Celebrate the holidays in metro Detroit with the whole family. You and your kids can enjoy the magical winter season with holiday lights, Santa visits, Christmas and holiday shows and more.
We’re looking forward to all of these fun events, but especially Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical, Detroit Zoo’s Wild Lights and Winter Wonder Lights.
We highly recommend you get tickets to these popular experiences before they sell out! Here are some of our must-see events and you can find even more holiday events to check out on our calendar.
This article was recently updated on Dec. 4, 2024 by Metro Parent’s Audience Development Manager, Katina Beniaris. The update included her adding the latest information on the best holiday events in metro Detroit. Questions? Please reach out to katina@metroparent.com.
Best holiday events in metro Detroit
Wayne County Lightfest
Nov. 21-Dec. 24, 2024 (Wednesdays-Sundays)
- Address: Merriman Hollow Park Area, 7651 Merriman Road, Westland
- Area: Wanye County
- Cost: $5/car (cash only)
The Wayne County Lightfest is a magical four-mile stretch of Hines Park, displaying nearly 50 animated themed displays and more than 100,000 lights.
Holiday Extravaganza at Blake’s
Nov. 23-24, 30; Dec. 1, 2024
- Address: Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill, 17985 Armada Center Road, Armada
- Area: Macomb County
- Cost: Free
This annual features live music, an artisan market, free children’s crafts and face painting and an annual tree lighting on Nov. 23. For additional fees, enjoy festival food and drink specials, u-cut and pre-cut Christmas trees and evergreen decor, Santa Experience and Igloo Dining. RSVP required.
Wild Lights at Detroit Zoo
Nov. 23, 2024-Jan. 5, 2025
- Address: Detroit Zoo, 8450 W. Ten Mile Road, Royal Oak
- Area: Oakland County
- Cost: $17-$26/advanced online pricing, free/2 and under, $8/parking
The Detroit Zoo is aglow with millions of LED lights, including animal-themed light sculptures. Purchase your tickets in advance to guarantee your experience.
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical
Nov. 27, 29-30; Dec. 1, 2024
- Address: Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit
- Area: Wayne County
- Cost: $30-plus
The Grinch discovers there’s more to Christmas than he bargained for in this heart-warming holiday classic. It will feature the hit songs “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch” and “Welcome Christmas,” among others.
Holiday Stroll at Canterbury Village
Nov. 29-30; Dec. 6-8, 13-15, 20-22, 2024
- Address: Canterbury Village, 2325 Joslyn Court, Lake Orion
- Area: Oakland County
- Cost: $14.99-plus/person, free/parking
Stroll through the quaint village to see almost a million festive lights, enjoy a seven-minute amazing light show choreographed to classic holiday songs, hear the sounds of professional carolers and see live Christmas performances. Live holiday characters will be roaming around the village, too.
Winter Wonder Lights at Meadow Brook Hall
Nov. 29-Dec. 30, 2024
- Address: Meadow Brook Hall, 350 Estate Drive, Rochester
- Area: Oakland County
- Cost: $23/ages 13-plus, $13/ages 3-12, free/ages 0-2
See an interactive light experience outside Meadow Brook Hall. Visitors can see the lights and enjoy seasonal beverages, bonfires, glow-in-the-dark cotton candy and popcorn and more.
Home for the Holidays at Ford House
Nov. 29-Dec. 30, 2024
- Address: Ford House, 1100 Lake Shore Road, Grosse Pointe Shores
- Area: Wanye/Macomb County
- Cost: $20-$28/ages 13-plus, $10-$14/ages 1-12, free/under 12 months
Enjoy a one-mile walk around the property, visit the Main Residence, stop by the concessions tent for your complimentary hot chocolate, see Santa and more.
Holiday Nights at Greenfield Village
Dec. 5-8, 11-15, 18-23, 26-28, 2024
- Address: Greenfield Village, 20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn
- Area: Wanye County
- Cost: $32.50-$38/ages 12-plus, $29.25-$34.25/ages 62-plus, $24.25-$28.50/ages 5-11, free/ages 4 and under
This event features decorated shops and homes, live music, holiday cooking demos, free carousel rides, free ice skating and skate rentals, free horse-drawn carriage rides, free Model T rides, a fireworks finale and more.
Macomb Ballet Company Presents The Nutcracker
Dec. 6-8, 2024
- Address: Macomb Center for the Performing Arts, 44575 Garfield Road, Clinton Township
- Area: Macomb County
- Cost: $25
Macomb Ballet Company’s production will feature beloved characters as they travel with Clara on a magical adventure through the Enchanted Forest to the Kingdom of Sweets.
Santa’s Candy Cane Trail
Dec. 14, 2024
- Address: Hudson Mills Metropark, 8801 N. Territorial Road, Dexter
- Area: Washtenaw County
- Cost: $6/person, free/under 2
Meet the winter characters as you take a stroll down candy cane trail, see Santa and take a ride on the Holiday Carol Wagon Ride. Bring your cameras. Pre-registration is required the day before the event.
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