Discover the magic of Detroit this holiday season with a variety of festive events that cater to all ages and interests. Kick off the season at the Detroit Tree Lighting Ceremony, where a towering 60-foot Norwegian Spruce illuminates Campus Martius Park in a warm, festive glow.
Another must-see is the Christmas Wonderfest, a bustling North Pole outpost featuring an interactive Santa's Workshop and a miniature train ride through classic holiday scenes. For a nostalgic journey, visit Greenfield Village during Holiday Nights and step back into a 19th-century Christmas celebration.
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The Top Christmas Events in Detroit
- Detroit Tree Lighting Ceremony
- Christmas Wonderfest
- Campus Martius Park Ice Skating
- Noel Night
- A Christmas Carol at the Fox Theatre
- Campus Martius Park Holiday Market
Detroit Holiday Light Displays
Detroit Tree Lighting Ceremony
What to Expect:
Massive 60-foot Norwegian Spruce tree
Description:
Detroit's holiday season ignites with the illumination of a towering 60-foot Norwegian Spruce. This annual tradition dates back to 1924, making it one of the longest-running tree lighting ceremonies in the country. Visitors can join in caroling led by local choirs as the switch is flipped, bathing Campus Martius Park in a warm glow. The event showcases Detroit's community spirit, bringing together residents and visitors to celebrate the start of the festive season. You'll witness performances by ice skaters gliding gracefully around the tree, adding a touch of elegance to the proceedings.
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Detroit Tree Lighting Ceremony
Detroit Holiday Markets and Shopping
Campus Martius Park Holiday Market
What to Expect:
Open-air market in the heart of downtown Detroit
Description:
Campus Martius Park transforms into a European-style holiday market, bringing old-world charm to the heart of Detroit. Local artisans and vendors set up shop in charming wooden chalets, offering unique gifts and seasonal treats. Visitors can sip on warm mulled wine while browsing handcrafted goods, from ornaments to winter wear. The market's location at Detroit's point of origin adds historical significance to the shopping experience. You'll encounter street performers and carolers, adding to the festive atmosphere. The market also features a "Taste of Detroit" section, showcasing local culinary specialties and highlighting the city's diverse food scene.
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Campus Martius Park Holiday Market
Detroit Holiday Shows and Entertainment
A Christmas Carol at the Fox Theatre
What to Expect:
Classic play performed in a historic movie palace
Description:
The Fox Theatre, a stunning example of 1920s movie palace architecture, hosts a lavish production of "A Christmas Carol." This beloved holiday tale comes to life on the stage of one of Detroit's most iconic venues. Visitors can marvel at the theatre's ornate Siamese Byzantine design while enjoying Dickens' timeless story. The production incorporates state-of-the-art special effects, bringing Victorian London to vivid life. You'll hear the theatre's mighty Wurlitzer organ, one of the largest in the world, playing holiday tunes before the show. The event continues a tradition of holiday performances at the Fox that dates back to its opening in 1928.
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A Christmas Carol at the Fox Theatre
Detroit Other Holiday Activities
Christmas Wonderfest
What to Expect:
Interactive Santa's Workshop experience
Description:
Christmas Wonderfest transforms downtown Detroit into a bustling North Pole outpost. At its heart lies an interactive Santa's Workshop, where children craft toys alongside skilled elves. This unique experience harkens back to Detroit's manufacturing heritage, reimagined through a holiday lens. Visitors can embark on a miniature train ride that winds through elaborate displays depicting classic holiday scenes. The air fills with the aroma of freshly baked gingerbread, enticing guests to decorate their own cookies. Detroit's multicultural community is celebrated through international holiday traditions showcased throughout the festival grounds.
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Campus Martius Park Ice Skating
What to Expect:
Skating rink in the heart of downtown Detroit
Description:
Campus Martius Park transforms into a winter playground with its centerpiece ice skating rink. Situated in the heart of downtown Detroit, skaters glide beneath the city's towering skyscrapers and twinkling lights. The rink's unique urban setting offers a stark contrast to traditional suburban skating experiences. Visitors can perfect their figure eights or simply enjoy a leisurely lap around the ice. The park's location marks Detroit's point of origin, adding historical significance to your skate. You'll hear the gentle scrape of blades on ice mingling with the ambient sounds of the bustling city, creating a uniquely Detroit winter soundtrack.
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Campus Martius Park Ice Skating
Noel Night
What to Expect:
Cultural institutions open late for holiday celebrations
Description:
Noel Night transforms Detroit's Cultural Center into a vibrant holiday celebration. Over 70 institutions, including museums, galleries, and churches, open their doors for extended hours, offering free admission and special programming. Visitors can explore the Detroit Institute of Arts or the Michigan Science Center while enjoying holiday performances and activities. The event, which began in 1973, showcases Detroit's rich cultural landscape. You'll encounter street performers, including fire jugglers and stilt walkers, adding an element of spectacle to the night. The evening culminates in a community sing-along on Woodward Avenue, uniting thousands of voices in holiday cheer.
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Nearby Events
Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village (Dearborn)
What to Expect:
Immersive 19th-century holiday experience
Description:
Greenfield Village transports visitors to a 19th-century holiday celebration. This living history experience recreates the sights and sounds of Christmases past, with costumed interpreters bringing the era to life. Lantern-lit paths guide you through historic homes adorned with period-accurate decorations. Visitors can participate in traditional activities like candle dipping or ice skating on a frozen pond. The village's connection to Henry Ford's vision of preserving American history adds depth to the experience. Horse-drawn carriages clip-clop through the streets, offering a romantic journey through time.
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Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village
Wayne County Lightfest (Westland)
What to Expect:
Midwest's longest drive-through light show
Description:
Wayne County Lightfest illuminates the night with over four miles of dazzling displays. As the Midwest's longest drive-through light show, it features more than 47 giant animated displays and over one million lights. Visitors cruise through a twinkling winter landscape, with themes ranging from fairy tales to local Detroit icons. The event has been brightening the holiday season since 1994, becoming a cherished tradition for many families. You'll encounter a 100-foot tunnel of lights, creating an immersive experience as you drive through. The Lightfest also supports local charities, embodying the spirit of giving during the holiday season.
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Detroit Zoo Wild Lights (Royal Oak)
What to Expect:
Animal-themed light sculptures
Description:
Detroit Zoo Wild Lights illuminates the night with millions of LED lights fashioned into animal-themed sculptures. These unique displays pay homage to the zoo's inhabitants while creating a whimsical after-dark experience. Visitors can warm up in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition, showcasing stunning images from around the globe. The event incorporates conservation messages, educating guests about wildlife protection efforts. You'll encounter light-up peacocks with tail feathers that actually move, adding an element of surprise to the walk. The zoo's historic carousel, dating back to 1913, operates during the event, offering nostalgic rides amidst the glowing scenery.
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Meadow Brook Hall Holiday Walk (Rochester)
What to Expect:
Tudor-revival mansion decorated for the holidays
Description:
Meadow Brook Hall, a stunning Tudor-revival mansion, opens its doors for an elaborate holiday display. Each room of this 110-room historic house museum is adorned with unique decorations, showcasing the grandeur of a 1920s Christmas. Visitors can explore the servant's quarters, offering a glimpse into holiday celebrations across social classes. The hall's connection to the automotive industry, as the former home of Matilda Dodge Wilson, adds depth to the experience. You'll discover hidden Elf on the Shelf figures throughout the mansion, adding a playful element to the tour. The walk culminates in the grand ballroom, where a towering Christmas tree stands as a testament to the opulence of the era.
Website:
Meadow Brook Hall Holiday Walk
Winter Wonderland at Canterbury Village (Lake Orion)
What to Expect:
Old-world style village with holiday activities
Description:
Canterbury Village transforms into a Winter Wonderland, offering an old-world holiday experience. The village's Tudor-style architecture provides a charming backdrop for seasonal celebrations. Visitors can embark on a horse-drawn carriage ride through the illuminated grounds, reminiscent of a bygone era. The village's history as a former auto baron's estate adds a layer of intrigue to the experience. You'll encounter costumed characters roaming the streets, bringing fairy tales to life. The centerpiece of the event is an elaborate gingerbread village, showcasing intricate edible replicas of famous Detroit landmarks.
Website:
Winter Wonderland at Canterbury Village
Holly Dickens Festival (Holly)
What to Expect:
World's oldest continuous Dickens festival
Description:
The Holly Dickens Festival transports visitors to Victorian-era London, celebrating the works of Charles Dickens. As the world's oldest continuous Dickens festival, it has been running since 1973, bringing literary history to life. Visitors can interact with characters from Dickens' novels, including Ebenezer Scrooge and Tiny Tim. The festival takes place in the historic downtown of Holly, Michigan, adding authenticity to the experience. You'll hear the clop of horses' hooves on cobblestone streets as period-dressed actors perform scenes from "A Christmas Carol." The event also features a unique "Pickle Parade," a quirky tradition that pays homage to the German custom of hiding a pickle ornament in the Christmas tree.
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Christmas at Crossroads Holiday Magic (Flint)
What to Expect:
Historic village with operating steam railroad
Description:
Crossroads Village comes alive with Holiday Magic, featuring a fully operational steam railroad. This unique attraction offers visitors a chance to ride a historic train through a winter landscape adorned with over one million lights. The village itself is a collection of restored 19th-century buildings, providing an authentic backdrop for holiday celebrations. Visitors can explore the village's general store, filled with vintage candy and toys. The event pays homage to Michigan's railroad history, with the train itself being a restored 1910 Baldwin steam locomotive. You'll encounter craftspeople demonstrating traditional skills like blacksmithing and candle making, adding an educational element to the festive atmosphere.
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Christmas at Crossroads Holiday Magic
Magic of Lights at DTE Energy Music Theatre (Clarkston)
What to Expect:
Drive-through light show at a famous concert venue
Description:
The DTE Energy Music Theatre, typically a summer concert hotspot, transforms into a winter spectacle with the Magic of Lights. This drive-through experience allows visitors to enjoy elaborate light displays from the comfort of their own vehicles. The event repurposes the venue's expansive grounds, creating a unique holiday experience in an unexpected location. Visitors can tune their car radios to a special station that synchronizes holiday music with the light displays. The theatre's history as a premier entertainment venue adds a touch of rock 'n' roll flair to the holiday proceedings. You'll encounter a 200-foot light tunnel, creating an immersive experience as you drive through a sea of twinkling LEDs.
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Magic of Lights at DTE Energy Music Theatre
Festival of Trees (Dearborn)
What to Expect:
Professionally designed themed Christmas trees
Description:
The Festival of Trees showcases an array of professionally designed Christmas trees, each with its own unique theme. This event transforms a local venue into a forest of creativity, with trees ranging from traditional to avant-garde. Visitors can bid on their favorite trees in a silent auction, with proceeds benefiting local children's charities. The festival has been a Detroit tradition since 1985, evolving into a major fundraising event. You'll encounter trees decorated to honor Detroit's sports teams, automotive heritage, and musical legends. The event also features a gingerbread village competition, showcasing intricate edible architecture created by local bakers and artists.