Ho! Ho! Ho! Santa and Mrs. Claus love spending time before Christmas Eve in the Upper Peninsula. It’s so much easier to hear whispered wishes from believers when there’s no honking, bumper-to-bumper traffic and crowded stores. Your family will enjoy seeing our favorite North Pole visitors in a calmer, festive setting, too. Here’s where to find and take pictures with Santa when visiting the U.P.
Christmas, a small town west of Munising
All year-round | M-28
This Lake Superior town in the Central Upper Peninsula is a favorite holiday stop. When you see the giant, 35-foot Santa cutout along the highway, pull over. Santa, his sleigh and other North Pole characters make great photo ops.
Chassell’s Old-Fashioned Christmas Celebration
Dec. 8 | Downtown Chassell | 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Join in the merriment at the community tree lighting, caroling, free carriage rides and a visit from Santa.
Marquette Winter Snow Fun Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting
Dec. 8 | North Third Street | 6 p.m.
Downtown Marquette becomes a North Pole wonderland with illuminated floats, carolers and Santa joining the tree lighting at Marquette Commons.
Breakfast with Santa, Crystal Falls
Dec. 9 | Forest Park School | 8 to 11 a.m.
Enjoy good food and great photo ops with a North Pole celebrity.
Santa Claus Is Coming to Town, Lake Linden
Dec. 9 | Little Gem Community Center | 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Lake Linden Hall | 4 p.m.
Start your day at the community center taking photos with Santa or come to the hall later in the afternoon to visit with him.
Light Up Baraga County, L’Anse
Dec. 9 | American Legion | 3:30 to 5 p.m.; parade at 5:30 p.m.
Visit Santa and enjoy free hot dogs, hot chocolate, crafts and candy.
Tinseltown Parade, Negaunee
Dec. 9 | Iron St. | 6 p.m.
Enjoy the parade, then make your way to the band shell for photos and wish-making with Santa after the tree lighting. There will be cookie decorating stations and pop-up shops, too.
Photos with Santa at Delta Plaza Mall, Escanaba
Saturdays and Sundays, Dec. 9-24 | See Facebook for hours
Get your photo taken and share your Christmas list with Santa.
Visit Santa at Westwood Mall, Marquette
Dec. 9 & 16 | 12 to 5 p.m.
Share your wishes with Santa and gather up gifts for everyone on your list at this easy place to shop.
Lights in the Park, Rapid River
Dec. 9, 15 & 16 | Masonville Township Park | 6 to 8 p.m.
Over 100 inflatables, thousands of lights and spending time with Santa will make your evening bright.
Santa Visits Ironwood Township
Dec. 16 | Township Gym | 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Visit with Santa and enjoy snacks and beverages.
Winter Wonderfest & Park Lighting, Copper Harbor
Dec 16 | The Mariner North | 2 to 4 p.m.
Ornament making for kids, plus Santa arrives on a fire engine!
Skate with Santa, St. Ignace
Dec. 22 | Little Bear East Arena | Call (906) 643-6081 for times
Lace your skates and take a spin around the arena with the jolly man in the red suit. Then, warm up with hot chocolate and sing your favorite Christmas tunes. Bundle up and invite friends and family to share the joy!
Make the best winter vacation plans in the U.P.
While you are hanging out with Santa this month, make some of your best memories with family and framily (friends who are like family). We’ve put together some ideas and a list of the best places to celebrate Christmas. Let’s get together before Santa dashes back to the North Pole!
We would love to see your favorite winter scenes and adventures! Use our hashtag #uptravel for an opportunity to be featured on our social media, website or in our marketing materials. You can also upload your photos to our Winter Photo Crowdriff Collector below.