‘Tis the season! If you’re looking for holiday events around Detroit, this is your ticket.
While putting together this list, we already saw that events were starting to sell out this early in the season, so make sure to get on it!
We’ll see you out there.
1. 14th Annual Detroit Tree Lighting Ceremony
Get into the holiday spirit in Campus Martius on Friday, November 17. Come watch the 60+ foot Norwegian Spruce from Cadillac be lit. There will be carriage rides, live performances from Jessica Hernandez and The Deltas and Thronetta Davis with special guest KEM. U.S. Olympic Medalist Jeremy Abbott will also be skating. The tree lighting will happen at 8:00 p.m.
You can find more information here.
Admission: Free
When: Friday, November 17 from 5:00 p.m. until 12:00 a.m.
Where: Campus Martius Park, 800 Woodward Avenue Detroit
2. Light Up Beacon Park
The Detroit Tree Lighting has expanded to Beacon Park this year. There will be a live video feed of the tree lighting, fire pits, Santa, Thronetta Davis performances, and interactive light installations by Quartier des spectacles, Montréal. There will also be free shuttles between Beacon Park and Campus Martius all evening.
You can find more information here.
Admission: Free
When: Friday, November 17 from 5:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m.
Where: Beacon Park 1903 Grand River Avenue, Detroit
3. Wayne County Lightfest at Hines Park
Get in the car and take a drive through Hines Park and enjoy the 47 plus holiday light displays. This is considered the midwest’s largest and longest light show.
You can find more information here.
Admission: $5 per vehicle
When: November 16 through December 31, 2017
Where: Entrance to the Wayne County Lightfest is 7651 Merriman Road Westland, Michigan
4. Bedrock Downtown Detroit Markets
Get your shopping done while you’re downtown at this years Downtown Detroit Markets. This year there will be 30 small businesses taking part in the markets this year.
Admission: Free
When: Friday, November 17, 2017 – Sunday, January 7, 2018 Hours: Monday-Thursday 11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Friday-Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., and Sunday 12:00 a.m.– 5:00 p.m.
Where: 1001 Woodward, Cadillac Square and Capital Park
5. Northwest Detroit Farmer’s Market Thanksgiving Market
A selection of local vendors like Baer Poultry Farm, Good Medicine Farm, Five Star Cakes, Sweet Potato Delights, Mo’ Jams and Jellies, GreenHouse Soups & Chili’s, Scott-Tish Bee and Honey, Simply Irresistible Popcorn and Mama Subee’s Kitchen will be offering their goods for an afternoon. There will be seasonal veggies and holiday décor as well.
You can find more information here.
Admission: Free
When: Sunday, November 19 from 1:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
Where: 19556 Grand River, Detroit
6. Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo
What is there to say about Wild Lights at The Detroit Zoo? The zoo has been turned into a winter wonderland filled with over 5 million LED lights.
Admission: Price range from $10 to $16 depending on the entrance time and day chosen. You can purchase tickets here. Word of advice, get your tickets now. They sell out quickly.
When: November 18-19, 24-26; December 1-3, 8-10, 15-17, 20-23, 26-31 5:30 to 9 p.m. select weeknights and Sundays • 5:30 pm. to 10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays
Where: The Detroit Zoo 8450 W.10 Mile Road, Royal Oak, Michigan 48067
7. Holiday Markets In Eastern Market
Michigan-made holiday shopping galore will happen at Eastern Market on six different days this year. Also, Santa will be by December 9 & 10!
You can find more information here.
Price: Admission is free.
When: Here are the dates: Tuesday, November 21; Sunday, November 26; Sunday, December 3; Sunday, December 10; Sunday, December 17; and Tuesday, December 19.
Where: Eastern Market, 2934 Russell Detroit, Michigan
8. America’s Thanksgiving Parade
What: The parade on Thanksgiving Day down Woodward is an annual tradition in downtown Detroit. It returns with floats and bands and fun for all ages. There are free spots to grab up the route and you can get tickets for the grandstands.
Price: Free to $70 if you want to be fancy with your tickets.
When: Thursday, November 23
Where: Downtown Detroit
9. BYOB Light Tour
If you’re looking to get on a luxury bus, drink all the things and see a bunch of lights, there’s a tour from Allstar Services that starts at the Rochester Tap Room, goes to the Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo, to a few other light displays, and then to Campus Martius and back. Remember to BYOB.
Admission: $48.75-$65. Tickets here.
When: Multiple days from November 24 to December 30.
Where: Rochester Tap Room. 6870 N Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, MI 48306
10. Meadow Brook Hall Holiday Walk
Take a stroll through Meadow Brook while it is decorated for the holidays. The tour will end with a candy cane lane to Santa and Sweets.
Admission: $20 for adults, $7.50 for children 17 and under, children under 2 are free. There are additional discounts for Oakland University faculty, staff, students, and alumni, and military with ID. You can purchase tickets here.
When: November 24 through December 23
Where: Meadow Brook Hall 350 Estate Drive Rochester, Michigan 48309
11. Made In The Mitten Holiday Market
Looking for some cool Michigan made products to give as gifts? Check out this holiday market at the Royal Oak Farmers Market. More information found here.
Admission: $2 for adults, children under 10 are free
When: Saturday, November 25 from 5:00 p.m.-11:00 p.m.
Where: Royal Oak Farmers Market 316 E 11 Mile Royal Oak, Michigan 48067
12. Santa’s Magic Forest
Taylor’s Heritage Park will be turned into Santa’s Magic Forest this holiday season. Come out and see Santa and check out the displays. Some of them are actually from the original Hudson Department Store downtown. The proceeds raised will go towards the Fish & Loaves Community Pantry.
Find out more information here.
Admission: $3, children under 3 are free. Pictures with Santa $8. Cash only
When: Saturday, November 25 through Saturday, December 23. Hours vary based on the day.
Where: Heritage Park 12111 Pardee Taylor, Michigan 48180
13. Good Karma Christmas Holiday Market and Party
This holiday market not only has an opportunity to pick up gifts but also allows you to give back to others as it is on “Giving Tuesday.” There will be local organizations and causes at the event. Bring an unwrapped gift to donate to the foster care program at the Judson Center.
You can find out more information about the organizations here.
Admission: Free
When: Tuesday, November 28 from 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
Where: The Loving Touch 22634 Woodward Avenue Ferndale, Michigan 48220
14. Canadian Pacific Holiday Train Viewing
Got a train lover in your home? Come check out the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train as it passes through Romulus. There will be concessions for sale. Bundle up, bring those lawn chairs, and some non-perishable foods to donate to area food banks.
Find more information here.
Admission: Free
When: Thursday, November 30 from 8:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.
Where: Downtown Romulus, North of the Romulus Historical Park, on Goddard Road.
15. Holiday Nights at Greenfield Village
Go back in time this season at Greenfield Village. The Main Street will be filled with holiday goods, food and warm beverages. The evening will finish off with a fireworks display.
Admission: $26 for adults, $23.50 for seniors and $19.50 for children 3-11. You can also have dinner with Santa or Holiday dinner at the Eagle Tavern. You can purchase tickets here.
When: December 1-3, 8-10, 15-17, 19-23, 26-7 and 29-30 from 6:30 p.m.-10:00 p.m.
Where: Greenfield Village 20900 Oakwood Boulevard, Dearborn, Michigan 48124
16. Detroit Urban Craft Fair
Looking for some fun and quirky gifts this holiday season? If so, head over to the Masonic Temple for this three-day craft fair. You’ll never know what you’ll find with over 100 different vendors.
You can find out more information here.
Admission: $10 on Friday for opening night and $1 on Saturday and Sunday. Children 12 and under are free.
When: Friday, December 1 through Sunday, December 3. Hours- Friday: 6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m., Saturday 10:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m., Sunday 11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Where: The Masonic Temple is located at 500 Temple Street Detroit, Michigan
17. Kris Kringle Market in Rochester
Downtown Rochester will be hosting the Kris Kringle Market. This open-air market will have shopping, specialty foods, fresh greens and wreaths, and handmade gifts.
You can find more information here.
Admission: Free
When: December 1-2, Hours: Friday 4:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m. and Saturday 12:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.
Where: W. Fourth Street between Walnut & Main in Downtown Rochester
18. Cranbrook House Holiday Splendor
Take a tour of the Cranbrook House as it is decorated with classic and contemporary trees, trains, and other holiday settings. Santa will also be at Cranbrook, so make your reservations now for the Santa Sighting.
Cranbrook will be a collection site for Mittens for Detroit, so bring a pair of gloves or mittens to donate.
Admission: $20 for general public, $15 for Cranbrook House & Gardens Auxiliary Members, $10 for children ages 5-10, children under the age of 4 are free. Purchase your tickets here.
When: Friday December 1 through Sunday, December 3. Hours Friday: 10:00 a.m.-4, Saturday and Sunday: 12:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
Where: Cranbrook House 380 Lone Pine Road Bloomfield Hills, MI 48303
19. Noel Night
This is the 45th year that Noel Night has taken place in Midtown and the Cultural Center. There are more than 100 institutions taking part in Noel Night. There will be carriage rides, holiday shopping, crafts, and live performances.
You can find all of the information for Noel Night here.
Admission: Free
When: Saturday, December 2, 2017, from 5:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Where: Multiple locations through Midtown and Cultural Center
20. Merry & Bright Nights at the Edsel & Eleanor Ford House
Check out the Grosse Pointe estate of Edsel and Eleanor Ford decked out for the holidays. There is a strolling holiday tour of the house. Get toasty by the fire with cocoa and s’mores outside for purchase. Kids can visit with Santa and participate in a scavenger hunt.
Admission: $20 for adults, $12 for children 2-12, children under 2 are free. You can purchase tickets here.
When: Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights, December 7-23
Where: The Edsel & Eleanor Ford House 1100 Lake Shore Road Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan 48236
21. Belle Isle Holiday Stroll
Enjoy the holidays on Detroit’s island jewel, Belle Isle. It’s free family friendly fun with an evening stroll through the Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory, Belle Isle Aquarium, Dossin Great Lakes Museum, the Belle Isle Nature Center, and the Detroit Boat Club. Cider, donuts, and good times!
Admission: Free
When: Friday, December 8 from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Where: Belle Isle State Park
22. Menorah In The D
Celebrate the Festival of Lights this year by coming down to Cadillac Square when the 26-foot Menorah will be lit. There will be food, drinks, and family activities throughout the night.
You can find more information here.
Admission: Free
When: Tuesday, December 12 at 6:00 p.m.
Where: Cadillac Square 600 Woodward Avenue Detroit, Michigan
23. 43rd Annual Boston-Edison Holiday Home Tour
Take a stroll through historic Boston-Edison during the 43rd annual holiday home tour. This year five homes will be open to visitors of the tour.
Admission: $15 per person. You can purchase tickets online.
When: Sunday, December 15 from 9:40 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Where: Check in for the tour at the Sacred Heart Seminary on the corner of Linwood Avenue and Chicago Boulevard.
24. Santa Pub Crawl Wyandotte
Get into the holiday spirit by going on this holiday inspired pub-crawl. Dress up like Santa, Mrs. Claus, reindeer, elves, or Grinch. Have a really ugly Christmas sweater? You can wear that too. There will be holiday cocktails at each bar, cookies, and a stocking.
Admission: Tickets are $15 in advance or $20 at the door.
When: Saturday, December 15. Hours 9:00 p.m.-12:00 a.m.
Where: Pub Crawl starts at Whiskey’s on the Water 2903 Biddle Avenue Wyandotte, Michigan 48192