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Explore Oakland County Parks’ Spectacular Holiday Programs & Events!

Your family is sure to enjoy all the holiday programs, events and family fun planned at many Oakland County Parks this winter season!

Whether gliding down a snowy sledding hill, enjoying a brisk walk on the trail or playing with a favorite furry friend at the dog park, Oakland County Parks and Recreation (OCPR) parks are quite magical in the winter. Being among nature can help lift spirits, contribute to better mental health and offer endless opportunities for fitness and exercise.

Oakland County Holiday Programs

“Frosty fun is all around,” Brandy Sotke-Boyd, Chief of Recreation, Programs and Services, said. “In addition to our extensive year-round programming, we are hosting a number of special holiday events to help everyone celebrate the joy of the season.”

OCPR Holiday Programs and Events Schedule:

Be sure to mark these special events and holiday programs on your calendar:

Dec. 7
The Oakland County Farmers Market is hosting a holiday market from 3-7 p.m. Shop for decorations, wreaths, garland, artisan crafts and specialty food items while enjoying roasted marshmallows, festive wagon rides, holiday music and a drawing for a gift basket of market goodies. Visit with live reindeer and elves from 3:30-6:30 p.M. The market is located at 2350 Pontiac Lake Road in Waterford. Details: 248-858-5495 or oaklandcountyparks.Com.
Dec. 10
Children can enjoy learning about animal adaptations, games and making a holiday gift for someone special during Kids Holiday Mini Camp from 10 a.M.-1 p.M. Dec. 10 at wint nature center. This program is suitable for ages 5-10 years old. A release form is required with registration. Cost is $15/child. Preregistration with payment required by calling 248-858-0916. Details: oaklandcountyparks.Com.
Dec. 17
Learn about gift-giving in different cultures, including gift exchanges that may be happening in the natural world – in a forest or pond near you, or even in your own backyard during gift-giving: nature, community and you from 3-4:30 p.m. at Red Oaks Nature Center. Participants can craft their own gift to give someone and receive a gift from the nature center to take home. A special holiday guest (rumor is it’s Santa!) will be making an appearance as well, so bring your phone or camera. Cost is $6/person. Preregistration with payment is required by calling 248-858-0916 during weekday business hours. Details: oaklandcountyparks.Com.
Dec. 17
Dec. 17 is the last day participants can pick up a kit during the Virtual Take and Make program “Natural Ornaments for Indoors & Out.” Reserve a kit then join live Zoom instruction from 2-3 p.m. Dec. 17 to create beautiful décor for inside the home as well as some outdoor treats for winged friends. Supplies for the ornaments will be provided. This virtual program is suitable for all ages. Cost is $10/kit. Kits are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Preregister by calling 248-858-0916 during business hours and select a location to pick up program kits. Kits will be available from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and noon-5 p.m. Sunday at Red Oaks Nature Center or from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday-Saturday or 1-5 p.m. Sunday at Wint Nature Center.
Dec. 24
During Oakland County Parks and Recreation Appreciation Day on Dec. 24, visitors can enjoy free daily park entry with access to natural areas, trails, dog parks, fishing spots, playgrounds and park amenities at Addison Oaks County Park, Highland Oaks County Park, Independence Oaks County Park, Lyon Oaks County Park and Lyon Oaks Dog Park, Orion Oaks County Park, Orion Oaks Dog Park, Red Oaks Dog Park and Rose Oaks County Park. Park hours are 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset, or as posted at the park.
Dec. 25
During Oakland County Parks and Recreation Appreciation Day on Dec. 25, visitors can enjoy free daily park entry with access to natural areas, trails, dog parks, fishing spots, playgrounds and park amenities at Addison Oaks County Park, Highland Oaks County Park, Independence Oaks County Park, Lyon Oaks County Park and Lyon Oaks Dog Park, Orion Oaks County Park, Orion Oaks Dog Park, Red Oaks Dog Park and Rose Oaks County Park. Park hours are 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset, or as posted at the park.
Dec. 27
Almost New Years, a program for individuals ages 18 and older with developmental disabilities, will include music, dancing and New Year’s Eve activities from 6-8 p.m. Dec. 27 at Royal Oak Mahany/Meininger Community Center. Cost is $12/participant and $6/caregiver. Preregister by Dec. 20. Call 248-858-0916 to register or call or text 248-221-8040 for program questions and information.
Dec. 28
Almost New Years, a program for individuals ages 18 and older with developmental disabilities, will include music, dancing and New Year’s Eve activities from 6-8 p.m. Dec. 28 at Waterford Oaks County Park Activity Center. Cost is $12/participant and $6/caregiver. Preregister by Dec. 20. Call 248-858-0916 to register or call or text 248-221-8040 for program questions and information.
Dec. 31
During Oakland County Parks and Recreation Appreciation Day on Dec. 31, visitors can enjoy free daily park entry with access to natural areas, trails, dog parks, fishing spots, playgrounds and park amenities at Addison Oaks County Park, Highland Oaks County Park, Independence Oaks County Park, Lyon Oaks County Park and Lyon Oaks Dog Park, Orion Oaks County Park, Orion Oaks Dog Park, Red Oaks Dog Park and Rose Oaks County Park. Park hours are 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset, or as posted at the park.

OCPR gift cards also make great presents, providing people of all ages with access to activities, programming and trails, including our holiday programs. These reloadable gift cards can be used toward annual vehicle permits at eight parks, including three dog parks; green fees at five golf courses; camping fees at two campgrounds; waterpark admission; and programs at OCPR’s two nature centers. Cards can be loaded with any amount, starting at $10, so they make fantastic stocking stuffers, too.

“This holiday season give an experience, a gift that your friends and family can enjoy throughout the year,” Sotke-Boyd said. “They can enjoy activities during all four seasons when it is convenient for them.”

For information on our holiday programs and other events, visit OaklandCountyParks.com. Join the conversation on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Amber Louchart
Author: Amber Louchart

Amber is the proud mother to four beautiful children, Damian (27), Rosaleigh (14), Carlyn (11), and Naomi (8). Her family also includes four cats. She loves being a stay-at-home mom and feels blessed to be able to care for her children full-time and provide them with so many opportunities through Metro Detroit Mommy. In addition to Metro Detroit Mommy, Amber has a passion for hosting karaoke with Malibu Entertainment.  She enjoys the metro Detroit nightlife especially, singing, dancing and meeting new people.