Ring in the Holiday Season
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.
20th Annual Detroit Tree Lighting at Campus Martius - November 17
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!
Monroe Street Midway - Opening November 9
Through January 7, experience a world of winter fun at the Monroe Street Midway with an arctic sled slide, bumper cars, an indoor arcade, puck-putt, and more! This winter season, the Midway will feature new interactive art activations in addition to the amazing original artwork that decks out the space.
Detroit Winter Markets - Opening November 9
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 - Opening November 18
The Rink at Campus Martius Park presented by Visit Detroit is open seven days a week, including holidays, from November 18th 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 16
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.
![downtown Detroit lit up for Christmas tree lighting aerial view](https://visit-detroit.imgix.net/images/2022-Detroit-Tree-Lighting-Ceremony.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=83c05a99a78d482b31a833d3cbe463d4 320w, https://visit-detroit.imgix.net/images/2022-Detroit-Tree-Lighting-Ceremony.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=8b6bba29ede62a4b76dbbe64215f6346 540w, https://visit-detroit.imgix.net/images/2022-Detroit-Tree-Lighting-Ceremony.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=21ef45103e8816832f6a2a9a9c3446b4 768w, https://visit-detroit.imgix.net/images/2022-Detroit-Tree-Lighting-Ceremony.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=f7482fb86fe64333390361a296a6b9e5 1024w, https://visit-detroit.imgix.net/images/2022-Detroit-Tree-Lighting-Ceremony.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=0f451a85fcc30a934dce37d8ff7e084b 1080w)
Celebrate Día de Muertos
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 – October 28
Inaugural Día de Muertos Tianguis/Festival at La Jalisciense Supermercado Y Taqueria - November 2
Run of the Dead in Southwest Detroit – November 4
Ofrendas: Celebrating el Día de Muertos at the Detroit Institute of Arts – through November 5
![Ste. Anne de Detroit Catholic Church with flowers and photographs ofrenda](https://visit-detroit.imgix.net/images/IMG_4657-3.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=e5de81f1233f0b884ef40c25ba24fa36 320w, https://visit-detroit.imgix.net/images/IMG_4657-3.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=28fd3ade1c6516987a93418df139430e 540w, https://visit-detroit.imgix.net/images/IMG_4657-3.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=3c376ec56128af21934eb488ab1a4f86 768w, https://visit-detroit.imgix.net/images/IMG_4657-3.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=734ebdd76b1c08c8f7c73ee34ddac7b4 1024w, https://visit-detroit.imgix.net/images/IMG_4657-3.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=951a52271d8191481acbc8f0117d3405 1200w, https://visit-detroit.imgix.net/images/IMG_4657-3.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=126a7928382c5567398ed292dd8acca4 1440w, https://visit-detroit.imgix.net/images/IMG_4657-3.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=08a8f82b4f092a292bee77c8394af627 1920w, https://visit-detroit.imgix.net/images/IMG_4657-3.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=2560&s=708936afb5c7a78c25c006203dc95ccf 2560w, https://visit-detroit.imgix.net/images/IMG_4657-3.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=3840&s=afc570041d72afa6c688d38c9a35f52a 3024w)
Light Up the Night
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 - Opening November 16
The Big, Bright Light Show in Downtown Rochester - Opening November 20
Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo - Opening November 24
Winter Wonder Lights at Meadow Brook Hall - Opening November 24 (You can also enjoy Holiday Tea and a Holiday Walk at Meadow Brook this season)
Aurora at Glenlore Trails - Opening November TBD 2023
![child enjoying christmas lights](https://visit-detroit.imgix.net/images/searraliggett-Instagram-3555-ig-17892196835528810.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=5dcc6e9121621e985be8dc5665decac5 320w, https://visit-detroit.imgix.net/images/searraliggett-Instagram-3555-ig-17892196835528810.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=633225e73255ed7d8d28ba1b4000fbf4 540w, https://visit-detroit.imgix.net/images/searraliggett-Instagram-3555-ig-17892196835528810.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=5a900bdcfb234bb802a70596f08a4225 768w, https://visit-detroit.imgix.net/images/searraliggett-Instagram-3555-ig-17892196835528810.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=ca21671bddde543461abb23ec49f534f 1024w, https://visit-detroit.imgix.net/images/searraliggett-Instagram-3555-ig-17892196835528810.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=f2b99f78ba94cdc156f72f398265680c 1080w)
Seasonal Spectacles
Elevate your holiday cheer with these stage performances, fusing time-honored traditions and exciting new experiences.
Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas at the Fox Theatre - November 8-12
Holiday Cabaret at the Detroit Public Theatre - November 19 - December 17
Disney's Frozen at the Detroit Opera House - November 29 - December 17
The Nutcracker at the Music Hall Center for Performing Arts - November 29
![](https://visit-detroit.imgix.net/images/main-images/Fox_Theatre_Detroit_Exterior.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=54c4091dde9bb5b5f2d961f7083646e2 320w, https://visit-detroit.imgix.net/images/main-images/Fox_Theatre_Detroit_Exterior.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=9ea698ddf1f578892636d600bfb0a8d9 540w, https://visit-detroit.imgix.net/images/main-images/Fox_Theatre_Detroit_Exterior.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=6875df0467b8bce19006fbe99ebdb129 768w, https://visit-detroit.imgix.net/images/main-images/Fox_Theatre_Detroit_Exterior.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=e209a0dd2409de5f4c0fe1b84ea55f4d 1024w, https://visit-detroit.imgix.net/images/main-images/Fox_Theatre_Detroit_Exterior.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1200&s=b20ca5a866a760117460a03c0cdb5a19 1200w, https://visit-detroit.imgix.net/images/main-images/Fox_Theatre_Detroit_Exterior.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1440&s=2cb87ca6bdcdfe822e7131306eb8491a 1440w, https://visit-detroit.imgix.net/images/main-images/Fox_Theatre_Detroit_Exterior.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1920&s=c6053a6bf93839f6a896ed359ddc0aa7 1920w)
Thanksgiving Traditions and More
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.
Strategic Staffing Solutions Turkey Trot - November 23
America's Thanksgiving Day Parade Presented by Gardner White from The Parade Company - November 23
Detroit Lions vs. Green Bay Packers at Ford Field - November 23
In addition to these Thanksgiving traditions, you can check out these Detroit events:
All Things Detroit: Holiday Experience at Eastern Market - November 5
Motor City Comic Con - Fall Edition at Suburban Collection Showplace - November 10-12
Michigan State vs. Penn State at Ford Field - November 24
Indie Arts & Crafts Fest at Motor City Brewing Works - November 25
![parade in downtown detroit with kermit the frog balloon](https://visit-detroit.imgix.net/images/Thanksgiving-Day-Parade-2022-Charles-Falsetti-Owned-3555-wl-65846ce1-7544-4074-acb5-bc8de4214679-medium.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=320&s=cc04c8ceaba9b6463c0da6e0f85931d1 320w, https://visit-detroit.imgix.net/images/Thanksgiving-Day-Parade-2022-Charles-Falsetti-Owned-3555-wl-65846ce1-7544-4074-acb5-bc8de4214679-medium.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=540&s=e595f929269830a009ba1b9167b96489 540w, https://visit-detroit.imgix.net/images/Thanksgiving-Day-Parade-2022-Charles-Falsetti-Owned-3555-wl-65846ce1-7544-4074-acb5-bc8de4214679-medium.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=768&s=a90ae895c2b73dc445bb3f6b21617f1d 768w, https://visit-detroit.imgix.net/images/Thanksgiving-Day-Parade-2022-Charles-Falsetti-Owned-3555-wl-65846ce1-7544-4074-acb5-bc8de4214679-medium.jpg?auto=compress%2Cformat&fit=max&position=50%2050&q=80&w=1024&s=ef006919a57725283d96c374872159af 1024w)
Indoor Fun to Stay Warm
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.
Ofrendas: Celebrating el Día de Muertos at the Detroit Institute of Arts – through November 5
Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
Mandela: The Official Exhibition at the Henry Ford Museum for American Innovation
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