‘Tis the season for holiday fun and no matter where you are in Michigan, you’ll find plenty of activities festive family activities. Check out a few of our favorites.
Southeast Michigan
Monroe Street Midway Winter Fun Now – Jan. 7: Do you love Monroe Street Midway during the summer but wish the fun could last during the winter months as well? The fun downtown attraction is opening back up with all new activities. Get in for free and experience the amazing arctic slide, incredible indoor arcade or playful puck-putt (putt-putt meets hockey).
Detroit Tree Lighting Nov. 17, 4 – 9 p.m.: The 20th Annual Detroit Tree Lighting, presented by the DTE Foundation is on Friday, Nov. 17 at the award-winning Campus Martius Park! Enjoy spectacular live entertainment, Olympic figure skaters, and award-winning local performers and skating clubs. The night also features amazing lighting attractions, horse-drawn carriage rides, holiday shopping, hot chocolate giveaways, food trucks, visits from Santa and much more.
Light up Beacon Park Nov. 17, 4 – 9 p.m.: Kick off the holiday season during Light Up Beacon Park. Families can watch the 20-foot, Michigan-grown Children’s Tree come to life, with ornaments decorated by local Detroit children, during the tree lighting at 6 p.m. Plus, spend some time with Santa and Mrs. Claus, meet real reindeer, groove to live music and feast on delicious food truck fare. And don’t forget the “Polar Express” rides – they’re free for all!
Northern Lights at Beacon Park Nov. 17 – Jan. 16, 2024: Beacon Park is undergoing a magical, winter makeover! Guests of all ages are invited to stop by any time during park hours all season long to take in the beauty of the “Northern Lights” installation. During “Northern Lights,” Beacon Park will shine bright with larger-than-life light features, including a 15-foot infinity snow globe, a gigantic walkthrough snowflake, gleaming polar bears, sparkling presents and more! Together, the decorations glow with 125,000 dazzling LED bulbs, all 95% recyclable. This Detroit destination is the perfect place to visit with friends, family and colleagues! Immerse yourself in the winter spirit at Beacon Park.
Beacon Park’s “Design Haus” Nov. 17 – Dec. 10: Get ready to light up your imagination this season with Beacon Park’s “Design Haus.” Beacon Park is transforming into a spectacular winter wonderland, featuring a one-of-a-kind, interactive gathering space. Designed to inspire and energize visitors, this space showcases our creative community featuring next-gen technology, curated art displays and special performances, while connecting to the park’s sustainability mission.
The Rink at Royal Oak Nov. 17 – Feb. 18: The start of winter means the opening of outdoor ice skating rink and The Rink at Royal Oak is ready to welcome skaters beginning Nov. 17th. Enjoy great music, alluring lighting and special events and after you finish skating, make sure you visit the many exceptional restaurants, stores and entertainment establishments nearby!
Canterbury Village’s Holiday Stroll Nov. 22 – Dec. 23: Canterbury Village is back with another stroll through their beautiful village, this time with a holiday twist! Enjoy the festive Christmas lights all around the village, enjoy a vibrant light show with choreographed dancing to classic Christmas tunes and see classic Christmas characters like The Grinch, Elsa and Anna, Buddy the Elf and many more. Free admission for military and veterans.
Detroit Symphony Orchestra Holiday Concerts at Orchestra Hall Dec. 8 – 23: If you’re looking for some merry Christmas music to get you in the mood for the holiday season, catch the Detroit Symphony Orchestra at Orchestra Hall. From The Music of the Nutcracker to Home Alone in Concert and Elf in Concert, the DSO has plenty of shows to get you in the holiday spirit.
West Michigan
Downtown Grand Rapids Carriage Rides Friday and Saturday evenings starting at 7 p.m.: If you’re looking for a nice ride around downtown Grand Rapids complete with sightseeing of the beautiful city, take the horse-drawn carriage ride. Choose between a ½ hour or hour-long ride that’s perfect for a romantic night for you and your significant other or a fun experience for you and the whole family. Be sure to visit the man great locations in downtown Grand Rapids.
The Christmas Lite Show Nov. 22 – Dec. 31: The Christmas Lite Show at LMCU Ballpark offers the best light show around. West Michigan’s largest animated drive-through light show is back for its 26th year of showcasing beautifully dazzling lights. Guests can choose to view the show through the drive-through on their own or take the special Memory Lane Train!
Grand Rapids Holiday Sip & Shop Dec. 7, 6 – 9 p.m.: Come out to this lively event that brings the great community in Grand Rapids together. This special experience of holiday shopping and socializing helps support local small businesses. While you’re there, make sure to try all of the delicious holiday-themed cocktails on the menu.
Northern Michigan
Bear Lake’s Sparkle in the Park Nov. 25 – Dec. 31, 5 – 10 p.m.: Come see the thousands of dazzling lights set up at Hopkins Park in Bear Lake. This beautiful light show features many different displays and is great for the whole family. Admission is free.
The Enchanted Trail at The Highlands Dec. 9 – Feb. 25: The Enchanted Trail offers an entertaining experience with all the great aspects of the Holiday season. Bring out the whole family for a leisurely 1.5-mile walk along a path filled with luminous lights and eye-catching interactive displays. During the walk, take a nice break at their yurt for a warm drink, before finishing with a toasty bonfire with s’mores!