December Events in Ludington – Photo by Todd & Brad Reed Photography
(Scroll down to see more events in December.)
Arts & Crafts Shows and Bazaars during the fall/winter in Ludington have handcrafted and specialty items for your Christmas gift giving.
Ludington hosts many events and activities that are geared toward kids and families, that's part of what makes the area so great!
Everyone enjoys a good play or concert, and Ludington blessed with talented actors and musicians that entertain us all year 'round.
Downtown Ludington hosts an annual lighted ball drop on New Year's Eve along with live music, beer tent, and fireworks.
Ludington has many businesses to help you enjoy crafting and appreciate the finished product. Let them help you create your own masterpiece!
Find all the places where the kids and pets can visit and have pictures taken with Santa (and sometimes Mrs. Claus) in Ludington.
The Ludington Area Festival of Lights is a dazzling drive-thru light display that runs from Thanksgiving until the last weekend of December.
Cookie Walk
Stroll the downtown Ludington district, sampling delicious cookies. Tickets are $20 per person and only 100 are available. Ticket price includes over two dozen cookies and a cookie bag. For more information or tickets, visit downtownludington.org.
Miss Ludington Area Scholarship Program
Women between the ages of 18-28 from Mason, Manistee, Oceana, and Lake counties compete and are judged based on-talent, evening wear, on-stage interview, and their social impact initiative pitch. The winner is qualified to enter the Miss Michigan Pageant, a precursor to the Miss America Pageant. Peterson Auditorium- 501 N. Washington Ave., Ludington.
Ludington New Year’s Eve Ball Drop
Live music, beer tent, lighted ball drop at midnight with fireworks to follow. Legacy Plaza- 110 N. James St., Ludington.
Rotary Club of Ludington Holiday Auction
Tickets are $50 per person and include appetizers, a buffet dinner, desserts, cash bar, and the opportunity to bid on dozens of items donated by local businesses. Items will also be available to bid on online from November 21st-December 4th. For tickets or more info, click here. The event will be held at the Lincoln Hills Golf Club- 1527 N. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington. Proceeds benefit the Rotary Club’s STRIVE Program and college scholarships.
Selfies with Santa Santa
Family Fare- 5539 W. US-10, Ludington.
Gift Wrapping Expo
Bring in your gifts to be wrapped while you wait, donations are appreciated and will benefit the Oriole Giving Tree. A portion of KRAVE Frozen Yogurt & Drink Shoppe sales will also be given to OGT along with sales of earrings, ornaments, cookbooks, Oriole bracelets, and antique eyeglass charms. There will also be a door prize drawing with entries given for every donation and KRAVE purchase. KRAVE- 103 E. Ludington Ave., Ludington.
Snapshots with Santa
With Photos by JanelleMarie Photography at West Shore Family Support- 603 E. Tinkham Ave., Ludington. In exchange for a photo, please bring a donation of diapers or wipes to bless families in need.
Guided Winter Snowshoe Walk
The hike is approximately one and a half miles through woods and snow-covered sand dunes. Snowshoes are available for rent but supply is limited. Ludington State Park- 8800 M-116, Ludington.
COVE Holiday Fundraiser: Framed in Strength
Event includes a gallery of photography and stories that highlight the resilience of survivors and the dedication of advocates. Proceeds benefit Communities Overcoming Violent Encounters. Timeless Picture Framing- 103 E. Ludington Ave., Ludington.
Lantern Lit Hike
The hike begins at the Warming Shelter and has approximately 1 mile of lighted trails for walking, cross-country skiing, or snowshoeing. There are bonfires at both the Warming Shelter and the Amphitheater, along with free warm beverages at the Amphitheater. No registration is needed and lantern lit walks are free. Ludington State Park- 8800 M-116, Ludington.
Pup Photos with Santa
Holiday Photo Booth & Community Pet Drive on Saturday from 10am-7pm and Sunday from 10am-5pm at Wags to Wiskers- 4815 W. US-10, Ludington. Create adorable, festive holiday memories at the in-store photo booth. Donations of essential pet items to support local animal welfare partners is appreciated.
Christmas Party
This FREE event is sponsored by FloraCraft & Sandcastles Children’s Museum. It includes a Craft Project, Bike Raffle, Santa & Mrs. Claus (from 2-4pm), Cookie Decorating (while supplies last), Ella & Kaiden Plummer performing holiday music (from 12-1pm), Free “Pete the Cat Saves Christmas” book (while supplies last), and free access to the museum exhibits. Sandcastles Children’s Museum- 129 E. Ludington Ave., Ludington.
Home for the Holidays Concert
Free showcase of numerous locally known performers. Ludington Area Center for the Arts- 107 S. Harrison St., Ludington.
Visit with Santa
Vendor Row- 5762 US-10, Ludington.
Santa Arrives
Visit with Santa at Safe Harbor Credit Union- 5511 W. US-10, Ludington.
Visit with Santa
Stix- 1963 N. Lakeshore Dr., Ludington.
Visit with Santa
SS Badger Pop-Up Shop- 404 S. James St., Ludington.
Ludington Area Festival of Lights
Drive-thru lights display at the West Michigan Fairgrounds- 5302 US-10, Ludington. Cost is $10/vehicle and proceeds go to local non-profits. For more information, visit checkoutthelights.com.
Community Christmas Eve Dinner
Free & open to the public. Delivery available with a reservation deadline of December 20th. Call (231) 843-9275 to reserve a delivery time. Community Church- 109 N. Harrison St., Ludington.
New Year’s Eve Balloon Drop
Fun activities and refreshments for the whole family with a balloon drop to celebrate New Year’s Eve. Tickets are $60/immediate family or $15/person and can be purchased by calling (231) 233-9326. Sandcastles Children’s Museum– 129 E. Ludington Ave., Ludington.
Family New Year’s Eve Party
Free party includes games, crafts, and snacks. Ludington Library– 217 E. Ludington Ave., Ludington.
Book lovers will find bargains at the many used book sales held in Manistee, Ludington, and Hart in West Michigan.
Enjoy a variety of shoreline cruises with various themes on the S.S. Badger Carferry in both Ludington and Manitowoc.
The Caswell Horse Park at the Mason County Fairgrounds in Ludington is a busy place from May-October, with many horse shows.
The very popular Ludington Offshore Classic Fishing Tournament sponsored by Captain Chuck’s takes place each July in Ludington.
West Shore Bank hosts the Rhythm & Dunes Summer Concert Series each summer at the Waterfront Park Pavilion in downtown Ludington.
Ludington is the location for many Car Shows during the summer. Various awards and plaques are presented at these car shows.
Ludington hosts many events and activities that are geared toward kids and families, that’s part of what makes the area so great!
Ludington has many businesses to help you enjoy crafting and appreciate the finished product. Let them help you create your own masterpiece!
After a busy day at the beach or at work, it’s time to kick back and relax a while. What better way than to listen to some music.
Everyone enjoys a good play or concert, and Ludington blessed with talented actors and musicians that entertain us all year ’round.
Enjoy the warmth of a bonfire on the beach! The Ludington Fire Department mans the fire while you enjoy the sunset.
There are activities going on in the Ludington area to keep everyone happy all year long. Longstanding events make Ludington special.
Ludington has many beautiful beaches and parks to explore. Enjoy a day on the shores of Lake Michigan or take in the scenery at a local park.
Within the downtown Ludington region, several murals grace the façades of local area businesses, telling stories of the area’s rich history.
The Ludington State Park offers winter activities. With snowshoeing tours, cross country skiing, and natural beauty, it’s a winter paradise!
The Ludington Pumped Storage Plant and Lakewinds Energy Park are generating electricity for Ludington and West Michigan!
It rises and sets every single day, and nothing is more breathtaking than our spectacular sunsets over Lake Michigan.
Cast your line into Upper Hamlin Lake or enjoy a picnic, the playground, or watch Hamlin Lake’s Independence Fireworks at Wilson Hill Park.
