The same people who ranked Michigan the best state in the nation have acknowledged the fact that our winters can be especially brutal as well. According to Thrillist.com, Michigan winters ranked 2nd most worst in the country. If you’re a Michigander, then this is not a surprise to you. So, I’ve compiled a list of activities around Metro Detroit that will help you get out and get in the Holiday spirit!
Find your city below!
Auburn Hills
Friday, December 1, 2017 from 6p-9p
Auburn Hills Christmas Events – Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
MOMS Memorial (Auburn Rd at Squirrel Road, Auburn Hills, MI)
Tree lighting events include visits with Santa & Mrs Claus, wagon rides through Downtown Auburn Hills, s’mores, keepsake photos & more! All events are FREE.
Berkley
Saturday, December 2, 2017 all day / see page for details
Berkley Christmas Events – Berkley Hometown Holidays
Downtown Berkley
A full day of fun activities includinga petting zoo for kids (from 1p-5p), special Christmas and holiday sales at Downtown Berkley shops, Merrimaking workshops at the Berkley Library from 11a-2p, the lighted parade with Santa, the annual tree lighting and more. Tree lighting takes place at 5:30p. Sponsored by Berkley DDA.
Saturday, December 9, 2017 from 10a-4p
Berkley Christmas Event – Candy Cane Lane Craft Show Berkley
Berkley Community Center (2400 Robina, Berkley, MI)
FREE admission. Lunch available for purchase. Event features handmade items, hourly raffles, bake sale, and more. Contact Barb 248-217-7027 for more info.
Birmingham
Friday, December 1 (4p-10p), Saturday, December 2 (10a-9p), Sunday, December 3,
(11a-4p)
Birmingham Christmas Events – Birmingham Winter Markt 2017
Attendees will enjoy European food and drinks, gift items, holiday greens, crafts, ice carving demonstrations, roaming winter princesses , live reindeer, warming stations, a Kinderhaus children’s activity area, the popular Santa House, horse-drawn carriage rides and live entertainment. Hosted by the Birmingham Principal Shopping District. More info…
Friday, December 1, 2017 at 6p
Birmingham Christmas Events – Birmingham Holiday Tree Lighting
Shain Park (S Bates St. and W Merrill St., Birmingham, MI, 48009)
Jump into the Holiday spirit with a night that brings the festive lighting of the winter season and the opening of Santa House. Enjoy live Christmas caroling and the lighting of the 35-foot tree with more than 40,000 LED Christmas lights. Event is hosted by the Birmingham Principal Shopping District.
Friday, December 1, 2017 through Christmas Eve (various dates)
Birmingham Christmas Events – Birmingham Santa House
Shain Park (S Bates St. and W Merrill St., Birmingham, MI, 48009)
Children may give Santa their list and have their picture taken with him. A donation may be given to charity. Hosted by the Birmingham Principal Shopping District. Schedule.
Weekends Friday, December 1 through Christmas Eve
Birmingham Christmas Events – Birmingham Carriage Rides
Near Santa House (corner of Henrietta and Merrill, Birmingham, Michigan)
Enjoy the 2017 Christmas season with an old-fashioned carriage ride through Downtown Birmingham. These are FREE and first-come, first-served. Hosted by the Birmingham Principal Shopping District. Schedule.
Clarkston
Saturday, December 2, 2017 from 6p-8p
Clarkston Christmas Events – Village of Clarkston Holiday Open House
Downtown Clarkston
Join the Village of Clarkston for the annual Holiday Open House. Stroll from shop-to-shop for sips, snacks and special discounts. This is a FREE event. For more info, please call 248-343-3337
Detroit
Saturday, December 2, 2017 from 5p-10p
Detroit Christmas Events – Noel Night 2017
Midtown Detroit’s Cultural Center Area (between Cass and John R and Kirby and Willis)
Over 100 participating venues will open their doors to the public free of charge during this Cultural Center-wide holiday open house. Activities include horse-drawn carriage rides, holiday shopping, family craft activities and performances by over 200 area music, theatre, and dance groups, and other special performances. For more info… www.noelnight.org
Farmington
Tuesday, December 5, 2017 at 6:30p
Farmington Hills Christmas Events – Holiday Lights Ceremony 2017
Farmington Hills Fire Department HQ (31455 W 11 Mile Rd, Farmington Hills, MI 48336)
During the Annual Holiday “Lights” Ceremony, the beautiful trees at City Hall will be illuminated as well as a 20-foot candle, which represents commitment to peace and unity in Farmington Hills. Santa will be on hand and refreshments will be served at the Fire Station Headquarters after the ceremony.
Saturday, December 9, 2017 from 10a-4p
Farmington Hills Christmas Events – Holiday Shopping Expo 2017
Costick Center (28600 Eleven Mile Road, Farmington Hills, Michigan)
The Costick Center in Farmington Hills is hosting a Holiday Shopping Expo to showcase a variety of vendors and crafters. Shop from over 50 vendors. This is a FREE event. Call 248-473-1800 for more info.
Saturday, December 9, 2017 from 10a-4p
Ferndale Christmas Events – Ferndale Holiday Ice Festival 2017
Schiffer Park (W 9 Mile Rd & Planavon)
The Holiday Ice Festival is a hometown-celebration of the holiday season, featuring a display of ice sculptures lining the streets! Call 248-546-1632 for more info or visit the Ferndale DDA.
Flint
November 24, 2017 through Saturday, December 30, 2017
Flint Christmas Events – Cosmic Christmas Light Show
Longway Planetarium (1310 E Kearsley St, Flint Township, MI 48503, 810-237-3400
www.sloanlongway.org)
Enjoy a Christmas light show made right here at Longway Planetarium. This show features 16 songs to fill you with cheer, including holiday classics, some new hits, and a few fun oddities, all set to stunning 4k visuals in a festival of Christmas splendor. Recommended for ages 6 and older. Get tickets at Longway.org or call 810-237-3400 for more information.
Grosse Pointe
December 3, 2017 through December 23, 2017
Grosse Pointe Shores Christmas Events – Edsel & Eleanor Ford House Tours
Edsel and Eleanor Ford House (1100 Lake Shore Road, Grosse Pointe Shores, MI 48236)
The Edsel and Eleanor Ford House (Ford House) historic estate celebrates the Christmas and Holiday Season with specially themed tours and events. Reserve early! These events sell out quickly. More info
Lake Orion
Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day (5p-10p Sun-Thu / 5p-11p Fri-Sat
Lake Orion Christmas Event – Lights On Lake Orion
Lights on Lake Orion (439 Shady Oaks, Lake Orion, MI 48362)
Lights On Lake Orion features around 15,000 Christmas lights synchronized to holiday music. FREE but donations accepted for The Daisy Project non-profit which helps families with special needs children. More info…
Saturday, December 2, 2017 at 6p
Lake Orion Christmas Event – Orion Lighted Parade
Downtown Lake Orion
Sponsored by the Orion Area Parade Company. The parade boasts over 75 entries each year, from civic organizations, dance studios, scouting troops, local dignitaries, marching bands, school groups and more. The event is capped off with a special visit by Santa himself, much to the joy of the young and old in the crowd lining the village streets. For more info, visit www.orionlightedparade.org
Northville
Friday, December 8 (9a-8p), Saturday, December 9 (9a-5p), Sunday, December 10 (11a-4p)
Northville Weekend Events – Handcrafters Tinsel & Treasures
Northville Community Center (300 W Main St, Northville, I 48167)
38th Annual Handcrafters Tinsel & Treasures show featuring 70 art and handcrafted exhibitors offering holiday gifts, stocking stuffers, Christmas decor, and much more. FREE parking. $4 admission. Kids 12 & under are FREE. For more info, email info@mercmarketing.com
Novi
Friday, December 1, 2017 from 6p-9p
Novi Christmas Event – Light Up The Night Novi
Novi Civic Center (45175 West Ten Mile, Novi, Michigan)
Tree Lighting at 6:15pm, Santa visits, train rides, magic shows at the Novi Public Library, marshmallow roasting, live reindeer, ice sculptures, free refreshments, and FIREWORKS. This is a free event. More info…
Rochester
Daily through January 1, 2018
Rochester Christmas Events – Royal Park Hotel Holiday Express Gingerbread Train
Royal Park Hotel (600 East University Drive, Rochester, MI 48307, 248-652-2600, www.RoyalParkHotel.net)
Check out the lobby of the Royal Park Hotel to get into the holiday spirit. The GIANT gingerbread train was created with 50 lbs of holiday candy and 200 lbs of gingerbread mix. Great for holidays pics and the aroma is mouthwatering. More Info – Pics – Video.
Friday, December 1 (4p-10p) and Saturday, December 2 (noon-10p)
Rochester Christmas Event – Kris Kringle Market
West 4th Street (between Walnut & Main, Rochester, MI)
The Kris Kringle Market is inspired by the 700 year-old tradition of the European Christmas Market and visitors can enjoy the food, shopping, entertainment and ambience of this open-air, holiday market. More info…
Friday, December 1, 2017 from 6p-9p (Also Dec 8, 15, 22)
Rochester Weekend Events – Friday Night Carriage Rides
Downtown Rochester
Enjoy leisurely carriage rides on a first-come, first-served basis. For cost info or more info, call 248-656-0060.
Sunday, December 3, 2017 at 2p
Rochester Christmas Event – Downtown Rochester Christmas Parade
Downtown Rochester
In its 65th year, the Rochester Hometown Christmas Parade is the largest Christmas parade in Michigan with an average 3,000 parade participants that represent a collaborative effort among families, businesses, non-profit and civic organizations, as well as schools and universities. Hosted by Rochester Regional Chamber. Hosted by Rochester Regional Chamber.
Saturday, December 16, 2017 from 1p-4p
Rochester Hills Christmas Event – Old-Fashioned Christmas
Rochester Hills Museum (1005 Van Hoosen Road, Rochester Hills, MI 48309)
Model train display, wagon rides, crafts, snacks, and even chestnuts roasting over an open fire. Call 248-656-4663 for ticket info.
Sunday, December 17, 2017 from 5p-8p
Rochester Christmas Events – Caroling in the City
Downtwon Rochester
Enjoy live entertainment, Ugly Sweater Contest, Christmas Cookie Eating Contest, Christmas Minute To Win It Activities, holiday sweets & treats and caroling. For more information or to get involved, contact the Rochester DDA at DowntownRochesterMI.com.
Romeo
Friday, December 1 and Saturday, December 2, 2017
Romeo Christmas Events – Starlight Christmas 1865
Simpson Park Camp (70199 Campground Rd, Romeo, MI 48065)
Horse-drawn wagon or walking tours through lit paths on historic grounds. Live nativity scene with animals. Christmas carols with choirs, bonfire, home-baked cookies, hot chocolate, and more. Tickets are $11 for adults, $6 for children. For more info, call 586-752-3202.
South Lyon
Saturday, December 2, 2017 at 10a
South Lyon Christmas Event – Candy Cane Hunts
McHattie Park (South Lyon, MI)
Bring your little one out to grab as many candy canes as they can find. Find the multi-color ones and get a prize. Children will be broken into age groups to ensure each child has a chance to grab a bunch of candy canes. Bring your own bag to fill up. Bring a camera for photo with Santa. This is a FREE event. For ages 3-10. Call 248-437-8105 for more info.
Saturday, December 2, 2017 from 10a-???
South Lyon Christmas Events – Cool Yule Festival
Downtown South Lyon
South Lyon whips up a full-day of Christmas and holiday fun with Cool Yule. The South Lyon community will celebrate the upcoming holiday season. Many free/low-cost family friendly activities will happen across the community culminating in the lighted parade through Downtown South Lyon.
Troy
Saturday, December 2, 2017 from 1p-3p
Troy Christmas Events – Classic Christmas
Troy Historic Village
Cherished holiday tales brought to life. Fireside storytellers, festive holiday music, visit with Santa, enjoy a holiday craft. Call 248-524-3484 for cost info.
Friday, December 8, 2017 from 6:30p-9p
Troy Christmas Event – Christmas Tree Lighting and Winter Wonderland
City Hall for Tree Lighting Troy Library & Troy Community Center
Family activities with games, crafts, food fun, and a special visit from a certain jolly old elf! This event is designed for the whole family. Troy PL has events and activities for kids ages 0-5, Troy Community Center has fun for kids ages 5+. City Hall has the tree lighting, Santa, and more!
Walled Lake
Monday, December 4, 2017 at 7p
Walled Lake Christmas Events – Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
City Hall (1499 E. West Maple, Walled Lake, MI)
Holiday Tree Lighting and visit from Santa Claus. Festivities start at the Walled Lake City Library (1499 E. West Maple Road, Walled Lake, Michigan 48390) at 6p with pics and visits with Santa and his Reindeer! For more info, walledlake.ploud.net
Warren
Saturday, December 2, 2017 from 5p-8p
Warren Christmas Event – Warren Tree Lighting Ceremony
Warren City Square (Van Dyke N of 12 Mile Rd)
Visit with Santa, free ice-skating admission all day (skate rental available), horse-drawn wagon rides, refreshments, and more!
White Lake
Friday, December 1, 2017 from 6p-8p
White Lake Twp Christmas Events – White Lake Community Tree Lighting
Fisk Farm (9180 Highland Road, White Lake Township, MI 48383)
Library staff and the ‘Friends of the White Lake Township Library’ will host a Gingerbread House Contest and children’s crafts. Please visit the library’s web site www.whitelakelibrary.org for more information. Plenty of Christmas events and fun.
Saturday, December 2, 2017 from 10a-noon
Indian Springs Metropark Events – You’ll Make a Yule Log
Indian Springs Metropark (5200 Indian Trail, White Lake, MI 48386, 248-625-6640, metroparks.com)
Using natural materials from the park, your family will create your own Yule Log to take home. This program is ideal for families with preschool to early elementary age children. $10. Please preregister.
Wixom
Friday, December 1, 2017 at 6:30p
Wixom Christmas Events – Holiday Tree Lighting
Wixom Community Center
See Santa and his reindeer arrive in Wixom. There will be music and caroling while the city lights up for the holiday. For more info, call 248-624-2850.
Friday, December 1 (5p-10p) and Saturday, December 2 (noon-10p)
Wixom Christmas Events – Wixom Holiday Markt 2017
Sibley Square Park (48900 Pontiac Trail, Wixom, MI)
The new “Wixom Holiday Markt” will feature the sights, sounds and smells of an authentic, old-world market with decorated vendor huts & tents selling traditional crafts, art, holiday greens as well as the sound of carolers singing holiday music. Additional events, activities and things to do include: Santa craft tent, food and beer tent. City Tree Lighting and more. For more info, call 248-624-2850.
