Your Family Guide to Holiday Fun in Metro Detroit and Ann Arbor

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! No matter what you believe or which holidays you celebrate, this time of year is magical — even more so with all of the holiday fun that the metro Detroit and Ann Arbor area has to offer. 

From holiday light displays and Nutcracker shows to Christmas tree farms and Santa appearances, Macomb, Oakland, Wayne and Washtenaw counties are filled with family fun this time of year and we here at Metro Parent have you covered with the most up-to-date details on all the family fun happenings. 

We’ve broken down all of the holly jolly family fun ideas and put them into one handy guide to help you navigate the season, and plan your merriest and brightest holiday yet.

Click through to find local events, family crafts and activities, along with shopping tips, charities that need your help and more ideas your whole family will love.

Holiday Lights

There’s nothing quite like the twinkle of lights against a snowy backdrop to fill you with holiday cheer and you’ll find spectacular light displays all across Metro Detroit and Ann Arbor. Here are some of our favorite displays.

Holiday Attractions and Events

Along with beautiful lights, the holidays also bring fantastical events and unique experiences that kids will love including holiday shows, ice skating rinks and more. Need some inspiration on how to spend the season with your kids? Try some of these ideas. 

Gifts and Giving

Gift giving is a key piece of the holiday season but finding the perfect presents for your loved ones at the right price can be a bit of a challenge. Simplify your shopping with our top gift ideas for kids. 

Christmas

Santa Claus is coming to town, and families have some prep work to do before his big arrival including getting a tree, making their wish lists and more. Need some inspiration and fun ideas to make the most of Christmas this year? These ideas will kick your festivities into overdrive with Christmas tree farms and Santa visits. 

Hanukkah

Every December, families of the Jewish faith celebrate the Festival of Lights with eight days of food, gifts, games, special prayers and time together with loved ones. If you’re looking for new ways to enjoy Hanukkah, try some of these fun ideas. 

Kwanzaa

Kwanzaa, the African American cultural celebration of life, was founded in 1966 by Maulana Karenga as a way to build both pride and unity within the Black community. 

Today, many local families celebrate Kwanzaa and its seven principles (Umoja, Kujichagulia, Ujima, Ujamma, Nia, Kuumba and Imani) with singing, dancing, the Kinara lighting and more. Here are some fun ideas to make the most of your family’s festivities. 

New Year’s Eve

Ahh, New Year’s Eve. A time for reflection, new goals and, you guessed it, celebration. Say goodbye to this year, welcome the New Year and kick your NYE party into high gear with these local events, craft ideas and more.

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