Gift a Winter Getaway Experience This Holiday Season

A winter vacay at Sleeping Bear Resort is a chance to escape the ordinary, reconnect with loved ones, and create unforgettable memories while enjoying the beauty of Northern Michigan during the quiet off-season. Instead of giving more things this holiday, give the gift of cozy moments by the fire, relaxing soaks in the hot tub overlooking our icy lake, and afternoons spent exploring holiday markets. Still not convinced? Here are a few reasons why a winter retreat at Sleeping Bear Resort is the ultimate holiday gift:

Each vacation rental is thoughtfully designed for comfort and relaxation. After a day of exploring, unwind with a good book or enjoy a family movie night in your cozy retreat. All cabins feature heating systems with wall thermostats to keep you perfectly comfortable throughout your stay. For larger groups, we recommend the Bear’s Den, which can sleep up to 14 people with 6 bedrooms and 3 & 1/2 bathrooms. For couples seeking a romantic atmosphere, the Lodge offers amazing lake views as you enjoy your private hot tub. Guests are welcome to try ice fishing on the lake, borrow snowshoes for a scenic trail hike, or gather around a cozy campfire to complete the winter experience!

The holiday season is about spending time with the people you love, which is why our resort’s spacious accommodations make it a wonderful destination for family gatherings, friend reunions, or even a winter retreat with a special someone. Whether it’s a full property booking for extended family or a cozy cabin for two, there’s enough room to comfortably host groups of up to 56 people.

When you aren’t enjoying the delightful amenities at our resort, you have Northern Michigan’s top winter activities and attractions at your fingertips. Whether your loved ones want to explore nearby wineries and breweries, take a scenic winter hike, or dive into festive events in neighboring towns, there’s something for everyone.

There are a variety of festive events going on near Sleeping Bear Resort throughout the holiday season! Northern Michigan comes alive in winter with family-friendly events that capture the holiday spirit. Take a scenic drive to Traverse City and surrounding towns to enjoy holiday parades, Christmas markets, and tree-lighting ceremonies. There’s also holiday wine tasting and cozy winter markets with crafts, food, and seasonal goods. Check out a few of our favorites:

November 23rd, 5:30 – 9:00 PM: Enjoy a festive parade featuring floats decked out in holiday lights, followed by Santa’s arrival and a tree-lighting in downtown Traverse City’s Clinch Park.

Stop by Santa’s House in downtown Traverse City to share holiday wishes and capture memorable photos with Santa!

November 30th, 5:00 PM: Kick off the season with holiday crafts, caroling, a cozy small-town parade, and Santa’s grand arrival, capped with a tree-lighting ceremony and visits with Santa for the kids.

November 30th – December 22nd Fridays: 4:00 – 7:00 PM + Saturdays & Sundays: 1:00 – 7:00 PM: Stop by Santa’s cabin in Buckley for an afternoon of roasting marshmallows and enjoying hot cocoa by the fire.

December 5th, 5:00 – 9:00 PM: Round up your squad for Ladies Night in Downtown Traverse City! Enjoy special deals, festive shopping, and holiday treats at participating locations.

December 5th, 6:00 – 8:00 PM: Ten local bakers compete for Lake Ann’s Favorite Holiday Cookie as the town gathers to vote on the best festive treat. The winner takes home a trophy and a commemorative gift.

December 12th, 5:00 – 9:00 PM: Gather your friends for Men’s Night in Downtown Traverse City. Enjoy exclusive holiday deals, festive shopping, and maybe even a Santa sighting!

December 21st, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM: Find unique holiday gifts, handmade crafts, and seasonal goodies at this cozy Lake Ann market, perfect for last-minute holiday shopping.

Beyond the cozy amenities at Sleeping Bear Resort and the festive events in town, Northern Michigan offers a wide variety of winter activities for everyone. From scenic winter hikes and local winery visits to skiing adventures, there’s something for every type of traveler. Whether you’re seeking outdoor thrills, indoor comforts, or activities just for adults, you’ll love building out your itinerary.

This holiday season, skip the usual gifts and treat your loved ones to an unforgettable winter escape at Sleeping Bear Resort. With cozy cabins, luxury amenities, and endless activities, our resort offers the perfect setting for family gatherings, romantic retreats, or a holiday adventure with friends. From relaxing soaks in the hot tub to exploring Northern Michigan’s festive events and scenic landscapes, each day offers something unforgettable. Book a surprise stay or purchase a Sleeping Bear Resort gift certificate to reconnect with loved ones with a unique winter experience that everyone will cherish long after the season ends.