Festive Escapes: Michigan Winter Getaways for Couples

Historic Webster House

Winter in Michigan invites couples to slow down, reconnect, and embrace the season’s magic. Planning Michigan winter getaways for couples means cozy firesides, snow-covered streets, and festive holiday cheer. Whether you’re seeking peace, adventure, or both, it’s one of the best winter vacations to spend meaningful time together before the year ends. From historic architecture to scenic parks, there’s something timeless about the way Michigan glows in December.

Bay City, Frankenmuth, and Midland come alive during the holidays with twinkling lights, carriage rides, and unique local charm. If you’re searching for the best winter vacations filled with romance and small-town spirit, these cities offer plenty of things to do in December. Picture sipping cocoa during a horse-drawn carriage ride, exploring cozy holiday markets, and hearing the sound of carolers on snow-dusted streets on your Michigan winter getaways for couples.

After exploring the holiday atmosphere, return to the Historic Webster House, our top-rated Michigan Bed and Breakfast in Bay City. Our charming lodging property offers timeless elegance and modern comfort, providing the perfect setting for couples to relax and unwind. From luxurious suites with fireplaces to a spa room with a sauna and steam shower, every detail is designed to make your winter getaway warm and memorable. Book your stay today!

Woman and man, all bundled up in winter outerwear walk through downtown lights holding hot cocoa on their Michigan Winter Getaways for Couples

Things to do in December on your Michigan Winter Getaways for Couples

December is one of the most magical times to experience Michigan. With holiday lights, entertainment, and outdoor adventures, Bay City, Midland, and Frankenmuth are brimming with romance and seasonal joy.

Here are some of the best things to do in December for couples during your Michigan winter getaway:

  1. Visit the Great Lakes Market Holiday Market in Bay City to browse handmade gifts, sample local treats, and enjoy live music in a holiday atmosphere. This event, held the first weekend of December at The Buds to Bloom Greenhouse, is a must-see during Michigan winter getaways for couples.
  2. Catch a holiday show! Enjoy Celebrate the Season with the Classic Women of Country or Cole in Your Stocking with world-renowned pianist Kevin Cole performing all the holiday classics at the State Theatre in Bay City. Head to the Temple Theatre in Saginaw for the Saginaw Choral Society’s Celtic Family Christmas Party featuring Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy or a lively Holiday Pops concert. 
  3. One of the best things to do in December is to spend time outdoors. Bundle up and go sledding, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing at the Chippewa Nature Center, Midland City Forest, or Hoyt Park for a peaceful afternoon together in the snow. Midland City Forest also offers an ice skating rink in front of the Chalet, providing ski and skate rentals, as well as a great place to warm up with hot cocoa. 
  4. One of the best things to do on Michigan winter getaways for couples is to take in the magic of Frankenmuth. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride through softly falling snow, shop at the River Place Shops, or enjoy the light display along 25 Christmas Lane after a visit to Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland
  5. If your best winter vacations involve festive fun, the Bavarian Inn in Frankenmuth offers a Krampusnacht Holiday Wine Dinner or a Midnight Masquerade Gala Celebration to ring in the New Year.
  6. Join the Ugly Sweater Bar Crawl in Midland for a lighthearted night out that adds a playful touch to your Michigan winter getaways. 
  7. Experience Midland’s Holly Jolly Days in early December, a lively weekend that makes holiday shopping fun and stress-free. Browse charming downtown stores, offering special seasonal deals, admire beautifully decorated windows, and warm up by outdoor fireplaces with a hot drink in hand, a perfect outing during your Michigan winter getaways for couples.
  8. One of the best things to do in December is to enjoy the dazzling Christmas light displays. Be sure to visit the Freeland Lights and the Frankenmuth Spectacular Musical Tree for a holiday glow that fills the night sky. For something truly magical, drive through the Wilderness Trails Zoo light display, where more than two million sparkling lights create a winter wonderland and the chance to see animals playing in the snow!
  9. Spend an evening at Sundays in the City in downtown Bay City, where you’ll find shopping, carolers, cozy eateries, and free carriage rides through town. It’s one of the best things to do in December in Bay City.
  10. Stroll hand-in-hand through the enchanting winter wonderland at Dow Gardens. The illuminated paths glow with candlelight and gentle music, creating a peaceful holiday atmosphere. For a quieter experience during your Michigan winter getaways for couples, visit on a Silent Night, when the lights still shine, but the carolers rest, offering a serene, reflective walk through the gardens.

These holiday events and attractions create a magical backdrop for Michigan winter getaways for couples, offering countless ways to celebrate the holidays while focusing on what matters most: time spent together.

The spa room is the perfect place to unwind and relax during your Michigan winter getaways for couples.

Unwind this Winter at our Michigan Bed and Breakfast

After exploring the magic of Bay City and Frankenmuth, return to the Historic Webster House for well-deserved relaxation. Our Michigan Bed and Breakfast offers a romantic, luxurious retreat designed for couples. Curl up by the fire with a glass of wine or unwind in the spa room, where you’ll find a sauna, steam shower, and massage table. Be sure to reserve your spa time in advance when booking your stay online or by contacting our innkeeper; it’s one of the most indulgent ways to relax during your Michigan winter getaways for couples.

Guests love our Inn’s thoughtful amenities, from gourmet breakfasts made with fresh local ingredients to optional enhancements like champagne, chocolate truffles, and spa packages. Seasonal specials add a touch of holiday magic, making this Michigan Bed and Breakfast the ideal choice for couples seeking peace and connection during the best winter vacations.

Each guest room is distinct, featuring amenities such as fireplaces, plush bedding, and luxurious soaking tubs. After a day full of holiday merrymaking, you’ll be pampered at our historical lodging property. Whether you’re celebrating the holidays or starting the new year in style, our Bed and Breakfast sets the stage for one of the most romantic Michigan winter getaways for couples imaginable. Reserve your room now!

Holiday Gift Certificate Sale

20% off any dollar amount through December 31, 2025
Call to purchase — not available online
Excludes Valentine’s Day and July 4

Harvest Dinner

Join us for our first elegant farm-to-table Chef’s dinner with House of Willard on the evening of November 1st. Seats are limited.

Contact amanda@houseofwillard.com for more information

Give The Gift of Historic Webster House This Christmas

Give your loved one a very special gift of a stay at Historic Webster House. Purchase a gift certificate and save 10% through the end of the year.

Stay & Dine Package

When you stay with us for any two consecutive midweek nights from Sunday to Thursday*, we’ll add a $50 gift card to the historic Old City Hall, one of the best restaurants in Bay City.  *This offer cannot be combined with any other promotions or discounts.