Southeast Michigan holiday events guide
'Tis the season for holiday events!
Whether you're looking for the perfect gift, photos with Santa, or want to see spectacular light displays, holiday activities are popping up everywhere.
This guide will be updated regularly so check back for more things to do!
Did I miss an event? Email me at amber.ainsworth@fox.com.
Holly Jolly Riverfront
- Dec. 10-12
- Detroit Riverfront
Join the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy for Holly Jolly Riverfront weekend.
There will be free photos with Santa, life-sized ice sculptures, a holiday dance party for kids, carolers and live music, and free Arts n Scraps wreath making for children.
Noel Night
- Dec. 11 from noon to 11 p.m.
- Detroit Shipping Company
Shop local vendors, taste holiday drinks, and enjoy live music during the second annual Detroit Shipping Company Noel Night.
The shopping pop-up is from noon until 5 p.m. and an ugly sweater dance party will start at 8 p.m.
Downtown Dearborn Winterfest Market
- Dec. 11 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.
- Wagner Park
Meet with Santa, shop for gifts, and enjoy live music and other family-friendly activities at the market.
Holiday Markets
- Dec. 12 and Dec. 19 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Eastern Market in Detroit
Eastern Market has added an extra day to shop for the holidays!
Sunday markets will be held through Dec. 19.
North Pole Express
- Weekends through Dec. 19
- Steam Railroading Institute in Owosso
Take a ride on the North Pole Express. The excursion will take you to the Village of Ashley’s Country Christmas and back.
Downtown Detroit Markets
- Through Dec. 31
- Cadillac Square
Shop from local vendors and enjoy treats from the Cadillac Lodge.
The markets and lodge are open on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
See a list of participating businesses here.
1001 Winter Wonders
- Through Jan. 30
- 1001 Woodward Ave.
This free North Pole-themed walk-thru includes ice paths, igloos, and a mailbox for letters to Santa.
Winter Wonders will be open from 4-8 p.m. on Fridays and noon-4 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.
Wayne County Lightfest
- Through Dec. 31
- Hines Park in Westland
Drive through a light show featuring more than 100,000 lights and nearly 50 animated displays.
The lightfest starts at the Merriman Road Hines Park entrance between Ann Arbor Trail and Warren Avenue in Westland.
It cost $5 per car, $20 per commercial van, RV, or limo, $25 for a mini bus with 20 passengers, and $50 for a bus with 40 or more passengers. Cash is the only payment accepted.
Wild Lights
- Through Jan. 9, 2022
- Detroit Zoo
Lights will take over the Detroit Zoo again. Stroll the zoo and see millions of lights.
Tickets start at $17 and parking is $8. Get tickets here.
Ice Skating in Frankenmuth
- Now through mid-February
- Zehnder Park
The Frankenmuth Christmas Experience includes a a driving light tour, the city's large Christmas tree, and a home decorating contest. Also this year, there is an ice skating rink.
The rink is open from 4-9 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. Sundays.
Skating is $10 and rental skates are $3.
Canterbury Village Holiday Stroll
- Nov. 24, 26-28, Dec. 3-5, 10-12, 17-19, 23
- Canterbury Village in Lake Orion
Walk through a holiday display of lights and decorations. There will be carolers, s'mores, hot cocoa, beer, hard ciders, cocktails, and wine to enjoy.
Tickets are $14.99. Children under 2, active military members, and veterans are free.
Nite Lites Christmas Light Show
- Nov. 25 through Dec. 31
- Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn
A 5 mile stretch of MIS boasts one million lights and about 500 lighted displays.
The cost is $25 per vehicle Sunday through Thursday and $30 per vehicle on Friday and Saturday. Limos, motorhomes, and minibusses are $4, and tour buses are $100.
Gates open at 5:30 p.m. every day and close at 9 p.m. The show goes until 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Tunnel of Lights
- Nov. 26 through Jan. 9, 2022
- Blossom Heath Park in St. Clair Shores
See the lights decking out Blossom Heath Park from 5-9 p.m.
On Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, there will be food trucks.
Glenlore Trails Aurora
- Nov. 26, through Jan. 2, 2022
- Glenlore Trails in Commerce Township
This one-mile trail has been transformed for the winter. See the lights and experience the magic of the outdoor attraction that changes with the seasons.
Tickets are $25 for people 13-64, $20 for people 65 and older, and $15 for children 4-12. Children 3 and younger are free.