The holiday season is full of bright possibilities across the state. Artistic light displays, seasonal cocktails and visits with Santa mark the holiday season across Michigan, and we’re more than ready for it. Check out these fun things to do this December.
SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN
Campus Martius Park Skating (Detroit)
Ice skating around the outdoor rink at Campus Martius Park is a family-friendly “must-do” this holiday season. Glide around the ice November through March with the Campus Martius Christmas tree and larger-than-life Salvation Army Red Kettle in the background. The rink remains open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays now through New Year’s Eve.
Festive Cocktails at The Oakland (Ferndale)
Grab your ugly Christmas sweater and head to The Oakland for their Christmas-themed cocktail pop-up bar, Miracle, Nov. 23 through New Year’s Eve. Sip cocktails like spiked eggnog with brown butter and cinnamon-infused Pierre Ferrand Cognac, plus plenty of other festive favorites.
Monroe Street Midway Outdoor Adventures (Detroit)
The Monroe Street Midway https://www.deckedoutdetroit.com/offers one of the newest Detroit winter events. Just yards away from Campus Martius Park, this winter wonderland playground features a 20-ft, 80-ft-long slide, winter bumper cars, a nine-net hockey puck-putt course and an arcade through January 29.
Plus, Santa visits from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays and from noon to 4 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 22. & Photos with Santa are completely complimentary!
Wayne County Lightfest (Westland)
Want to enjoy the holiday spirit from your car? Here’s your chance! View more than 45 colorful, glimmering light displays with more than 100,000 lights as you wind down Hines Drive. The show runs through New Year’s Eve (but is closed on Christmas).
Menorah in the D (Detroit)
To celebrate Hannukah in Southeast Michigan, the Menorah in the D is annually lit at Campus Martius. This year’s Menorah Lighting Ceremony begins at 5p.m. on Dec. 18 and requires a reservation.
WEST MICHIGAN
Christmas & Holiday Traditions at Frederik Meijer Gardens (just outside Grand Rapids)
The Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is transformed during the holiday season into a breathtaking attraction that pays homage to the many winter holidays that celebrate the need for light during darkness. The exhibition runs through early January, giving you plenty of time to find the right time during the hectic holiday season.
BYOB Holiday Lights Trolley (Grand Rapids)
The BYOB Holiday Lights Trolley is an innovative holiday event designed for adults who want to add extra spirits to the holiday spirit. Take a vintage trolley tour through local neighborhoods, the Christmas Lite Show, the Grand Rapids Christmas Tree and more. There is even time to hop on and off the trolley to take photos.
Horse Drawn Carriages (Grand Rapids)
There’s no better way to see downtown Grand Rapids than from a horse-drawn carriage! The carriage rides begin near Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, and you’ll enjoy a peaceful, quiet journey through the streets of downtown. Both half-hour and one-hour rides are available, and while there is sometimes walk-up availability, reservations are recommended.
NORTHERN MICHIGAN
Grand Traverse Commons Natural Area Outdoor Adventures (Traverse City)
The Village at Grand Traverse Commons Natural Area is located within 480 acres of protected parkland, making this park a beautiful place for a winter walk, especially after a snowfall. It’s the largest park in the area and has 140 acres of unpaved trails; perfect for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and other favorite winter activities!
Arcade Fun at The Coin Slot (Traverse City)
Enjoy timeless arcade games like Frogger, Donkey Kong, Centipede, Galanga and other classics at The Coin Slot in downtown Traverse City! There are also billiards and several pinball and Skee-Ball machines for you to enjoy while sipping on a holiday cocktail.
Happy holidays!