November Festivals in Metro Detroit and Ann Arbor

Thanksgiving is coming up! Kick off the 2022 holiday season with one of these awesome November festivals in metro Detroit and Ann Arbor.

This month, visions of turkey, football and parades are dancing in many metro Detroit parents’ heads (not to mention that delicious hour of sleep we gain when we “fall back” in the wee hours of Sunday, Nov. 6!). And small wonder, too. November is a season rife with tradition and family fun here in southeast Michigan.

From stage shows and nature fun to festive trees and several parades (including the Nov. 24 showstopper on Woodward Avenue in Detroit), here’s a little list of kid-pleasing November festivals in metro Detroit and beyond sure to create a few memories this season.

Columbia Street Fall Fest

Oct. 6-Nov. 13, 2022

Experience this Urban Pumpkin Patch Experience with fall décor, games and food and beverage specials. There are lots of seasonal photo ops with cornstalks, fresh flowers, hay bales, life-sized animal statues, a wall of pumpkins and more.

71st Annual Detroit Jewish Book Fair Festival at Jewish Community Center of Metropolitan Detroit

Nov. 1-13, 2022

Join the Detroit Jewish Book Fair for a week of in-person activities at The J and virtual author events, all celebrating the art of Jewish literature.

All Hallows Illumination of Frog Island

Nov. 1, 2022

Bring your carved jack-o’-lanterns to the Frog Island Amphitheater to light up the track at this 4th annual event. Costumes are encouraged.

Youmacon 2022

Nov. 3-6, 2022

Similar to a comic con, the focus is on anime, Japanese style artwork and comics, video games and more. Cosplay is worn as well.

Ann Arbor Stamp Show at Morris Lawrence Building, Washtenaw Community College

Nov. 4-5, 2022

Introduce your child to stamps, learn the value of that old album and build your own collection. Twenty-five dealers from seven states will be on hand with U.S. and foreign stamps, postal history and collector supplies. Registration required.

2022 Canton International Showcase at Canton Village Theater

Nov. 5, 2022

This annual cultural and educational festival celebrates the diversity of Canton and surrounding communities through song and dance on the main stage of The Village Theater. There will be vendor tables, cultural displays and an international sweets table.

Earth Day at The J at The Berman Center For The Performing Arts

Nov. 6, 2022

Join them for an environmentally-themed family event featuring a concert with Latin Grammy Award winner MISTER G, a reading of the new Topsy Turvy Bus book by local author Anita Pazner and a festival of activities. This event is geared toward families with children ages 3-9.

Veterans Day Celebration at Costick Center

Nov. 11, 2022

Recognize and honor the sacrifice our veterans have made at this annual event, which features an honor guard ceremony, luncheon and more.

Anime Fest at Ypsilanti District Library

Nov. 12, 2022

This teen-only event happens after the library closes. It features an anime screening, a costume contest and anime-inspired art projects and snacks. For ages 12-18.

Diwali Celebration at Schoolcraft College

Nov. 12, 2022

Individuals of all faiths are invited to a Diwali celebration at Schoolcraft College. There will be dinner and entertainment.

Fishville Farms Fall Festival Holiday Craft Show & Food Drive at Chelsea Fairgrounds

Nov. 12, 2022

The family-friendly event features 40 local vendor booths, gift basket giveaway, The Rub BBQ food truck and more. Bring a canned food donation for the local food banks.

All Things Detroit Holiday Shopping Experience & Food Truck Rally at Eastern Market

Nov. 13, 2022

The All Things Detroit Holiday Experience features a highly curated list of 100 local makers offering handcrafted and holiday-themed goods and treats. Early admission comes with an All Things Detroit tote bag and one-hour early admission to shop and beat the crowds.

Royal Oak Market: Art Fair Edition at Royal Oak Farmers Market

Nov. 17-18, 2022

See artwork by 60-plus artists at this sixth annual juried art event.

Wayne County Lightfest at Merriman Hollow Park

Nov. 17-Dec. 24, 2022 (Wednesdays-Sundays)

A magical four-mile stretch of Hines Park, displaying nearly 50 animated themed displays and more than 100,000 lights.

Lighted Christmas Parade in Allen Park 

Nov. 18, 2022

  • Address: Downtown Allen Park area
  • Cost: Free

Floats and performers brightly lit for the holidays make their way through the downtown area.

Magic of Lights at Pine Knob Music Theatre

Nov. 18-Dec. 31, 2022

Drive through this holiday themed light display with different characters and themes using the latest LED technology and digital animations.

Classic Cartoon Festival at the Redford Theatre

Nov. 19, 2022

See some of your favorite classic cartoons like Popeye, Felix the Cat, Bugs Bunny and many others — all on the big screen again. Rated G.

Downtown Rochester Festival of Trees at Rochester Community House

Nov. 19-20, 2022

Tons of 4-foot, 6-foot and even 7-foot-tall trees are festively decorated for families to explore. Also, decorated wreaths, stockings and more.

Holiday Lighted Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony in Northville

Nov. 19, 2022

  • Address: Downtown Northville area
  • Cost: Free

Twinkling lights are not only on the streets but also in them at this downtown Northville community favorite.

Mount Clemens Santa Parade

Nov. 19, 2022

Line up on Main Street to enjoy floats, music and all of your favorite holiday characters at this annual Macomb County tradition.

Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak 

Nov. 19, 2022-Jan. 8, 2023 (select days)

The Detroit Zoo is aglow with millions of LED lights on the zoo’s trees, buildings and more.

Festival of Trees at Ford Community & Performing Arts Center in Dearborn

Nov. 20-27, 2022

Support the Children’s Hospital of Michigan Foundation and get in the holiday spirit at this family-favorite, which features professionally decorated trees, wreaths and gingerbread houses, visits with Santa, kids activities and more.

Holiday Stroll at Canterbury Village

Nov. 23, 25-27, Dec. 2-4, 9-11, 16-18, 22-23, 2022

Enjoy an amazing light show choreographed to classic holiday songs, hear the sounds of professional carolers and live Christmas performances.

America’s Thanksgiving Parade

Nov. 24, 2022

  • Address: Downtown Detroit
  • Cost: Free

Celebrating its 96th year, the parade has all of your favorite floats, balloons, marching bands and entertainment.

Thanksgiving Family Fun Fest at the Majestic Theatre

Nov. 24, 2022

Families can enjoy an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet and watch the Thanksgiving Parade come down Woodward.

Winter Wonder Lights at Meadow Brook Hall

Nov. 25-Dec. 30, 2022

Check out Meadow Brook’s Winter Wonder Lights and see an interactive light experience. Visitors can explore the National Historic Landmark at its most festive time. There will be seasonal beverages, bonfires, selfie stations and more.

Annual Milford Christmas Parade

Nov. 26, 2022

  • Address: Downtown Milford area
  • Cost: Free

Line the streets of the downtown area to watch local bands and floats celebrate the incoming holidays.

Garden City Santaland Parade 

Nov. 26, 2022

  • Address: Downtown Garden City area
  • Cost: Free

It’s celebrating its 61st year. Santa Claus and all his pals make their way through the streets of Garden City accompanied by local bands and floats.

Holly Dickens Festival in Village of Holly

Nov. 26-27, Dec. 3-4, 10-11, 2022

Enjoy costumed characters, entertainment, vendors, the feel of a “Charles Dickens town” and shops open downtown. The Dickens Parade will be held at 6 p.m. Nov. 26. Children can send a postcard to Santa, enjoy a story time and coronation and knighting ceremony with Queen Victoria and more.

This post was originally published in 2012 and is updated regularly. 


Follow Metro Parent on Instagram

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

- Advertisement -

LATEST STORIES

12 Categories of High School Cliques, Identified

A lot's changed since you ran with your friend crew. Research now finds 12 distinct high school cliques. Learn about them and where they rank in the hierarchy.

Fun Things to Do with Kids This Weekend in Metro Detroit and Ann Arbor

Looking for some family fun? Check out our list of events and other things to do this weekend.

Teach Your Kids to Be Kind to Animals

Brought to you by Humane Society of Huron Valley

Best Father’s Day Movies to Watch

Enjoy these family-friendly films in honor of dads everywhere.



- Advertisement -