December Events in Ludington –  Photo by Todd & Brad Reed Photography

December 2026 Events Calendar

Browse by Week

In addition to the calendar below, check out our story on Holiday Arts & Crafts Shows and Bazaars!

December 1-7, 2026

Wednesday, December 2nd, 2026
5:30pm

Rotary Club of Ludington Holiday Auction
Tickets are $50 per person and include dinner, dessert, 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 20th-December 2nd. For tickets or more info, visit facebook.com. 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. 

December 8-14, 2026

Saturday, December 12th, 2026
1-5pm

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.

Sunday, December 13th, 2026
12-4pm

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), and free access to the museum exhibits. Sandcastles Children’s Museum- 129 E. Ludington Ave., Ludington.

December 15-21, 2026

Sunday, December 20th, 2026
4-8pm

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.

December 22-31, 2026

Thursday, December 31st, 2026
5-8pm

New Year’s Eve Balloon Drop
At Sandcastles Children’s Museum– 129 E. Ludington Ave., Ludington. Fun activities and refreshments for the whole family with a balloon drop to celebrate New Year’s Eve. Ticket info coming soon. 

Thursday, December 31st, 2026
9pm-12am

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.

The following events are from 2025. Stay tuned for information on dates for these events in 2026!

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.

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.

Family New Year’s Eve Party
Free party includes games, crafts, and snacks. Ludington Library– 217 E. Ludington Ave., Ludington.

Check back often for updates to this calendar of events!

Current Events in the Ludington Area

Family Friendly Events

Ludington hosts many events and activities that are geared toward kids and families, that’s part of what makes the area so great!

Performances in West Michigan

Everyone enjoys a good play or concert, and Ludington blessed with talented actors and musicians that entertain us all year ’round.

Ludington Area Events Happening Soon

Festivals & Events

There are activities going on in the Ludington area to keep everyone happy all year long. Longstanding events make Ludington special.

Ludington’s Great Outdoors

Ludington has miles of beautiful beaches, the Ludington State Park, and all the activities that take place in Mother Nature’s playground.

Mason County District Libraries

In addition to thousands of book titles, the Mason County District Library’s Ludington and Scottville branches provide many free programs.

Downtown Ludington

Just blocks from the beach is the heart of downtown Ludington, where you can shop, dine, and enjoy summertime events.

Waterfront Park Sculptures

The bronzed sculptures in Ludington’s 5-acre Waterfront Park sets it apart from other parks. The park is situated on the Lake Michigan inlet.

Bookstores & Coffee Shops

Just blocks from the beach is the heart of downtown Ludington, where you can shop, dine, and enjoy summertime events.