Glimmering light displays, outdoor ice skating, and visits with Santa mark the holiday season in Detroit, Michigan.
As a born and raised Metro Detroiter, I celebrate every Christmas with my family in the Detroit area. To spread the holiday cheer, I’ve rounded up 20 of the most joyfully festive things to do in Detroit and the metro area during the holiday season!
I also offer more good tidings in my guide to Metro Detroit’s holiday pop-up bars and this roundup of magical Christmas destinations in the Midwest.
Disclosure: This guide to holiday events in Detroit contains some affiliate links. When you click on one of these links, make a purchase, or book your hotel, I may earn a commission.
Festive Things to Do in Detroit for the Holidays
Attend the Detroit Tree Lighting
The holiday season officially arrives in Detroit with the annual ceremonial lighting of the Motor City’s Christmas tree at Campus Martius Park in Downtown Detroit on the Friday before Thanksgiving.
This year, watch in awe as the 62-foot, Michigan-grown Norway Spruce twinkles with over 25,000 multi-color lights at the 22nd annual Detroit Tree Lighting from 4 to 9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 21.
This festive event features live musical and figure skating performances and appearances from celebrity guests and local legends. In years past, performers have included Olympic figure skater Nathan Chen and ice dancers Meryl Davis and Charlie White. Holiday merriment continues with visits from Santa, holiday shopping, hot cocoa, and food trucks!
For more information about the Detroit Tree Lighting Ceremony, please refer to the Downtown Detroit Partnership. If you are visiting Detroit for the tree lighting, I recommend staying downtown at the Shinola Hotel or the Detroit Foundation Hotel.
Go Holiday Shopping at the Downtown Detroit Markets at Cadillac Square
From Nov. 12 through Jan. 4, 2026, the Downtown Detroit Markets offer small, local shopping this holiday season. These tiny gift shops in glass huts at Cadillac Square feature 18 Detroit-area vendors and artisans.
With unique and artisanal items, such as home décor, specialty and vintage apparel, gourmet food items, toys, and more, you will surely find stocking stuffers and gifts to put under your Christmas tree.
Once you’ve finished shopping in the outdoor market, step inside the Cadillac Lodge. The heated tent, with its ski-lodge aesthetic, is a cozy space to sip hot cocoa or seasonal cocktails.
Please refer to the Decked Out Detroit website for the full list of participating vendors and market hours.
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Ice Skate at Campus Martius Park Rink
With Detroit’s Christmas tree setting a festive backdrop, ice skating around the outdoor rink at Campus Martius Park is a family-friendly holiday activity.
This is also one of the best things to do in Detroit at night during the holiday season. The rink typically remains open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays from late November through late December.
The rink also remains open on holidays, making this one of the few festive activities in Detroit that you can do on Christmas Day.
Please refer to the Downtown Detroit Partnership for more information about the Rink at Campus Martius Park.
Detroit Insider Tip: Make dinner reservations well in advance at Parc Detroit to dine amid the dazzling holiday lights and in view of the skating rink at Campus Martius Park during the holiday season!
Visit Santa at 1001 Winter Wonders
Step inside 1001 Woodward Avenue to a magical winter wonderland right in the heart of Downtown Detroit. Running Nov. 13 through Dec. 24, this holiday event is one of the best (and free) ways to visit Santa in the Motor City.
During your visit to 1001 Winter Wonders, share your Christmas wishlist and capture a memorable family portrait with the jolly ol’ elf. Photos with Santa are free at this joyous holiday attraction, but dress warm to stand in line for your holiday photo op!
For more information and 1001 Winter Wonders hours, visit the Decked Out Detroit website.
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Relive Detroit Holiday Traditions at Hudson’s for the Holidays
Detroit holiday traditions have been reimagined at Hudson’s for the Holidays along Nick Gilbert Way, the plaza connecting Woodward Avenue and Farmer Street through Jan. 4, 2026.
The old J.L. Hudson Department Store was known for its decorative holiday window displays, a tradition that has returned with festive installations from the Detroit Historical Society, Design Core, ALO, Tecovas, and General Motors.
Another revitalized Hudson’s tradition is the annual release of the Hudson Santa Bear, a white teddy bear adorned in a new holiday outfit each year from 1986 to 2007. At Hudson’s for the Holidays, you can pick up The Bear at Hudson’s sporting a dark blue winter scarf.
This festive plaza is decked in holiday décor, including a giant teddy bear and a North Pole mailbox for sending letters to Santa. There will also be visits from Mrs. Claus and Santa’s elves, photo and shopping opportunities, and delicious treats, including warm donuts, roasted nuts, and pastries from the new French-inspired café truck Un Deux Trois throughout the season.
For hours and more information about Hudson’s for the Holidays, visit the Hudson’s website.
See Beacon Park’s Holiday Lights as You Dine in a Chalet
During the holiday season, Downtown Detroit’s 1.2-acre Beacon Park is decorated in 125,000 dazzling holiday lights. This year’s Candyland display features a giant gingerbread house, a walk-through candy cane arch and snowflake, a life-size gingerbread man, and plenty more festive backdrops for Instagrammable moments.
This gleaming holiday display illuminates on Nov. 21 at the annual Light Up Beacon Park. Starting at 5 p.m., see the lighting of the park’s 20-ft, Michigan-grown White Fir holiday tree, and enjoy holiday music and seasonal drinks and treats.
One of the best ways to view Beacon Park’s holiday lights throughout the holiday season is while or after dining in a private, heated chalet at Lumen Detroit. After a delicious dinner of seasonal modern American fare and craft beverages, take a stroll through the park and stop for festive photo ops.
For more information about Beacon Park’s holiday events, visit DTE’s Empowering Michigan site. To see the Lumen’s current hours and menu, check out lumendetroit.com. If you are planning a merry night out in Detroit to dine at Lumen, stay near Beacon Park at ROOST Detroit inside the recently restored Book Tower.
Detroit Insider Tip: Reserve a chalet at Lumen Detroit in advance! I also recommend wearing a sweater or other warm, long-sleeved top so you can shed your coat inside the chalet. Each chalet has a heater that will keep you toasty warm until you bundle up again to walk through Beacon Park’s brilliant holiday lights display.
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Watch the Detroit Thanksgiving Parade
With lively marching bands, animated floats, celebrity appearances, and larger-than-life, helium-filled balloons traversing the three-mile parade route along Detroit’s historic Woodward Avenue, America’s Thanksgiving Day Parade® presented by Gardiner-White is a marvelous holiday spectacle.
The parade has also been a cherished Detroit holiday tradition for over a century. It all began in 1924 — the same year that Macy’s began its Thanksgiving parade in New York — with a horse-pulled Mother Goose float, four papier-mâché heads, and seven marching bands. Over the past 100+ years, Mother Goose has never missed a parade. In recent years, she appeared on The Detroit News‘ float alongside Humpty Dumpty and nimble Jack jumping over the candlestick.
The parade begins at 8:45 a.m. Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 27) at the intersection of Kirby Street and Woodward Avenue. It typically lasts 1.5 hours as the parade marches down Woodward Avenue to Congress Street in Downtown Detroit. Of course, the holiday magic culminates with Santa Claus’s arrival on his custom sleigh with eight reindeer.
To watch the parade, you can purchase grandstand seats for $60-70 in advance, line up along the parade route, tune into WDIV Local 4, or stream the parade on WDIV’s website. For more information about the parade, including where to find parking, please refer to The Parade Company.
Detroit Insider Tip: For a Thanksgiving weekend getaway to Detroit, stay along the parade route at the AC Hotel Detroit at the Bonstelle, the Shinola Hotel, or the Hotel David Whitney, Autograph Collection.
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See a Holiday Show at the Fox Theatre
Dressing up for a holiday show at the historic Fox Theatre is a time-honored tradition in Detroit.
Holiday shows at the Fox Theatre for the 2025 season include:
- A Christmas Story, The Musical, Nov. 14 – 16
- Christmas Together featuring Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith and CeCe Winans, Dec. 1
- Rain – A Beatles Christmas Tribute, Dec. 3
- A Magical Cirque Christmas, Dec. 5
- Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet, Dec. 7
- Cirque Dreams Holidaze, Dec. 9 – 14
- Meredith Wilson’s Miracle on 34th Street The Musical, Dec. 16 – 18
- Champions of Magic: Holiday Spectacular, Dec. 21
- Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis, Dec. 23
- A Night of Holiday Soul featuring Will Downing, Leela James, and Avery*Sunshine, Dec. 27
To purchase tickets for these holiday shows, visit the 313 Presents website. For a holiday getaway to see a show at the Fox Theatre, stay near Foxtown at the Hotel David Whitney, Autograph Collection, in one of Detroit’s historic skyscrapers.
Detroit Insider Tip: Grab pre- or post-show drinks at one of the cheery Christmas pop-up bars in Detroit! Near the Fox, stop into Union Assembly beginning Nov. 21 for its kitschy and pink Cocktails & Cable Knits pop-up, or make a family-friendly stop at JoJo’s Shake Bar’s Winter Wonderland for a booze-optional peppermint milkshake garnished with a donut-hole snowman, marshmallow present, Christmas tree cookie, and a candy cane.
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Listen to a Holiday Concert at Orchestra Hall
Alternatively, if you love traditional Christmas carols or want to watch your favorite Christmas movies with the orchestra performing the score, celebrate the holiday season with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra!
Holiday concerts in 2025 at Orchestra Hall include:
- Winter Wonderland (Family-friendly concert), 11 a.m. Dec. 6
- Love Actually (Movie with DSO performing the score live), 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10
- Home for the Holidays (Holiday concerts with special guests), Dec. 12 – 14
- Holiday Brass (Holiday concert), 7:30 p.m. Dec. 18
- Trisha Yearwood (Holiday concert with the DSO), 8 p.m. Dec. 19
- Home Alone (Movie with DSO performing the score live), Dec. 20 -21
Visit the DSO website for more information about the Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s holiday concerts and to purchase tickets.
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Metro Detroit Holiday Events in Wayne County
Greenfield Village Holiday Nights
Join Santa, live reindeer, and carolers to step back in time for one of the most unique Christmas experiences in the United States. Annually held at The Henry Ford in Dearborn, Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village features homes and shops decorated for Christmas, holiday cooking and skilled artisan demonstrations, live music, and holiday vignettes in period attire.
To purchase tickets and find more information about Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village, visit The Henry Ford’s website. If you are attending Holiday Nights, I recommend staying at the historic Dearborn Inn, Autograph Collection, which recently reopened after renovations, or The Henry, Autograph Collection.
Detroit Insider Tip: It is best to purchase Holiday Nights tickets well in advance because general admission tickets for weekend dates quickly sell out. If you reside in Southeast Michigan or regularly visit the Detroit area, it’s worth considering a membership to The Henry Ford. Members get a 15% on Holiday Nights tickets, receive complimentary parking, and have access to a members-only shuttle for $5/person.
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Ford House Christmas Events
Throughout the holiday season, the grounds of the historic Edsel and Eleanor Ford estate in Grosse Pointe Shores is decorated for a host of tours and holiday events. Festivities include 50-minute guided tours of the mansion, a one-mile walk through the property’s illuminated gardens, brunch with Santa, holiday tea, and more.
Visit the Ford House website to purchase tickets for Home for the Holidays at Ford House and other holiday tours and events.
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Wayne County Lightfest
Beginning at Merriman Hollow Park in Westland, drive through 4.5 miles filled with more than 45 colorful, twinkling holiday light displays of 100,000 lights along Hines Drive in the Detroit area’s Wayne County. Along the way, stop at Perrin Park to mail letters to Santa, take photos at the walk-through gift box, and get a snack from one of the food trucks. The Wayne County Lightfest runs from late November through New Year’s Eve, but it is closed on Christmas Day.
For hours, admission prices, and more information, visit the Wayne County website.
Oakland County Holiday Festivities
Glenlore Trails Aurora
Take a wintry walk through an illuminated forest this holiday season at Glenlore Trails Aurora! Your nighttime stroll takes you through an immersive light display as you help the Winter Wizards save the holiday spirit from being dimmed by the creeping gloom. Along the way, pose for memorable photos and sip warm cocoa (or a boozy libation) from a concession stand along the trail. This fantastical winter trail walk in Commerce Township runs on Thursday through Sunday from Nov. 21 through Dec. 28, but it is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas.
For more information and to purchase tickets for Aurora, visit the Glenlore Trails website.
Magic of Lights at Pine Knob Music Theatre
Millions of dazzling lights are aglow at Pine Knob Music Theatre in Clarkston for a 1.5-mile drive-thru light show. In the comfort of your own vehicle, drive through an enchanting tunnel of twinkling lights, past larger-than-life holiday displays, animated installations, and beloved Christmas characters. The light show runs from Nov. 21 through Jan. 3, 2026, and is even open on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve.
For more information and to purchase advance tickets for the Magic of Lights, visit the Magic of Lights website.
Detroit Zoo’s Wild Lights
Explore an enchanted rainforest, stroll through a twinkling light tunnel, and be dazzled by millions of shining lights illuminating trees, buildings, and hundreds of sculptures during Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak. This family-friendly holiday lights display takes about 1.5 hours to walk through, but plan to spend extra time to meet Santa, sip hot chocolate around a fire pit, go on a carousel ride, or enjoy s’mores, live entertainment, and a full bar in the Wild Lights Lodge. Wild Lights runs on select dates from Nov. 22 through Jan. 4, 2026.
To purchase tickets online and learn more about Wild Lights, visit the Wild Lights website.
Detroit Insider Tip: Round out your festive night in Royal Oak by visiting one of the nearby holiday pop-up bars. Sip Christmas cocktails or dine in an igloo at Jingle at Ale Mary’s Beer Hall in Royal Oak’s downtown, or toast to the season with kitschy holiday drinks at Miracle at The Oakland in nearby Ferndale.
Royal Oak Outdoor Ice Skating Rink and Holiday Festivities
The outdoor skating rink at Centennial Commons Park in Royal Oak reopens for the 2025-2026 winter season with visits from Santa, mini carnival rides, live music, and ice skating from 4 to 9 p.m. Nov. 21. Then, each weekend features fun holiday festivities, such as marshmallow roasting stations, horse and wagon rides, holiday markets, ice sculptures, visits from Santa and the Grinch, and more.
For information regarding hours, pricing, parking, and additional events visit The Rink at Royal Oak and Royal Oak Holidays websites.
The Big, Bright Light Show in Rochester
If there is one Metro Detroit suburb that does Christmas like a small town in a Hallmark Channel movie, it is Rochester. In this Oakland County city, downtown businesses are aglow with 1.5 million bright and colorful holiday lights each night from Nov. 24 through Jan. 18, 2026. It all kicks off with Lagniappe, strolling carol singers, Santa, and the annual lighting of the Big, Bright Light Show in Downtown Rochester from 5 to 9 p.m. on Nov. 24.
Visit the Rochester DDA website to learn more about things to do in Downtown Rochester during the Big Bright Light Show.
Detroit Insider Tip: Planning a festive trip to Downtown Rochester and/or Meadow Brook Hall during the holiday season? Make it a festive weekend getaway by booking a room at the luxurious Royal Park Hotel, which has a holiday pop-up bar open every Thursday through Sunday from Nov. 13 through New Year’s Eve.
Meadow Brook Hall Holiday Walk & Winter Wonder Lights
The holiday season is a wonderful time to go to the historic Meadow Brook Hall in Rochester. Visit during the day for the Holiday Walk to view the mansion’s 110 rooms elegantly decorated for the holidays. You’ll see more than 50 Christmas trees, including a 10-ft tree made of 150 poinsettia plants, flickering fireplaces, gleaming lights, and holiday trims at every turn. In the evening, take in the mansion illuminated in a dazzling holiday lights display during Winter Wonder Lights, an outdoor event featuring s’mores, bonfires, seasonal beverages, and food trucks. Both events run from Nov. 28 through Dec. 30, and Meadow Brook Hall also hosts elegant afternoon teas and more festivities during the holiday season.
Visit Meadow Brook Hall’s website for more information and to purchase tickets for the Holiday Walk and Winter Wonder Lights.
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Canterbury Village Holiday Stroll
Canterbury Village in Lake Orion becomes a magical winter wonderland during the annual Holiday Stroll. As you walk through the charming shopping village, you’ll be dazzled by nearly a million twinkling lights, musical light shows, and greetings from beloved holiday characters, including Santa and Mrs. Claus, the Grinch, Buddy the Elf, and Frozen’s Elsa. Along the way, browse the boutiques and gift shops, and stop at Yates Cider Mill for toasty beverages and tasty treats.
For more information about the Canterbury Village Holiday Stroll and to purchase tickets, visit the Canterbury Village website.
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Macomb County Holiday Events
Blake Farms Holiday Festivities
If you’re looking for the ultimate Christmas wonderland for a Hallmark-worthy family gathering or date night, Blake Farms is the place to go this holiday season. At the Armada farm, about an hour’s drive northeast of Detroit, cut down your own Christmas tree, go ice skating, sip holiday cocktails, visit Santa, and shop for festive holiday gifts all in one place.
To learn more about the holiday festivities at Blake Farms, check out the Blake Farms website.
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Take this Detroit Holiday Guide on the Go
I recommend downloading this guide to the Detroit area’s holiday events and attractions. Not only can you access this list of festive activities while on the go, but the downloadable version is also embedded with GPS coordinates to help you map your walking or driving route.
Also, GPSmyCity offers even more self-guided walking tours and GPS-embedded travel articles for Detroit.
If you are wondering what GPSmyCity is and how to use the app, I’ve created this handy guide explaining why it’s such a helpful resource for travelers.
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Save this pin to your ‘Michigan’ or ‘Christmas’ boards on Pinterest!
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in December 2019, and it is updated annually. Also, one of my family members is now employed by Bedrock, which owns the Shinola Hotel and sponsors several Detroit holiday events.
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What a fun guide. I love that you even have a map and coupons!
thats so cool. I live on the other end of the world but I will come visit someday =)
xoxo
franzi powder brows
I´ve visited the USA a lot in Autumn months but would love to spend sometime at Christmastime.. looks fabulous
Just like what I found in the Phoenix area. US cities know how to celebrate the Holidays!
Detroit is so close to Toronto and there are so many festive things to do, it sounds as though it’s well worth visiting over the holidays! I’d especially love to see the Ford House 1969 floral-themed holiday decor!
I love heading about various cities and all of the Christmas festivities! Cities like Detriot and Chicago do way more than Minneapolis, for instance. Thanks for sharing!