10 Things To Do in Detroit This Weekend

The annual Downtown Detroit Markets have returned to Cadillac Square this winter, making it easier than ever for you to do your holiday shopping while supporting small businesses! With more than a dozen local vendors present, the Downtown Detroit Markets bring a wide variety of family-friendly activities, promotions, and engagements for its many festive visitors.

Explore a winter wonderland of activities at the Monroe Street Midway, now through January! Enjoy winter bumper cars, the Arctic slide, puck-putt, the arcade, and more!

Tis the season! The Rink at Campus Martius Park opens this weekend! The experienced team will ensure that from the moment you step out onto the ice, your visit will be unforgettable. There are also spots all over the Detroit metro area for ice skating this season. Check them all out in our blog here.

Shop new Pewabic work included in their Winter 2023 Collection alongside Independent Artist work from across the country. Explore the gift shop and visit the current exhibition displayed in the second-floor gallery entitled “Pewabic: Detroit’s Pottery” when you visit. Founded in 1903, Pewabic is one of the oldest continually operating potteries in the country.

Meet Santa Claus in the winter wonderland that is Detroit! The jolly man in red will be awaiting your visit at 1001 Woodward Ave. between Nov. 16 and Dec. 24! Santa will be available for photos, first come first served, on Thursdays and Fridays from 4 to 8 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 12 to 4 p.m.

Holiday time is the best time in metro Detroit, and the light displays that happen throughout the area are incredible. Hundreds of thousands of lights and other major holiday displays are scattered throughout some of the coolest places in metro Detroit and Downtown Detroit. You can check out a different display leading up to Christmas each week. Check out our list of the best holiday light displays in Michigan.

All are invited to take part in FREE festive trolley rides with five stops across downtown Detroit to shop, explore, and enjoy throughout the holiday season. With stops at Book Tower, Capitol Park, Campus Martius Park, Parker’s Alley, and Columbia Street, you’ll get a great tour of the downtown area and plenty of opportunities to shop for everyone on your holiday list!

Head to Eastern Market for the 7th annual Tequila Festival, where you will be treated to samples of the finest brands of premium and ultra-premium tequilas. This exciting tasting event will have over 80 tequilas to choose from. The event features tequila liqueurs, creams, infusions, flavored tequilas and mezcals, and a variety of exotic margaritas.

Make dinner reservations at your favorite restaurant downtown and get ready for the best date night ever! Whether you’re looking to laugh until your cheeks hurt or sing your heart out, you’re sure to be thrilled with the live entertainment options this weekend in Detroit. Don’t miss Disney’s Frozen, Trevor K. Wilson, A Magical Cirque Christmas, Brian McKnight, Doja Cat, Darren Criss, and more!

You can save on your next trip to Detroit when you sign up for our digital passes! The Detroit Brew Trail the perfect opportunity for visitors, locals, and beer savants alike, to explore the whole region, support local businesses, and immerse themselves into all things Detroit-centric. Enjoy pizza, beer, and the best of Detroit’s attractions on your next visit with a digital pass from Visit Detroit.