Plymouth, Michigan, transforms into a winter celebration hub each holiday season, where community spirit shines through cherished traditions and festive gatherings. From elaborate weekend festivals to beloved annual parades, this charming town offers residents and visitors countless ways to experience the magic of the season together.
Christmas in Plymouth Festival Happening This Weekend
Downtown Plymouth hosts a three-day festival that captures the heart of the holiday season. Christmas in Plymouth runs this weekend, December 12-14, turning the historic downtown into a winter celebration filled with twinkling lights, live music, and family activities. The Mistletoe Market features over 55 local artisans selling handcrafted goods, seasonal treats, and unique gifts you won’t find anywhere else.
Families can enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides through downtown streets, while kids take train rides and meet holiday characters throughout Kellogg Park. The Candy Cane Corner offers children a heated tent where they can write letters to Santa, decorate cookies, make reindeer food, and enjoy hot cocoa for just $6 per ticket. Hours are Friday 5-9 PM, Saturday 10 AM-8 PM, and Sunday 10 AM-4 PM. Local shops extend their hours during the festival, and restaurants serve seasonal menus that add warmth to the weekend celebrations.
Multiple Holiday Markets Create Shopping Magic
Beyond the main festival, Tinsel & Treasures at PARC brings 85+ talented handmade artists together this Friday and Saturday. Friday hours run 11 AM-6 PM, and Saturday hours run 9 AM-4 PM, with $4 cash admission (good for both days) and free entry for kids 12 and under. This top-50-ranked craft fair showcases the Rising Stars Marketplace, where young entrepreneurs display their creative talents alongside experienced Midwest artisans.
A new Holiday Shopping Trolley connects the Mistletoe Market and Tinsel & Treasures, making it easier to explore both venues. The trolley runs Friday 1-9 PM, Saturday 11 AM-8 PM, and Sunday 11 AM-3 PM, with stops at Park Place Gastro Pub, PARC, and Basket Kreations on Forest Avenue. This thoughtful addition shows that Plymouth prioritizes convenience so families can enjoy everything the season has to offer.
Santa Parade Tradition Kicked Off the Season
Plymouth started its holiday celebrations early this year with a beloved tradition that brings neighborhoods together. Santa’s City of Plymouth Parade took place on November 28, when Santa traveled through town on a fire truck, visiting 10 city parks starting at 5:30 PM. The procession stopped at parks across the community before arriving at Kellogg Park for the grand finale.
The parade ended with a celebration at Kellogg Park featuring the PCEP Choir and Joel Tacey Holiday Show. Santa arrived at approximately 7:30 PM, followed by the official Christmas tree lighting at 7:45 PM. This tradition allows families from every corner of Plymouth to share in the excitement as the holiday season officially begins.
Community Gatherings Start Before December
Plymouth’s holiday spirit began even before December with Thanksgiving activities. The Plymouth Arts & Recreation Complex hosted a cookie decorating event on Friday, November 21. Residents of all ages gathered to decorate a dozen cookies shaped like pumpkins, pies, leaves, and turkeys in a comfortable setting where creativity flowed freely.
This accessible event represented how Plymouth embraces enjoyable activities that bring neighbors together. The cookie decorating session became a way for longtime residents and newcomers alike to connect through shared creative experiences before the major holidays arrived.
Looking Ahead to Winter Festivities
The celebration doesn’t end after this weekend. Plymouth Ice Festival returns January 30 through February 1, 2026, marking the 44th annual event. Downtown sidewalks will be lined with magnificent ice sculptures created by talented artists, giving visitors another reason to explore local businesses during the winter months.
Throughout December, families can still visit Santa in the Museum Caboose on December 20 from 1-4 PM behind the Plymouth Historical Museum. There’s no cost to meet Santa and take pictures, making it an accessible tradition for everyone in the community.
Ready to experience Plymouth’s vibrant holiday traditions firsthand this weekend? Discover neighborhoods where celebrations bring people together and explore what makes this community shine during the most wonderful time of year.
Sources: christmasinplymouth.com, visitdetroit.com, promotemichigan.com, plymouth-mi.townsites.org, hcshows.com, business.plymouthmich.org, downtownplymouth.org
Header Image Source: ROMAN ODINTSOV
