Dearborn, MI, transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season, offering a delightful mix of festive events and traditions for locals and visitors alike. Experience the nostalgia of Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village with lantern-lit paths and 19th-century celebrations, or marvel at the grandeur of the Detroit Tree Lighting Ceremony, where a 60-foot spruce comes to life with over 19,000 multi-colored LEDs.
For some outdoor fun, glide beneath the city lights at the Campus Martius Park Ice Skating rink, a winter oasis in the heart of downtown. No matter your holiday preferences, Dearborn's diverse array of seasonal events promises to spread cheer and create unforgettable memories.
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The Top Christmas Events in Dearborn
See these and even more events listed below!Dearborn Holiday Light Displays
Dearborn Tree Lighting Ceremony
What to Expect:
Celebration of Dearborn's diverse holiday traditions
Description:
Dearborn's Tree Lighting Ceremony brings together the city's diverse community to celebrate the start of the holiday season. The event features performances representing various cultural traditions, reflecting Dearborn's multicultural heritage. As the tree bursts into light, it symbolizes unity and shared joy. Visitors can enjoy hot chocolate and cookies while exploring the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center grounds. This ceremony has evolved over the years to become a true representation of Dearborn's inclusive spirit.
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Dearborn Tree Lighting Ceremony
Dearborn Other Holiday Activities
Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village
What to Expect:
Immersive historical holiday experience
Description:
Greenfield Village transforms into a living holiday postcard from the past. Lantern-lit paths guide visitors through a 19th-century celebration, where costumed presenters bring history to life. The air fills with the aroma of roasting chestnuts as you explore over 80 historic structures. Ride in a Model T or horse-drawn carriage to experience holiday traditions of yesteryear. This event began in 1995 as a way to showcase American holiday customs through the ages.
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Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village
Nearby Events
Detroit Tree Lighting Ceremony (Detroit)
What to Expect:
Massive 60-foot Norwegian Spruce
Description:
Detroit's holiday season ignites with the illumination of a towering 60-foot Norwegian Spruce. The ceremony captivates spectators with live performances by local artists and choirs. Thousands gather to witness the moment when over 19,000 multi-colored LED lights burst into brilliance. You can ice skate on the rink surrounding the tree after the ceremony. This tradition dates back to 1924, making it one of the longest-running tree lighting events in the country.
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Detroit Tree Lighting Ceremony
Campus Martius Park Ice Skating (Detroit)
What to Expect:
Urban outdoor skating rink in the heart of Detroit
Description:
Campus Martius Park transforms into a winter oasis with its outdoor ice skating rink. Skaters glide beneath the city skyline, surrounded by twinkling lights and holiday decorations. The rink's unique circular design allows for a continuous flow of movement. Visitors can warm up with hot cocoa from nearby vendors. This urban skating experience revived a Detroit tradition from the 1950s when the park hosted a popular outdoor rink.
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Campus Martius Park Ice Skating
Noel Night (Detroit)
What to Expect:
Cultural district-wide open house
Description:
Detroit's cultural center springs to life during Noel Night. Over 70 institutions, including museums, galleries, and churches, open their doors for free. The streets buzz with outdoor performances, horse-drawn carriage rides, and pop-up markets. Visitors can explore the Detroit Institute of Arts or catch a planetarium show at no cost. This event began in 1973 as a way to showcase the city's cultural gems and promote community spirit during the holiday season.
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Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo (Royal Oak)
What to Expect:
Animal-themed light sculptures
Description:
The Detroit Zoo sparkles with over five million LED lights during Wild Lights. Intricate animal-shaped light sculptures illuminate the pathways, creating a nocturnal safari experience. Visitors can ride the Polar Express-themed train through twinkling forests. The event showcases conservation efforts, educating guests about endangered species through creative light displays. Wild Lights began in 2013 and has since become a beloved holiday tradition in the Detroit area.
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Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo
Detroit Symphony Orchestra Holiday Pops (Detroit)
What to Expect:
World-class orchestra performing holiday classics
Description:
The Detroit Symphony Orchestra elevates holiday music to new heights with their Holiday Pops concert. The historic Orchestra Hall resonates with beloved carols and contemporary favorites, expertly arranged for full symphony. Guest vocalists and the Michigan State University Chorale join the orchestra, adding rich layers to the performance. Audience members can sing along to select pieces. The DSO has been a cultural cornerstone of Detroit since 1887, making this concert a true Motor City tradition.
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Detroit Symphony Orchestra Holiday Pops
America’s Thanksgiving Parade (Detroit)
What to Expect:
One of the largest and oldest Thanksgiving parades in the US
Description:
Detroit's streets come alive with America's Thanksgiving Parade, a spectacle of giant balloons, elaborate floats, and marching bands. The parade route stretches for three miles along Woodward Avenue, drawing over a million spectators. Visitors can watch skilled balloon handlers navigate massive inflatables between skyscrapers. This Detroit tradition began in 1924, tying with the Macy's Parade for the title of second-oldest Thanksgiving parade in the country.
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Frankenmuth Christmas Experience (Frankenmuth)
What to Expect:
Year-round Christmas village
Description:
Frankenmuth, known as Michigan's Little Bavaria, embraces its reputation as a Christmas wonderland all year long. The town's Bavarian-style architecture provides a picturesque backdrop for holiday celebrations. Visitors can explore Bronner's Christmas Wonderland, the world's largest Christmas store, spanning 2.2 acres. The town's commitment to Christmas stems from its German heritage, with traditions dating back to its founding in 1845.
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Frankenmuth Christmas Experience
Birmingham Winter Markt (Birmingham)
What to Expect:
European-style outdoor holiday market
Description:
Birmingham's Shain Park transforms into a European-inspired winter market. Wooden chalets house local artisans and vendors, offering unique gifts and seasonal treats. The air fills with the sound of carolers and live music performances. Visitors can warm up by fire pits while sipping Glühwein, a traditional German mulled wine. This event, inspired by German Christkindlmarkts, began in 2010 to celebrate Birmingham's diverse cultural heritage.
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Christmas at Crossroads Holiday Magic (Flint)
What to Expect:
Historic village illuminated by thousands of candles
Description:
Crossroads Village comes aglow with the soft light of thousands of candles during Holiday Magic. This living history museum showcases Christmas traditions from the 1800s. Visitors can ride a scenic train along the shores of Mott Lake, adorned with over one million lights. The village's commitment to historical accuracy provides an authentic glimpse into 19th-century holiday celebrations. This event began in 1984 as a way to extend the village's season and share Michigan's rich history.
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Christmas at Crossroads Holiday Magic
Santa Parade (Wyandotte)
What to Expect:
Dearborn's longest-running holiday tradition
Description:
Dearborn's streets burst with holiday cheer during the annual Santa Parade. Colorful floats, marching bands, and community groups process down Michigan Avenue, culminating in Santa's grand arrival. The parade showcases Dearborn's diverse community, with participants representing various cultural groups. Spectators can collect candy tossed from floats. This beloved tradition has been a staple of Dearborn's holiday season for over 70 years, reflecting the city's strong sense of community.
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Christmas Tree Lighting & Holiday Open House (Plymouth)
What to Expect:
Community-wide open house following tree lighting
Description:
Dearborn's holiday season officially begins with the lighting of a grand Christmas tree at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center. Following the ceremony, local businesses throw open their doors for a community-wide open house. The streets buzz with activity as visitors explore shops, enjoy refreshments, and take in live performances. This event highlights Dearborn's strong community spirit and support for local businesses, a tradition that has grown over the past decade.
Website:
Christmas Tree Lighting & Holiday Open House
Holiday Walk at Meadow Brook Hall (Rochester)
What to Expect:
Tudor-revival mansion decorated in vintage holiday style
Description:
Meadow Brook Hall, a National Historic Landmark, dons its holiday finest for the annual Holiday Walk. Each room of this 110-room Tudor-revival mansion is adorned with period-appropriate decorations, transporting visitors to Christmases past. The hall's grand spaces showcase towering trees and elaborate tablescapes. Visitors can explore the servant's quarters to see how staff celebrated the holidays. Built in the 1920s, Meadow Brook Hall offers a glimpse into the opulent holiday celebrations of Detroit's auto barons.
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Holiday Walk at Meadow Brook Hall
Wayne County Lightfest (Westland)
What to Expect:
Midwest's longest drive-through light show
Description:
Wayne County Lightfest illuminates Hines Drive with over 100,000 lights and 47 animated displays. This 4.5-mile route creates the Midwest's longest drive-through light show. Visitors cruise through tunnels of twinkling lights and past massive illuminated sculptures. The event began in 1993 and has grown to become a cherished holiday tradition for families across southeast Michigan. A portion of the proceeds supports local parks and recreation programs.
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Saline’s Christmas Parade (Saline)
What to Expect:
Small-town charm with a big holiday spirit
Description:
Saline's Christmas Parade captures the essence of small-town holiday celebrations. The quaint downtown area comes alive with floats, marching bands, and community groups. Local businesses and organizations showcase their creativity with themed entries. Spectators line Michigan Avenue, enjoying the close-knit community atmosphere. This parade has been a Saline tradition for over 45 years, reflecting the town's commitment to preserving its small-town charm while embracing the holiday spirit.
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Christmas in Ida Festival and Parade of Lights (Ida)
What to Expect:
Combination of daytime festival and nighttime lighted parade
Description:
The village of Ida transforms into a holiday haven during the Christmas in Ida Festival. Daytime activities include craft shows, a winter fireworks display, and live entertainment. As night falls, the Parade of Lights illuminates the streets with over 130 lighted floats and units. Visitors can enjoy ice sculpture demonstrations throughout the day. This event, which began in 1982, has grown from a small-town celebration to a regional attraction drawing over 50,000 visitors annually.
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Christmas in Ida Festival and Parade of Lights
Christmastime in Chelsea (Chelsea)
What to Expect:
Month-long celebration in a historic downtown
Description:
Chelsea's historic downtown district buzzes with holiday cheer throughout December during Christmastime in Chelsea. The event features a series of weekend activities, including horse-drawn carriage rides, visits with Santa, and live performances. Local shops offer special promotions, encouraging visitors to explore the unique boutiques. You can participate in a holiday scavenger hunt throughout the downtown area. This celebration, which has grown over the past decade, showcases Chelsea's commitment to supporting local businesses and preserving its historic charm.