Metro Detroit’s Best Places For The Upcoming Holiday Season

By: Carolyn Hall | November 14, 2023
two children at the Campus Martius ice rink

Photo courtesy of Downtown Detroit Partnership

As the festive season approaches, Metro Detroit is poised to transform into a winter wonderland of holiday cheer. Noteworthy events are set to fill the calendar, promising memorable experiences for families, friends, and visitors alike. The holidays are drawing near, and Metro Detroit provides ample opportunity to celebrate the season’s spirit. Let’s check out a few of the holiday events coming our way…

CAMPUS MARTIUS PARK

800 Woodward Avenue, Detroit

Campus Martius is one of Detroit’s hotspots for the holiday season, with events occurring multiple times a week. On November 17, the 20th annual tree lighting ceremony is happening from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. The Rink at Campus Martius Park is opening for the season with a weekend celebration November 18 -19. On the 18th, spend the afternoon skating with Santa from 12 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. with $6 skate rentals plus the cost of admission. From 6:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m., join in on the Ugly Holiday Sweater Party with the same skate rental and admission prices. Looking to skate with the ‘Frozen’ crew? Head to Campus Martius Park to skate with Elsa and Olaf on November 19th from 12:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. Beyond the theme skating parties and guests on the ice, expect live DJs, special offerings, and more. 

traverse lounging

Designed for family outings and scenic getaways, the Chevy Traverse provides comfort and convenience for every journey.

CADILLAC SQUARE

662 Woodward Avenue, Detroit

Starting November 9 until January 7, you can find Cadillac Square in full-on holiday mode with shopping, tasty treats, and more with the Downtown Detroit Markets. These markets host over 15 vendors every Wednesday – Sunday through the New Year. Find gifts ranging from apparel to home decor and more while shopping in the outdoor space. Additionally, Cadillac Lodge is a great spot to grab a warm drink, a yummy treat, or a bit of warmth in the ski-lodge-styled setting. 

WOODWARD ESPLANADE

600 Woodward Avenue, Detroit

Ever wanted to take a carriage ride in a picturesque park? Now is the time! From November 18 until December 31, take a holiday horse-drawn carriage ride throughout Downtown Detroit every Friday and Saturday from 6 p.m. until 11 p.m. on the Woodward Esplanade. Tickets can be purchased at the time of the ride on a first come, first served basis, for $10 per person or $40 for a private group ride.  

DETROIT ZOO

8450 West 10 Mile Road, Royal Oak

Starting November 24, take a stroll through the Detroit Zoo and experience the Wild Lights show. With nearly 500 festive displays, you’ll find millions of twinkling lights throughout the path. For family-friendly fun, get your tickets online for a weekend night out, or schedule a weeknight for an available December date. Beyond the light displays, check out the Polar Express 4D Experience, make s’mores throughout the trail, or enjoy the live entertainment at the Wild Lights Lodge. 

EASTERN MARKET

2934 Russell Street, Detroit

Laura Gibson, Senior Marketing Manager shares, “Eastern Market is one of the largest public markets in the United States and has gladly served healthy food options to Detroit since 1891. Saturday Market is our oldest market day, open year-round, rain or shine, from 6 a.m. – 4 p.m. We have many specialty markets, including our Holiday Market, which returns during the Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons, focusing on food vendors and shopping for holiday meals and gifts for the family. We’ll also have Christmas tree vendors returning to our parking lot outside Shed 5 seven days a week starting around Thanksgiving.” The Tuesday markets will focus more on food vendors to prepare for holiday meals, and Sunday markets will offer Michigan-made gift options for everyone on your list. Admission is free for these holiday markets. 

eastern market shed with snowy christmas tree with one red bulb - holiday events markets
Photo courtesy of Eastern Market Partnership

MEADOW BROOK HALL

350 Estate Drive, Rochester

From November 24 through December 30, experience The Holidays at Meadow Brook. Take an indoor walk during the day through the mansion decorated in holiday lights, or visit the estate at night for Winter Wonder Lights, an outdoor experience with light shows, music, seasonal treats, and more. The Holiday Walk shows more than 50 magnificent trees, fireplaces, and all the lights you can imagine through the 110-room mansion. Winter Wonder Lights is a self-guided event on the National Historic Landmark’s estate grounds. All tickets for these holiday events must be purchased online in advance before visiting. 

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