THOMPSONVILLE, Mich. – Slow down, share unforgettable meals, and reconnect with friends and family. Escape the holiday hustle at Crystal Mountain during Thanksgiving Reconnect Weekend. It's the ideal way to kick off your holiday season with delicious feasts, fun activities, and spending time with the ones you love.
Crystal Mountain invites you to its signature Thanksgiving Reconnect Weekend. Blending outdoor tradition, seasonal dining, and early winter activities, the Northern Michigan four-season resort offers a complete lineup designed to make unforgettable memories.
"The holiday season is all about pausing the busy routine to focus on the people who matter most," said Lourin Sprenger, Director of Communications at Crystal Mountain. "Our Thanksgiving Reconnect Weekend is structured so families can step outside, enjoy the fresh Northern Michigan air, and start new traditions together—whether that's running the Turkey Vulture Trot, enjoying a gourmet meal, or watching the magic of the holiday tree light up for the first time of the season."
Step away from the kitchen and allow Crystal’s culinary team to do the cooking for you. Join us on property for the Thanksgiving Buffet on Thursday, November 26, held at the Wild Tomato, or order ahead and warm up your meal in the comfort of your own home or one of our full-service kitchens during your stay with our Thanksgiving Take & Bake option.
The holiday spirit steps into full gear on Friday, November 27, with the First Light and Holiday Trail Celebration. Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive by horse-drawn surrey to light the resort tree, accompanied by live reindeer, festive retail specials, and Black Friday shopping. Throughout the weekend, guests can participate in outdoor laser tag, campfires, and private hot tub rentals at the Park at Water's Edge.
Thursday, November 26
- Turkey Vulture Trot (9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.)
Give your metabolism a boost over Thanksgiving Reconnect Weekend with our Turkey Vulture Trot 5k and 1-Mile Fun Run! A portion of the proceeds will benefit North Sky Raptor Sanctuary. - Thanksgiving Day Buffet (11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)
Enjoy a traditional Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings - without setting foot in the kitchen! Held at the Wild Tomato. - Thanksgiving Take & Bake
Our Thanksgiving Take & Bake is prepared by our talented culinary team for you to take home and enjoy. Must order by Noon on Tuesday, November 24.
Friday, November 27
- First Light & Holiday Trail Celebration Kick off the evening with Santa and our First Light Celebration. Then, enjoy festive activities and deals through Crystal’s quaint resort village, including Black Friday specials.
- First Light (5:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.)
Santa will kick off the festivities at with a horse-drawn Surrey ride down Crystal Mountain Drive starting from Kinlochen. He'll hop off at the Crystal Center and use his holiday magic to help us light our tree at 5:30 p.m. sharp. - Horse-Drawn Surrey Rides (5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.)
Rides begin at 5:30 p.m. and depart every 30 minutes from the Crystal Center. Reservations required; call the Park at Water's Edge at 231-378-2238 or book online. Rides are approximately 20-25 minutes in length. - Live Music (6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.)
Live Music with DJ CDX. Held at the Wild Tomato Patio. - Black Friday Specials
Crystal Mountain Gift Card promotion; additional savings will be offered day of to shoppers on property. - Resort Activities: Access to outdoor laser tag, horse-drawn surrey rides, campfires, crafts, indoor pool, outdoor hot tub, golf simulators, and spa services.
Saturday, November 28
- Small Business Saturday Specials
Crystal Mountain Gift Card promotion; additional savings will be offered day of to shoppers on property. - Horse-Drawn Surrey Rides (5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.)
Rides begin at 5:30 p.m. and depart every 30 minutes from the Crystal Center. Reservations required; call the Park at Water's Edge at 231-378-2238 or book online. Rides are approximately 20-25 minutes in length. - Resort Activities: Access to outdoor laser tag, horse-drawn surrey rides, campfires, crafts, indoor pool, outdoor hot tub, golf simulators, and spa services.
In addition to the seasonal celebration, Crystal Mountain’s retail outlets will be running specials to help you get your holiday shopping done. November 20-21, 2026, the Spaliday Gift & Glow returns. This two-day spa and savings event features 20% off at the Crystal Spa (retail only), Mountain Market, and Peak Boutique. Spa service specials will also be offered. Shoppers can be entered into a drawing to win a “Year of Spa” at Crystal Spa, offering a complimentary service each month for all of 2027.
Crystal Mountain’s Holiday Gift Card Promotion returns just in time for holiday shopping, with special offers available during Spaliday Gift & Glow, November 20–21, 2026, and again November 26–December 1, 2026. For every $200 purchased in Crystal Spa gift cards, shoppers will receive a $25 Crystal Spa bonus voucher. Guests who spend $200 at Mountain Sports, Peak Boutique, Kinlochen Pro Shop, or Crystal Spa will receive a $25 bonus voucher to use at Crystal Mountain retail outlets.
Featured Resort Shopping Locations:
- Peak Boutique: Located inside the Peak Fitness Center, this shop features activewear, lifestyle apparel, swimwear, and fitness accessories.
- Mountain Sports: The premier stop for winter sports enthusiasts, offering high-end ski gear, snowboards, outerwear, and official Crystal Mountain-branded merchandise.
- Mountain Market: A convenient stop stocked with Michigan-made specialty food gifts, wines, snacks, and everyday resort essentials.
- Crystal Spa Marketplace: Highlights premium wellness products, skincare lines, and gift packages perfect for holiday pampering.
