Said the crazy mom to her little kids…Do you hear what I hear? It’s December! Holy cow. 2017 is quickly coming to a close. Maybe your Elf on the Shelf is finally coming out, maybe you have gobs of family parties to attend. Regardless, it’s the season of love, magic and FUN!
I’ve shared about some of my favorite Christmas events, meals with Santa and holiday tree lightings and parades already, so today’s post focuses on everything else that’s happening in the month of December, which includes a TON more holiday-related events.
Plan some fun today with this big list!
Family Fun in Southeast Michigan December 2017
Through December 30 — Cosmic Christmas at Longway Planetarium {Flint} — Visit the Longway Planetarium daily at 4 p.m. and Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 7 p.m. for a Christmas light show. The show features 16 songs to fill you with cheer, including holiday classics, some new hits, and a few fun oddities, all set to stunning 4k visuals in a festival of Christmas splendor. Recommended for ages 6 and older. $6 adults, $4 seniors {60+}, $4 youth {ages 2-11}, free for members.
December 1 — Light Up The Night {Novi} — Visit Novi for live reindeer, marshmallow roasting, Santa, ice sculptures and more from 6-9 p.m. FREE.
December 1 — Kerrytown Children’s Lantern Parade {Ann Arbor} — Bring your family to the Kindlemarket for an exciting children’s lantern parade, modeled after the German St. Martin tradition that celebrates Samaritan deeds. At the parade, the children will illuminate the neighborhood with their colorful lanterns while singing American Christmas carols. Cost: $10 per Lantern {or, bring your own}.
December 1 — Cranbrook Institute of Science {Bloomfield Hills} — Visit this gem for FREE after 5 p.m. on the first Friday of the month courtesy of the MASCO Corporation Foundation.
December 1-3 — Living Christmas Story at Brighton Assembly of God {Brighton} — A drive-thru spectacular for the whole family. Experience the Nativity complete with live animals, 10 amazing scenes, and a disc telling the story of Christmas. Hot cocoa and cookies included! FREE. {My kids LOVED this last year and have requested to go again!}
December 1-3 — Birmingham Winter Markt {Birmingham} — Shain Park will come alive with activity including European food and drinks, gift items, holiday greens, crafts, ice carving demonstrations, live reindeer, warming stations, a Kinderhaus children’s activity area, the popular Santa House, horse-drawn carriage rides, and live entertainment. FREE.
December 2 — Kids Workshop at The Home Depot {Nationwide} — Make a gingerbread house at this event. This hands-on workshop is designed for children ages 5 – 12. All kids get to keep their craft, receive a certificate of achievement, a Workshop Apron, and a commemorative pin while supplies last. Register online in advance. FREE.
December 2 — Winter Glow {East Lansing} — There is something for everyone at East Lansing’s outdoor winter festival. This winter-inspired annual tradition has a variety of fun-filled seasonal activities from 2-5 p.m. FREE.
December 2 — Holiday Extravaganza Parade {Pontiac} — Enjoy an ice carving competition, petting farm, live reindeer, s’mores, face painting and more. The parade steps off at 11 a.m. FREE.
December 2 — Hometown Holidays {Berkley} — Visit downtown Berkley for vintage trolley rides, carolers, a petting zoo, and more. The Holiday Lights Parade will kick-off at 5:30 p.m. FREE.
December 2 — Cool Yule {South Lyon} — Visit South Lyon for a Christmas in the Country craft show, Cool Yule Lighted Parade and tree lighting ceremony. FREE.
December 2 — Holly Days and Light Up the Grand Parade {Farmington} — Various activities happening throughout the city including face painting, sand art, balloon animals, story time with Mrs. Claus, free visit with Santa, free movies and more. Light Up the Grand parade will kick-off at 5 p.m. FREE.
December 2 — Make Break at Michaels {Nationwide} — Visit Michaels from 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. to make a gingerbread house. Purchase the house and get all the supplies to put it together for free.
December 2 — Bone Appétit Breakfast at Sloan Museum {Flint} — Bring your little one out from 8:30 a.m. – 10 a.m. for a morning full of BIG fun! Enjoy breakfast, story time with Clifford, and extra time in the Adventures with Clifford The Big Red Dog exhibit. Catered by the Palette Cafe at Flint Institute of Arts. Limited seats available. Advance registration required. Tickets: Adults $16, Youth ages 2-11 $14, Members $11.
December 2 — Michael Kids Club {Nationwide} — Visit Michaels from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. to make unicorn slime. Kids 3 and up can enjoy a quick project and take home a finished masterpiece. Sign up in store or online, or just drop in. $2 per child, supplies included.
December 2 — Christmas at Troy Historic Village {Troy} — Share in the 19th and 20th century traditions that made historic holidays special. Children may make a Christmas craft in Poppleton School and visit with Santa Claus inside Old Troy Church. All visitors can enjoy Christmas cookies along with hot, mulled cider. $7/person, and kids 4 and under are free.
December 2 — Families at The Broad {East Lansing} — Visit this East Lansing modern art museum from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. for hands-on activities. This month, put on your listening ears for a special Family Day concert and make musical art while enjoying performances by the Spartan Strings and Buzz n’ Buster. FREE.
December 2, 9, 16 — FREE Day at the Flint Institute of Art {Flint} — This museum is FREE to visit every Saturday thanks to Huntington.
December 2-3 — The Nutcracker at The Flint Youth Theatre {Flint} — Sugar Plum Fairy Ingrid Silva from the Dance Theatre of Harlem joins the talented dancers from the Flint School of Performing Arts and guest artist from Collage Dance Collective to present the most magical Nutcracker in Michigan. Tchaikovsky’s memorable score is brought to life by the Flint Symphony Orchestra. Tickets are $10-$32.
December 2 & 16 — Stories with Santa at Schuler Books in Eastwood Towne Center {Lansing} — Enjoy stories with Santa and Mrs. Claus at 10 a.m. FREE.
December 3 — Rochester Hometown Parade {Rochester} — The Rochester Hometown Christmas Parade is the largest Christmas parade in Michigan with an average 3,000 parade participants. Expect to see community organizations, floats, units of marchers, drill teams, marching bands, clowns, equestrian groups, fire trucks and Michigan dignitaries. FREE.
December 5 — Holiday Walk at the Flint Cultural Center {Flint} — Enjoy this 33rd annual free event featuring caroling, festive live music, Santa Claus visits, planetarium shows, holiday theatre activities, hands-on arts and crafts, refreshments, and more. From 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. FREE {non-perishable item suggested}.
December 5, 6 & 11 — Bedtime Stories with Santa at the Grosse Pointe War Memorial {Grosse Pointe Farms} — Dressed in comfy PJs, gathered around the festive holiday tree, children will hear Santa read classic stories of the Christmas season. Milk and cookies add to this cozy experience. Recommended for ages 4+. $12/child, adults are free.
December 8-17 — {Various Dates} Elf The Musical Jr. at Stagecrafters {Royal Oak} — Based on the hilarious hit movie, Elf Jr is a holiday treat for the whole family, with songs and laughs sure to spread Christmas cheer. This production is presented by youths, ages 8-18. Tickets are $8/youth, $14/adults.
December 9 — Michael Kids Club {Nationwide} — Visit Michaels from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. to make a North Pole photo prop. Kids 3 and up can enjoy a quick project and take home a finished masterpiece. Sign up in store or online, or just drop in. $2 per child, supplies included.
December 9 — Polar Express Day {Hartland} — Visit the historic downtown Hartland for live reindeer, crafts, live music and more. FREE. 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
December 9 — Santa’s Jingle Bell Brunch {Macomb Township} — Spend a festive morning eating breakfast with Santa as he performs an interactive show singing some of his favorite songs and telling some of his favorite stories. After, children can visit with Santa and receive a holiday gift from him. Bring your own camera. 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. $6/residents, $11/non-residents.
December 9-17 {Weekends} — Breakfast or Hayrides with Santa at the Howell Nature Center {Howell} — Visit the nature center for a pancake breakfast complete with a visit from Santa who will have a special gift for each child. $9/adults, $7/children, 2 and under are free. Various time slots available. Register online in advance. {We LOVE this event!}
December 10 — FREE admission to the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History {Detroit} – The Charles H. Wright Museum of African-American History opens its doors for FREE, thanks to the DTE Energy Foundation. 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
December 10 — My Turn: A Sensory Friendly Sunday at Leslie Science and Nature Center {Ann Arbor} — Families affected by autism or other sensory sensitivities are invited to attend a free program in a less-stimulating and crowd-free environment at the nature center from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Walk the one-mile trail loop to explore the winter woods and look for winter animal homes. You can also see animals using our app for iPads. Register by visiting myturncommunity.org
December 13 — Home Alone with the DSO {Detroit} — Enjoy one of the most beloved holiday films of all time projected on a giant screen in stunning High Definition accompanied by the Detroit Symphony live in the splendor of Orchestra Hall. Tickets range from $58-$120.
December 16 — Michael Kids Club {Nationwide} — Visit Michaels from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. to make candy cane decorations. Kids 3 and up can enjoy a quick project and take home a finished masterpiece. Sign up in store or online, or just drop in. $2 per child, supplies included.
December 16 — Holiday Lights Parade and Tree Lighting {Clarkston} — Check out the Holiday Lights Parade at 6 p.m., then visit Santa and Mrs. Claus in Depot Park for the tree lighting ceremony. FREE.
December 20-24 — ELF The Musical at the Fox Theatre {Detroit} — Everyone’s favorite Elf — Buddy — will be in Detroit at The Fox. The scoop is here.
December 21-22, 27-29 — Camp Frosty at Howell Nature Center {Howell} — Keep the kids busy over break with this fun winter-themed camp, which includes sledding, zip-lining, fire building and more. $42/day. 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily.
December 27 — Wild Over Wednesday at the DNR Outdoor Adventure Center {Detroit} — Visit the OAC The last Wednesday of each month for free admission from 6 to 8 p.m. There will be story time, hands-on experiences, games and more. FREE.
December 30 — MSU Bug House Open House {East Lansing} — If your child loves all things creepy crawly, the MSU Bug House is a fun place to visit. Check out the details for this event here. FREE.
Through December 30 — Visit Clifford at Sloan Museum {Flint} — Visit this Flint gem for an adorable exhibit all about everyone’s favorite Big Red Dog.
Don’t forget to check out my Christmas event picks HERE too and have a very merry season of fun!
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