Free Holiday Activities for Metro Detroit Families

Get into the holiday spirit without breaking the bank with these free festivities and holiday events around metro Detroit.

It may be the most wonderful time of the year, but I’m not sure if my wallet would echo the sentiment. After all, holiday shopping is far from the only part of the holiday season that comes with a hefty price tag. Between booking tickets to holiday attractions to purchasing ugly sweaters and browsing the aisles for the cutest seasonal decor, I need Christmas to hurry up and get here before I spend up a storm! 

This holiday season, save your hard earned dollars for the things that really matter (like matching Christmas pajama sets and eggnog, of course) by enjoying these festive, frugal events and attractions. From free visits with Santa to light displays and holiday events that don’t cost a dime, there’s no reason holiday cheer should come with a price tag.

5 Free Holiday Activities in Metro Detroit

Get into the holiday spirit without breaking the bank with these free festivities and holiday events around metro Detroit. 

Attend a tree lighting ceremony

Detroit Tree Lighting
Photo credit: Downtown Detroit Partnership

Tree lighting ceremonies are a great way to get your family into the holiday spirit while connecting with other families in your town. These free community events kick off the season with sparkling holiday lights; some even have appearances from Santa and free activities such as ice skating performances, cookie decorating and more holiday cheer. 

Check out the annual downtown Detroit tree lighting ceremony this weekend, or find another free tree lighting ceremony near you. 

Visit Santa Claus

Santa
Photo credit: iStock/Wavebreakmedia

If your family is anything like mine, then you’ll know we never pay for something we can get for free! This year, ditch the fees to take a photo with Santa and attend one of these events where kids can visit the big man and snap a photo for free. 

Santa’s Wonderland

  • Select Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shop locations 
  • Through Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2024

Selfies with Santa

  • Detroit Public Library, Elmwood Branch
  • Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024

The Big, Bright Light Show

free christmas activities metro detroit
Photo credit: The Big, Bright Light Show

  • Monday, Nov. 25, 2024-Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025
  • Downtown Rochester

I love bundling up, sipping a (spiked) hot cocoa and walking under tunnels of twinkling lights with my loved ones. While there are many fantastic Christmas light displays that are worth the price tag, sometimes it can be fun to check out a more lowkey, relaxed spot. 

This year, take a stroll through Rochester as 1.5 million holiday lights illuminate the downtown area. No admission fees means you can put that money towards purchasing holiday gifts from local businesses. 

Birmingham Santa Walk

Birmingham Santa Walk
Photo credit: Birmingham Shopping District

  • Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024
  • Downtown Birmingham 

Santa Claus is coming to town, and he’s stopping in downtown Birmingham! There will also be free horse-drawn carriage rides and hot cocoa. Be sure to register to reserve your child’s spot! 

Holly Dickens Festival

free holiday activities metro detroit
Photo via Holly Dickens Festival Facebook page

  • Saturdays and Sundays, Nov. 30-Dec. 15, 2024
  • Battle Alley, Holly 

Enjoy a quaint, Charles Dickens-inspired Christmas village with costumed characters, entertainment and vendors. Children can send a postcard to Santa, drop in for a story time and attend a coronation and knighting ceremony with Queen Victoria. The Dickens Parade will be held at 6 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 29.


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Nikki Roberts
Nikki Roberts
Nikki Roberts is the assistant editor on the Metro Parent team. She is always on the lookout for the coolest and trendiest new attractions, restaurants and events for metro Detroit families. Her newsletters, online family guides and exciting digital content keep families informed on all the latest happenings around town.

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