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. 7!). 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. 25 show stopper 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.
Diwali Festival of Light at Riverside Park
Nov. 3, 2021
- Address: Riverside Park, 3311 Squirrel Ct., Auburn Hills
- Time: 5-7 p.m.
- Cost: Free
The event will feature a Diwali craft, dancing, Rangoli, a henna artist, and we will end with a glow roll.
Piquette Fall Art Fair
Nov. 4, 2021
- Address: Ford Piquette Avenue Plant, 461 Piquette Ave., Detroit
- Time: 3-8 p.m.
- Cost: $5
The fair will feature several Detroit and Michigan artists. Art will be on display and for sale. The art will include paintings, illustrations, sculpture, metal work and more.
Royal Oak Market: Art Fair Edition
Nov. 11-12, 2021
- Address: Royal Oak Farmer’s Market, 316 E. Eleven Mile Road, Royal Oak
- Time: Noon-10 p.m. daily
- Cost: Free/admission
See artwork by 60-plus artists at this sixth annual juried art event.
Veterans Day Celebration
Nov. 11, 2021
- Address: Costick Center, 28600 W. Eleven Mile Road, Farmington Hills
- Time: 11 a.m.
- Cost: $10/residents, $12/non-residents, free/veterans
Honor the services and sacrifices of our nation’s veterans at this 25th annual. Registration required.
Holiday Lighted Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony in Northville
Nov. 19, 2021
- Address: Downtown Northville area
- Time: 6:30 p.m.
- Cost: Free
Twinkling lights are not only on the streets but also in them at this downtown Northville community favorite.
Lighted Christmas Parade in Allen Park
Nov. 19, 2021
- Address: Downtown Allen Park area
- Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m.
- Cost: Free
Floats and performers brightly lit for the holidays make their way through the downtown area.
Downtown Rochester Festival of Trees at Rochester Community House
Nov. 20-21, 2021
- Address: Rochester Community House, 816 Ludlow Ave., Rochester
- Time: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday
- Cost: Free
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.
Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak
Nov. 20, 2021-Jan. 3, 2021 (select days)
- Address: Detroit Zoo, 8450 W. 10 Mile Road, Royal Oak
- Time: 5-9 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays and Sundays and 5–10:30 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays
- Cost: $15-$20/advanced online pricing, free/2 and under, $8/parking
The Detroit Zoo is aglow with more than five million LED lights on the zoo’s trees, buildings and more.
Wyandotte Christmas Parade
Nov. 20, 2021
- Address: Downtown Wyandotte area
- Time: 10 a.m.
- Cost: Free
The 78th Annual Christmas Parade is said to be the largest Christmas Parade in the area.
Festival of Trees at Ford Community & Performing Arts Center in Dearborn
Nov. 21-28, 2021
- Address: Ford Community & Performing Arts Center, 15801 Michigan Ave., Dearborn
- Times: Times vary by day; closed Thanksgiving
- Cost: $5/adults, $3/kids, free/2 and under
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.
America’s Thanksgiving Parade
Nov. 25, 2021
- Address: Woodward Avenue between Kirby and Congress streets, Detroit
- Time: 8:50 a.m.
- Cost: Free/general, fees/ VIP seating
For its 95th romp, this big-time Detroit tradition features a procession of floats, balloons, Big Head Corps and, of course, Santa on Woodward Avenue. Catch it live on WDIV-Local 4, too.
Annual Milford Christmas Parade
Nov. 27, 2021
- Address: Downtown Milford area
- Time: 10 a.m.-noon
- Cost: Free
Line the streets of the downtown area to watch local bands and floats celebrate the incoming holidays.
Holly Dickens Festival in Downtown Holly
Nov. 27-28, Dec. 4-5, 11-12, 2021
- Address: Downtown Holly area
- Time: Noon-5 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays
- Cost: Free
Inspired by the Charles Dickens classic tale A Christmas Carol, this annual festival revels in the writer’s era, compete with four stages of entertainment, festive food and more – even Scrooge himself.
Garden City Santaland Parade
Nov. 27, 2021
- Address: Downtown Garden City area
- Time: 10 a.m.
- Cost: Free
It’s celebrating its 60th year. Santa Claus and all his pals make their way through the streets of Garden City accompanied by local bands and floats.
Classic Cartoon Festival at the Redford Theatre
Nov. 27, 2021
- Address: Redford Theatre, 17360 Lahser Road, Detroit
- Time: 7 p.m.
- Cost: $5
See some of your favorite classic cartoons like Popeye, Superman, Tom and Jerry, Bugs Bunny and many others — all on the big screen again. Rated G.
This post was originally published in 2012 and is updated regularly.
Follow Metro Parent on Instagram.
