If you are looking for some holiday cheer, then find your favorite family Christmas events below and get your tickets today. Metro Detroit is filled with festive events for everyone to enjoy. From dazzling light displays to immersive experiences, there’s something for every family member. Here’s your ultimate guide to the best holiday & Christmas events in the area, complete with dates, times, locations, as well as price ranges.
Explore More Holiday Guides and Resources
1. Glenlore Trails – Aurora
- Dates & Times: starting around November 21, 2025 — runs through late December (check website for exact nights and time slots).
- Location: 3860 Newton Rd, Commerce Charter Township, MI 48382
- Price Range: $15 – $25 per person
- Description: Experience an immersive light show through the magical woods of Glenlore Trails. Aurora brings the forest to life with dazzling lights, interactive displays, and also a captivating storyline perfect for families and nature lovers alike. Don’t miss the chance to walk through and be part of this enchanted winter wonderland.
2. Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo
- Dates & Times: Nov 22 & 23, Nov 28-30, Dec 5-7, Dec 11-23, Dec 26-31, Jan 2-4
- Location: 8450 W 10 Mile Rd, Royal Oak, MI 48067
- Price Range: $16 – $28 per person
- Description: The Detroit Zoo transforms into a winter wonderland with millions of LED lights, animated displays, as well as festive activities for all ages. Wild Lights is one of our favorite Christmas events in Metro Detroit. It is a magical evening event that invites visitors to explore the zoo in a whole new light. This popular Christmas event sells out fast, so be sure to grab your tickets early!
3. Home for the Holidays at the Ford House
- Dates & Times: November 30 – December 30, 2024, 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM (select nights)
- Location: 1100 Lake Shore Rd, Grosse Pointe Shores, MI 48236
- Price Range: $15 – $25 per person
- Description: Step back in time and enjoy a one mine walk outside ( and inside) the historic Ford House decorated in all its holiday splendor. The Home for the Holidays event features not only festive lights, but also beautifully adorned rooms, and cozy fireplaces. Thus, creating an immersive experience for history and holiday enthusiasts alike. It’s the perfect Christmas event for families that love lights and history.
4. Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village – Christmas Events
- Dates & Times: December 4-7, 12-14, 16-23 & 26-28
Time: 6:30-10:00 p.m. Member-exclusive early entry at 6:00 p.m. - Location: 20900 Oakwood Blvd, Dearborn, MI 48124
- Price Range: $30 – $44 per person
- Description: Celebrate the holiday season with a step back in time at Greenfield Village’s Holiday Nights. This cherished Christmas event offers horse-drawn wagon rides, live entertainment, a visit from Santa, as well as festive treats around a bonfire. Experience the warmth of the holiday spirit in this historic village setting.
5. HollyDazzle – Christmas Events
- Dates & Times: select dates from November 28 through December 31, 2025, with hours of 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM on Fridays and Saturdays and 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM on Sundays.
- Location: 1400 E Austin Rd, Holly, MI 48442
- Price:
Adult (online): $19.95
Child ages 5–12 (online): $8.95
Adult (box office): $22.95
Child ages 5–12 (box office): $10.95
Senior (box office): $20.95
Children 4 & under: Free - Description: HollyDazzle offers an unforgettable experience with its mesmerizing light displays, holiday markets, together with interactive activities. Therefore making this outdoor event in Holly perfect for those looking to enjoy festive fun in a picturesque setting.
6. Meadow Brook Hall Winter Wonder Lights
- Dates & Times: November 28 – December 30, 2025
- Location: 350 Estate Dr, Rochester, MI 48309
- Price Range: $13 – $23 per person
- Description: Explore the grandeur of Meadow Brook Hall during its annual Winter Wonder Lights ! You’ll get the full holiday-movie vibe — lights, music, treats, photos, and a festive outdoor stroll.
7. Magic of Lights at DTE Energy Music Theatre – Christmas Events
- Dates & Times: November 21, 2025 – January 3, 2026
Monday–Thursday: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Friday–Saturday: 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM - Location: 33 Bob Seger Dr, Clarkston, MI 48348
- Price Range: $25 – $50 per vehicle
- Description: Magic of Lights is a drive-through holiday experience featuring over a mile of dazzling displays. Located at DTE Energy Music Theatre, this event offers a family-friendly way to enjoy holiday lights from the warmth and comfort of your vehicle. Scenes include a 200-foot tunnel of lights, classic holiday scenes (Toyland, Winter Wonderland, “12 Days of Christmas”), playful Elves, Reindeer Road, and more
8. The Big Bright Light Show in Downtown Rochester – Holiday Event
- Dates & Times: November 24, 2025 – January 18, 2026, 5:00 PM – Midnight
- Location: Main Street, Downtown Rochester, MI
- Price Range: Free
- Description: Downtown Rochester’s annual Big Bright Light Show transforms Main Street into a magical display of over 1.5 million lights. This free holiday event is perfect for a night out with friends and family, enjoying the festive atmosphere and supporting local shops and restaurants.
9. Wayne County Lightfest – Holiday Event
- Dates & Times: November 20 – December 24, 2025, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Location: Hines Drive, Westland, MI 48185
- Price Range: $5 per vehicle (cash only)
- Description: Drive through Wayne County Lightfest, the Midwest’s longest drive-through light display featuring over four miles of festive lights. This holiday event is a beloved tradition for families looking for a spectacular and budget-friendly holiday outing.
10. MI Bright Lights
- Dates & Times: November 14th – December 30th, 2025.
Open daily from 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM - Location:
Camp Dearborn — 1700 General Motors Rd, Milford, MI - Price Range:
Advance online purchase: $20 per car
At-gate price: $25 per car (if tickets still available)
Description:
MI Bright Lights is a 1.5-mile drive-through holiday light show with synchronized displays set to festive music. Tune your car radio to enjoy the lights dancing to classic holiday songs as you drive through Camp Dearborn. Simple, cozy, and perfect for families looking for an easy holiday outing. The show includes a vibrant RGB house light performance at the beginning of the route, followed by a full drive-through display. Select nights may also feature a drone light show for an added wow factor.
This holiday season, make sure to explore these festive events that Metro Detroit has to offer. Whether you’re looking for an immersive walking experience or a cozy drive-through, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Brittany is a proud mom to two fun loving kiddos, Grayson and Audrey. With a passion for health and fitness, she’s a certified personal trainer and nutritionist who enjoys helping others lead active, enjoyable lives. When she’s not coaching clients, you can find Brittany, her husband, and her kids exploring Michigan’s vibrant scene of indoor play centers, parks, eateries, and events. Whether they’re discovering new hiking trails, celebrating local restaurant openings, or spending the afternoon at the cider mill, they’re always on the lookout for their next adventure. Brittany is passionate about sharing her family’s experiences to help other parents create lasting memories in Metro Detroit. You can follow along with her and her crew here @brittmilesxo.