We always love to document our travels no matter where we go during the year. Documenting your trips with pictures of places you visit is always a great way to remember your adventures. The same can be said whenever you come visit us here in Traverse City for the holidays. There is no better place for a holiday vacation, so make sure you document it well. During your visit, you will want to snap a perfect family photo for the holidays. Whether it is to remember your trip or to have a perfect Christmas card photo at the ready, a picture will speak volumes. Here are the top places where you will want to take a family holiday photo in Traverse City:
Traverse City Holiday Tree
For a great family photo, you will want an exciting backdrop. Nothing quite captures the spirit of the holidays like the Traverse City Holiday Tree located in Downtown Traverse City. Our holiday tree stands tall among the downtown neighborhood and is covered with thousands of Christmas lights. You can easily have someone nearby take a quick picture of the family. One of the best times to visit the Traverse City Holiday Tree is during the Downtown Light Parade. This annual event returns each year with plenty of exciting festivities for everyone to enjoy.
Head on down to the intersection of Cass and Front Street on November 23rd where the holiday tree is located. Holiday music will begin to play around 5:30 PM with Santa Claus and the Traverse City mayor arriving at 6:00 PM for the tree lighting ceremony. This will be the first lighting of the tree for the 2024 season. Make sure to arrive early if you want a great viewing spot of the ceremony!
Shortly after the tree lighting ceremony, at 6:30 PM, the light parade will begin. You and your family will be able to see incredible floats decked out in wonderful holiday décor and Christmas lights. The parade will march on down Front Street before it eventually arrives at Santa’s House. This is another great spot for you to get a photo of the family.
Santa’s House can be found at City Center Plaza, where you can have a meet-and-greet with Santa Claus himself and also get a family photo with him. Santa’s House will remain open on select dates during the holiday season in case you miss the light parade. The Traverse City Holiday Tree will also be lit up daily for the remainder of the holiday season, allowing you to get a photo in front of it when it is less crowded. This is a can’t miss opportunity for a lovely family photo in Traverse City.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
For families who enjoy a little outdoor adventure, you will not want to pass up the opportunity to explore the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. This national park is located north of Traverse City and is a beautiful destination any time of the year. However, the winter season is especially wonderful, as the namesake dunes can be covered in snow during the holiday season, giving it an exceptional beauty. Head on over to the park to snap a wonderful photo in front of the dunes or in front of the island lighthouse. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore remains open all throughout the winter but some services may not be available. Don’t miss out on exploring the park during your visit as the sand on the dunes becomes firmer and easier to hike up in the winter season. If you visit in the afternoon, you will find the warmest temperatures of the day. Snowshoes may be required if you choose to go higher up the trails.
The Village at Grand Traverse Commons
Add a little history to your holiday photo in Traverse City by visiting The Village at Grand Traverse Commons. This fascinating area is a former mental asylum that is surrounded by a 480-acre park. Many hikers and cyclists visit the trails during the warmer months for some exploration. The Village has been engaged in a massive redevelopment project that has turned the Victorian style building into a village of shops and restaurants. Let the historic architecture be the background for a family photo unlike anything else. Also make sure to check out the shops for some holiday shopping and grab a bite to eat. The Village is also home to events including farmer’s markets too. You can even ring in the new year here.
Come Take Your Holiday Photo in Traverse City
As you can see, there are quite a few different places worthy of being a spot for a holiday photo in Traverse City. Reserve one of our vacation rentals to day to experience an incredible holiday stay. You will be located near these local attractions and more.
