Winter in Bellaire

Magical Winters – and Way More Fun Than You’d Expect

When winter blankets Bellaire in snow, the town becomes a magical retreat where adventure and cozy comfort go hand in hand. The air is crisp, the pine trees sparkle, and every street feels like it belongs in a snow globe.

Adventure by Day:

Whether you're an adrenaline junkie or someone seeking a peaceful winter retreat, Bellaire offers a memorable snowcation experience. Just minutes away, Shanty Creek Resorts offers downhill skiing and snowboarding, but that’s just the beginning. For those who love to explore, Bellaire is a haven for winter activities like fat tire biking on snowy trails, peaceful snowshoeing through the woods, and cross-country skiing across scenic landscapes.

Don't ski?  Don’t let that keep you inside—rent snowshoes and wander through snowy forests and frozen trails. It’s a great way to stay active and enjoy the quiet beauty of winter in Northern Michigan.   

Embrace the season and create lasting memories in the heart of Michigan's winter paradise. 

❄️ Outdoor Adventures

• Shanty Creek Resorts: Hit the slopes for downhill skiing, snowboarding, tubing, and cross-country / Nordic.  53 ski runs on 2 mountains, 180" average annual snowfall, 300+ miles of trails

• Glacial Hills Pathway: Explore serene landscapes on snowshoes or try fat tire biking on snowy trails...with fat tire bikes and snow shoe rentals available at Pedals & Paddles.

• Snowmobiling: With miles of groomed trails, it’s a paradise for snowmobile enthusiasts.  Trailheads in Mancelona, Kalkaska, Grayling.

• Ice Fishing: Drop a line—or a spear—on the frozen Chain-O-Lakes in a cozy shanty or under the open sky.  Fishing supplies at Riverside Marina.

  
  

⛄ Classic Winter Fun

• Build a snowperson or have an epic snowball fight.

• Sled down one of Bellaire’s scenic hillsides.

• Warm up around a crackling fire with hot cocoa in hand.

• Snowshoeing at Grass River Natural Area.

• Ice Skating: Glide across natural lakes or man-made rinks—perfect for all ages.

Cozy by Night:

After a day out in the snow, locals and visitors alike settle in by the fire.  Nearly every pub, tasting room, lounge and café features acoustic talent or karaoke on weekend nights, there’s always high energy fun or mellow vocals creating the perfect chill soundtrack.  And as each unique bar has different closing times and within walking distance, it’s a great reason to plan a casual pub crawl.  Schedules will vary in the winter so please check schedules. 

 🧩 Indoor Escapes

• Holiday Shopping: Browse charming downtown shops for unique gifts and local goods.

• Enjoy open restaurants, coffee shops, breweries, and entertainment venues all winter long.

From snow-dusted woods to bustling downtown lights, Bellaire is a true winter wonderland—and it’s just waiting to be explored.

Light the Night: A Christmas Town Celebration & Soup Cookoff!

Holiday Light the Night and Soup Cookoff in Bellaire is more than an event—it’s a heartwarming experience that brings the community and visitors together to celebrate the joy of the season. So if you’re here the first Saturday in December, dress warmly, bring your appetite, and prepare to be enchanted by the magic of Bellaire’s holiday traditions with a night parade, live nativity scene, Soup and Santa Claus!