Holiday Celebrations in Metro Detroit
Story by Biba Adams
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! The holiday season is upon us and after several years of collective challenges, many families in Metro Detroit are ready to celebrate.
And good news… There is plenty to do. Visit Detroit searched high and low for the best events that celebrate different faiths–many of which are free or low cost! So, while the weather outside is a tad bit frightful, we think you will find this list quite delightful!
Bright lights, big city!
Annual Detroit Tree Lighting
- Date: November 22
- Time: 4pm - 9pm
- Location: 800 Woodward Ave., Detroit, MI
The official Detroit Tree Lighting event is back in full effect. This year's event will feature over a half-million lights on a gigantic tree overlooking the ice skating rink at Campus Martius Park. The night will also feature amazing lighting attractions, horse-drawn carriage rides, holiday shopping, hot chocolate giveaways, food trucks, visits from Santa, and much more!
Tis the season!
50th Annual Noel Night
- Date: Saturday, December 7th
- Time: Daytime: 11am-5pm | Nighttime: 5pm-9pm
- Location: from Ferry Street to the north, Charlotte to the south, St. Antoine to the east and Third Avenue to the west.
Noel Night returns for its 50th anniversary with over 90 participating venues, this walkable holiday celebration features free indoor and outdoor programming, holiday shopping, stunning outdoor art installations, yuletide treats, caroling, family craft activities, artist demonstrations and performances by local and national artists. Noel Night is free and open to the public and produced by Midtown Detroit and Cultural Center.
Shine bright like a diamond!
Wayne County Lightfest
- Date: Wednesday - Sunday from Thursday, November 21, 2024 through December 24, 2024 and will be closed Monday and Tuesday evenings other than December 23 and December 24
- Time: 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
- Location: 7651 North Merriman Road
This annual holiday experience is a five-mile stretch of Hines Park featuring nearly 50 animated and themed displays and more than 100,000 lights is a family favorite with light displays that dazzle. It's all family-friendly with costs of only $5 per carload.
It's a sparkle that warms the spirit!
The Big Bright, Light Show!
- Date: November 25 - January 19, 2025
- Time: After sunset
- Location: Downtown Rochester
Illuminating downtown with over 1.5 million points of light, the Big, Bright Light Show is a staple of the Rochester community and it returns this year bigger and brighter than ever! The event was honored as one of the most magical ways to celebrate Christmas in Michigan. You’ll want to bring along your camera as you do a bit of seasonal shopping in lovely Rochester.
Experience child-like wonder!
Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo!
- Date: November: 23, 24, 29, 30 | December: 1, 6-8, 12-23, 26-31 | January: 2-5
- Time: Typically 5-10pm
- Location: 8450 W. 10 Mile Road, Royal Oak
Wild Lights is the Detroit Zoo's annual events where guests will enjoy masterfully designed light displays and festive vignettes featuring millions of twinkling LED lights illuminating buildings, trees, sculptures and a walk-through light tunnel! This year, the Enchanted Forest is back featuring a stroll through an immersive forest of lights while listening to the sounds of the season!
Candlelight to guide you through the night!
Menorah in the D
- Date: December 25
- Time: Doors open at 4:30pm
- Location: Campus Martius
Detroit’s largest Chanukah event includes a festive celebration featuring a giant menorah lighting, Chanukah games, food, Chanukah gelt, and a fire show. Guests can also donate and purchase a Lamplighter Kit for families who can not attend in person. It includes Chanukah candles, custom MITD light-up yoyo, Gelt, guide, and more!
It's that magical time of year!
Holiday Magic Marketplace
- Date: Thursday, December 5
- Time: 4pm - 9pm
- Location: Royal Oak Farmer's Market | 316 E 11 Mile Rd, Royal Oak
This year marks the 26th Annual Holiday Magic Marketplace located inside the Royal Oak Farmers Market. Over 60 local crafters and vendors will help you with your holiday shopping and decorating needs. The event is free and will include Free Cookies, Live Entertainment, Community Tree Lighting, and a Visit from Santa.
The holiday vibes begin now!
Palmer Woods Holiday Home Tour and Soiree
- Date: December 7
- Time: 3 - 10pm
- Location: Palmer Woods - Rose Estate
One of the more pricey events on our list, this event will allow guests the chance to tour five of Palmer Woods historically significant homes, lavishly dressed in holiday splendor. After the tour, guests will gather to enjoy great food and entertainment.
Holiday lights and hot cocoa, say less!
Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village
- Date: December 5-8, 11-15, 18-23, 26-28
- Time: 6:30 -10:00 p.m.
- Location: 20900 Oakwood Boulevard, Dearborn
At Historic Greenfield Village you can stroll down Main Street, brimming with holiday goods, food and warm beverages, or take a ride on a historic Model T, carousel or horse-drawn wagon. Warm up in historic homes as we open the doors to centuries of favorite family traditions. From the finest tinseled detail to the fireworks-filled sky that marks each evening’s finale, make our holiday story a cherished part of your own.
Bringing the magic of the holidays to life!
Cirque Du Soleil - 'Twas the Night Before'
- Date: December 20 -31
- Time: Varies between 12pm matinee shows and 8pm night time shows
- Location: The Fox Theatre - 2211 Woodward Ave, Detroit
"‘Twas the Night Before…” by Cirque du Soleil is an exhilarating spin on the beloved Christmas classic as only Cirque du Soleil could imagine. Join Isabella, a curious girl, jaded by the craze surrounding Christmas, as she is whisked away to an upside-down, inside-out world of the poem where she meets colorful characters of this timeless classic.
Celebrate the warmth of community and culture!
The Motor City Kwanzaa Kinara
- Date: TBD
- Time: 5pm
- Location: Campus Martius
Celebrating the unveiling of the world's largest Kwanzaa Kinara at Campus Martius as the brand new 30-foot Kinara is lit for the first time. The Kinara will join the world's largest Menorah and our state's largest Christmas tree, as people of all backgrounds come downtown to celebrate their faith and culture this holiday season.
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