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December in Metro Detroit is brimming with festive events perfect for family outings, friend gatherings, or a cozy date night. From unique holiday markets to delightful Santa experiences, here’s your guide to the best holiday happenings this season…
BLAKE’S ORCHARD & CIDER MILL
December 1, 7-8, 14-15
17985 Armada Center Road, Armada
Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill always has a host of seasonal activities happening, and December is no exception. Each weekend through the 15th, Santa will be visiting town from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.! With admission, guests can take pictures with Santa, write him letters, and even send them to the North Pole. The entry includes a special toy, crafts, and treats. For those feeling crafty, head to Blake’s on the 7th and 8th to make an ornament with the Grinch. On the 14th and 15th, Blake’s is hosting a Frozen party! With four workshops available on each day, meet with special guests Anna and Elsa, dance, singalong, listen to storytime, and make a Frozen-themed ornament. Each of the workshops will offer donuts with a cup of apple cider or hot cocoa for attendees too.
ROYAL OAK FARMERS MARKET
December 5
316 East 11 Mile Road, Royal Oak
Get ready for a fun-filled evening at the Holiday Magic Marketplace (4 – 9 p.m.), where you’ll find over 60 vendors offering unique holiday gifts, crafts, and treats. With free admission, you can enjoy free cookies and hot chocolate along with live entertainment and food trucks, plus a special visit from Santa from 6:30 to 8 p.m. This festive market offers something for everyone, making it an ideal spot for holiday shopping with friends and family. Whether you’re looking for gifts or just want to enjoy an evening out, the Holiday Magic Marketplace is a must to check out.
DETROIT ZOO
December 5
8450 West 10 Mile Road, Royal Oak
Double up the holiday magic with Polar Beers at the Detroit Zoo. From 6 until 10 p.m. on the 5th, this 21+ event combines two crowd favorites: a tasting experience of local and craft brews and access to Wild Lights, where millions of twinkling lights illuminate the zoo’s pathways. Sample a variety of festive brews, enjoy a complimentary welcome drink courtesy of Griffin Claw Brewing Company, and capture the moment with themed photo ops. It’s the ultimate holiday experience for craft beer lovers. There are various ticket packages available, ranging from general admission with 6 beer samples and a designated driver pass to VIP access with an exclusive gift and access to the VIP lounge.
CANTERBURY VILLAGE
December 6-8, 13-15, 20-23
2325 Joslyn Court, Lake Orion
Canterbury Village offers such a charming holiday experience, no matter your age. With its village-like setting decorated to the nines, exploring the family-friendly events is a treat. A highlight is the Holiday Stroll, an outdoor holiday light walk with themed displays, visits with iconic characters, and more available Friday through Sunday evenings in December. Each weekend also has themed events, like Elf Weekend during the 7th and 8th from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m., where kids can embark on a free holiday scavenger hunt in each shop for the Elf of the Shelf, then the Canterbury Cookie Crawl the following weekend (December 14-15) to sample cookies at every shop, or the Princess Holiday Breakfast on the morning of December 15. This encourages dressing up as your favorite princess and enjoying a large buffet in the Canterbury Castle as princesses visit. Whether you visit once to take in the holiday lights or attend an event each weekend, Canterbury Village has something for everyone.
DOWNTOWN TECUMSEH
December 6-7, 20
Downtown Tecumseh
On December 6, Downtown Tecumseh is having its annual Christmas parade from N. Maumee to N. Union along Chicago Boulevard starting at 7 p.m. Santa will be riding in the parade, along with other exciting attractions. Before and after the parade (and the following evening), the downtown area is hosting its first Holiday Night Market from 4 – 9 p.m. at the Market on Evans. Attendees can find a towering Christmas tree, Santa’s House, themed holiday vendors, live music, and hot chocolate to enjoy. On the 20th, the downtown space is hosting Moonlight Holiday Shopping from 5 to 8 p.m. Perfect for those last-minute shoppers, stores are offering in-store specials, activities, and more while you shop for gifts.
HERITAGE PARK PETTING FARM
December 14-15
12803 Pardee Road, Taylor
Celebrate the holidays with furry friends at the Jingle Bell Barn at the Heritage Park Petting Farm. This family-friendly event from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. offers an up-close experience with over 100 animals and plenty of photo ops in the cozy, heated barn. Check out the ponies, pigs, goats, and more at Heritage Park Petting Farm’s last special event of the year. Admission is $5 each, and guests 1 and under receive free admission. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy the holiday spirit in a rustic, welcoming environment that’s sure to be a hit with animal lovers of all ages.
This article has been updated to include new information. The original article was published on December 4, 2023, and was authored by Carolyn Hall.
