(Flint. Mich., 11/10/2025) — Wintertime in Michigan may bring thoughts of cold days spent huddled up by the fire, but that would mean missing out on all the fun to be had in Flint and Genesee County, Michigan.  

“There are so many reasons to visit Flint & Genesee between festivals and events, and amazing attractions to entertain the whole family,” says Amari Steward, executive director of Explore Flint & Genesee. “We welcome people to come for a day or a weekend this winter and experience what Genesee County has to offer.”  

Here are some of the amazing upcoming events visitors can partake in when spending time in Flint & Genesee: 

• Moundsgiving – Nov. 27 

One of the most unique traditions in Genesee County, Moundsgiving sees over 1,000 off-road vehicles traverse one of our Genesee County Parks for a day of mudding fun. Entrance lineup and tailgate start at 6 a.m. with the park opening at 7:50 a.m. It’s a great way to start your Thanksgiving morning.  

• Christmas Holiday Magic at Crossroads – Nov. 29-Dec. 28 

This holiday tradition in Genesee County brings the Crossroads historic village to life with thousands of sparkling lights, timeless holiday activities, and classic decorations to put your family into the holiday spirit. Add a festive ride on the Huckleberry Railroad to complete the experience. 

• 40th Annual Holiday Walk – Dec. 2 

Hosted by the Flint Cultural Center, this annual Holiday Walk kicks off with a tree lighting at 5:15 p.m. and continues with live music, a comic light show at Longway Planetarium, ice carvings, carolers, exhibitions, art-making activities with the Flint Institute of Arts + Museum, and a holiday movie. Also, visit Santa at the FIM Whiting Auditorium! 

• Flushing Candlewalk – Dec. 4-5 

Flushing, Michigan’s annual heartwarming tradition features thousands of softly glowing candles that light up the streets of downtown. The two-night event features local singers, ice sculptures, live performances, horse-drawn wagon rides, and s’mores.  

• 7th Annual Holiday Tree Lighting at Creasey Bicentennial Park – Dec. 5 

Stroll the lighted trail, visit with Santa, warm up at the fire, and enjoy complimentary cocoa and cookies at the Holiday Tree Lighting at Creasey Bicentennial Park in Grand Blanc, Michigan. Santa helps kick off the event by lighting the tree with a fireworks display immediately following.  

• 10th Annual Trail of Lights at Robert Williams Nature and Historical Learning Center – Dec. 6-21 

In Davison, Michigan, step into wonder as the trails of the Robert Williams Nature and Historical Learning Center come to life with thousands of sparkling lights. The event includes both walking nights and tractor wagon rides. 

• Linden’s Holiday Happening Frosty Parade and Fireworks – Dec. 5 

Check out downtown Linden, Michigan, for its Holiday Happening Frosty Parade and Fireworks Display, including a tree lighting, shopping in the moonlight, food trucks, pre-parade entertainment, a family activity area, and an elf hunt. After the parade, meet Santa, enjoy refreshments at the community center, go on a trackless train ride, and see a live nativity at Linden Methodist Church. 

• University of Michigan-Flint Sounds of the Seasons – Dec. 5 

Join the University of Michigan-Flint Chorale and Chamber Singers at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church for a night of choral music to lift the spirit of the holiday with joy and celebration. 

• 16th Annual Santa Run & Walk – Dec. 6 

Join the YMCA of Greater Flint for a fun run in a Santa suit! The event starts with a kids reindeer run around the block of the YMCA, followed by a 5K and a one-mile run.  

• Fenton JingleFest – Dec. 6 

Starting at 3 p.m., downtown Fenton, Michigan, becomes the place to be for holiday fun with entertainment, horse-drawn wagon rides, ice sculptures, a live nativity scene, live reindeer, photos with Santa, and make-and-take art kits. At 6 p.m., the lighted parade starts, ending with a tree lighting and fireworks.  

• The Nutcracker – Dec. 6-7 

At the FIM Whiting Auditorium in Flint, Michigan, see The Nutcracker 50th Anniversary in collaboration with the Flint Symphony Orchestra and Flint School of Performing Arts – a cherished tradition for generations of families.  

• Tuba Christmas – Dec. 13 

Get in the holiday spirit at the Flint Farmers’ Market while the University of Michigan-Flint Music Department hosts Tuba Christmas. Dozens of tuba and euphonium players will grace an audience with sounds of the season.  

• Holiday Pops – Dec. 20 

A yearly tradition, Holiday Pops, hosted at the FIM Whiting Auditorium, showcases musical guest, Meghan Picerno, along with the Flint Symphony Orchestra, Flint Symphony Chorus, and Flint Youth Chorus singing a blend of traditional carols, cherished hymns, and contemporary favorites.  

For these events and many more, visit ExploreFlintandGenesee.org/Events. 

Flint & Genesee also has plenty of things to do and see beyond seasonal events. It’s home to the largest county parks system in the state of Michigan, featuring places like For-Mar Nature Preserve & Arboretum, which offers snowshoeing 101 programs when the snow hits six inches.  

Other fun places to go during the wintertime include 810 Sports Complex for open skate, Dort Financial Center to catch a Flint Firebirds – Flint’s OHL hockey team – game, Sloan Museum of Discovery to explore interactive exhibits, and venues like the FIM Capitol Theatre, the Machine Shop, or the Local 432 to catch a live performance. 

There are also many amazing restaurants and bars throughout the county with delicious food and inventive drinks, including Fenton Winery & Brewery/Dream Machine Distillery, The Laundry, Cork on Saginaw, Estelle Public House, and more.  

Learn more about what to see and do in Flint & Genesee at ExploreFlintandGenesee.org.