Things to do in Detroit in November

Ready or not, November marks the start of the holiday season in Detroit! If you're ready to dive headfirst into a winter wonderland, mark your calendar with these festive events.

21st Annual Detroit Tree Lighting at Campus Martius - November 22

Deck out your holiday season in style and enjoy spectacular live entertainment, Olympic figure skaters, and award-winning local performers and skating clubs. The night will also feature amazing lighting attractions, holiday shopping, hot chocolate giveaways, food trucks, visits from Santa, and much more!

Detroit Winter Markets - Opening November 7

Enjoy holiday shopping at the Downtown Detroit Markets 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 - Opening November 23rd

Open seven days a week, including holidays, from November 23rd through March. Rent skates at the rink or bring your own and enjoy the crisp winter air while taking in the stunning downtown Detroit views.

1001 Winter Wonders - Opening November 14

You know him, and you love him! The jolly man in the red suit is back and waiting for your visit this holiday season at 1001 Woodward. Santa will be available for free, first come, first served photos through December 24.

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 holiday season.

Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) festivities usually take place from October 28 to November 2 each year in Mexico and are celebrated in Latin American countries, the US, and Canada as well. The annual celebration is a time for families to gather, honor and remember deceased loved ones. It is believed that the souls of the dead return to visit the living relatives in homes, businesses, and cemeteries. You can celebrate in Detroit with the following events:

Día de los Muertos on the Detroit Riverfront – November 2

2nd Annual Día de Muertos Tianguis/Festival at La Jalisciense Supermercado Y Taqueria - October 31-November 3

Run of the Dead in Southwest Detroit – November 2

Ofrendas: Celebrating el Día de Muertos at the Detroit Institute of Arts – through November 3

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 Metro itinerary!

Wayne County Lightfest at Hines Park - Opening November 21

The Big, Bright Light Show in Downtown Rochester - Opening November 25

Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo - Opening November 23

Winter Wonder Lights at Meadow Brook Hall - Opening November 29 (You can also enjoy Holiday Tea and a Holiday Walk at Meadow Brook this season)

Aurora at Glenlore Trails - Opening November 15

Magic of Lights at Pine Knob Music Theatre Pine Knob Music Theatre becomes a vibrant drive-through light display-Opening November 22

Elevate your holiday cheer with these stage performances, fusing time-honored traditions and exciting new experiences.

Elf The Musical at the Fox Theatre - November 6-10

The Nutcracker at the Music Hall Center for Performing Arts - November 23

A Charlie Brown Christmas Live On Stage at the Fox Theatre - November 24

How the Grinch Stole Christmas at the Fox Theatre - November 27-December 1

While the holidays are a highlight, there's more to be excited about in Detroit this November! Thanksgiving day carries its own excitement, drawing in both residents and visitors with fun. Catch America's favorite Thanksgiving Day parade or the Lions taking on their annual turkey day opponent!

Strategic Staffing Solutions Turkey Trot - November 28

America's Thanksgiving Day Parade Presented by Gardner White from The Parade Company - November 28

Detroit Lions vs. Chicago Bears at Ford Field - November 28


In addition to these Thanksgiving traditions, you can check out these Detroit events:

All Things Detroit: Holiday Experience at Eastern Market - November 3

Motor City Comic Con - Fall Edition at Suburban Collection Showplace - November 8-10

Fall Fest At Columbia Street by The District Detroit November 1-15

Stay warm in the chilly late fall air with a trip to one of Detroit's incredible museums. There are tons of exhibits and things to explore in November.

Fiber Fluxx Exhibition at CCS Valade Family Gallery – A. Alfred Taubman Center for Design Education- beginning on November 8

World Ballet Company: Swan Lake at Flagstar Strand Theatre - November 8

Pistons, Redwings, and Lions games throughout November.