The holiday season is not complete without bundling up to watch a parade or peruse through a local festival. Hot chocolate in hand, jolly music, and festive lights: all things that get us in the spirit! If you are looking for a festival or parade near you, look no further! We’ve got the details below, and as always, if we missed one, let us know so we can add them in!
November 30
Holiday Nights at Greenfield Village
Greenfield Village, Dearborn
6:30 p.m.-10:00 p.m.
Cost: prices vary check website
Take a night to walk the lantern-lit paths, admire costumed presenters, and watch a spectacular fireworks display that will leave you in the Christmas spirit. Step into the past with everything from the sound of carolers, the scent of roasting chestnuts, to the jingle jangle of sleigh bells. What child doesn’t love watching/riding on horse-drawn wagons and Model T cars? Come enjoy an event voted the Top Holiday Event by USA Today and Reader’s Digest.
December 1-2
Holiday Nights at Greenfield Village
Greenfield Village, Dearborn
6:30 p.m.-10:00 p.m.
Cost: prices vary check website
Take a night to walk the lantern-lit paths, admire costumed presenters, and watch a spectacular fireworks display that will leave you in the Christmas spirit. Step into the past with everything from the sound of carolers, the scent of roasting chestnuts, to the jingle jangle of sleigh bells. What child doesn’t love watching/riding on horse-drawn wagons and Model T cars? Come enjoy an event voted the Top Holiday Event by USA Today and Reader’s Digest.
December 7-9
Holiday Nights at Greenfield Village
Greenfield Village, Dearborn
6:30 p.m.-10:00 p.m.
Cost: prices vary check website
Take a night to walk the lantern-lit paths, admire costumed presenters, and watch a spectacular fireworks display that will leave you in the Christmas spirit. Step into the past with everything from the sound of carolers, the scent of roasting chestnuts, to the jingle jangle of sleigh bells. What child doesn’t love watching/riding on horse-drawn wagons and Model T cars? Come enjoy an event voted the Top Holiday Event by USA Today and Reader’s Digest.
December 13-16
Holiday Nights at Greenfield Village
Greenfield Village, Dearborn
6:30 p.m.-10:00 p.m.
Cost: prices vary check website
Take a night to walk the lantern-lit paths, admire costumed presenters, and watch a spectacular fireworks display that will leave you in the Christmas spirit. Step into the past with everything from the sound of carolers, the scent of roasting chestnuts, to the jingle jangle of sleigh bells. What child doesn’t love watching/riding on horse-drawn wagons and Model T cars? Come enjoy an event voted the Top Holiday Event by USA Today and Reader’s Digest.
December 18-23
Holiday Nights at Greenfield Village
Greenfield Village, Dearborn
6:30 p.m.-10:00 p.m.
Cost: prices vary check website
Take a night to walk the lantern-lit paths, admire costumed presenters, and watch a spectacular fireworks display that will leave you in the Christmas spirit. Step into the past with everything from the sound of carolers, the scent of roasting chestnuts, to the jingle jangle of sleigh bells. What child doesn’t love watching/riding on horse-drawn wagons and Model T cars? Come enjoy an event voted the Top Holiday Event by USA Today and Reader’s Digest.
December 26-27
Holiday Nights at Greenfield Village
Greenfield Village, Dearborn
6:30 p.m.-10:00 p.m.
Cost: prices vary check website
Take a night to walk the lantern-lit paths, admire costumed presenters, and watch a spectacular fireworks display that will leave you in the Christmas spirit. Step into the past with everything from the sound of carolers, the scent of roasting chestnuts, to the jingle jangle of sleigh bells. What child doesn’t love watching/riding on horse-drawn wagons and Model T cars? Come enjoy an event voted the Top Holiday Event by USA Today and Reader’s Digest.
November 17
St. Joseph Craft Show
St. Joseph School, Lake Orion
10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Cost: $2 entry fee
Come see over 100 crafters who offer an amazing variety of hand-made crafts! Snow Flake Café is located downstairs with pizza, soup, salad, and great lunch-time goodies.
November 17
Festival of Trees
Rochester Community House, Rochester
10:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.
Cost: free
The Downtown Rochester Festival of Trees is a holiday spectacular unlike any other, featuring trees, wreaths, stockings, tablescapes, centerpieces, and Gingerbread Houses designed and donated by the metro Detroit community.
November 17
Arts and Craft Marketplace
Royal Oak High School, Royal Oak
9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.
This market will feature over 100 crafters. Come for food, fun, and holiday shopping.
November 18
Festival of Trees
Rochester Community House, Rochester
10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Cost: free
The Downtown Rochester Festival of Trees is a holiday spectacular unlike any other, featuring trees, wreaths, stockings, tablescapes, centerpieces, and Gingerbread Houses designed and donated by the metro Detroit community.
November 18
St. Joseph Craft Show
St. Joseph School, Lake Orion
10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Cost: $2 entry fee
Come see over 100 crafters who offer an amazing variety of hand-made crafts! Snow Flake Café is located downstairs with pizza, soup, salad, and great lunch-time goodies.
November 18
The Big Reveal
Downtown Milford, Milford
6:30 p.m.
On the Thursday before Thanksgiving, Main Street businesses package the exterior of their window displays as beautiful Christmas presents. When the clock strikes 6:30 p.m., the countdown begins! At the count, kids get to tear down the storefront gift wrap, revealing elaborately decorated holiday displays.
November 23
Holly Dickens Lighted Parade
Downtown Holly, Holly
7:30 p.m.
The official oldest, longest-running Dickens-themed event in the United States! Set in historic downtown Holly, the annual festival spans three weekends between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
November 24
Holly Dickens Festival | Holly
Downtown Holly, Holly
11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
The official oldest, longest-running Dickens-themed event in the United States! Set in Historic downtown Holly, the annual festival spans three weekends between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
November 24
Christmas Parade
Downtown Milford, Milford
10:00 a.m.
Enjoy a parade and the arrival of Santa.
November 24
Elf Shelf Arts and Crafts
Troy High School, Troy
9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Elf Shelf selects over 200 crafters who make a variety of handcrafted items. This annual event has become one of the largest and most popular of its kind in southeastern Michigan.
November 25
Holly Dickens Festival | Holly
Downtown Holly, Holly
12:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
The official oldest, longest-running Dickens-themed event in the United States! Set in Historic downtown Holly, the annual festival spans three weekends between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
November 29
Christmas Open House
Downtown Milford, Milford
6:00 p.m.-9:00 p.m.
Santa Claus is coming to town during Milford’s annual Christmas Open House. A community favorite, the seasonal event brings strolling entertainment, horse-drawn carriage rides, holiday caroling, special promotions and deals at downtown stores and restaurants, as well as a highly anticipated visit with Santa Claus in Village Center Mall.
November 30
Kris Kringle Market
Downtown Rochester, Rochester
4:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.
The Downtown Rochester Kris Kringle Market was inspired by the 700-year old tradition of the open-air Christmas markets throughout Europe. The event will feature one-of-a-kind shopping, specialty foods, fresh greens & wreaths, and handcrafted gifts for the holiday.
November 30
Holly Jolly Folly
Golling Buick, Lake Orion
6:30 p.m.
The Holly Jolly Folly, sponsored this year and for the past several by Golling Buick GMC, kicks off the Holiday festivities the night prior to the Orion Lighted Parade. Funds raised through ticket sales, a silent auction, and raffles helps fund the many costs the Orion Area Parade Group incurs to deliver a fun-filled lighted parade each year.
December 1
Christmas Parade
Oxford
Time is TBD
Enjoy the annual Christmas Parade with your family.
December 1
Cool Yule
South Lyon
10:00 a.m.
Organizations across South Lyon host events on the first Saturday in December and the day culminates with a lighted parade through downtown and festivities at the Historic Village and Witch’s Hat Depot in McHattie Park.
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December 1
Kris Kringle Market
Downtown Rochester, Rochester
12:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.
The Downtown Rochester Kris Kringle Market was inspired by the 700-year old tradition of the open-air Christmas markets throughout Europe. The event will feature one-of-a-kind shopping, specialty foods, fresh greens & wreaths, and handcrafted gifts for the holiday.
December 1
Orion Lighted Christmas Parade
Downtown Lake Orion, Lake Orion
6:00 p.m.
Since 1989, the downtown streets of the Village of Lake Orion, Michigan have glowed with festive holiday lights the first Saturday of December. The Orion Lighted Parade has become a tradition for this community in northern Oakland County.
December 1
Holly Dickens Festival | Holly
Downtown Holly, Holly
11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
The official oldest, longest-running Dickens-themed event in the United States! Set in Historic downtown Holly, the annual festival spans three weekends between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
December 1
Holiday Parade
The Village, Downtown Ortonville
1:00 p.m.
Enjoy the annual Christmas parade.
December 1
Holiday Splendor
Cranbrook House and Gardens, Bloomfield Hills
12:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
Cost: $20/general public, $15/ Cranbrook House & Gardens auxiliary members, $10/children 5-10, and free/4 and under
Cranbrook House will become as magical as the season itself during this annual fundraiser featuring wonderfully decorated trees, trains, and other holiday settings that are sure to inspire!
December 1
Merrily We Stroll
Downtown Berkley, Berkley
2:00 p.m.- 5:30 p.m.
Enjoy a petting zoo, s’mores, holiday light parade, and meeting Santa.
December 1
Winter Market
Shain Park, Birmingham
10:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.
Attendees will enjoy European food and drinks, gift items, holiday greens, crafts, ice carving demonstrations, live reindeer, warming stations, a Kinderhaus children’s activity area, the popular Santa Haus, horse-drawn carriage rides, and live entertainment. More than 50 vendors will be at the event.
December 1
WinterFun Festival
The Croofoot, Pontiac
8:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m.
Cost: free
The WinterFUN Festival is a great opportunity for families to come together to participate in several activities. There is a Gallery of Ice with live ice carving competition, a petting farm with adorable animals, live Santa reindeer, s’mores, and much, much more. There is also a children’s WinterART Center that allows kids to participate in several different craft projects and get their face painted.
December 1
Annual Parade
Downtown Pontiac, Pontiac
11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
The festivities for its 37th annual year will bigger and better. There will be over 100 of your favorite costume characters handing out FREE hugs, beautiful professional floats from The Parade Company, professional balloons, marching bands, fire trucks, and choreographed dancers all joining together to bring you a memorable parade.
December 1
Carriage Rides
Shain Park, Birmingham
10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
Enjoy the beauty of downtown Birmingham aglow for the holidays on a quaint horse-drawn carriage ride through town. The complimentary carriages are first-come, first-served; carriages load at the corner of Henrietta & Merrill.
December 2
Holly Dickens Festival | Holly
Downtown Holly, Holly
12:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
The official oldest, longest-running Dickens-themed event in the United States! Set in Historic downtown Holly, the annual festival spans three weekends between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
December 2
Holiday Splendor
Cranbrook House and Gardens, Bloomfield Hills
12:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
Cost: $20/general public, $15/ Cranbrook House & Gardens auxiliary members, $10/children 5-10, and free/4 and under
Cranbrook House will become as magical as the season itself during this annual fundraiser featuring wonderfully decorated trees, trains, and other holiday settings that are sure to inspire!
December 2
Winter Market
Shain Park, Birmingham
10:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m.
Attendees will enjoy European food and drinks, gift items, holiday greens, crafts, ice carving demonstrations, live reindeer, warming stations, a Kinderhaus children’s activity area, the popular Santa Haus, horse-drawn carriage rides, and live entertainment. More than 50 vendors will be at the event.
December 2
Carriage Rides
Shain Park, Birmingham
10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Enjoy the beauty of downtown Birmingham aglow for the holidays on a quaint horse-drawn carriage ride through town. The complimentary carriages are first-come, first-served; carriages load at the corner of Henrietta & Merrill.
December 2
Rochester Area Christmas Parade
Downtown Rochester, Rochester
2:00 p.m.
Enjoy the annual Rochester Christmas parade.
December 2
Wassil Open House
Gibson House, Wixom
4:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
Have fun at the annual Wassil Open House.
December 7
Merry and Bright Shopping Night
Downtown Berkley, Berkley
5:00 p.m.- 9:00 p.m.
Holiday gifts galore, plus beverages and tasty treats to warm your spirits!
December 7
Cranbrook House Tour and Lunch
Cranbrook House and Gardens, Bloomfield Hills
11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Cost: $50/person
Celebrate the holiday season with your friends and family on a guided tour of Cranbrook House followed by lunch in the library. The Steinway & Sons Concert Grand Piano will add to the ambiance while you catch up over soup, savories, and sweets.
December 8
Carriage Rides
Shain Park, Birmingham
10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Enjoy the beauty of downtown Birmingham aglow for the holidays on a quaint horse-drawn carriage ride through town. The complimentary carriages are first-come, first-served; carriages load at the corner of Henrietta & Merrill.
December 8
Candy Cane Hunt
Apollo Center, Highland
10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
Cost: $5/early registration, $10/ ay of
The Candy Cane Hunt brings together Huron Valley families for a fun-filled morning of Holiday Cheer! Search for candy canes in an outdoor snowy course, make festive crafts, enjoy Holiday stories, receive special treats, and more!
December 8
Lillian Dean MerriMusic Wind Quintet Cantabile
Berkley First Church, Berkley
3:00 p.m.
Relax and enjoy some music from the Wind Quintet Cantabile
December 8
Cranbrook House Tour and Tea
Cranbrook House, Bloomfield Hills
11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Cost: $50/person
Celebrate the holiday season with your friends and family on a guided tour of Cranbrook House followed by tea in the library.
December 8
Holiday Shopping Expo
Costick Center, Farmington
10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Cost: free to attend
Get the perfect gift for everyone on your list! Shop and visit over 50 vendors, crafters, and area businesses to purchase toys, jewelry, candles, clothing, holiday displays, greeting cards, makeup, and so much more.
December 8
Holly Dickens Festival
Downtown Holly, Holly
11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
The official oldest, longest-running Dickens-themed event in the United States! Set in Historic downtown Holly, the annual festival spans three weekends between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
December 8
Troy Athens Band Arts and Craft Show
Athens High School, Troy
9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
The 28th Annual Festival Art and Craft Show will be held Saturday, December 8, 2018. The show is open from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. (Setup begins at 6:30 a.m.). Shop a great variety of handcrafted art and craft items.
December 9
Carriage Rides
Shain Park, Birmingham
10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Enjoy the beauty of downtown Birmingham aglow for the holidays on a quaint horse-drawn carriage ride through town. The complimentary carriages are first-come, first-served; carriages load at the corner of Henrietta & Merrill.
December 9
Holly Dickens Festival
Downtown Holly, Holly
12:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
The official oldest, longest-running Dickens-themed event in the United States! Set in Historic downtown Holly, the annual festival spans three weekends between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
December 15
MerriMix & Mingle Ugly Sweater Shindig
Berkley VFW, Berkley
7:00 p.m.-10:00 p.m.
Enter our Ugly Sweater Contest, win some great prizes, and enjoy our holiday party!
December 15
Carriage Rides
Shain Park, Birmingham
10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Enjoy the beauty of downtown Birmingham aglow for the holidays on a quaint horse-drawn carriage ride through town. The complimentary carriages are first-come, first-served; carriages load at the corner of Henrietta & Merrill.
December 16
James O’Donnell MerriMusic Jazz Concert
Berkley First Church, Berkley
3:00 pm
Celebrate the holidays with the James O’Donnell quartet. He is well known for festive holiday jazz.
December 16
Carriage Rides
Shain Park, Birmingham
10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Enjoy the beauty of downtown Birmingham aglow for the holidays on a quaint horse-drawn carriage ride through town. The complimentary carriages are first-come, first-served; carriages load at the corner of Henrietta & Merrill.
December 22
Carriage Rides
Shain Park, Birmingham
10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Enjoy the beauty of downtown Birmingham aglow for the holidays on a quaint horse-drawn carriage ride through town. The complimentary carriages are first-come, first-served; carriages load at the corner of Henrietta & Merrill.
December 23
Carriage Rides
Shain Park, Birmingham
10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Enjoy the beauty of downtown Birmingham aglow for the holidays on a quaint horse-drawn carriage ride through town. The complimentary carriages are first-come, first-served; carriages load at the corner of Henrietta & Merrill.
December 24
Carriage Rides
Shain Park, Birmingham
10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Enjoy the beauty of downtown Birmingham aglow for the holidays on a quaint horse-drawn carriage ride through town. The complimentary carriages are first-come, first-served; carriages load at the corner of Henrietta & Merrill.
November 17
Santa Parade
Mt. Clemens
Mount Clemens has been ushering Santa Claus into the heart of Macomb County with an annual parade on the day after Thanksgiving every year since 1975.
November 20
Santa Parade
Main Street, Romeo
7:00 p.m.
Cost: free
Come watch the parade while secret Santa’s hand out gift certificates to local businesses.
November 24
St. Nick’s Warehouse
Henry Ford II High School, Sterling Heights
9:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.
Cost: $3/person
Visitors are invited to leisurely walk among the arts & crafts displayed in over 240 booths utilizing over 59,000 sq. ft.
November 30
Washington Tree Lighting
Washington Township Fire Department, Washington
7:00 p.m.- 8:30 p.m.
The Washington Township Fire Department brings Santa to light the tree. Light refreshments served after.
December 7
Swim with Santa
Romeo High School, Romeo
6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m.
Cost: $3/ person
Come swim with Santa’s elves. Santa will be on hand to hand out a special surprise to each child.
December 8
A Pioneer Christmas | Shelby
Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center, Shelby Township
12:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
Spend an afternoon at Shadbush discovering how the pioneers and early settlers of our area celebrated the Christmas season. Visit our pioneer cabin and see how area settlers may have decorated for Christmas. You can also sample homemade cookies and top off the day with a cup of hot chocolate.
December 9
A Pioneer Christmas | Shelby
Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center, Shelby Township
12:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
Spend an afternoon at Shadbush discovering how the pioneers and early settlers of our area celebrated the Christmas season. Visit our pioneer cabin and see how area settlers may have decorated for Christmas. You can also sample homemade cookies and top off the day with a cup of hot chocolate.
December 15
Christmas Bird Count
Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center, Shelby Township
The day will include basic information on bird identification and ways to attract and
observe winter birds. Participants will gather data while watching
the feeders behind the Center and may choose to take part in
multiple hikes around the park to observe as many of our winter
bird species as possible throughout the day.
