Best Detroit and Metro Detroit Christmas Events 2022
Looking for the best Detroit Christmas events and some in metro Detroit, too?
You’re in the right spot! It’s the holiday season, and as a lifelong resident of metro Detroit married to a dedicated Detroiter, I’ve spent a lot of time celebrating and finding holiday magic in Detroit!
Whether you’re looking for some great ideas for holiday shopping, a Christmas parade, or other holiday events in Detroit MI and the surrounding area, I’ve put together a list sure to help you find a fun holiday event or activity.
From South Lyon to Grosse Pointe, from Rochester Hills to Ann Arbor, there are fun holiday events happening all season long.
Read on for our list of the best things to do to celebrate the holiday season in Detroit!
Best Holiday Events in Detroit MI
Campus Martius in Downtown Detroit
Address: 800 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48226
Grab your ice skates and head to Campus Martius: one of the only open-air ice skating rinks in Detroit place to be during the holidays, with hot cocoa and warming stations.
Shop the cute downtown holiday Christmas markets in nearby Cadillac Square after you take a loop around the outdoor ice rink under spectacular Christmas lights. The annual lighting of the 65-foot official Detroit Christmas tree is scheduled for November 21, 2022 but the fun continues through January 2023. This is one of my favorite Detroit holiday events.
Ticket Prices for Ice Skating Rink:
Tickets are sold onsite at the park and are offered on a first-come, first-serve basis.
• Adult admission: $12
• Children’s admission: $9
• Active military: $8
• First responder: $8
• Seniors (59+): $9
• Skate Rental: $6
Dates and times:
12/18 through 12/11
Sunday-Thurday : 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Friday: 11 a.m.- midnight
Saturday: 10 a.m. – midnight
12/12/22 through 1/1/23
Monday-Thursday: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Friday: 11 a.m. – midnight
Saturday: 10 a.m. – midnight
Sunday: 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Holiday Hours
Christmas Day: Noon – 10 p.m.
New Year’s Eve: 11 a.m. – midnight
1/ 2 – 1/5/23
Monday, Wednesday and Thursday: 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Tuesday: 11 a.m.- 6 p.m.
Friday: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Sunday: Noon- 8 p.m.
Toyland at Beacon Park in Downtown Detroit
Address: 1901 Grand River Ave, Detroit, MI 48226
This year, Beacon Park is being transformed into a Downtown winter wonderland with a behind-the-scenes view of Santa’s Workshop through our “Toyland” light experience! Adults, children, and families of all ages are invited to experience the magic of “Toyland.
More than 125,000 twinkling lights will illuminate the park and turn it into a pure Michigan winter wonderland. Visits with Santa and his reindeer are available; and you can sing Christmas Carols to holiday music while you take a holiday stroll.
You’ll also find food trucks, warming stations and more at the main event on November 18; the Christmas lights stay up in Beacon Park until January 16, 2023.
Downtown Detroit Markets and Cadillac Lodge
’Tis the season for the Downtown Detroit Markets and Cadillac Lodge to once again fill Cadillac Square with winter holiday shops and snacks! The Markets’ 18 local small businesses sell specialty everything – from apparel to accessories and decor – for adults, children and pets, so you can pick the perfect gifts for everyone on your list (including yourself).
The Lodge’s comfy couches and cozy fireplace give you a warm welcome with drinks and eats from the Iconic Collection, including cocktails, hot cocoa, cider, popcorn, nachos, and hot dogs. Admission is Free.
With 18 different local vendors to explore, this Downtown Detroit Market in Cadillac Square is sure to fill house and home with clothing and home décor for everyone.
This is one of my favorite Christmas events in Detroit, and it’s easy to find: just look for the bright light and crowds of happy shoppers on holiday nights. Snacks are available as you shop and holiday lights fill the square, including a large Christmas tree for everyone to enjoy. From books to toys to food, these shops won’t disappoint.
Dates and times:
11/10/22 through 1/1/23
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Thursday: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Friday: 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
Saturday: 11 a.m.- 11 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m.- 8 p.m.
Special dates:
12/20: 8 a.m.- 2 p.m.
12/ 21: 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
12/ 24: 11 a.m.- 4 p.m.
12/ 25: Closed
12/31: 11 a.m.- 10 p.m.
1/1/23: 11 a.m.- 8 p.m.
More Top Things to do in Detroit at Christmas
Monroe Street Midway
32 Monroe Street, Detroit 48226
The Midway is decked out for winter with roller skating, basketball and mini-golf, a giant arctic slide, winter bumper cars, an indoor arcade, and puck-putt! With free entry into the site, enjoy a variety of new activations aimed at creating exceptional winter experiences for everyone. Get to the Midway this winter to enjoy Santa sightings and tasty treats, and make magical memories during the most wonderful time of the year. It’s a great spot for outdoor play for kids of all ages.
Prices:
• Entry: Free
• Artic Slide: Free
• Puck-putt: Free
• Indoor arcade: Prices vary
• Winter bumper cars: $5
When: 11/11/22 – 1/29/23
Detroit Eastern Market’s Holiday Markets
Where: 2934 Russell Street, Detroit, MI 48207
In addition to the Saturday Market at Eastern Market, one of the biggest farmers markets that operates year-round, there are seven additional markets (free & all ages welcomed) for all your holiday shopping needs in 2022. The Tuesday market date focuses primarily on food vendors and is a perfect place to find everything for your holiday meals.
The Sunday dates feature plenty of Michigan-made gift options including clothing, art, jewelry, beauty products, and more. On Christmas Eve, the Saturday Market will be open from 6 AM – 1 PM for last-minute shopping for gifts and holiday meal ingredients.
Dates: 11/22 (Tuesday before Thanksgiving ); Sundays 11/20 – 12/18
Noel Night
Midtown, Detroit
A favorite Detroit holiday tradition, Noel Night takes place in the Midtown area of Detroit’s Cultural Center. Noel Night is a Cultural Center-wide holiday open house that presents free activities, including holiday shopping, family craft activities, artist demonstrations and performances by local and national music, theatre, and dance groups, and other special performances. Free and open to the public.
When: 12/3 from 5-9 p.m.
See a Holiday Event at the Fox Theatre
2211 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
Nutcracker Ballet at the Fox Theatre
Gather friends and family to see the Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet, one of the top Detroit holiday events. The ballet is overflowing with larger-than-life puppets, breathtaking acrobatics, and dazzling costumes. Experience the exquisite artistry of the international cast in the beautiful Fox Music Theatre.
When: 12/11 at 12, 4, and 8 pm
Ticket Prices Vary
Charlie Brown Christmas at the Fox Theater
A Charlie Brown Christmas celebrates the timeless television classic as the whole family can join Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus and the rest of the Peanuts characters in their journey to uncover the true meaning of Christmas.
The show encompasses each of your favorite scenes from the original animated television show, with more fun, more music, and more finding the true Christmas spirit. After the final bow, the show crescendos into a celebration of song as the audience is invited to join the Peanuts gang in singing traditional Christmas songs and carols.
When: December 4
Ticket Prices Vary
Cirque du Soleil at the Fox Theatre
‘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. Twas the Night Before by Cirque du Soleil is a Christmas favorite.
When: 12/15 – 12/26
Ticket Prices Vary
Trans-Siberian Orchestra at the Little Caesars Arena
2645 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
See the progressive rock group Trans-Siberian Orchestra (TSO) when they return to Detroit with their highly anticipated 2022 winter tour, The Ghosts of Christmas Eve.
When: 12/29
Top Christmas Events and Things to Do in Metro Detroit
Holiday Stroll at Olde World Canterbury Village
Address: 2359 Joslyn Ct, Orion Twp, MI 48360
Take a holiday walk and stroll through a quaint Village in Lake Orion that is glowing with almost a million festive lights, enjoy a 7-minute amazing light show choreographed to classic holiday songs, and enjoy the sounds of professional carolers, and live Christmas performances. Runs November 23 – December 23. You can purchase tickets for the the Village holiday stroll here.
A Ford House Christmas
Address: 100 Lake Shore Road, Grosse Pointe Shores, MI 48236
Visit Detroit’s historic Ford House and travel back in time and spend the holiday season with the Ford family. Enjoy a lighted shuttle ride to the house for a holiday tour of the historic home. Continue the festivities in the Visitor Center where you will partake in holiday crafts and entertainment. A concession stand will be available as well.
When: 12/18 – 12/30; 5:30p – 8:30p (Entries every 1/2 hour).
Ticket Prices: $18 for adult members, $20 for adult non-members and $9 for children, $12 for children non-members
Downtown Plymouth Christmas Tree Lighting and Tree Walk
Address: Kellogg Park, Plymouth MI
Plymouth’s Kellogg Park comes alive with the spirit of Christmas on November 11. Visit now through January 2 to walk the park among a forest of beautifully decorated trees. When you’re done, simply wander across Main Street for a bite to eat. You can find more Michigan Christmas tree lightings here.
Country Christmas at Northville’s Three Cedars Farm
Address: 7897 Six Mile Rd, Northville, MI 48168
Get yourself in the Holiday spirit by spending an afternoon at Three Cedars, one of the top cider mills in Metro Detroit! With Christmas trees, wreaths, hot cocoa, cider, donuts, and of course Santa Claus, you can be certain that there will something for everyone. You’ll also find Christmas trees, a kids outdoor playland, a petting farm, and much more. Open weekends through December 19.
Holiday Nights at Greenfield Village
Address: 20900 Oakwood Blvd, Dearborn, MI 48124
Dearborn’s Greenfield Village is one of Michigan’s top museums and its Christmas celebration lives up to its reputation, with Christmas trees decorated in a fabulous festival of lights. Lights are strung across the historic buildings in such a picturesque way that each sight could be on the front of a different Christmas card.
One of the premier holiday celebrations, Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village is annual holiday tradition for countless visitors who flock to the Henry Ford Museum in Wayne County for this annual Christmas event.
The sounds of carolers, and fiddlers ring out across the 80 acres of Greenfield Village, while the chestnuts and warming bonfires will help you warm up in historic fashion while you mingle with merrymakers amid the bustling yuletide activity during America’s most heartwarming holiday.
The event offers the perfect opportunity to explore Greenfield Village in this glimmering setting, all decked out in its finest tinseled detail.
There is simply so much to do here, from a fabulous Holiday Nights dinner and a fireworks-filled sky that marks each evening’s finale. Take a ride on the carousel or horsedrawn wagon and sample some delicious food and warm beverages as you wander along the street brimming with holiday cheer with the holiday lights as a backdrop.
See Santa Claus at the Farmington Hills Nature Center
Address: Heritage Park , 24725 Farmington Road, Farmington Hills, Michigan
Oh, Deer, Santa’s Here offer families a chance to visit and get photos with Santa outdoors at the historic Red Barn in Heritage Park. Bring your camera. Seasonal craft provided. The Nature Center will be open to visitors and a warm campfire will be going outside with hot cocoa. S’more kits will be available for additional purchase for $1 each. Please dress for winter weather.
When: 12/7 – 12/8 from 4 – 7:30 pm
Ticket Prices: $15 residents; $20 non-residents
Braun’s Tree Farm in Ann Arbor
Address: 796 Warren Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
Bring your pup and cut your own Christmas tree in Ann Arbor. You’ll find 50 acres of Christmas trees and holiday fun here. The best part? It’s very dog-friendly, so your pup can get into the holiday spirit right along with you!
Big Bright Light Show in Rochester
Address: Downtown Rochester Michigan
Downtown Rochester in Oakland County is home to the Big Bright Light Show, one of the prettiest Christmas displays in southeast Michigan. Beginning November 21, 2022, all the buildings in downtown Rochester will be covered from top to bottom with strings of Christmas lights. Free event
Winter Wonder Lights at Meadowbrook Hall
Where: 350 Estate Drive, Rochester, Michigan 48309-4481
Spark your holiday season at Meadow Brook Hall’s Winter Wonder Lights. Michigan’s most dazzling outdoor event and holiday light show is perfect for the young, the old and everyone in between. It’s where you can explore a world of lights and magic. Runs November 25 – December 30, 2022 through January 15, 2023. This is one of my favorite lighting events in the area.
Olde World Canterbury Village Breakfast with Santa
Where: Canterbury Village, 2359 Joslyn Court, Lake Orion, MI 48360
What better opportunity for visiting with Santa than over a delicious warm breakfast? This Olde World Canterbury Village Santa experience in a cozy, old-world pub includes a breakfast buffet and a visit with the old man himself. Find dates and times here.
More Top Holiday Events in Metro Detroit: See A Christmas Light Display
Magic of Lights at Pine Knob Music Theater (Formerly DTE Music Theater)
Where: 33 Bob Seger Dr, Village of Clarkston, MI 48348
This fabulous drive-thru Christmas light display is a metro Detroit MUST-Visit. You’ll see more than a million LED lights in this dazzling drivethru light display featuring holiday-themed scenes and characters, including the all-new Prehistoric Christmas and Mega Tree displays. Returning favorites include the drive-through Blizzard Tunnel, 12 Days of Christmas, Winter Wonderland and The Night Before Christmas. Experience Magic of Lights from the comfort of your own car as you wind through the sparkling pathway.
Big Bright Light Show Rochester
Where: Downtown Rochester MI
Downtown Rochester is home to the Big Bright Light Show, one of the prettiest Christmas displays in southeast Michigan. All the buildings in downtown Rochester will be covered from top to bottom with strings of Christmas lights.
Taking a stroll through the city and exploring the shops is an adventure all its own and a perfect opportunity to discover the perfect gift for someone in your life, all the while supporting local Michigan businesses. The variety of colors all around, the festive decorations in the store windows, and the lively downtown location make you feel like you’re in a holiday movie.
Aurora at Glenlore Trails
Where: 3860 Newton Road, Commerce Township, MI 48382
An immersive wintry experience for all ages. Kids and adults alike will love Michigan’s original illuminated forest this holiday season! You’ll follow a one-mile outdoor path with interactive, story moments, and other entertainment.
Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo
Where: 8450 W 10 Mile Rd, Royal Oak, MI 48067
Some of the best Christmas lights in Michigan can be found at the Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak. Each year, as the animals become less active, the zoo opens their Wild Lights show. The lights are arranged into massive artworks depicting many of the animals you would normally see at the zoo, combining the joy of the zoo and the pure bliss of the Christmas season.
Wayne County Lightfest
Where: 7651 N Merriman Rd, Westland, MI 48185
The drivethru light style is a great way to experience a Christmas light show. Driving through a light show means you can cover more area, which means more lights! Wayne County Lightfest is the perfect example of this; after all it is the longest lightshow in Michigan!
Over four miles of Hines Drive is dedicated to upwards of 100,000 lights and nearly 50 animated displays ready to greet you around every winding curve in the road. Of all the Christmas light displays in Southeast Michigan, this one is hard to beat.
Kris Kringle Market – Downtown Rochester
Where: Downtown Rochester MI
Inspired by the 700-year old tradition of the open-air Christmas markets throughout Europe, the Kris Kringle Market is a don’t miss event in southeast Michigan. The event will feature one-of-a-kind shopping, specialty foods, fresh greens & wreaths and handcrafted gifts for the holiday.
Date: 12/2 -12/3; Friday, 4- 10 pm; Saturday, Noon-10 pm
Royal Oak Jingle Lighted Holiday Parade
Where: Downtown Royal Oak
An all-day event that features a parade with floats along with a holiday market and a cookie crawl. This is a fun all-day event and light parade is a great way to spend some time with the family and get in the holiday spirit.
When: December 10th all-day parade at 7:00 p.m.
Downtown Plymouth Christmas Tree Lighting
Where: Kellogg Park, Plymouth MI 48170
It’s worth a visit to quaint downtown Plymouth’s Kellogg Park to kick off the holiday season. Located in southeast Michigan, Plymouth is big on charm: it’s also one of the biggest “small towns,” too. Join the crowd of folks gathered in the park and enjoy some free hot chocolate and cookies. You can also bring nonperishable food items or toys for a chance to win gift certificates from local merchants.
When: Friday, November 11, 2022 at 6:30 p.m.
St. Clair Tree Lighting and Lighted Santa Parade
Address: St. Clair City Hall, 547 N Carney Dr, St., Clair, MI 48079
Take a ride over St. Clair, Michigan on Michigan’s blue thumb coast and join in the holiday festivities at the annual lighted Santa parade and Christmas tree lighting. Santa will lead the countdown to the lighting. After the tree is lit, visitors can visit with the man in the red suit and his reindeer in the Candy Cane Corral.
When: Friday, November 18, 2022 at 6 p.m.
19th Annual Detroit Tree Lighting
Address: Campus Martius Park, 800 Woodward Ave., Detroit, MI 48226
The highly anticipated 2022 Detroit Tree Lighting at Campus Martius Park is an unforgettable night for the entire family. The Downtown Detroit Partnership and DTE Foundation are proud to present the return of the 19th annual Detroit tree lighting ceremony in Campus Martius Park.
Deck out your holiday season in style and enjoy spectacular live entertainment, Olympic figure skaters, award-winning local performers and skating clubs.
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! An assortment of food and beverage will be available from food trucks, Downtown Detroit restaurants, bars, and more.
When: Friday, November 18, 2022 at 5 p.m.
Holiday Tree Lighting in Madison Heights
Address: Civic Center Plaza, 300 W. 13 Mile Road, Madison Heights 48071
Join in the excitement as Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive to turn on the city of Madison Heights’ holiday lights. Visitors can enjoy cookies and hot chocolate while listening to festive music. After the tree lighting program is over, participants can get their photos taken with Santa inside the Breckenridge Room of the Library.
When: Monday, November 28, 2022
City of Saline Tree Lighting Ceremony
Address: KeyBank – 100 W. Michigan Ave Saline, MI
The tree is located in front of KeyBank at the corner of Michigan Ave and Ann Arbor St. The festivities will include singing and refreshments.
When: Tuesday, November 29, 2022 at 6 p.m.
Auburn Hills Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
Address Downtown Auburn Hills
After the tree lighting ceremony there will be a Children’s Choir performance at 6:30 followed by other holiday festivities, including photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, caroling, train rides, coffee, hot chocolate, s’mores, cookies and much more.
When: Friday, December 2, 2022 at 6 p.m.
Macomb Holiday Lighting & Outdoor After Glow
Address: Macomb Township Recreation Area, 20699 Macomb St., Macomb, MI 48042
The event begins outside with caroling, the arrival of Santa and the holiday lighting display. Then, head inside the recreation center for a warm festive celebration including: refreshments, crafts, music, live reindeer, photos with Santa and giveaways!
When: Saturday, December 2, 2022 at 6:30 p.m.
Arend Tree Farms in Grass Lake
3512 Notten Road, Grass Lake, MI
This Christmas tree farm between Ann Arbor and Jackson has been a go-to for southeast Michigan families for many years and offers 300 acres of trees including Scotch Pine, Douglas Fir, Fraser Fir, Balsam Fir, Canaan Fir, Concolor Fir, and Colorado Spruce Christmas trees. Bring the family and take a wagon ride out to the field, it’s simply beautiful.
Blakes Family Christmas
17985 Armada Center Rd, Armada, MI 48005
You have a chance to make some amazing memories on this 100-acre tree farm, where you can jump on a wagon ride out to find the perfect tree while sipping hot cider. Reserve a cozy, heated igloo and enjoy a private dinner, or stroll through our holiday market. You’ll find a variety of trees here including Fraser Fir, Concolor Fir, Douglas Fir, Blue Spruce, White Spruce, and Scotch Pine.
Braun’s Tree Farm
796 Warren Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48105
You’ll find 50 acres of Christmas trees and holiday fun here. The best part? It’s very dog-friendly, so your pup can get into the holiday spirit right along with you! You’ll find six different types of trees here including Douglas Firs, Fraser/Balsam/Canaan Firs (the most trendy), Concolor Firs, (the new “must-have”), Colorado Blue Spruce, White Spruce (best ornament holder), and the hard-to-find Serbian Spruce (a darker version of White Spruce).
Looking for More Michigan Holiday Activities?
