Bundle up and hit the streets! Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw and Wayne counties are packed full of awesome holiday-themed 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 parades is sure to fit your needs.
Allen Park Lighted Christmas Parade
Nov. 17, 2017
- Address: Downtown Allen Park area
- Time: 6:30 p.m. step off
- Phone: 313-383-2453
Year 17 of this annual parade features tons of floats, performances, music and more. Refreshments follow.
Wyandotte Christmas Parade
Nov. 18, 2017
- Address: Downtown Wyandotte
- Time: 10 a.m. step off
- Phone: 734-324-4502
This 74th annual procession showcases the holiday season with a Christmas/Winter Wonderland theme, and plenty of music. Stick around until the end to see St. Nicholas, too.
Macomb County Santa Parade in Mount Clemens
Nov. 18, 2017
- Address: Downtown Mount Clemens
- Time: 10 a.m. step off
- Phone: 586-469-4168
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. 23, 2017
- Address: Woodward Avenue between Kirby and Congress streets, Detroit
- Time: 8:50 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 91st annual procession.
Grosse Pointe Santa Claus Parade
Nov. 24, 2017
- Address: Kercheval Avenue from Lewiston to Cadieux roads
- Time: 10 a.m. step off
- Phone: 313-881-4722
This 42-year-old Detroit tradition features a parade, Toys for Tots toy drive, and tons of fun with Santa.
Holly Dickens Festival Lighted Parade
Nov. 24, 2017
- Address: Steps off from the Holly Elementary School Parking Lot, 801 E. Maple St., Holly, and heads downtown
- Time: 6:30 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. 25-26, Dec. 2-3 and 9-10 for even more holiday fun.
Milford Christmas Parade
Nov. 25, 2017
- 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. 25, 2017
- Address: Downtown Garden City
- Time: 10 a.m. step off
- Phone: 734-793-1882
This 57-year-old holiday tradition really brings the sights, sounds and smells of Christmas to life with its 2017 theme, “A Storybook Christmas.” Afterwards, be sure to stick around to visit with Santa.
Holiday Extravaganza Parade in Pontiac
Dec. 2, 2017
- 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. Note: Visit early (8-10:30 a.m.) for the WinterFUN Festival too, featuring ice-carving competitions, horse-drawn wagon rides and more.
Berkley Hometown Holidays Lights Parade
Dec. 2, 2017
- Address: Downtown Berkley
- Time: 5:30 p.m. step off
- Phone: 248-658-3300
Among the petting zoo, vintage trolley rides, games and treats of the annual Hometown Holidays tradition is the lights parade, which will kick off your holiday season in style.
Holiday Parade in Saline
Dec. 2, 2017
- Address: Downtown Saline
- Time: 5:30 p.m. step off
- Phone: 734-429-4494
This 42nd annual family affair has the theme “Santa’s Workshop” Enjoy 40 holiday-themed parade units and visit with Santa.
Hometown Holiday Light Parade in Chelsea
Dec. 2, 2017
- 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 the “real” Santa. Note: The parade is just part of Chelsea’s Hometown Holiday Weekend, Dec. 1-3.
Christmas Parade in Milan
Dec. 2, 2017
- Address: Downtown Milan
- Time: 6 p.m. step off
- Phone: 734-439-7932
Line up for floats, music and performances and stick around for a Christmas tree lighting and visits with Santa Claus.
Orion Area Lighted Parade
Dec. 2, 2017
- 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. 2, 2017
- 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. 3, 2017
- Address: Downtown Rochester
- Time: 2 p.m. step off
- Phone: 248-651-6700
The 66th annual procession will have Rochester dressed up in its holiday best with its theme “Vintage Christmas.”
Christmas Parade in Oxford
Dec. 4, 2017
- Address: Downtown Oxford
- Times: 6:30 p.m.
- 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.
This post was originally published in 2014 and is updated regularly.
