Top Christmas Events in Southeast Michigan for 2022

For me, Christmas officially begins with the music…then shopping…then purchasing a peppermint latte…and then I finally start to decorate {generally after Thanksgiving}. After all that, I’m ready to focus on the reason for the season, do some volunteering, and plan some rockin’ family outings.

Lucky for me, 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 do sell out. Below, I’ve picked my favorite 25+ Christmas events in southeast Michigan that are sure to get you in the spirit of the season!

Top Christmas Events in Southeast Michigan for 2022

Various dates and locations — The Nutcracker Ballet

Cities include Ann Arbor, Brighton, Canton, Chelsea, Clawson, Clinton Township, Detroit, East Lansing, Flint and more.

November 11 – January 1 — Decked Out Detroit {Detroit}

Check out the Monroe Street Midway for an entire day of family fun, including winter bumper cars, snacks, a giant slide, arcade, Santa visits and more. Free entry; each activity has a fee.

November 16 – January 6 — Tree of Teeth Light Display {Northville}

For a totally unique experience, visit Preservation Dental in downtown Northville to see a nightly light and music show running every 30 minutes, from 6-9 p.m. The “Tree of Teeth” Christmas tree consists of 1,111 Michigan-made oversized white plastic molars, lit with 1,111 twinkling lights, and topped with a 3.5’ tall Tooth Fairy. FREE to visit.

November 17 – December 24 — Wayne County Lightfest {Westland}

Lightfest features nearly 50 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. Entry is $5 cash fee per vehicle.

November 17 – December 23 — Glenlore Trails presents Aurora {Commerce Township}

Head to Commerce Township to see Aurora, an immersive lighted trail experience presented by Glenlore Trails. Prices are $15 for youth and $25 for adults.

November 18 – January 16 — Light Up Beacon Park + Toyland {Detroit}

More than 125,000 LED lights will dazzle downtown as Beacon Park kicks off the holiday season with Light Up Beacon Park and Toyland. Visit the Detroit Children’s Tree, which is decorated in ornaments made by local kids. Toyland will feature interactive light sculptures including a light-up ride-on choo-choo train, a giant teddy bear and larger than life nutcrackers.

November 18 – December 31 Lights Before Christmas at the Toledo Zoo {Toledo}

Visit the Toledo Zoo for Santa visits, rides, actives, and thousands of twinkling lights throughout the zoo. Tickets for children and seniors are $23, adults are $26.

November 18 — Silver Bells in the City {Lansing}

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.

November 18 — Detroit Christmas Tree Lighting in Campus Martius {Detroit}

Visit Campus Marius for the annual tree lighting event in the heart of downtown. 5 p.m. – Midnight. Free, but expect to pay parking fees.

November 18 – December 31 Magic of Lights at Pine Knob Music Theatre {Clarkston}

Drive through the dazzling drive-through light display, which features holiday themed scenes and characters using the latest LED technology and digital animations, including the all-new Prehistoric Christmas, Mega Tree displays, a 32-foot-tall animated Mattel’s Waving Christmas Barbie® and more. Magic of Lights opens each day at 5:30 p.m. and runs through 10 p.m. Sunday–Thursday and until 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. It’s $20/car during the week and $25/car on the weekends.

November 19 – January 8 {select days} — Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo {Royal Oak}

A million-plus LED lights cover trees, buildings and animal sculptures. Live entertainment, arts, crafts, ice carving and holiday train displays, too. Tickets starts at $17, children 2 and under free. $8 for parking.

November 19 – December 23 {Thursdays – Sundays} — Wonderland of Lights at Potter Park Zoo {Lansing}

Potter Park will be transformed into a magical winter wonderland with thousands of holiday lights during the evening. Adults are $9/person, children ages 3-12 are $5 and children 3 and under are free.

November 19 – December 31 Immesive Nutcracker {Detroit}

Visit the Lighthouse Art Space in Detroit for the Immersive Nutcracker experience featuring whimsical animated characters alongside footage of professional ballet dancers. The projection features beloved scenes set to their classical scores like “The March of the Toys,” “The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” and more. The experience is 30 minutes long and tickets start at $26.99.

November 25 – January 1 — Walk of Trees {Plymouth}

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 a day. FREE.

November 19 — Holiday Glow {Brighton}

Enjoy holiday music, local dance performances, train rides, a petting farm, letters to Santa, tasty holiday treats and, of course… a visit from The Big Man Himself. Event is 1 p.m. – 7 p.m. FREE.

November 20 – 27 — Festival of Trees {Dearborn}

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.

November 21 – January 21 — The Big Bright Light Show {Rochester}

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.

November 24 — America’s Thanksgiving Day Parade {Detroit}

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. FREE for general admission. Expect to pay parking fees, so bring cash.

November 25 — Fantasy of Lights Parade {Howell}

The annual Fantasy of Lights is on the day after Thanksgiving kicks off the holiday season in Howell. Activities such as reindeer and live performers begin at 4 p.m., followed by the Fantasy 5K at 6 p.m., and the start of the parade at 7 p.m. FREE.

November 26 — Santaland Parade {Garden City} 

This parade is in its 58th year and features more than 50+ floats, and Santa himself of course! The parade kicks off at 10 a.m. FREE.

Various dates, Saturdays and Sundays, November 26 – December 11 — Holly Dickens Festival {Holly}

Visit the charming village that is Holly for shopping, carolers and a meal. {I highly recommend making a date night or girl’s night out reservations at the Holly Hotel for delicious food in a beautiful, historic atmosphere.} FREE.

Various Dates, November 26 – December 30 — Christmas at Crossroads Holiday Magic {Flint}

Bundle up and visit from 4 p.m. – 9 p.m. when thousands of lights sparkle throughout the Village. You’ll find villagers making vintage crafts, shops full of gifts and the Huckleberry Railroad waiting to take you on a festive nighttime ride. Ticket prices for the village/train combo: Adult {ages 13-59} – $24, Senior {60+} – $23, Child {25 months-12} – $22, 2 years and under are free.

November 29 – December 23 — Meadow Brook Hall Holiday Walk {Rochester} 

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, $7.50 for children, and kids ages 5 and under are free.

November 29 – January 5 — A Ford House Christmas {Grosse Pointe Shores} 

Travel back in time and spend the holiday season with the Ford family. Enjoy a lighted shuttle ride to the house for a holiday tour of the historic home. Continue the festivities in the Visitor Center where you will partake in holiday crafts and entertainment. A concession stand will be available. Tickets are $20/adults/non-members, $12 for children.

November 26 – December 24 {dates TBD} — Santa’s Magic Forest {Taylor} 

Visit Taylor’s Heritage Park to see heart-warming winter village scenes made livelier by moving animatronic figures. Many of the displays were created for the Hudson’s Department Stores. $3/adults, children 3 and under free. Pictures with Santa are $8. Proceeds benefit Fishes & Loaves.

Throughout December — Hometown Holiday {Chelsea}

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 throughout the month. FREE.

December 1 — Christmas Open House {Milford}

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. FREE.

December 2 — Kerrytown District’s Annual KindleFest {Ann Arbor} 

Visit the Kerrytown District for an outdoor holiday market featuring local and regional artisans and farmers selling unique holiday gifts, as well as German foods, sweets and beverages. Enjoy live music, fire pits, a heated tent, s’more roasting and a Lantern Parade. 5-9 p.m. FREE.

Select nights, December 2-28 — Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village in Dearborn {Dearborn}

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. Ticket prices: $35 for adults, $26.25 for youth, ages 5-12, and children age 4 and under are free.

December 3 — Noel Night {Detroit}

The annual Noel Night takes place nearly 100 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 carriage rides, shopping, crafts and performances by more than 120 area groups.

December 3 — Holiday Lighting Fest {Macomb} 

Visit the Macomb Township Parks and Recreation for the Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony. This event includes caroling, the arrival of Santa, and concludes with the lighting of the tree. After, step inside for refreshments, children crafts and “carol-o-ke.” FREE.

December 3 — Christmas in the Ville {Fowlerville}

Visit downtown Fowlerville for a parade, a pet parade, hot air balloons and more. FREE.

December 3 — Holiday Light Parade {Williamston}

The 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.

December 6 — Holiday Walk at the Flint Cultural Center {Flint} 

Visit the Flint Cultural Center from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. for Holiday Walk, which features Santa, live entertainment, crafts and more. Don’t miss the Tree Lighting at 5:15 p.m. FREE, but a donation to the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan is encouraged.

December 9-24 — Moonbeams for Sweet Dreams {Royal Oak}

Visit Beamont Hospital in Royal Oak at approximately 8 p.m. to shine flashlights to remind pediatric patients they aren’t alone and wish them sweet dreams. {Free to attend, brings lights and arrive early to park.}

December 10 — Winter Fest {East Lansing} 

Enjoy winter-inspired fun in downtown East Lansing, including ice carving, roasted marshmallows, live music, and more. 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. FREE.

What are your favorite Christmas events?