Few places are as magical as Saugatuck for the holidays. Celebrate the festive streets to cozy Wickwood Inn and picturesque lakefront beaches. It is easy to feel merry and bright just from soaking in the holiday cheer. Fall in love with the season all over again with these 7 things to do in Saugatuck.
7 – Get into the Holiday Spirit at Virtue Cider
Just southeast of town lies Virtue Cider, a destination worth going out of your way. This cidery is hosted in a stunning European style farmhouse. It turns into a warm and inviting refuge on a snowy day. Sip on a refreshing cider while dining on some of the finest farm-to-table food in the region. The cidery is always hosting events from pop-up markets to DIY demonstrations and during the holiday season. Their events have the perfect festive feel. Between December 7th & December 29th, embark on a magical snowshoe tour. Travel through the wooded trails and reward yourself with a cider donut around the firepit. On December 14th, 21st, or 28th, treat yourself with a scenic sleigh ride around the pristine property while sitting back and relaxing. Find their full calendar of events on the official Virtue Cider Facebook Page.
6 – Play All Day at Saugatuck Dunes State Park
Saugatuck Sand Dunes State Park is perfectly picturesque during the holiday seasons. A light dusting of snow transforms the dunes from a sandy summertime landscape into a winter wonderland. You can explore the woods on foot or strap on a pair of snowshoes for added fun. Stroll the secluded beaches at your pace. Finish your adventure with a gourmet picnic from Pennyroyal Cafe & Provisions and indulge on local goods with a view.
5 – Attend Saugatuck Christmas
On December 7th, Saugatuck officially turns into a holiday haven with the annual Saugatuck Christmas Celebration. Stores are selling unique holiday gifts, homes are decorated in lights and decor, and at 1 o’clock the Annual Christmas Parade begins. A collection of Whoville characters will stroll down Water Street in this one-of-a-kind holiday tradition. Later that night, the whole town gathers at the Wicks Park Gazebo for the Tree Lighting ceremony where hot chocolate and cookies will be available for enjoyment. Carolers will sing everyone’s favorite holiday classics until the holiday tree is lit in unison with the Star on Mt. Baldhead. Local shops will stay open and allow you to start the hunt for the perfect Christmas presents.
4 – Visit Fenn Valley Vineyards & Wine Cellar
While some vineries shut down after harvest for the winter season, Fenn Valley Vineyards knows that denying people a glass of red on a chilly winter day would be pure torture. Head into their tasting room for a glass of wine. Venture on a cellar tour to learn more about the winemaking with tastings. Visit the vineyard for one of their upcoming holiday events for a bit of added fun. Noveau Fest on December 7th provides a chance to taste the first wine from the vintage with live holiday music and artisanal pizzas. Sip & Shop on December 14th is a pop-up market where you can sip on a glass of wine while perusing the local artisans and artists of Western Michigan. Plan your visit with their Yearly Event Calendar.
3 – Holiday Shopping
Saugatuck is known for the charming boutiques, unique gift shops, and art galleries around every corner of downtown. During the holidays, Saugatuck likes to kick it up a notch with great shopping events all through the season!
- On November 30th, the Saugatuck Center for the Arts is hosting a Holiday Market with fresh wreaths, local art, baked goods, jewelry, and even seasonal cocktails from the bar. Sip while you find all of your Christmas treasures.
- From November 30th until December 24th, Waypost Brewing will be hosting their annual Christmas Tree Sale. 10% of proceeds benefit Ladders of Hope food pantry in Fennville. Grab a beer, choose a tree, and feel merry!
- Nextdoor in Holland, the Kerstmarkt is a delightful market styled after the European markets in the Netherlands. Visit the town during the holidays weekends and spend the day perusing the best vendors from across Western Michigan.
- On December 14th, head to J. Peter Galleries for a wonderful evening filled with wine, jazzy holiday renditions, and exquisite art. Carols and Cuvee offers the ideal opportunity to fall in love with the season and explore the incredible pieces through the gallery.
If you can’t find the perfect gift for that special someone at one of these events, try one of the 15 Best Unique Places For Shopping In Saugatuck, Michigan that are just blocks away from the inn!
2 – Ring in the New Year
Saugatuck is one of the most idyllic places to ring in the New Year. Several award-winning restaurants are offering special menus and parties to make your night special. Have a blast, dance your way through the night, dine of the finest foods of the region and sip on delicious cocktails. But, don’t forget to watch the fireworks fill the night sky with color. Step outside at midnight. Turn your gaze to the sky as the fireworks blast off from Gable Docks for the perfect way to send off the new year.
1 – Cozy up at the Wickwood Inn
After a day of shopping the markets, gliding on the snow in a horse-drawn sleigh, hiking the Saugatuck Dunes, and tasting wine, you deserve a night of relaxation. From the moment you arrive at Wickwood Inn, innkeepers welcome you with special sweets still warm from the oven. You now start to unwind. Warm-up by the roaring fireplace and make yourself at home in the festively decorated inn straight out of a holiday movie. Or, get out and explore the town just blocks away from the front steps. Gather in the main room for Evening Sips & Small Plates at 6 o’clock where you will find a seasonal charcuterie board and a glass of wine. Then, it’s out for your dinner reservations or theater night. Wake the next morning to the smell of a farm-to-table fresh cooked breakfast made with seasonal ingredients. Now you have 7 Reasons To Visit Wickwood Inn During The Holidays where you’ll feel merry & bright all season long.
Reserve Your Stay & Explore Saugatuck this Holiday Season
Reserve your room now at Wickwood Inn’s bed and breakfast in the heart of Saugatuck, Michigan. Our sparkling holiday decorations, throughout the Inn and in downtown Saugatuck, get you in the holiday spirit. Plus our convenient location means all the Saugatuck holiday events are near. Happy Holidays to all!