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 some of the best Christmas events in southeast Michigan for 2023 that are sure to get you in the spirit of the season!
Make sure to check out this post of 25+ FREE Christmas Light Displays too!
35+ Family Christmas Events To See in Southeast Michigan in 2023
Through 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 $26, adults are $29.
Through January 7 — 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.
Through December 30 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 $22. 50 + fees/car during the week and $27.50 + fees/car on the weekends.
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 30 — 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, $20 for seniors, and $25 for adults.
November 18 – January 16 — Light Up Beacon Park {Detroit}
Guests are invited to experience Beacon Park’s “Northern Lights” installation with larger-than-life light displays, including a 15-foot infinity snow globe, a gigantic walkthrough snowflake and gleaming décor made up of 125,000 dazzling bulbs. Visit the Detroit Children’s Tree, which is decorated in ornaments made by local kids. Plus, spend some time with Santa and Mrs. Claus, meet real reindeer, groove to live music and feast on delicious food truck fare. And don’t forget “Polar Express” rides – they’re free for all!
November 17 — 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 17 — 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 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 18 — 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 18 – December 30 — 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 19 – 26 — 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 20 – 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 22 – December 23 — Canterbury Village Holiday Stroll {Lake Orion}
Canterbury Village transforms to a winter wonderland to provide a true Holiday setting that brings the spirit of Christmas to life! This family-friendly event is hosted outdoors where you can stroll through the quaint Village that is glowing with almost a million festive lights, enjoy a 7-minute amazing light show choreographed to classic holiday songs, hear professional carolers, and more. Additionally, be on the lookout for classic characters like Frosty, Buddy The Elf, The Grinch, Olaf, Jack Frost, Anna and Elsa and more! See our experience here.
November 23 — 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 24 — 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 3 p.m., followed by the Fantasy 5K at 6 p.m., and the start of the parade at 7 p.m. FREE.
November 24 – January 7 {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. Online tickets start at $17, children 2 and under free. $8 for parking.
November 24 – 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 25 – 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 Barbie Tooth Fairy. FREE to visit.
November 25 — Santaland Parade {Garden City}
This parade is in its 59th year and features more than 50+ floats, and Santa himself of course! The parade kicks off at 10 a.m. FREE.
Various Dates, November 24 – December 30 — Christmas Holiday Magic 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 start at $15+, 2 years and under are free.
November 24 – December 30 — 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 24 – January 7 — Cosmic Christmas at Longway Planetarium {Flint}
Enjoy a Christmas light show made at Longway Planetarium. This 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. Great for adults and kids ages 6 and older. Non-member tickets are $8 for adults, $6 for seniors 60+, and $6 for youth ages 2-11. {I highly recommend purchasing as a combo ticket to Sloan Museum of Discovery if you’ve never been!}
Various dates, Saturdays and Sundays, November 25 – December 10 — Holly Dickens Festival {Holly}
Visit the charming village that is Holly for shopping, carolers and old world charm. Such a beautiful city at Christmas! FREE.
November 25 – December 24 — 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.
November 30 — 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.
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.
Select nights, December 1-28 — 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: $38 for adults, $28.50 for youth, ages 5-12, and children age 4 and under are free.
December 1-3 — Cirque Dreams Holiday at The Fox Theatre {Detroit}
Cirque Dreams Holidaze wraps a Broadway-style production around an infusion of contemporary circus arts. As lights dim and the music swells, audiences will have visions of sugarplums dancing in their heads as a fantastical cast of holiday storybook characters come to life. Tickets begin at $35/person.
December 1 — 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 and more. 5-9 p.m. FREE.
December 1 — 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.” 6:30-8:30 p.m. FREE.
December 2 — Noel Night {Detroit}
The 49th 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 2 — Christmas in the Ville {Fowlerville}
Visit downtown Fowlerville for a parade, a pet parade, hot air balloons and more. Activities begin at 8 a.m., parade kicks off at 6 p.m. FREE.
December 2 — 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 5 — Holiday Walk at the Flint Cultural Center {Flint}
Visit the Flint Cultural Center from 5 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.
December 6 — Hip Hop Nutcracker at The Wharton Center {East Lansing}
A holiday mash-up for the whole family, The Hip Hop Nutcracker returns for another spectacular tour. This contemporary dance spectacle is a re-mixed and re-imagined version of the classic, smashing hip hop dance and Tchaikovsky’s timeless music together into a heart-stirring and inspirational holiday event. Tickets start at $40.
December 8 — A Magical Cirque Christmas at The Fox Theatre {Detroit}
Embrace the holiday spirit with A Magical Cirque Christmas, a variety show full of nostalgia, charm, and awe-inspiring performances for all ages. Get ready to be dazzled, enchanted, and filled with holiday cheer as you witness the incredible talents of world-class entertainers performing to your favorite holiday music. Tickets start at $35.
December 8-23 — 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 9 — 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?
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