30 Best Detroit Holiday Events to RIng in 2025
Looking for the best Detroit Christmas events and some in metro Detroit, too? You’re in luck: with so many fun holidays to celebrate from November to January, there are tons of holiday happenings and fun things to do this time of year. From tree lightings to igloo dining, Detroit Christmas events offer something magical for everyone.
Best Things to Do for Detroit Christmas Events
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!
Read on for our list of the 27 best things to do to celebrate the holiday season in Detroit!
Best Holiday Events in Downtown Detroit MI
Go Ice Skating at Campus Martius
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.
This low-cost activity is perfect for families and is sure to put you in the holiday spirit. The entire area is decorated for the holidays, and Detroit’s towering Christmas tree is the perfect backdrop for a holiday skate.
Take A Selfie by the Official Detroit Christmas tree
800 Woodward Ave., Detroit, MI 48226
Head to Campus Martius Park and join thousands of other revelers full of holiday cheer. This is one of my favorite Detroit holiday events. The 65-foot tree, decked with a half-million twinkling lights, stays up through January, so you’ll have more opportunities to catch a glimpse.
Shop the Downtown Detroit Markets at cadillac Square
’Tis the season for the Downtown Detroit Markets – one of my favorite spots to visit with family and friends during the holidays! You’ll love the 18 shops featuring small local businesses offering some unique gift ideas. I’ve been there twice already this season (it’s a great spot to take vsititng friends and family from out-of-town) and spotted everything from apparel to accessories and Michigan-themed home decor.
EXPERT TIP: 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.
Get Warm at Cadillac Lodge
60 Cadillac Square, Detroit, Michigan 48226
The Cadillac Lodge is so much more than a giant heated warming tent. The Lodge’s comfy couches and cozy fireplace give you a warm welcome with drinks and eats from the including cocktails, hot cocoa, cider, popcorn, nachos, and hot dogs.
Last time I visited, we grabbed a deck of Uno cards from one of the bookshelves near our table and played a quick round while enjoying a local Griffin Claw IPA.
Admission is Free.
Dine in an Igloo at Lumen Detroit
1903 Grand River Ave, Detroit, MI 48226
You can watch the twinkling holiday lights at Beacon Park while dining in your very own Igloo at Lumen Detroit. These heated igloos keep you warm and toasty while you choose from a wide-ranging menu offering everything from delicious warm pretzels and smoked Whitefish Dip to Waygu short ribs and lamb chops.
You’ll want to make reservations and be sure to ask about the food and beverage miniumum perparty.
More Top Things to do in Detroit at Christmas
Detroit Eastern Market’s Holiday Markets
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.
The Tuesday market dates 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.
Noel Night
Midtown, Detroit
A favorite Detroit holiday tradition, Noel Night takes place in the Midtown area of Detroit’s Cultural Center on 12/7/24 at 7 p.m. 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.
See a Holiday Event at the Fox Theatre
2211 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
The old-world grandeur of the Fox Theater takes on a special charm during the holiday season, offering several show throughout the season that have become holiday traditions for many Detroiters. Choose from one of these shows:
- Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet – December 8
- Brett Eldredge Glow – December 10
- Mannheim Steamroller Christmas – December 13
- Cirque Du Soleil T’was the Night Before – December 20 – January 4
Celebrate Kwanzaa at the Motor City Kinara Lighting
Head to Campus Martius Park on December 26 to see the second annual lighting of the giant Kinara. The 30-foot-tall monument brings a celebration of African American life, community and culture to Campus Martius Park.
You can see the Kinara during the seven days of Kwanzaa.
Best Holiday Events in Wayne County
Downtown Plymouth Christmas Tree Lighting and Tree Walk
Kellogg Park, Plymouth MI
Plymouth’s Kellogg Park comes alive with the spirit of Christmas on November 15. Visit charming Plymouth now through January 1 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.
Home For the Holidays at the Ford House Christmas
100 Lake Shore Road, Grosse Pointe Shores, MI 48236
Visit Detroit’s historic Ford House mansion. 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.
Bake Cookies with Santa at the Ford House
Santa and Mrs. Claus make their annual stop at the Ford House to visit with children during the month of December. Kids enjoy a fresh-baked cookie from Mrs. Claus and meet Santa himself. Bring your own camera and take your photos to cherish this holiday moment
Country Christmas at Northville’s Three Cedars Farm
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.
Holiday Nights at Greenfield Village
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.
Wayne County Lightfest
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.
Best Holiday Events in Oakland County
Holiday Stroll at Olde World Canterbury Village
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 29 – December 23. You can purchase tickets for the the Village holiday stroll here.
Big Bright Light Show in Rochester
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. All of the buildings in downtown Rochester will be covered from top to bottom with strings of Christmas lights. Free event
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.
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. This is one of my favorite lighting events in the area.
Magic of Lights at Pine Knob Music Theater (Formerly DTE Music Theater)
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.
Aurora at Glenlore Trails
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
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.
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.
Braun’s Tree Farm in Ann Arbor
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!
Best Holiday Events in Washtenaw County
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, all taking place on 12/7/24.
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).
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.
Best Holiday Events in Macomb County
Holiday Tree Lighting in Madison Heights
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.
Macomb Holiday Lighting & Outdoor After Glow
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 on 11/29/24.
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.
More Fun and Festive Holiday Events in Metro Detroit
St. Clair Tree Lighting and Lighted Santa Parade
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.
Looking for More Fun Holiday Events in Michigan?
Have you experienced any of these Detroit Christmas events? Share your favorite in the comments below!