The lakeshore communities of West Michigan do a fantastic job of hosting events and activities that include the whole family. There's so much happening that is geared specifically toward kids and families as a whole, and that's part of what makes being here so amazing!

Every season in West Michigan has it's unique, fun things to do for kids of all ages- from babies up to the "young at heart". Indoors or outdoors, no matter the time of year, there's always something great going on along the lakeshore for families to experience together!

In addition to the following list, check out all the special events and programs provided by Sandcastles Children's Museum and the Ludington and Scottville branches of the Mason County District Libraries!

Here's a list of family friendly events happening along the lakeshore in December:

Saturdays throughout December and New Year's Eve

Christmas in the Village in downtown Pentwater. Stores open at 11am. Caroling and bonfire from 2-6pm at the Village Green. Unveiling of new Christmas decorations.

Thursday, December 5th-Sunday, December 8th

Victorian Old Christmas Weekend and Sleighbell Parade in downtown Manistee.

Friday, December 6th-Sunday, December 8th

Manistee Civic Players presents Elf the Musical at the Manistee High School Auditorium- 525 12th St. Friday/Saturday at 2:30pm and Sunday at 2pm.

Friday, December 6th-Saturday, December 7th

Letha Fulton School of Dance Christmas Show at Peterson Auditorium- 508 N. Washington Ave. in Ludington. Friday at 4pm, Saturday at 1pm and 5pm.

Saturday, December 7th

10am-12pm & 1-3pm - Photos with Santa at the Ludington Library- 217 E. Ludington Ave.

12-2pm - Book Buddies New Book Drive at the Ludington Area Center for the Arts- 107 S. Harrison St. The Ludington Writers Club will collect donations of new children's books to be donated to Head Start and COVE.

6-8pm - Annual Custer Christmas Event for residents of Custer Village and Custer Township at the Custer Fire Barn- 2549 E. US 10.

Sunday, December 8th

6pm - St. Lucia Festival of Lights at Emanuel Lutheran Church- 501 E. Danaher in Ludington.

7pm - Christmas by Candelight at the Centenary United Methodist Church- 82 Hancock St. in Pentwater.

Wednesday, December 11th, 6:30-8:30pm

Ludington Area Jaycees Light Up the Night Music Series featuring Canopy Space at The Mitten Bar- 109 W. Ludington Ave. Fundraiser for the Freedom Festival Fireworks Fund. 50/50 Raffle and sale of past Freedom Festival t-shirts will also benefit the fund.

Friday, December 13th-Sunday, December 15th

Manistee Civic Players presents Elf the Musical at the Manistee High School Auditorium- 525 12th St. Friday/Saturday at 2:30pm and Sunday at 2pm.

Friday, December 13th-Saturday, December 14th; 4-7pm

Pioneer Christmas at the Historic White Pine Village- 1687 S. Lakeshore Dr. in Ludington. Tours, Christmas music and lights, snacks in the Town Hall. Cost is $6 for ages 3-17, $8 for adults, and age 2 and under are free.

Saturday, December 14th

10am-2pm - Santa's Workshop at Floracraft- 1 W. Longfellow Place in Ludington. Crafts, games, stories with Mrs. Claus, hot chocolate, horse-drawn wagon rides, and pictures with Santa. Free and open to the public.

2-5pm - Family Dinner hosted by West Shore Pride at the Lakeshore Resource Network- 920 E. Tinkham Ave. in Ludington.

3-5pm - No $ Turkey Dinner at the Ludington Area Center for the Arts- 107 S. Harrison St. Free community turkey dinner with all the fixings. Donations accepted.

7-9pm - We'll Be Home for the Holidays featuring local musical acts at the Ludington Area Center for the Arts- 107 S. Harrison St.

Saturday, December 21st, 2pm & 7:30pm

Edgar Struble presents A Nashville Family Christmas at Peterson Auditorium- 508 N. Washington Ave. in Ludington.

Tuesday, December 31st

New Year's Eve Festivities in downtown Ludington.

More Family Fun...

For more activities & attractions, check out these additional links for Things to Do in West Michigan:

Ludington Activities & Things to Do -- Play on a beautiful beach, take a tour at Historic White Pine Village, or explore the barn quilt trail, murals or sculptures in the county--Ludington offers many fun things to do for the entire family!
Have Fun in Manistee, Michigan -- Explore Manistee's historic downtown district and riverwalk, hike the Manistee National Forest, canoe on the Manistee River, and more.
Hamlin Lake -- Just 4 miles north of Ludington, Hamlin Lake is a great destination for boating, fishing and climbing dunes! The Hamlin Lake shoreline is also part of the Ludington State Park.
Silver Lake Sand Dunes -- Visiting the Silver Lake Sand Dunes makes for a terrific vacation because you can take your off-road vehicle for a spin on the scenic sand dunes overlooking Lake Michigan and Silver Lake.
Things to Do in Pentwater, Michigan -- Nothing is quite like the quaint, artsy, harbortown village of Pentwater. Don't miss the popular Charles Mears State Park beach on Pentwater's Lake Michigan shoreline.
Lots of Activities in Scottville, Michigan -- Explore the Riverside Park along the National Scenic Pere Marquette River.
Canoeing or Fishing on the Pere Marquette River -- Many boat liveries offer canoe rentals.
Also, check out West Michigan Guides and our locally produced WestMichigan.MichBiz.com directory for our largest lists of Things to Do in West Michigan.