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Last updated: November 11, 2024

See the best holiday highlights in Pontiac! Our guide features all the must-see events and activities. Whether Pontiac is your home or your holiday stop, our guide showcases the top seasonal events.

One highlight of the holiday season is the enchanting Pontiac Holiday Extravaganza Parade & WinterFUN Festival, where festive floats and cheerful activities fill the streets. Another event that draws many visitors is the Big, Bright Light Show @ Downtown Rochester, known for its stunning light displays that illuminate the downtown area. And the Detroit Tree Lighting Ceremony is something you definitely don’t want to miss, as it marks the beginning of the holiday season with a spectacular tree lighting amidst community festivities. Check out the rest of the page for more details on these and other fun events and activities!

Contact information and details below.

Pontiac Holiday Light Displays

What to Expect:

Live entertainment and festive lighting in a historic park setting.

Description:

The Detroit Tree Lighting Ceremony is a cherished tradition at award-winning Campus Martius Park, featuring spectacular live entertainment, Olympic figure skaters, and award-winning local performers. The event includes amazing lighting attractions, holiday shopping, hot chocolate giveaways, food trucks, and visits from Santa.

Where: Detroit | More Info: Detroit Tree Lighting Ceremony

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What to Expect:

Over 1 million points of glimmering holiday lights on historic buildings.

Description:

Downtown Rochester transforms into a dazzling spectacle with over 1 million points of glimmering holiday lights adorning its buildings. The display is lit every evening from 5 pm to midnight, making it a perfect backdrop for holiday shopping and festive atmosphere.

Where: Rochester | More Info: The Big, Bright Light Show @ Downtown Rochester

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What to Expect:

Holiday celebration with Santa visits and festive lights.

Description:

Join Clinton Township for a festive holiday event featuring visits with Santa, holiday lights, and light refreshments. The event is free, but attendees are asked to bring a non-perishable food donation for the township's needy families.

Where: Clinton Township | More Info: Christmas Aglow @ Clinton Township Civic Center

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What to Expect:

Immersive light environments and interactive holiday attractions.

Description:

Explore the historic mansion at Meadow Brook Hall during the day with Holiday Walk, featuring over 50 magnificent trees and exquisite decorations. At night, experience the breathtaking Winter Wonder Lights, a self-guided outdoor light show with music, seasonal treats, and holiday magic.

Where: Rochester Hills | More Info: Holiday Hike @ Rochester Hills

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Pontiac Holiday Shows and Entertainment

What to Expect:

Tony-nominated musical with expanded score and new songs.

Description:

Disney's Frozen: The Musical at the Detroit Opera House features iconic songs from the original film, plus new numbers by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez. The show includes stunning sets, costumes, and special effects, with powerful performances that bring the story of Elsa and Anna to life.

Where: Detroit | More Info: Frozen: The Musical @ Detroit Opera House

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What to Expect:

Dazzling costumes and spectacular acrobatic feats celebrating the holiday season.

Description:

Cirque Dreams Holidaze is a spectacular holiday show featuring 30 performers from over 12 countries in 20 acts. The show transforms Christmas ornaments into costumed characters performing astonishing feats, combining an original musical score with American holiday favorites. Dazzling costumes and a sparkling stage set create a whimsical joy that is perfect for the entire family.

Where: Detroit | More Info: Cirque Dreams Holidaze @ The Fox Theatre

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What to Expect:

Innovative digital graffiti and hip-hop dance fusion.

Description:

The Hip Hop Nutcracker is a contemporary dance spectacle directed by Tony and Olivier Award-nominated Jennifer Weber. This re-imagined version of the classic combines hip-hop dance with Tchaikovsky's timeless music, featuring a powerhouse cast of all-star dancers, a DJ, a violinist, and MC Kurtis Blow. The show transforms E.T.A. Hoffmann's beloved story from traditional 19th Century Germany to vibrant, diverse contemporary New York City, celebrating love, community, and the holiday season.

Where: Detroit | More Info: The Hip Hop Nutcracker @ The Fisher Theatre

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What to Expect:

World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.

Description:

The NUTCRACKER Magical Christmas Ballet at The Fox Theatre features an international all-star cast blending world-class ballet with whimsical puppets, lavish costumes, and stunning acrobatics. This production showcases a fusion of talent from esteemed ballet capitals worldwide, with new choreography this year.

Where: Detroit | More Info: NUTCRACKER Magical Christmas Ballet @ The Fox Theatre

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What to Expect:

Heartwarming holiday tradition celebrating individuality.

Description:

Witness the beloved characters from the classic TV special come to life in Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer – The Musical. This heartwarming holiday tradition teaches that what makes you different can be what makes you special. Featuring Santa, Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius, and Rudolph, this musical is an adventure that celebrates individuality and belonging.

Where: Detroit | More Info: Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer – The Musical @ Fisher Theatre

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What to Expect:

World-class acrobatics and re-invented holiday music.

Description:

Cirque du Soleil's "’Twas the Night Before…” is a Christmas-themed show inspired by the joy of giving and the wonder of the holiday season. Featuring thrilling acrobatics, lovable characters, and a soundtrack of re-invented holiday classics, this show is designed to entertain families of all ages with a heart-warming story.

Where: Detroit | More Info: “’Twas the Night Before…” by Cirque du Soleil @ The Fox Theatre

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What to Expect:

Family-friendly holiday concert with a mix of classic and modern music.

Description:

The Detroit Symphony Orchestra presents a curated selection of holiday music, featuring classic and modern hits, in a warm and wonderful setting at Orchestra Hall. Gather the family for one of the best holiday traditions in Detroit, where the DSO and special guests play all your favorites.

Where: Detroit | More Info: Home For The Holidays @ Detroit Symphony Orchestra

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Pontiac Other Holiday Activities

What to Expect:

Community-driven holiday celebration with professional floats, live ice carving, and Santa's reindeer.

Description:

The Pontiac Holiday Extravaganza Parade & WinterFUN Festival brings together Oakland County's cities and townships to celebrate the holiday season with a colorful parade, interactive activities, and family-friendly entertainment.

Where: Pontiac | More Info: Pontiac Holiday Extravaganza Parade & WinterFUN Festival

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What to Expect:

Annual holiday parade with live ice carving and petting zoo.

Description:

The Pontiac Christmas Parade is a festive event featuring costumed characters, floats, balloons, marching bands, fire trucks, dancers, and more. It includes a winter fest with an ice carving competition, petting zoo, face painting, and crafts for kids.

Where: Pontiac | More Info: Pontiac Christmas Parade

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What to Expect:

Interactive activities for all ages.

Description:

The WinterFUN Festival is a family-friendly event featuring a petting zoo, live Santa reindeer, face painters, balloon artists, and interactive activities like ice carving and craft projects.

Where: Pontiac | More Info: WinterFUN Festival

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What to Expect:

Interactive holiday crafts and face painting for kids.

Description:

The Children’s WinterART Center offers a variety of craft projects where kids can participate in different activities, get their face painted, and engage in creative pursuits.

Where: Pontiac | More Info: Children’s WinterART Center

Event Organizer?

What to Expect:

Historic holiday activities and rides in a festive village setting.

Description:

Holiday Nights at Greenfield Village is a premier holiday celebration featuring over 80 acres of festive activities, including free carousel rides, ice skating, historic Model T rides, and horse-drawn wagon rides with live music. Explore decorated homes and shops, enjoy holiday vignettes in period attire, and experience live musical performances and cooking demonstrations.

Where: Dearborn | More Info: Holiday Nights @ Greenfield Village

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What to Expect:

Largest Christmas parade in Michigan with over 100 entries.

Description:

The Rochester Area Hometown Christmas Parade is an annual event held on the first Sunday in December, featuring over 100 entries, including floats, marching bands, and community groups, marching down a one and a half mile route in downtown Rochester, Michigan. The parade attracts tens of thousands of spectators and includes a free Snowflake Shuttle service from Chase Bank in Rochester Hills to downtown Rochester.

Where: Rochester | More Info: Caroling In The City @ Downtown Rochester

Event Organizer?

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