Baby it’s dark outside

As the days get shorter and the evenings grow dark, here are some fun ideas for outdoor nighttime entertainment 

Awe at festive lights during the holiday season

Spring Lake 

Pile family and friends into the car and head to the Spring Lake Sparkle — a display of over 120,000 multicolored lights and displays designed by Brant Daniel and Steven Duchon. The Christmas light exhibit adorns trees and buildings along Savidge Street between Division and Buchanan and will be on display from Nov. 26 through Jan. 3. Make sure to bring a cup of hot cocoa while marveling at the beautiful sights of the season.

springlakesparkle.com

Plan an evening at the Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park

Muskegon

One of only four luge tracks in the nation, Muskegon Luge Adventure Sport Park’s luge track is the only artificial track made from natural ice rather than refrigerated ice. At 850 feet long, the track was designed by three-time Olympian Frank Masley and is open at night for rides. The track consists of six curves and two starting areas, allowing first-timers to enjoy the exhilarating activity at speeds up to 30 mph. 

If looking for something more laidback, the park’s figure-eight ice skating rink loops through the white pine forest and is also illuminated at night.

msports.org

Shop around glowing downtown Holland 

Holland 

Downtown Holland comes alive at night during the holiday season, with beautiful holiday décor displayed on storefronts and more. Stroll down Holland’s heated sidewalks, shop around for Christmas presents, then stop by Kilwin’s for a sweet treat and a little warm up at the fireplace in front of the confectionary. Downtown Holland’s Social District is open until 11 p.m. and allows patrons ages 21-plus to purchase alcoholic beverages from participating establishments to consume outdoors on the sidewalk. 

Several of Holland’s holiday festivals and events take place after dark too, like the Holiday Open House, Parade of Lights and Sinterklaas Eve. The Social District is not open during festivals and events.

holland.org/holidays-downtown-holland

Cross country ski through illuminated trails

West Olive

Three of Pigeon Creek Park’s 10 miles of groomed cross country skiing trails are illuminated at night. Bundle up and ski through old pine plantations and deciduous forests while the glow of the lights make for a peaceful trek in the fresh powder. The park also includes lights on its sledding hill — if you’re looking for a more exhilarating outdoor nighttime experience. Pigeon Creek Park is open until 10 p.m. year-round.

miottawa.org/parks/pigeoncreek.htm