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!
Merrily We Stroll | Downtown Berkley
Downtown Berkly
Holiday gifts galore, plus beverages and tasty treats to warm your spirits!
December 1 | 5:00pm-9:00pm
MerriHometown | Downtown Berkley
Downtown Berkly
Merchants all day long, kid’s petting zoo , holiday parade, and more!
December 2 | Check website for times of events
Winter Market |Birmingham
Shain Park, Birmingham
Shain Park will come alive with activity during the City of Birmingham’s eighth annual Birmingham Winter Markt event. 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 House, horse-drawn carriage rides and live entertainment.
Friday, December 1st 4 p.m. – 10 p.m. |Saturday, December 2nd 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. |Sunday, December 3rd 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Carriage Rides | Birmingham
Downtown Birmingham
Enjoy the beauty of downtown Birmingham aglow for the holidays on a quaint carriage ride through town. The complimentary carriages are first-come first-served; carriages load at the corner of Henrietta & Merrill.
Friday December 1 | Saturday and Sunday in December | check website for times
Holiday Splendor | Bloomfield Hills
Cranbrook House and Gardens , 380 Lone Pine Road, Bloomfield Hills
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 1st 10:00am-4:00pm | December 2nd and 3rd 12:00pm-4:00pm
Holiday Parade | Brandon/ Ortonville
Downtown Ortonville
Enjoy activities and shopping throughout the day and visit with Santa & Mrs. Claus after the parade. It is also the season of giving! You can make a difference to those less fortunate. Bring a canned food item for OCEF, an unwrapped toy for Brandon Community Christmas Store or children’s clothing for Brandon Community Clothing Closet
December 2 | 3:00 pm
Holly Days | Farmington
Downtown Farmington
A wonderful day of shopping at the downtown stores and the Farmers Market – Greens, Gifts and Giving. Victorian carolers, hot cocoa and chili will keep the shoppers warm along with the heat from wood burning fire pits dotted around Riley Park and the Sunquist Pavilion. The Elves Workshop will host a holiday craft for children and stories with Mrs. Claus. Light Up the Grand Parade is a community favorite which concludes at the Warner Mansion for the annual Tree Lighting
December 2 |11:00am-8:00pm
Holiday Shopping Expo | Farmington
Costick Center, 28600 Eleven Mile Road
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 9 |10:00am-4:00pm
Holiday Ice Festival |Ferndale
Downtown Ferndale
Come for plenty of traditional holiday-time activities for the whole family to enjoy. Come experience downtown as it transforms into a winter wonderland with nearly 50 magnificent ice creations lining streets! Watch the ice carvers as they chain-saw, chisel and shape blocks of ice into masterpieces
December 9 | 10:00am-4:00pm
Candy Cane Hunt | Huron Valley
Apollo Center, 2029 N Milford Rd, Highland
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! Be sure to go to the website to register.
December 7 | ages 0-12
Holly Dickens Festival | Holly
300 East Street, Holly
The official oldest, longest running Dickens themed event in the United States! Set in Historic downtown Holly, Michigan USA, the annual festival spans three weekends between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
November 25-26th | December 2-3| December 9-10| Check here for hours
Christmas Lighted Parade | Lake Orion
Downtown Lake Orion
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 2 | 6:00pm
25th Annual Craft Show | Lake Orion
St. Joseph Catholic School
Over 100 crafters for a full day of shopping. You can find lots of unique, hand-crafted and personalized items.
November 18th 10:00am-4:00pm | November 19th 10:00am-3:000m | $2 entry fee
The Big Reveal | Milford
Downtown Milford
On the Thursday before Thanksgiving, Main Street businesses package the exterior of their window displays as beautiful Christmas presents. When the clock strikes half-past 6 p.m., the countdown begins! At the count, kids get to tear down the storefront gift wrap, revealing elaborately decorated holiday displays.
November 16 | 6:30pm
Pop Up Holiday Market | Milford
Corner of Main and Commerce, Milford
Christmas Trees, Holiday Greens, Cookies & Breads, Jams, Spices, Wreaths, Artisan Coffee, and more.
November 25 | 9:00am-1:00pm
Christmas Parade | Milford
Downtown Milford
A home-town favorite with all the ingredients: local dance studios offer up their festive holiday choreography, local school bands march down Main Street, and Santa closes the parade.
November 25 | 10:00am
Christmas Open House | Milford
Downtown Milford
Get in the spirit of the season. Enjoy the hospitality of the downtown merchants, the strolling entertainment and the special promotions and refreshments
November 30 | 6:00-9:00pm
Christmas Parade | Oxford
This year’s theme is “Christmas on the big screen”.
December 2 | 2:00pm
Holiday Extravaganza| Pontiac
Festival : Crofoot 1 S Saginaw St, Pontiac | Parade: Downtown Pontiac
Lots of fun to be had at this event! There is a winter festival with petting farm, live riendeer and more. There will also be a parade, with characters and floats. Be sure too check out the website for more information.
December 2 | Festival 8:00am-10:30pm | Parade 11:00am-1:00pm
Kris Kringle Market | Rochester
W. Fourth Street (between Walnut and Main), Rochester
The event will feature one-of-a-kind shopping, specialty foods, fresh greens & wreaths and handcrafted gifts for the holiday.
December 1 4:00-10:00 | December 2 12:00-10:00
Christmas Parade | Rochester
Downtown Rochester
Join us for the 66th annual Rochester Hometown Christmas Parade! This year’s theme, Vintage Christmas, is honoring the Rochester bicentennial.
December 3 | 2:00pm
Festival of Trees | Rochester
Downtown Rochester
Enjoy the amazing holiday decorations, kids craft station. All proceeds benefit The Big, Bright Light Show.
November 18 10:00am-9:00pm | November 19 10:00am-5:00pm
Holiday Walk Tours | Rochester
Meadowbrook Hall, 350 Estate Drive
Stroll through the elegant decor and sparkling lights of the Great Estate and experience the holiday magic of Meadow Brook. After the holiday tour, follow candy cane lane to the Land of Santa and Sweets.
November 24- December 23 | Check website for times and prices
Holiday Magic Market Place | Royal Oak
316 E 11 Mile Road, Royal Oak
November 30 | 4:00pm-9:00pm
Arts and Craft Marketplace | Royal Oak
1500 Lexington Boulevard, Royal Oak
Fun, food and holiday shopping. The market will feature over 100 local artisans and crafters.
November 18 | 10:00am-4:00pm | Adults $2 | Children 12 and under free
Cool Yule | South Lyon
Organizations across South Lyon host events on the 1st 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.
December 2 | Check here for times of all the events
Flashlight Candy Cane Hunt |South Lyon
Village Schoolhouse, South Lyon
Bring your flashlights and little ones out to grab as many candy canes as they can find! Find the multi-color ones and get a prize. Children will be broken into age groups to ensure each child has a chance to grab a bunch of candy canes. Bring your own bag to fill up. Hunts will start after the Cool Yule Parade and after the tree lighting ceremony.
December 2 | Starts after Yule Parade
Christmas in the Village | Troy
Troy Historic Village, 60 West Wattles Road, Troy
Stories, actors, mulled cider and more! Be sure to purchase tickets.
December 2 | 1:00-3:00 |Adults $5/$7 |children under 4 free
Christmas Shopping | Troy
Troy Historic Village, 60 West Wattles Road, Troy
This event is free to attend. A great place to get that special gift or stocking stuffer.
December 2 | 10:00am-3:30pm
Festival Art and Craft Show | Troy
Troy Athens High School, 4333 John R.
A one of a of a kind holiday shopping experience. Features artisans selling handcrafted art and craft items.
December 9 | 9:00am-4:00pm |
Elf Shelf Arts and Crafts| Troy
Troy High School, 4777 Northfield Parkway
Elf Shelf is Troy Women’s Association main fund raising project. This annual event has become one of the largest and most popular of its kind in southeastern Michigan.
November 25 | 9:00am-4:00pm| $3 donation
Holiday Market | Wixom
Sibley Square Park, 48900 Pontiac Trail
Features all the sights, smells and sounds of an old world European Market. Be sure to check the website for the specific times of the events.
December 1st 5:00pm-10:00pm | December 2nd 12:00pm-10:00pm
Annual Wassail and Open House | Wixom
Gibson House, 49805 Pontiac Trail
Celebrate the holidays with an old fashion get together.
December 4 | 4:00-7:00
Christmas in the Village | Clinton
Downtown Clinton
December 9 | 7:00-9:00pm
Christmas in Fraser | Fraser
Fraser City Hall
Join us as we ring in the Holidays by lighting up City Hall
December 2 | Caroling 5:30 | Ceremony 6:00
Life-Size Gingerbread House Making | Fraser
Families and Children under 13 are invited to test out their design skills with our very first life-size gingerbread house event! We will have large boxes for each registration group and some basic supplies to decorate a gingerbread house! You are welcome to bring your own box or decorations if you wish. Participants will have 90 minutes to decorate their box with their group and then we will set up houses so we can tour our gingerbread neighborhood!
December 16 | 11:00am | $5/person 2 and older | register by Friday December 8th
Santa Claus Parade | Mt. Clemens
Mt. Clemens
Join the Grand Marshal Andrew Humphrey, as he ushers Santa Claus into the heart of Macomb with their annual parade, a tradition since 1975.
November 18 | 10:00am
Christmas Parade | Romeo
Main St. Romeo
Help bring Santa to Romeo Village Park. Visits with Santa will be held in the Gazebo
November 30 | 7:00pm
Swim with Santa | Romeo
Romeo High School
Come and swim with Santa!
December 8 | 6:30-8:00pm | $3 at the door
A Pioneer Christmas | Shelby
Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center, 4101 River Bends Drive
December 9 & 10| 12:00pm-4:00pm
Christmas Bird Count | Shelby
Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center, 4101 River Bends Drive
December 16 | 10:00am
Holiday Puppet Show | Shelby
Shelby Township Library, 51680 Van Dyke Ave.
December 16th | 2:00pm
Holidays around the World | Shelby
5200 Cheery Creek Drive, Shelby
Join us to celebrate cultures from around the world. There will be multiple food stations with favorites from other cultures.
December 3| reserved times from 10:30am-1:00pm| Adults $22.99+ Children (3-12) $12.95+ Children under two free
A Christmas Carol Affair| Shelby
5200 Cheery Creek Drive, Shelby
Bering the family to Cherry Creek and enjoy caroers with some tasty food in your belly. Performance will begin 30 minutes after seating.
December 10 | Reserved times 10:30| Adults $23.95+ Children (3-12) $12.95 Children 2 and under free
Craft and Vendor Show | Sterling Heights
14100 Heritage Rd., Sterling Heights
We’ll have raffles with items from the crafters and vendors plus a 50-50 raffle. All proceeds (rent and raffle money, NOT the money made from sales by crafters and vendors) benefit the students at Black Elementary.
December 9 | 10:00am-2:00pm
Annual KimdleFest | Sterling Heights
Free | Kerrytown District’s annual outdoor holiday market featuring local and regional artists and farmers. Selling hand-crafted holiday goods and unique holiday gifts. Enjoy live music and fire pits to keep you warm. Along with a warming tent, s’more roasting and a Lantern Parade in the Kerrytown neighborhood. Stores also feature Midnight Madness, open from 10 am to midnight! Bring your own lantern, or purchase one for $10 to have your child participate in illuminating the neighborhood.
Festivities
Holiday Nights at Greenfield Village | Dearborn
Friday – Sunday, December 1 – 3, 6:30 – 10:00 p.m. | Friday – Sunday, December 8 – 10, 6:30 – 10:00 p.m. | Friday – Sunday, December 15 – 17, 6:30 – 10:00 p.m. | Tuesday – Saturday, December 19 – 23, 6:30-10:00 p.m. |Tuesday – Wednesday, December 26 – 27, 6:30-10:00 p.m. | Friday-Saturday, December 29 – 30, 6:30 – 10:00 p.m.
Greenfield Village, 20900 Oakwood Blvd.
Cost – $22-$26/adults – 12+, $16.50-$19.50/kids ages 3 -11, free/ages 4 and under |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/horse-drawn wagons and Model T cars? Come enjoy an event voted the Top Holiday Event by USA Today and Reader’s Digest.
Gibraltar Christmas Parade, Tree Lighting + Kids Christmas Party | Rockwood
Saturday, December 2, Parade starting at 5:30 p.m.
Starting at City Hall and ending at the Community Center
The Beautification and Recreation Commission will be hosting their annual Christmas Parade, Tree Lighting and Christmas Party party for the kids.
Parade
Hometown Holiday Light Parade | Chelsea
Saturday, December 2, 6:00 p.m.
Free | The annual parade, featuring dozens of lighted floats and vehicles, marching bands & Santa!
ROUTE: Parade starts at Chelsea State Bank’s south-end lot (corner of M52 and Old US12) and proceeds down Main St. to Jackson Street. **The parade will end South of the Rail Road tracks at Jackson Street.
