Festive Lansing Christmas Events 2025: Reindeer, Nativities, Markets & More

Mid-Michigan Fills Your Stocking With Santa Sightings, Reindeer, Christmas Trees and More

‘Tis the season when the air gets colder, we say “see ya” to all things fall, and we look forward to the magic and fun the holidays bring.

Holiday time means different things to different people, but rest assured there are Christmas activities for everyone.

Horrocks Anna and Elsa Meet LFF — Anna & Elsa Meet & Greet at Horrocks in Lansing, MI

No matter what’s on your holiday bucket list – whether it’s meeting Santa, witnessing a live nativity, seeing real reindeer, cutting down your own Christmas tree, attending a tree lighting ceremony, or driving around to see holiday light displays – the Capital City’s got you covered with many offerings of Christmas and holiday events and activities.

You’ll find performances, concerts, parades, and events you didn’t know existed, all reflecting the spirit of our community and ready to help us get into the holiday spirit.

Get the hand warmers and hot cocoa ready and keep reading to see the best Christmas and holiday events happening in Lansing this year.

Cookie decorating event at Woldumar Nature Center

All Things Santa

Do you know where Santa will be this year in the Lansing area?! Now you will – with a list the size of Santa’s belly!

Find out where to take pictures with Santa, eat with Santa, go on a sleigh ride with Santa, and more with our Santa Finder!

Santa Parade in Grand Rapids GRK — Santa at a Holiday Parade

Cut Your Own Christmas Tree Farms

Cutting your own real Christmas tree is way more than just the tree!

It means hot chocolate, horse-drawn carriage rides, Santa sightings, and trees galore at many farms around the Greater Lansing area.

Cutting Down a Christmas Tree Lansing Family Fun — Cutting down a Christmas Tree in Lansing, MI

Bundle Up for a Christmas Parade – or Two

Christmas parade, holiday parade, Santa parade – whatever you call it, you can find it in greater Lansing.

Use this list to find Christmas parades near you:

Or Stay Warm at a Holiday Performance

Sitting outside in the cold not your thing? Or maybe it’s a tradition to watch The Nutcracker at least once every holiday season.

Here’s where you can find holiday shows, Nutcracker performances and other Christmas productions:

Be Dazzled at Christmas Tree Lightings

There’s nothing quite like watching a giant tree get lit up for the first time. With Christmas tree lightings all over mid-Michigan, you can experience the magic again and again.

State Capitol Christmas tree — The State Tree Lighting happens during Silver Bells

Shop ‘Til You Drop at Christmas Markets

Christmas markets are Michigan’s best kept secret – and they start well before December.

Head up to Manistee for Old Christmas Weekend.

Visit Holland’s 28th Kerstmarkt for shopping, food and even dogsled demos.

And don’t forget Grand Rapids’ Christkindl Markt, running Nov 15 – Dec 23.

Bundle up and hit the road to find the best Christmas markets in Michigan.

Appreciate Christmas and Holidays From Around the World

Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park is known for their many gorgeous displays and gardens. Their annual Christmas & Holiday Traditions exhibit is no exception.

Running just before Thanksgiving until early January, this exhibit showcases over 40 trees decorated in different themes of cultures around the world.

The Holiday Light Show returns for 2025. ENLIGHTEN is back again, running on select days from November 24, 2025 – January 3, 2026.

Meijer Gardens at Christmastime is worth the drive.

Christmas at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

Mark Your Calendars for These Christmas Events

Looking for more Lansing Christmas events? Check out the full list below.

Holiday Fun All Around Michigan and Beyond

If you’re looking to venture out of the Greater Lansing area this holiday season, West Michigan has plenty of holiday cheer to go around including parades, activities, and events.

And don’t forget about the southwest part of the state. Our friends at KZOOKIDS have the intel on a reindeer ranch tour and other holiday events.

And who could forget Frankenmuth? Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland is all things Christmas all year round plus the town loves to celebrate the season.

And for those looking for a holiday adventure straight out of a movie, we suggest a trip to Chicago in Christmas. Decorated storefronts, ice skating downtown, and enough holiday cheer to fill The Bean if that were possible!