For me, the Christmas season officially begins with music in the van {check}…then shopping {started}…then purchasing a peppermint latte {so much better than pumpkin, right?}…and then I finally start decorating my home {generally after Thanksgiving}. After, I’m ready to focus on the reason for the season, volunteer a bit, and plan some family fun.
There are so many neat things to do in this area during Christmas, so I am starting to plan ahead since many of these events are just around the corner and sell out. I’ve picked some of my favorite 2015 Christmas events in southeast Michigan to get you in the spirit of the season!
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Holiday Fun in Kerrytown in Ann Arbor {Various dates in Nov. and Dec.}
Visit this quaint area of Ann Arbor for holiday fun, including a holiday market, children’s lantern parade and more. Santa will be visiting on select days as well. FREE. Info: kerrytown.com/events-1/
Wayne County Lightfest in Westland {Nov. 19 – Dec. 31}
Lightfest features more than 47 giant animated displays and more than one million lights and is the Midwest’s largest light show. The complete route is more than four miles of Hines Dr. Lights run from 7-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 6-10 p.m. Friday-Sunday. Entry is $5 fee per vehicle. Info: waynecounty.com/index.htm
Silver Bells in the City in Lansing {Nov. 20}
The premiere holiday event for the state of Michigan, which includes the lighting of Michigan’s official Christmas tree and a fireworks show over the State Capitol. 5-9 p.m. FREE. Info: www.silverbellsinthecity.org/
Detroit Christmas Tree Lighting in Campus Martius in Detroit {Nov. 20}
See the city’s tree officially light up for the holiday season. Such a beautiful and FREE event! 5 p.m. – Midnight. Expect to pay parking fees. Info: www.campusmartiuspark.org/events/
Walk of Trees in Plymouth {Nov. 20 – Jan. 1}
Bundle up the family and stroll through the Kellogg Park Walk of Trees. See 75 trees, each decorated by a local family, club or business. Trees are lit 24 hours from the Saturday after Thanksgiving through Christmas. FREE. Info: www.plymouthmich.org/events/Walk-of-Trees_ET418.html
Wonderland of Lights at Potter Park Zoo in Lansing {Nov. 20 – Dec. 27}
Potter Park Zoo will be transformed into a magical winter wonderland with thousands of holiday lights and extraordinary displays Thursdays-Sundays 5-8 p.m. Adults are $7/person, children ages 3-12 are $5 and children under 3 are free. Info: www.potterparkzoo.org/wonderland-of-lights
Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak {Weekends, Nov. 20 – Dec. 31}
A million-plus LED lights cover trees, buildings and animal sculptures. Live entertainment, arts, crafts, ice carving and holiday train displays, too. $9 in advance, $11 at the gate, children 2 and under free. $6 for parking. Info: www.detroitzoo.org/events/wild-lights
Holiday Glow in Downtown Brighton {Nov. 21}
Enjoy holiday music, local dance performances, hay and train rides, a petting farm, letters to Santa, tasty holiday treats and, of course… a visit from The Big Man Himself. FREE. Info: www.downtownbrighton.com/festivals
North Pole Express in Owosso {Nov. 22 – Dec. 21}
Take a 4-hour excursion by train to experience the magic of Christmas. The train departs from Owosso and travels to the Village of Ashley’s Country Christmas. While there, take a horse-drawn carriage ride, see reindeer, visit Santa’s Village and more. Lots included in the ticket prices, but book quick — these rides are sure to sell out. Tickets range from $35-$75. Info: www.michigansteamtrain.com/npe
Festival of Trees in Dearborn {Nov. 22-29}
Visit the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center for professionally decorated trees, wreaths and gingerbread houses, kid-friendly fun and Santa to support of the Children’s Hospital of Michigan Foundation. $5/adults, $3 for children, and free for kids 2 and under. Info: fot.org/wp/
The Big Bright Light Show in Rochester {Nov. 23 – Jan. 3}
Visit downtown Rochester for one of the area’s most amazing displays of lights! Thousands adorn the buildings along Main Street. Absolutely stunning and FREE. Info: www.downtownrochestermi.com/events/big-bright-light-show/
America’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in Detroit {Nov. 26}
Rockin’ parade along Woodward Avenue complete with floats, giant balloons, and Santa. Parade starts at 8:45 a.m. at Woodward Ave. and Kirby St. and ends at Campus Martius Park. $35-$55 for advance tickets/grandstand seating, or FREE for general admission. Expect to pay parking fees as well. Info: www.theparade.org
Fantasy of Lights Parade in Howell {Nov. 27}
The annual Fantasy of Lights on the day after Thanksgiving kicks off the holiday season in Howell. Activities begin at 4pm, followed by the Fantasy 5K at 6 p.m., and the start of the parade at 7 p.m. FREE. Info: howell.org/fantasy-of-lights/
Meadowbrook Hall Holiday Walk in Rochester {Nov. 27 – Dec. 23}
Visit this amazing historic mansion for a taste of Christmas past. It’s absolutely breath-taking! Visit with adults or with the kids and see Santa during select special events such as Breakfast with Santa. Tickets: $20/adults, $5 for children, and kids age 2 and under are free. {Look for BOGO coupons in the mail, too!} Info: meadowbrookhall.org/visit/holidaywalk
Holly Dickens Festival in Holly {Nov. 27-29, Dec. 5-6, Dec. 12-13 from 5-9 p.m.}
Visit the charming village that is Holly for shopping, carolers. FREE. {I also highly recommend making date night reservations at the Holly Hotel for delicious food in a beautiful, historic atmosphere. Such a cool place.} Info: www.hollydickensfestival.org
Christmas at Crossroads Holiday Magic in Flint {Nov. 27 – Dec. 30}
Bundle up and visit during this special time when thousands of lights sparkle like tiny stars throughout the Village. You’ll find villagers making vintage crafts, shops full of great gifts and the beloved Huckleberry Railroad waiting to take you on a festive nighttime ride. Ticket prices for the village/train combo: Adult {ages 13-59} – $13, Senior {60+} – $12, Child {25 months-12} – $10, 24 mos. and under are free. Info: www.geneseecountyparks.org/pages/christmas
Santaland Parade in Garden City {Nov. 28}
This parade is in its 55th year and features more than 50+ floats, and Santa himself of course! The theme of this year’s parade is “Christmas in the Mitten.” The parade kicks off at 10 a.m. FREE. Info: www.santalandparade.com
Christmas Open House in Downtown Milford {Dec. 3}
Take a trip to the quaint village of Milford for the hospitality of the downtown merchants, strolling entertainment and special promotions and refreshments. Santa arrives at 6 p.m. and will stay at the Village Center Mall next to Center Street Park until 9 p.m. FREE. Info: www.meetmeinmilford.com/1/Oakland_County_Michigan/calendar.asp?EventID=21714
Edsel & Eleanor Ford House Seasonal Events in Grosse Pointe Shores {Dec. 4-26}
Visit this historic mansion for true holiday magic – there’s more than 80,000 glimmering lights, hearing stories around a fire, and Santa in his Workshop! Lots of different events, including a Nutcracker Tea for children, and a Holiday Tea for adults. One of metro Detroit’s must-see destinations! Pricing varies, depending on the event. Info: www.fordhouse.org
Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village in Dearborn {Dec. 4-6, 11-13, 17-23 and 26-28}
Take a lantern-lit journey into a living snow globe filled with live music, skating, fireworks and tons of winter wonder, including Santa and his reindeer. Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village is like stepping into a Christmas card from the past — the golden glow from candlelit windows, the scent of roasting chestnuts, the sound of carolers in the distance, the jangle of sleigh bells. Tickets: $24 for adults, $22 for seniors, $18 for youth {5-12} and children age 4 and under are free. {Coupon for $2 off select nights} Info: www.thehenryford.org/events/holidayNights.aspx
Hometown Holiday Parade in Chelsea {Dec. 4-6, throughout December}
Visit Chelsea for the ceremonial lighting of the giant Christmas tree at Pierce Park, the Chelsea Light Parade, luminaries on Main Street and more. Explore the annual gingerbread house displays, sip on hot chocolate, and enjoy the special events planned. LOTS happening! Info: chelseamich.com
Holiday Light Parade in Williamston {Dec. 5}
The 19th Annual Light Parade steps off at 6 p.m., with illuminated floats and vehicles, marching band, animals, and more. After the parade, Santa and Mrs. Claus will help with the lighting of the tree in front of City Hall. FREE. Info: www.williamston.org/events-news/
Noel Night in Detroit {Dec. 5}
The 43rd annual Noel Night takes place at more than 70 Midtown Detroit venues, including the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Michigan Science Center, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, the Detroit Historical Museum, and more, each opening their doors to the public FREE of charge. Additional activities include horse-drawn carriage rides, shopping, craft activities and performances by more than 120 area music, theatre, and dance groups. FREE. Info: midtowndetroitinc.org/events/noel-night/noel-night
Winter Glow in East Lansing {Dec. 5}
Enjoy winter fun in downtown East Lansing, including carriage rides, roasted marshmallows, Santa, a special outdoor holiday farmer’s market, live music, a kid’s carnival, roasted chestnuts and more. 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. FREE. Info: www.cityofeastlansing.com/winterglow
Hometown Christmas Parade in Downtown Rochester {Dec. 6}
The Rochester Hometown Christmas Parade is the largest Christmas parade in Michigan with an average 3,500 parade participants. The theme this year is “The Sounds of Christmas,” and will kick off at 6 p.m. Info: www.rrc-mi.com/pages/RochesterHometownChristmasParade
Christmas at the Whaley House in Flint {Dec. 11-19}
Visit the Whaley Historic House Museum to see it decked out in holiday splendor. Tickets are $5/adults, $3 for youth, and free for children age 5 and under. Info: www.whaleyhouse.com
Christmas at The Townsend {Dec. 23}
The Townsend Hotel will be hosting the ultimate ugly Christmas sweater party for adults on Dec. 23, complete with cocktails, dancing and live music. Ticket proceeds will benefit the Children’s Hospital of Michigan Foundation. Tickets are $20 or $49 for VIP. Info: http://www.neptix.com/events/29015
The Nutcracker Ballet {Various dates and locations}
Cities include Ann Arbor, Detroit, Lansing, Brighton, Farmington Hills, Flint, Oxford, and more. Michigan shows: www.nutcrackerballet.net/html/michigan.html
What are your favorite Christmas events?
[…] SEE THE 2015 LIST HERE! […]