festive music will fill the streets, view a live Nativity scene and get a photo with Santa!

downtownironmountain.com/christmas-walk


Skier flying off a jump on a ski hill

Skiing and Snowboarding at Pine Mountain

Why we like it: Snowboarding and skiing is tons of fun and is potentially one of the most enjoyable sports to do! And we benefit from having a ski hill in town! Pine Mountain has always been a local favorite that offers runs to suit all ages. If you don’t own equipment you can rent, and if you’ve never hit the slopes they have great instructors. We also can’t help but drool over all of the beautiful renovations being done!

pinemountainresort.com


Closeup of people ice skating on a rink

Open skate at the Mountain View Ice Arena

Why we like it: If you're looking for something fun to do with the family try ice skating!  We have Mountain View Ice Arena, as well as some outdoor ice rinks by the Quinnesec soccer fields and Strawberry Lake in Norway.

www.mountainviewice.com


people dressed as characters from The Nutcracker Ballet

The Nutcracker Ballet
December 7, 8 and 9

Why we like it: First of all ballet is simply beautiful, but a story where toys come to life after midnight, a battle to the death, a handsome price that falls in love with a beautiful girl, a real-life Candy Land – count us in! There’s something about the magic of the Nutcracker from the music to the costumes that Northern Michigan Dance Academy delivers year after year! This year it will be at the historic Braumart Theater – make plans today!

thebraumart.org


People cross-country skiing in the woods

Sledding, Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoeing

Why we like it: One of the great things about where we live is enjoying the outdoors! At City Park, not only can you enjoy the deer exhibit and trails for cross country skiing and snow shoeing, but the property boasts a serious sledding hill. Burn the calories climbing the hill and then enjoy the thrill of hitting the slope! We also have Fumee Lake, which offers a multitude of trails for snowshoeing and cross country skiing that will remedy any cabin fever. Northwoods Outfitters and Mortl’s Sports Center offer equipment rentals locally.


Closeup of a large locomotive in a snow storm

The Polar Express
December 15

Why we like it: It’s a Bay Event so clearly we LOVE it, but it’s free, family-friendly, and it gets you in the spirit of believing! Get your family’s matching pajamas and bath robes out, plan on getting your “ticket” punched and enjoying a holiday classic with some hot chocolate.

thebraumart.org

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