Family Fun Over Winter Break

10 inexpensive ways to keep the kiddos busy

By Abby McKiernan | Dec. 20, 2025

Winter break has arrived, and if you are looking for ways to get the whole family out of the house and off the couch, we have you covered! From ski lessons and light shows to surrey rides and even an international snowcross competition, there is no shortage of ways to get out and enjoy for every age and adventure level this season.

Below, we have rounded up 10 family-friendly events—many of them free or low cost—happening between Dec. 22 and January 4 so you can plan your perfect winter staycation!

Outdoor Adventures

What: Candlelight Hike at Mt. McSauba
When: Fridays, 5pm to 8pm
Where: Mt. McScauba, 09223 Mt. McSauba Rd., Charlevoix
Cost: Free
Details: Experience winter evenings in a peaceful new way on this candlelit forest trail. Visitors may hike, snowshoe, or cross-country ski at their own pace along a mile-long route illuminated by softly glowing candles. The path begins at the sledding hill parking lot and offers a quiet and beautiful outing. Dress for the conditions!

What: Horse-Drawn Surrey Rides at Crystal Mountain
When: Dec. 20-Jan. 3 starting at 5:30pm
Where: Crystal Mountain, 12500 Crystal Mountain Dr., Thompsonville
Cost: $15 per person, children two and under free
Details: Families can enjoy a picturesque ride through the snowy grounds of Crystal Mountain in a horse drawn surrey. Warm blankets, twinkling lights, and the peaceful winter woods create a memorable holiday outing. Advance reservations are required due to popularity.

What: Ski with Santa at Crystal Mountain
When: Dec. 24 at 10am
Where: Crystal Mountain, 12500 Crystal Mountain Dr.
, Thompsonville
Cost: Standard lift ticket or season pass
Details: Santa takes a quick break before his worldwide travels to join young skiers on the slopes. Families can ski alongside him, snap festive photos, and enjoy a holiday moment that feels magical for children.

What: Mancelona’s Snowcross Border Cup
When: Jan. 3 and 4, 2026
Where: Northern Power Race Park, 2201 Valley Rd, Mancelona
Cost: Adults $15 per day, youth $10 per day, children five and under free
Details: Northern Power Race Park hosts racers from both the United States and Canada for a two-day snocross competition. The event features high energy racing on a professionally groomed track and offers plenty of loud, snowy excitement for motorsport fans.

Cozy Indoor Activities

What: Festival of Trains
When: Dec. 20 to Jan. 3
Where: Creekside Community Church, 3686 W South Airport Rd, Traverse City
Cost: $5 (ages four and under are free)
Details: Choo-choo! Get the wheels turning as the kiddos explore operational model train displays crafted by local experts. There will also be a model trail swap meet, plus door prizes and other fun goodies.

What: A Celebration of Light
When: Dec. 20 - Jan. 4, normal business hours
Where: The Curiosity Place / Great Lakes Children’s Museum 3200 W South Airport Road, Suite 420, Traverse City
Cost: $9, included with general admission to the museum
Details: In addition to the usual fun and education the Children’s Museum has to offer, “A Celebration of Light” includes special drop-in activities and hands-on STEM investigations connected to the science of light.

Lights & Holiday Cheer

What: Gaylord’s Alpenlights Drive-Through Light Show
When: Dec. 11-24, 5:30pm-10pm
Where: Otsego County Fairgrounds, 275 Fairview, Gaylord
Cost: $25 per car (+ card fees); enter at the North Gate
Details: The Otsego County Fairgrounds glow with more than 80 unique light displays, some towering over 14 feet high! Families can stay warm in the car while slowly driving through vibrant scenes, glowing characters, and holiday vignettes. Open nightly from Dec. 11 through Christmas Eve.

What: Eighth Annual Art Tree and Ornament Show
When: Dec. 4-31, normal business hours
Where: Higher Art Gallery, 219 East Front Street, Traverse City
Cost: Free admission
Details: Higher Art Gallery hosts this annual exhibit featuring hundreds of handmade ornaments created by regional artists. Families can browse the gallery together and find everything from whimsical creatures to classic glass and ceramic designs.

What: Hammond and Five Mile Christmas Light Show
When: Nov. 28 to Dec. 25
Where: Hammond and 5 Mile Roads, Traverse City
Cost: Free
Details: This neighborhood light show has become one of Traverse City’s most beloved holiday attractions. Visitors can drive slowly past glowing displays, colorful lighting arrangements, and coordinating decorations that create a cheerful winter scene. The show runs Monday to Thursday from 5pm to 10pm and Friday to Saturday from 5pm to 11pm.

What: Bear Lake’s Sparkle in the Park
When: Nov. 29 to Dec. 31, 5pm-10pm
Where: Hopkins Park Campground, 7698 Main St, Bear Lake
Cost: Free, donations appreciated
Details: Visitors can walk or drive through more than 80,000 lights and 50 displays along the shores of Bear Lake. This long-standing community event is created by volunteers, local businesses, and organizations and is a bright and colorful way to celebrate the holiday season.

Photo courtesy of Crystal Mountain