We are all about FREE and INEXPENSIVE activities – especially at this time of year. These holiday events will make sure to maximize fun and minimize spending!
Monroe Street Midway (Detroit)
Decked Out Detroit is delivering again this winter with an arctic slide (FREE), bumper cars ($5), puck-putt golf (FREE), and an arcade ($0.50-$3 per game). Additionally, everyone can enjoy the midway art experiences for FREE, making it a trip worth taking!
1001 Woodward – Santa Visits (Detroit)
The jolly man in red will be awaiting your visit downtown at 1001 Woodward Ave. this winter season! Santa will be available for FREE photos, first come first served. Be sure to dress warm as lines for Santa may extend outdoors.
Wayne County Lightfest (WESTLAND)
The Wayne County Lightfest is a magical five-mile stretch of Hines Park, displaying nearly 50 animated themed displays and more than 100,000 lights. Only $5 per car, Lightfest is open Wednesdays – Sundays from 6pm to 10pm thru December 24th. This year is the 30th anniversary!
Bostick Family Light Show (Garden City)
A family favorite of ours, the Bostick Family puts on a really great show. This show is FREE but you can also purchase your own LED bracelet that syncs with the show. Turn your radio dial to 95.1FM to stream accompanying music and enjoy the show!
Fantasyland (Lincoln park)
For only $2 per person, you can see fun holiday displays, Christmas trees, listen to music and get a picture with Santa Claus. Play Eye Spy and look for your favorite characters or enjoy the massive train display from the Lincoln Park Train Club on the second floor.
Big, Bright Light Show (Rochester)
You are invited to brighten your holidays in Downtown Rochester with The Big, Bright Light Show! The buildings in downtown Rochester will be covered with more than 1 million points of glimmering holiday light.The display is FREE to enjoy and will be lit every evening (5 pm – Midnight) through January.
Light up Beacon Park (Detroit)
Beacon Park is transforming into a winter wonderland and pop-up seasonal gathering space. Guests are invited to experience “Northern Lights” with larger-than-life light features, including a 15-foot Infinity Snow Globe, a gigantic walkthrough snowflake and gleaming polar bears. We’re lighting up the park with 125,000 LED-efficient dazzling bulbs, all 95% recyclable. The space is FREE for all to enjoy through January 16th.
Riley Park Ice rink (Farmington)
The Riley Park Ice Rink is a 4,800-square-foot refrigerated rink, located in the heart of Downtown Farmington, opens in mid-December. It turns Riley Park into a Currier and Ives-type setting, making the park an all-season destination. Admission is FREE and while the rink does not have rental skates, there are plenty of skates available to borrow.
Blossom Heath Tunnel of Lights (st. Clair shores)
Stroll through lighted archways down the pier, listen to Christmas music, sip hot chocolate and enjoy live entertainment all season long! Blossom Heath Pier offers FREE family fun during the holidays so bundle up and enjoy the season along Lake St. Clair.
Northville Symphony of lights (Northville)
Held at Northville Christian School, this FREE event runs through New Year’s Day. Tune your car radio to 87.9FM when you arrive. You can watch the lights dance to the beat of the music from the comfort of your car or head outside to take pictures.
The big reveal @ Indian Springs Metropark (white lake)
Visit any time between, 10a.m. to 5 p.m. to get in the spirit of the season and enjoy our festively decorated center, including holiday trees and lights, the “underwater snow globe”, and more. Don’t forget to bring your camera to take a unique holiday photo! No registration required, this display is FREE!
Detroit Historical Museum (Detroit)
FREE on Sundays! Walk the streets of old Detroit, get an up close look at the Motor City at work, sing along with Motown, and experience the splendor of the Hudson’s Holidays display, back for 2023!
Plymouth walk of trees (plymouth)
A wonderful Plymouth tradition, Kellog Park is filled with trees decorated by local organizations and businesses. This FREE showcase will be on display through January 1st so bundle up and head over to enjoy the efforts of the community!
Birmingham Santa House (Birmingham)
Make an appointment to visit Santa at his quaint home in Shain Park. While you’re here, hop aboard a horse-drawn carriage for an illuminated tour of the holiday lights and beautifully decorated downtown. As always, Santa House and carriage rides are FREE! Donations benefiting the Lions Club will be accepted during the event for those that would like to contribute.
A HOLIDAY TO REMEMBER (northville)
This FREE family friendly event features holiday music, Santa visits, free horse and wagon rides, Arbor Consort Choir, Northville Chorale, bagpipers, stand vendors, and more! Check it out on Saturdays, December 9th, 16th, and 23rd in Downtown Northville.
night of lights (Livonia)
Cruise through a light tunnel and explore the lit up historic village as you shop the holiday market, play outdoor street hockey, listen to holiday music, get creative at the Newburg School crafting station and visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus at Night of Lights at Greenmead Historical Village. Special visitors will also be available for select days: Ana & Elsa(Saturday, December 9th), Mobile Petting Farm (December 10th & 15th) and the Grinch & Cindy-Lou (Saturday, December 16th). Night of Lights runs for three weekends in December (1-2, 8-10 and 15 – 17) from 5pm to 8pm. Suggested $10 donation per vehicle (cash only).
Is the Bostick Family Light Show (Garden City) too far of a drive? Try this list of Holiday Light Shows to find one near you!
Photo Credit: 1001 Woodward – Holiday Activation, Decked Out Detroit, Bedrock Detroit
