Classes are almost over for the fall semester and the holiday season is upon us. Before you hurry home to drink spiced egg nog and play Cards Against Humanity with your family here is a list of 6 things you must do in the Tri-City area (Midland, Bay City, Saginaw).

1. Dow Gardens, Midland

While Dow Gardens most popular time is during the summer when the gardens are in full bloom many people forget that the gardens are open year round. During the holidays, the Gardens have a Winter Walkway lit up with Christmas lights and carolers performing in the background. On certain days there will even be reindeer that guests can feed. The conservatory has a colorful display of poinsettias and if you would enjoy a quite walk there are designated nights where there will be no carolers.

2. Center Ave Historical District, Bay City

Some of the most beautiful homes in the Tri-City area are located on this street. It is a busy road so you can either drive or weather permitting walk to see the houses. Almost all of the homes were built in the late 1800s and early 1900s and have been preserved in their original forms. During winter it’s like walking through your own personal Christmas wonderland. Every year some of the homes are even opened to let visitors see how the interiors are decorated during the holidays.

3. River Place Shops, Frankenmuth

While Saginaw does have the mall to do some Christmas shopping, River Place shops offers over 30 unique stores that cater to all of your hearts desires. Have a family member that likes to build miniature fairy villages? The Enchanted Forest is the place for you. Want a giant gourmet cupcake? Try Sugar High Café’s Toxic Lemon Lime or Snickerdoodle cupcake, they even have a Pizza flavored one. There’s also a bead store, Bead Haven, The Popcorn Wagon which has over 20 flavors of popcorn, and the Grand Traverse Distillery, to name a few. River Place Shops offers something for pretty much everyone, plus the whole area is done up beautifully for the holidays.

4. Bronner's CHRISTmas Wonderland, Frankenmuth

Just down the road from River Place Shops is the world’s largest Christmas store, Bronner’s. Bronner’s is nearly eight football field’s worth of every kind of Christmas accessory a person could imagine. They have ornaments that look like sushi and for your favorite sports team. There is a miniature Christmas village display inside, pre-decorated Christmas trees, mechanical dolls, an ornament decorating center, and of course thousands and thousands of Christmas ornaments. Journey outside the store and marvel at the massive Christmas light display which is kept light 365 days of the year or walk over to the Silent Night chapel. If you love Christmas, then this is the store for you.

5. Midland Street, Bay City

If you’re looking for somewhere to enjoy some holiday spirits (the alcoholic kind) look no further than Midland Street. Located in the heart of downtown Bay City there are around 20 shops, bars, and restaurants that offer up a variety of unique eats and drinks. There’s O’Hare’s Bar, Lucky’s Pub, Westown, and more. No trip to Bay City is complete without a trip to this street. And if you have a little too much fun and need a place to stay for the night there are a number of hotels within walking distance.

6. Hamilton Street, Saginaw

This one is similar to number 5, there are a number of bars in shops located on and around the Hamilton street area. Retro Rocks is one of the most popular bars on that street and if you are looking for some dancing head right next door to Meinberg’s/Woody O’Briens. There aren’t really any hotels close to here though so you’ll need to plan on bringing on a DD.