Bundle up and hit the streets! Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne counties are packed full of awesome holiday parades perfect to ring in the season – from the America’s Thanksgiving Parade in Detroit to the Milford Christmas Parade and more.
Whether you’re looking for some fabulous floats, to get a glimpse of your favorite holiday characters (including the famous jolly guy), or just looking for something fun to do with the kiddos, one of these holiday parades is sure to fit your needs.
And, best of all, they’re the perfect way to get your family in the holiday spirit.
Check out the 2018 list of holiday parades around metro Detroit, Ann Arbor and southeast Michigan. Did we miss one? Let us know in the comments and we’ll add it!
Allen Park Lighted Christmas Parade
Nov. 16, 2018
- Address: Downtown Allen Park area
- Time: 6:30 p.m. step off
- Phone: 313-928-0940
Year 18 of this annual parade features plenty of festive floats, performances, music and more. A community tree lighting precedes the fun at 6 p.m. – and refreshments follow.
Wyandotte Christmas Parade
Nov. 17, 2018
- Address: Downtown Wyandotte
- Time: 10 a.m. step off
- Phone: 734-324-4500
This 75th annual procession showcases the holiday season with 90 units flaunting a Christmas/Winter Wonderland theme. Stick around until the end to see St. Nicholas, too.
Macomb County Santa Parade in Mount Clemens
Nov. 17, 2018
- Address: Downtown Mount Clemens
- Time: 10 a.m. step off
- Phone: 586-469-6818
Line up on Main Street to enjoy floats, music and all of your favorite holiday characters at this annual Macomb County tradition.
America’s Thanksgiving Parade in Detroit
Nov. 22, 2018
- Address: Woodward Avenue between Kirby and Congress streets, Detroit
- Time: 8:45 a.m. step off, 10 a.m.-noon/TV time
- Phone: 313-923-7400
Line Woodward Avenue to see your favorite floats, balloons, Big Head Corps and holiday characters at this 92nd annual procession – a national icon among holiday parades.
Grosse Pointe Santa Claus Parade
Nov. 23, 2018
- Address: Kercheval Avenue from Lewiston to Cadieux roads
- Time: 10 a.m. step off
- Phone: 313-881-4722
This community tradition features a parade complete with Santa, all set to a “Christmas Around the World” theme.
Holly Dickens Festival Lighted Parade
Nov. 23, 2018
- Address: Steps off from the Holly Elementary School Parking Lot, 801 E. Maple St., Holly, and heads downtown
- Time: 7:30 p.m. step off
- Phone: 586-292-2138
The annual festival that turns downtown Holly into a scene from a Charles Dickens Christmas story kicks off with a festive parade followed by a tree lighting and a special appearance of the big guy in red. Head back Nov. 24-25, Dec. 1-2 and 8-9 for more Holly Dickens Festival fun.
Milford Christmas Parade
Nov. 24, 2018
- Address: Downtown Milford
- Time: 10 a.m. step off
- Phone: 248-684-9719
Families line the streets of downtown Milford for a parade of beautifully decorated floats, marching bands and more. Get there early to get the best spot because Santa closes out this procession.
Santaland Parade in Garden City
Nov. 24, 2018
- Address: Downtown Garden City
- Time: 10 a.m. step off
- Phone: 734-793-1882
This 58-year-old holiday tradition really brings the sights, sounds and smells of Christmas. Afterwards, be sure to stick around to visit with Santa.
Holiday Extravaganza Parade in Pontiac
Dec. 1, 2018
- Address: Downtown Pontiac
- Time: 11 a.m. step off
- Phone: 248-322-9800, ext. 2571
Check out your favorite costumed characters, plus floats, balloons, marching bands, fire trucks, dancers and more at this annual event. The parade steps off at 11 a.m. and heads down Saginaw Street, with fun continuing till 1 p.m.
Note: Visit earlier (8-10:30 a.m.) for the WinterFUN Festival too, featuring ice-carving competitions, horse-drawn wagon rides and more.
Christmas Parade in Oxford
Dec. 1, 2018
- Address: Downtown Oxford
- Times: 2 p.m. step off
- Phone: 248-628-0410
This holiday tradition heads right through downtown Oxford during the annual holiday market. Enjoy the procession and pick up some holiday goodies, too.
Christmas Parade in Milan
Dec. 1, 2018
- Address: Downtown Milan
- Time: 5 p.m. step off
- Phone: 734-439-7932
Line up for floats, music and performances and stick around for a visit with Santa Claus at this pick among the holiday parades.
Berkley Holiday Lights Parade
Dec. 1, 2018
- Address: Downtown Berkley
- Time: 5:30 p.m. step off
- Phone: 248-658-3300
The this hometown tradition offers plenty of community fun along with its lighted parade, all to kick off your season in style.
Holiday Parade in Saline
Dec. 1, 2018
- Address: Downtown Saline
- Time: 5:30 p.m. step off
- Phone: 734-429-4494
This 43rd annual family affair packs in 100 parade participants from animals to dancers – even a hot air ballon. Plus Santa, of course!
Hometown Holiday Light Parade in Chelsea
Dec. 1, 2018
- Address: Main Street to Jackson Street, downtown Chelsea
- Time: 6 p.m. step off
- Phone: 734-475-1145
This annual parade dazzles with dozens of lighted floats and vehicles, marching bands and even an appearance by Santa. Note: The parade is just part of Chelsea’s Hometown Holiday, which runs Nov. 30-Dec. 2.
Orion Lighted Christmas Parade
Dec. 1, 2018
- Address: Downtown Lake Orion
- Time: 6 p.m. step off
- Phone: 248-802-5521
Downtown Lake Orion will glow with festive holiday lights and the sounds of music from the more than 75 parade entries, followed by a special visit from Santa.
Christmas Parade in Trenton
Dec. 1, 2018
- Address: Downtown Trenton
- Time: 6 p.m. step off
- Phone: 734-675-7300
Hand-held candles illuminate the streets of downtown Trenton as this annual procession makes its way to City Hall for the annual tree lighting ceremony and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
Hometown Christmas Parade in Rochester
Dec. 2, 2018
- Address: Downtown Rochester
- Time: 2 p.m. step off
- Phone: 248-651-6700
The 67th annual procession will have Rochester dressed up in its holiday best.
Merry & Bright: Livonia’s Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting
Dec. 2, 2018
- Address: Downtown Livonia
- Time: 4 p.m. step off
- Phone: 734-466-290
This parade is topped off by tree lighting festivities with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Kids then visit the local library for crafts, entertainment and refreshments.
Tree Lighting in Woodhaven
Dec. 7, 2018
- Address: Woodhaven Community Center
- Time: 6 p.m. step off
- Phone: 734-675-4926
The city marching band kicks off this procession and event, which also includes activities for kids, Santa and Mrs. Claus – even some chilly-weather fireworks.
Photo from The Parade Company in Detroit
This post is updated regularly.
