Said the crazy mom to her little kids…Do you hear what I hear? It’s December! Holy cow. 2016 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 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 in December 2016
Weekends through December — Snacks/Lunch/S’mores with Santa at Metroparks {Various Locations} — Santa will be visiting the various Metroparks for fun activities. Check the calendar linked above for pricing and details.
December 1 — Christmas Open House {Milford} — This seasonal event brings strolling entertainment, horse-drawn carriage rides, holiday caroling, special promotions and deals at downtown stores and restaurants as well as a highly anticipated visit with Santa Claus in Center Street Mall. 6-9 p.m. FREE.
December 1-4 — “Twas A Girls Night Before Christmas: The Musical” at City Theatre {Detroit} — This musical would make the perfect girl’s night out and is sure to resonate with anyone who has survived the holiday season, from the LONG visits with in-laws to overcrowded malls. Everyone will be singing to classic Christmas songs and hits like “Santa Baby,” and “I Will Survive (The Holidays!)”. Tickets are $38.
December 2 — Light Up The Night {Novi} — Visit Novi for live reindeer, marshmallow roasting, Santa, ice sculptures and more from 6-9 p.m. FREE.
December 2 —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 2 — 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 2-4 — 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. FREE.
December 2-4 — 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 2-18 {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. $8/adults, $6/children, 2 and under are free. Various time slots available. Register online in advance. {We LOVE this event!}
December 3 — 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 3 — 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 3 — Kids Workshop at The Home Depot {Nationwide} — Make a gingerbread man candy dish 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 3 — 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 3 — 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 3 — 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 3 — Michael Kids Club {Nationwide} — Visit Michaels from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. to make a felt stocking. 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 3 — Stories with Santa at Schuler Books in Eastwood Towne Center {Lansing} — From 10 a.m. until noon, enjoy stories with Santa and Mrs. Claus. FREE.
December 3 — Lowe’s Build & Grow Clinic {Nationwide} – Bring your child to Lowe’s to make an ornament! Register online in advance. FREE.
December 3-4 The Nutcracker at The Flint Youth Theatre {Flint} — Collage Dance Collective of Memphis and talented dancers from the Flint School of Performing Arts come together for the finest Nutcracker in Michigan. The Flint Symphony Orchestra brings the performances to life with Tchaikovsky’s classic score. Tickets are $8-$31.
December 4 — 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 — 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 6 — 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 7, 13 and 14 — 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 10 — Elf Workshop at Sloan Museum {Flint} — Visit Sloan Museum for a morning of crafts and fun. Make an ornament with Flint Handmade and enjoy cookies and hot cocoa. Explore the museum including the new holiday exhibit, Winter Wonderland. 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. For ages 2-11. $5
December 10 — Michael Kids Club {Nationwide} — Visit Michaels from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. to make a clay pot elf. 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 10 — 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 10 — 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. 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. $6/residents, $11/non-residents.
December 10 — Polar Express Day {Hartland} — Visit the historic downtown Hartland for live reindeer, crafts, live music and more. FREE. 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
December 11 — 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 Ford Motor Company. 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.
December 14 — 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 $70-$105.
December 17 — Bounce With Santa {Hartland} — Bring your little ones to preschool playtime to spend a merry time exploring the gym! Bring your camera — there will be a photo spot set up for your child to have their picture taken with Santa. $7/child. 4 and under only.
December 17 — Cookies and Santa at Simpled Eats {Howell} — Stop by Simpled Eats for cookie decorating, Christmas craft, story time with The Claus’ and FREE pictures with Santa & Mrs Claus {bring your own camera or phone!}. $2/child.
December 22-23, 27-30 — 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. $40/day. 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily.
Don’t forget to check out my Christmas event picks HERE too and have a very merry season of fun!
Leave a Reply