10 Christmas Carols You Can Experience in Real Life in Michigan
They started playing on the radio in November, words and melodies painting the picture of an idyllic Christmas, conjuring images of happy families frolicking in the snow, singing carols around a crackling fire and gliding through the woods in a sleigh. Well, that Currier and Ives Christmas might not be as far out of reach as you think. You can capture some of the moments described in those Christmas carols right here in Michigan.
1. Winter Wonderland – Many state parks in Michigan maintain trails in the winter for hiking, snowshoeing, cross country skiing and snowmobiling. In the woods you’ll find trees frosted with sparkling snow, feel the snow crunch underfoot and may even come across a stream frozen in time. Or take a walk along a windswept, frozen Lake Michigan beach. Ice covered lighthouses, frozen waves and snow-covered sand dunes create an otherworldly landscape.
2. Sleigh Ride – Take a sleigh ride at Boyne Highlands in Harbor Springs, MI. Bundle up with friends and family and tour the winter scenery the old fashioned way. While there you can enjoy a variety of other winter activities including skiing, tubing, snowshoeing and even dog sledding.
3. It Came Upon a Midnight Clear – You don’t have to stay until midnight, but the Headlands International Dark Sky Park on a clear winter night is the perfect place to stargaze. A dark sky park is free of any artificial lighting that might interfere with night sky viewing. You probably won’t see any angels, but you might see a meteor or even the Northern Lights. Camping is not allowed, but you can bring blankets, chairs, refreshments and stay all night if you like. It’s open 24 hours and is just a few miles from Mackinaw City.
4. Oh, Christmas Tree – Christmas Tree Farms are abundant in Michigan. Visit the local farm and cut your own fresh tree. A real tree makes Christmas extra special.
5. The Christmas Song (Chestnuts Roasting Over an Open Fire) – Michigan is one the United State’s largest growers of chestnuts. You’ll find fresh roasted chestnuts at farmer’s markets this time of year.
6. Carol of the Bells – You can listen to the melodic peel of 53 bells in the tower of The Charles Baird Carillon on the campus of the University of Michigan. Thirty minute recitals are played at noon every day classes are in session.
7. Away in the Manger – The Critter Barn in Zeeland, MI presents a live nativity open to the public throughout the month of December. Experience what it was like that night in Bethlehem on the first Christmas. Kids will love the opportunity to pet and interact with the animals, including cows, sheep and donkeys.
8. Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer – They may not have red noses, but you can get up close and personal with Santa’s reindeer at Rooftop Landing Reindeer Farm in Clare, MI on weekends through the end of December. Take home a photo of your family in Santa’s sleigh.
9. Frosty the Snowman – Cadillac, MI is host to the 31st Annual North American Snow Festival in February 2015. As part of the festival you and your family can participate in a snowman building contest at the Carl T Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center. Don’t forget to bring a corncob pipe and a button for the nose.
10. White Christmas – If you’re dreaming of a white Christmas, you’re sure to find snow on the ground somewhere (almost everywhere, likely) in Michigan on Christmas Day.
