As many of you know, Detroit really comes to life during the holiday season. Growing up in Detroit, I was always so excited when Thanksgiving and Christmas came around, not only because of all my family traveling in but also because of the upcoming events downtown. The pretty lights, holiday music, ice skating, igloo tents – there are so many things that I get excited about as they’ve become family traditions.
There are an endless number of events to enjoy with family and friends downtown, ranging from the tree lighting to the markets at Campus Martius. Being an adult now, it’s exciting to continue these traditions, and I’m eager to share them with you so you and your family and friends can do the same.
A Round-Up of Holiday Events in Metro Detroit
Friday, Dec. 2
The first week of December is always pretty busy. This year, the festivities start with the Birmingham Winter Markt, opening on Friday, Dec. 2. This market features local artists and vendors with European cuisine, holiday lights, and live entertainment. It makes for a fun family outing!
Saturday, Dec. 3
Saturday, Dec. 3, is a very popular day for holiday events, so if you missed exploring the region last holiday season, take some time to check out the ones below this year!
- The Orion Lighted Christmas Parade features beautifully lit floats under the 2022 theme “Kids in Candyland.” Attendees and downtown businesses are also encouraged to light up the night to depict the holiday spirit. Find your ideal spot along the parade route here.
- The annual Noel Night returns to Midtown this December from 5-9 p.m.! It’s always jam-packed and full of activities for kids and adults, so make sure to check it out. View a schedule of events here and map here.
- What better way to get in the Christmas spirit than watching a classic stage play? Don’t miss the opportunity to catch a showing of The Nutcracker. The first opportunity will be of The Nutcracker Ballet with Detroit Symphony Youth Orchestra on Dec. 3 at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center in Dearborn. Showings are at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Dec. 3. One more showing will be at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 4. Admission ranges from $20-$35. Additional viewing opportunities include:
- Sunday, Dec. 11, with three showings (noon, 4 p.m., and 8 p.m.)
Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet | Fox Theater | Tickets start at $35
- Saturday, Dec. 22, with two showings (2 p.m. and 7 p.m. | Motown Nutcracker | Ford Community & Performing Arts Center | Tickets range from $15-$28.
- For avid readers, Detroit Book City’s Holiday Book Festival is also on Dec. 3, 12:30-5 p.m. in Southfield. During the festival, attendees will have the opportunity to meet 20 local indie authors and buy their autographed books as a holiday gift. Kids can also receive a free holiday selfie with “Brodie,” Detroit Book City’s mascot bulldog.
Thursday, Dec. 8
- Adults with an affinity for good beer will enjoy Polar Beers at the Detroit Zoo on Dec. 8, 6-10 p.m. Attendees can enjoy a selection of more than 70 unique beers from Michigan craft breweries, live entertainment, themed photo opportunities, access to Wild Lights!, and habitat chats. General admission tickets are $50 for drinkers and $30 for designated drivers. VIP options are also available.
Wednesday, Dec. 21
- Getting more into the adult holiday fun, there’s a Hip-Prov All-Star Holiday Show at Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle in Royal Oak on Dec. 21, 7:30 p.m. Hosted by Comedian Ram White and Jake Russell, the show will feature short-form improv games and hip-hop challenges. Tickets are $20.
As you can see by this non-exhaustive list, the month is rife with opportunities to enjoy the holidays. With kids going on break from school, the snow falling (soon enough, at least), and Christmas quickly approaching, take a step back from constantly moving around and find ways to get in the spirit and spread it to those around who may not have anybody else to share the Christmas cheer with.
Written by Miracle Berry, Fall 2022 Let’s Detroit Campus Ambassador
