2020 Christmas Events in Metro Detroit

It should come as no surprise that many local events and parades have been canceled this year. However, only some things have been canceled, there are still some great Christmas activities out there. The best part, plenty of them can be enjoyed from the comfort of your car. 

Grab a thermos filled with hot cocoa, and get out and enjoy the best of the season. Just a reminder, many events sell out due to limited crowds. Be sure to snag your tickets in advance so you don\’t miss out on any activities. 

Walk around
Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo
Select nights, November 20 – January 3 — Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo (Royal Oak) — A million-plus LED lights cover trees, buildings, and animal sculptures. Tickets are $15-$20, plus $8 for parking. 
Pro Tip: Bundle up! This is one of my favorite events but is miserable if you\’re not dressed appropriately.

The Big Bright Light Show
Through January 3 — The Big Bright Light Show (Rochester) — Visit downtown Rochester for one of the area’s most amazing light displays. Thousands adorn the buildings along Main Street. It\’s absolutely stunning and FREE. Don\’t forget to make a stop at Sanders for the best hot chocolate ever.

Light Up Beacon Park
Through January 10 — Light Up Beacon Park (Detroit) — Beacon Park has been transformed for the holiday season. Visit from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week, to enjoy photo-ready interactive lighting like a gingerbread house, candy arches, a giant hot chocolate, and other sweet-themed light-up delights, along with the beautiful 125,000 twinkling LED lights. FREE.

Holiday Stroll at Canterbury Village
Select nights, December 3-20 — Holiday Stroll at Canterbury Village (Lake Orion) — Stroll through Canterbury Village to see multiple displays with live characters. After your stroll, comfort yourself with hot chocolate, snacks, and local food trucks. Purchase tickets in advance at $9.99/person + $5 for parking. 

Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village
Select nights, December 4-28 — Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village in Dearborn (Dearborn) — Mingle with merrymakers amid the smells of roasting chestnuts and warming bonfires and the sounds of carolers, fiddlers, and bustling yuletide activity. Ticket prices: $30 for adults.

Glenlore Trails
Select nights, December 4-January 10 — Glenlore Trails present Aurora (Commerce Township) — Aurora is an interactive wintry light show that takes place along a 1/2 mile wooded trail, located in the center of Multi Lakes Conservation Association. Tickets are limited to ensure social distancing and must be purchased online prior to the event. Masks are also required for participation. Ages 13 and up are $20.

Blizzard of Oz
Select dates, November 19 – January 10 — Winterfest: Blizzard of Oz (Taylor) — Walk through a winter wonderland of unique, interactive high-tech light shows, holiday displays, and characters throughout the historic Coan Lake area, Heritage Park Petting Farm, and the Taylor Conservatory and Botanical Gardens! $25/adults, $15 for ages 4-12, age 3 and under are free.

Trail of Lights
Select nights, December 11-19 — Trail of Lights – Horse Drawn Wagon Rides {Davison} — Visit the trails at Robert Williams Nature and Historical Learning Center to see thousands of holiday lights! This fun evening will include horse-drawn wagon rides through the Trail of Lights. Tickets sell out fast so purchase them in advance. $10 for residents, $12 for non-residents.

From the comfort of your car
Magic of Lights
November 13 – January 2 — DTE Energy Music Theatre Magic of Lights (Clarkston) — Magic of Lights is a unique and dazzling drive-through holiday lights experience to celebrate the season. Grab some Christmas cookies, a thermos filled with hot chocolate, head out to experience Magic of Lights safety and comfort of your own car as you wind through the sparkling 1 1/2 mile path. Tickets start at $20 for a standard vehicle.
Pro Tip: Drive SLOW and enjoy it!

Wayne County Lightfest
Wednesday – Sundays, November 25 – December 31 — Wayne County Lightfest (Westland) — Lightfest features more than 47 giant animated displays and more than one million lights and is the Midwest’s largest light show. The complete route is more than four miles of Hines Dr. Entry is $5 cash fee per vehicle.

The Big Bright Light Show
Through January 3 — The Big Bright Light Show (Rochester) — Visit downtown Rochester for one of the area’s most amazing light displays. Thousands adorn the buildings along Main Street. It\’s absolutely stunning and FREE. Don\’t forget to make a stop at Sanders for the best hot chocolate ever.

Nite Lights at Michigan International Speedway
November 26 – December 31 — Nite Lights at Michigan International Speedway (Brooklyn) — Visit MIS for Michigan’s largest Christmas drive-thru light show with many unique animated displays on the 3-mile long trail. $25/car during the week and $30/care on weekends.

What are your favorite Christmas Events?