Things To Do in Detroit in December

When you visit Detroit in December, make sure that you're ready to celebrate! If you're ready to dive headfirst into a winter wonderland, mark your calendar with these festive events.

Observe Winter Holidays in Downtown Detroit

Campus Martius Park:

All month, marvel at the 66-foot tall, Michigan-grown Christmas tree at Campus Martius Park. Through December 24, enjoy a whimsical experience at 1001 Winter Wonders, including free photos with Santa. On December 25, Menorah in the D lights up Cadillac Square, where the 26-foot Detroit Menorah stands for the eight nights of Chanukah. On December 26, the Kwanzaa Kinara will be lit. The 30-foot-tall monument brings a celebration of African-American life, community, and culture to Campus Martius Park.

Detroit Winter Markets - all month long

While the kids play at the Midway, you can enjoy holiday shopping at the Downtown Detroit Markers at Cadillac Square. With more than a dozen local vendors present, the markets bring a wide variety of family-friendly activities, promotions, and engagements for visitors all season long.

The Rink at Campus Martius Park - all month long

The Rink at Campus Martius Park presented by Visit Detroit is open seven days a week, including holidays, until March 3. Rent skates at the rink or bring your own and enjoy the crisp winter air while taking in the stunning downtown Detroit views.

Midtown Detroit:

On December 7, experience the 50th annual Noel Night, a festive “open house” across more than 110 venues, including the Detroit Institute of Arts and the Charles H. Wright Museum. This free day-long event features holiday shopping, craft activities, and performances by over 150 local music, theater, and dance groups. Highlights include the Ice Scraper’s Challenge, glass-blowing demonstrations, and a community sing-along led by the Salvation Army Band.

Greektown:

The second annual Holidays in Greektown transforms the historic neighborhood into a winter wonderland. On December 21, explore twenty holiday and Greek-themed ice sculptures along Monroe Street, with four being carved live. Enjoy Christmas caroling, a special appearance by Santa, and warm up with hot chocolate, holiday treats, and seasonal specials at the area’s restaurants and bars, including Astoria Pastry Shop and the Three Legged Goat.

Corktown:

Detroit’s oldest neighborhood, Corktown is a must-visit. In North Corktown, the Let It Snow Festival
on December 14 features live music, food and beverages plus kid-friendly activities, arts and crafts, a holiday photo booth and more.

Skating downtown, award-winning holiday lighting, shopping with local pop-up retailers, and enjoying the best of Detroit's restaurants should all be on your list for a visit this December. Before you head out, be sure to double-check the hours of the spots on your list, as some may be closed on certain days throughout the season.

Detroit's metro area is decked out with holiday light displays and spectacles. Make your list, check it twice, and find out which of these activations makes it to the top of your Detroit itinerary!

Wayne County Lightfest at Hines Park - through December 24

Holiday Nights at Greenfield Village - through December 28

Magic of Lights at Pine Knob - through December 30

Aurora at Glenlore Trails - through December 29

Home for the Holidays at the Ford House - through December 22

Winter Wonder Lights at Meadow Brook Hall - through December 30 (You can also enjoy Holiday Tea and a Holiday Walk at Meadow Brook this season)

The Big, Bright Light Show in Downtown Rochester - through January 19

Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo - through January 7

Looking for even more lights? Check out our list of the best holiday light displays in the Detroit area.

Boost your festive spirit with stage performances that blend timeless traditions and memorable new experiences.

Mariah Carey - Merry Christmas One And All at Little Caesars Arena - December 1

Cirque Dreams Holidaze at the Fox Theatre - December 1-3

Million Dollar Quartet Christmas at the Fisher Theatre - December 2-3

Celtic Woman Christmas Symphony at Hollywood Casino at Greektown - December 3

One Sleepy Night - An Original Musical with a Detroit Vibe at the Garden Theater - December 6-9

The Hip Hop Nutcracker at the Fisher Theatre - December 9

Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet at the Fox Theatre - December 10

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer - The Musical at the Fisher Theatre - December 15-16

Holiday Cabaret at the Detroit Public Theatre - through December 17

Disney's Frozen at the Detroit Opera House - through December 17

Manheim Steamroller Christmas at the Fox Theatre - December 17

The Illusionist Magic of the Holidays at the Fox Theatre - December 21-23

Trans-Siberian Orchestra at Little Caesars Arena - December 23

For more on-stage holiday fun, check out our full calendar of events.

While the holidays are a highlight, there's also tons of fun to be had rooting on your favorite team at sporting events in December.

2023 Continental Tire Motor City Invitational - Michigan State vs. Baylor at Little Caesars Arena - December 16

2023 Quick Lane Bowl at Ford Field - December 26

Plus, you can cheer on the Red Wings, Pistons, and the Lions and experience all of the excitement of game day in downtown Detroit.

Get all of your holiday shopping done at the Downtown Detroit Markets, Eastern Market, downtown shops, and metro area malls.

It's also the perfect time to sign up for any of our digital passes to save money and earn prizes while you're out and about in Detroit. You can use your Explore Detroit Pass to check out exhibits like Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History or Mandela: The Official Exhibition at the Henry Ford Museum for American Innovation. You can also use the Detroit Brew Trail and Detroit Pizza Pass to explore exciting and delicious new food and drink options in Detroit.