Double the Holiday Magic in Downtown Traverse City

When: Saturday, November 21

Over the years, our cozy downtown tree lighting and light parade, hosted by the Downtown Traverse City Association (DTCA), has grown into a massive community tradition drawing nearly 20,000 spectators to Front Street. To ensure the event remains safe, comfortable, and sustainable for everyone, we're expanding our holiday kickoff into a full two-day celebration dubbed "Light Up Downtown!"

Splitting the festivities across Friday and Saturday eases sidewalk and street congestion, gives families more space to enjoy every moment, and creates double the holiday cheer for our downtown merchants and visitors alike. 

 

Weekend Schedule at a Glance

Friday, Nov 20, 4-6:30 (Tree is lit by Santa at 6:30) | Traverse City Tree Lighting (Produced by the DTCA): Enjoy special holiday activities, treat giveaways, music and games, Santa's arrival, the official Tree Lighting, and visits to Santa's House at Cass & State Streets afterward.

• Front St will be closed from Park to Union Streets starting at 3pm through 8pm.
• Festivities run 4-6:30pm with the Tree Lighting by Santa at 6:30pm at Cass & Front. More details to come!

Saturday, Nov 21, 6:00 Parade Step Off | Traverse City Light Parade (Produced in partnership by the DTCA and the Festival Foundation): Grab a spot along Front Street to watch glowing floats, marchers, and decked-out vehicles illuminate the night. 

• Front St will be closed from Park to Union Streets starting at 3pm through 8pm.
• Light Parade steps off at 6pm with an approximate run time of 1 hour, 20 minutes and runs down Front St. from Franklin to Union.

Light Up Downtown: Downtown Holiday Activities

Make the season a little sweeter (and a lot more festive!) with special holiday activities throughout Downtown Traverse City! As part of Light Up Downtown, local businesses are spreading holiday cheer with seasonal treats, special offers, and a little Grinch-inspired fun.

Explore the participating businesses below and join us in celebrating the magic of the season while supporting our downtown community!

Cookies & Cocoa Crawl

Friday, November 20 & Saturday, November 21, 2026

Sip, snack, and stroll your way through Downtown Traverse City! During Light Up Downtown weekend, participating downtown businesses will be offering a variety of sweet treats, warm beverages, and other festive surprises.

Whether you're craving a cozy cup of cocoa, a delicious holiday cookie, or something special, there's plenty of holiday cheer to discover around every corner.

Participating Businesses & Special Offerings

Check out the participating businesses below to see who's joining the fun and what festive offerings await:

• Benjamin Twiggs: 305 W. Front St., Suite D
  • Stop by Benjamin Twiggs to warm up with a delicious cup of their signature Cherry Cocoa.
• Bushell's Kitchen + Cocktails: 127 S. Union St
  • Get creative and warm up at Bushell's Build Your Own Cocoa Bar, available November 20 only.
• Evil Queen: 322 E. Front St.
  • Stop by Evil Queen for a sweet holiday treat with festive cookies.
• Fustini's Oils & Vinegars: 141 E. Front St.
  • Warm up with a unique twist on a holiday classic: hot cocoa infused with Fustini's Raspberry Balsamic Vinegar.
• Liana's: 130 E. Front St.
  • Stop by Liana's and enjoy a delicious cookie while exploring downtown.
• Overland Sheepskin Co.: 140 E. Front St
  • Enjoy a festive cookie and enter for a chance to win a special holiday giveaway.
• Rocket Fizz: 111B E. Front St.
  • Will it be cookies or Cookie Monster Taffy? Stop by Rocket Fizz for a sweet surprise and give them your best Cookie Monster impression.
• slip. vintage: 121 E. Front St., Suites 107–108
  • Treat yourself to what slip. vintage calls "The Very Best Chocolate Chip Cookies Ever" while browsing their collection of vintage finds.
• Spur Boutique: 203 E. Front St.
  • Stop by Spur Boutique on November 20 for a festive holiday cookie and cocoa treat.
• Sunglass Shoppe: 137 E. Front St.
  • Visit Sunglass Shoppe on November 21 for a sweet cookie treat while browsing their eyewear collection.
• Surfaces of TC: 309 W. Front St., Suite A
  • Enjoy house-favorite cookies and a cozy cup of hot cocoa topped with fluffy whipped cream and a sprinkle of "North Pole Magic." It's warm, festive, and guaranteed to make your heart grow three sizes!
• What to Wear!: 126 E. Front St.
  • Stop by What to Wear! for a delicious cookie and a little holiday shopping.
     

Find the Grinch

Friday, November 20 – Sunday, November 29, 2026

The Grinch is hiding in Downtown Traverse City, and we need your help finding him!

From November 20 through November 29, visit participating downtown businesses and keep your eyes peeled for a hidden Grinch. Spot him inside a participating store, and you could be rewarded with a special treat, discount, or another festive surprise courtesy of that business. 

It's a fun way to explore downtown, discover local favorites, and spread a little holiday cheer. After all, even the Grinch can't resist the magic of Downtown Traverse City!

Participating Businesses

Ready to join the search? Explore the participating businesses below to find out where the Grinch might be hiding:

• Bushell's Kitchen + Cocktails: 127 S. Union St. 
  • Search for the Grinch at Bushell's Kitchen + Cocktails and discover a little holiday mischief.
• Doug Murdick's Fudge: 116 E. Front St. 
  • Find the Grinch at Doug Murdick's Fudge and explore their holiday offerings, including 20% off fudge ordered for Christmas mailing.
• Evil Queen: 322 E. Front St.
  • Keep your eyes peeled for the Grinch hiding somewhere inside Evil Queen and discover a festive surprise.
• Fleet Feet: 300 E. Front St.
  • The Grinch is on the run! Stop by Fleet Feet, track him down, and join in the holiday fun.
• Liana's: 130 E. Front St.
  • Search high and low for the Grinch hiding inside Liana's and see what festive surprises await.
• Miners North: 222 E. Front St.
  • The Grinch has made his way to Miners North! Stop in and see if you can spot him among the sparkle.
• Nifty Things: 143 E. Front St.
  • The Grinch is up to no good at Nifty Things! Stop by and see if you can find where he's hiding.
• Overland Sheepskin Co.: 140 E. Front St.
  • Keep an eye out for the Grinch while visiting Overland and enter for a chance to win a special holiday giveaway.
• Playa Bowls: 222 E. State St., Suite 101
  • Find the Grinch hiding inside Playa Bowls and receive $2 off any bowl.
• Rocket Fizz: 111B E. Front St.
  • The Grinch has snuck into Rocket Fizz! Search the store to see if you can find him among all the sweet treats.
• slip. vintage: 121 E. Front St., Suites 107–108
  • The Grinch has gone vintage! Stop by slip. vintage and see if you can uncover his hiding spot.
• Spur Boutique: 203 E. Front St.
  • The Grinch is hiding somewhere inside Spur Boutique! Stop in, explore, and see if you can track him down.
• Surfaces of TC: 309 W. Front St., Suite A
  • Find the Grinch at Surfaces of TC and enjoy a cozy, hands-on mini art experience inspired by everyone's favorite holiday troublemaker.
• What to Wear!: 126 E. Front St. 
  • The Grinch has been spotted at What to Wear! Stop in and see if you can find him hiding among the holiday styles.

2026 TC Light Parade Applications Are Closed

 

Thank you for your interest in participating in the 2026 Traverse City Light Parade! Applications for this year’s parade closed October 1. The parade has reached capacity, and we are no longer accepting new applications.

If you have already submitted an application, please watch your email for an entry status update in early October.

We look forward to celebrating with you!

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

Light Up Downtown wouldn't be possible without the generous support of our sponsors! Their contributions help bring the magic of the holiday season to Downtown Traverse City, creating memorable experiences for our community and visitors alike.

We extend a heartfelt thank you to the following businesses and organizations for helping make this year's festivities possible!

Gold Sponsors

Cherry Republic

Team Elmer's

Grand Traverse Band Economic Development Corporation

KLT – The Rock Station

UpNorthLive 7&4

107.5 WCCW

Silver Sponsors

Baker College

Copy Central / Traverse Repro

Northern Express

TCBN

The Ticker – Traverse City News and Events

The Ticker – Leelanau News and Events

The Little Fleet

That's a Pizza!

MSU Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU)

Thank you for helping us light up Downtown Traverse City!

Your continued support makes it possible to celebrate the season, support our downtown businesses, and bring our community together.

Sponsor the Magic

Want to help light up Downtown? Join us as a sponsor of this two-day celebration, Light up Downtown! Connect with Sara Klebba to receive a sponsorship packet to check out the various partnership opportunities. 

 

Seeking Volunteers

Help us make the magic happen! Please consider supporting your community and sign up to volunteer for the Light Parade today. 

Volunteer Sign-Up