The Christmas spirit was alive and well on Mackinac Island on the evening of December 5, 2025. As a chilly breeze swept down Main Street, the community gathered for one of the island’s most beloved traditions: The Christmas Tree Lighting. The towering Christmas tree stood ready at the center of town, waiting for the moment it would shine.

Residents and visitors bundled up for the event, and more than 900 people tuned in online to share in the celebration from afar. After a welcome from Mayor Doud, the crowd joined together in classic carols that filled the street with warmth despite the cold. Voices carried through renditions of Jingle Bells, Joy to the World, Hark! The Herald Angels Sing, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Deck the Halls, Away in a Manger, O Come All Ye Faithful, Angels We Have Heard on High, and Oh Christmas Tree.

At 5:41 p.m., the countdown ended and the tree came to life in a glow of colorful lights. The temperature hovered around 30 degrees with a “feels like” temperature of 13, but the excitement of the moment made the cold easier to forget.

The annual Tree Lighting is a highlight of the Mackinac Island Christmas Bazaar, which took place December 5 through 7. The weekend brought together neighbors, families, and visitors to celebrate the season and support island traditions that make Mackinac such a special place during the holidays.

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