Top Holiday Events in Southeast Michigan
If you have lived here for a long time, get ready. If you’re new to the area, be prepared to be dazzled! The top holiday events in southeast Michigan will freeze your nose, warm your heart, and leave you in the holiday spirit. No doubt, you will look forward to them all year long as they become an annual holiday tradition in your household. Here are a couple of our favorite places to go and things to do around metro Detroit throughout the season.
1. Downtown Detroit shows
Several beautiful and historical venues in downtown Detroit host classic holiday shows, while others feature a modern take on your old favorites. See the Olympia Entertainment page for a full schedule, but here are some highlights.
- Neil Berg’s “Broadway Holiday,” 3 p.m. Dec. 10 at the Fox Theatre
- Will Downing’s “Soulful Sounds of Christmas” featuring Avery Sunshine, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 10 at the Sound Board at MotorCity Casino Hotel
- “‘Twas a Girls Night Before Christmas: The Musical,” Dec. 14-17 at the City Theatre
- Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 16 at the Fox Theatre
- Moscow Ballet’s “Great Russian Nutcracker,” 12 p.m., 4 m., and 8 p.m. Dec. 17 at the Fox Theatre
- “Elf the Musical,” Dec. 20-24 at the Fox Theatre
- Trans-Siberian Orchestra, 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Dec. 23 at the Little Caesars Arena
2. Community Tree Lighting Ceremonies and Parades
Local municipalities throughout metro Detroit host tree lighting ceremonies and parades every year, providing an opportunity for neighbors to get out in the community to meet each other while listening to carolers or strolling along the parade route. At the same time, children have the opportunity to have their pictures taken with jolly old Saint Nick or to join in the children’s chorus. Every community is different, so check your city’s website for more information about dates and times. In the meantime, here are a few of our favorite local holiday events in southeast Michigan, along with this year’s dates.
- Light Up the Night, Dec. 1 in Novi
- Tree Lighting Ceremony, Dec. 6 in Canton
- Oakland County Holiday Extravaganza parade, Dec. 2 in Pontiac
- Cool Yule Holiday Celebration and Lighted Parade, Dec. 2 in South Lyon
Must-See Holiday Attractions in Metro Detroit
In addition to the top holiday events in southeast Michigan, there’s something to do all season long. Here are some holiday attractions in metro Detroit you won’t want to miss.
1. Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo
Even the animals at the Detroit Zoo look forward to Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak. OK, it’s true that they can’t tell us, but we just know. You can feel it as you walk around to see the animals while more than five million lights illuminate trees, buildings, and 230 animal sculptures. Every time you go, you will see something you didn’t see before. Wild Lights is open during select evening hours in November and December.
2. The Mall at Partridge Creek
As if the outdoor mall in Clinton Township isn’t beautiful enough all year-round, it’s phenomenal during the holidays. The feeling of shopping at the Mall at Partridge Creek during the holidays is almost surreal. As hundreds of pine trees are illuminated around you and the sounds of the season surround you, shopping for the holidays turns into a special kind of magic at Partridge Creek.
3. Big, Bright Light Show
Whether you need a night out or want unique gifts and holiday decorations, visiting Rochester is something you will want to do year after year. The businesses throughout the downtown Rochester area cover the front of their buildings in lights from top to bottom. Walking along the downtown streets as the lights shine bright around you is a spectacular sight that you have to see in person to truly appreciate.
4. Campus Martius Park
Grab your ice skates and head out to the Campus Martius park in downtown Detroit, where you will feel like you’re in a holiday movie as you glide on the ice with lights twinkling around you.
5. Wayne County Lightfest
You don’t even have to get out of your car to enjoy Wayne County’s display along Hines Drive. Structures will be adorned in lights as you cruise slowly along the drive. The Lightfest Grand Opening was Nov. 16 at Merriman Hollow Park in Westland, and the display will be available for viewing throughout November and December.