Looking for last minute holiday fun? Here are easy AND FREE Christmas activities in metro Detroit that your kids will love.
Downtown Detroit
From holiday shopping, to Monroe Street Midway and ice skating at The Rink, there’s nothing quite like Christmas in the city. Make a last minute visit to Santa, take a few tries down the artic slide (it’s FREE), cozy up at Cadillac Lodge and visit Light Up at Beacon Park (it’s a great lighted photo op and also FREE).
FREE Festive Fun
Go on an old fashioned carriage ride in downtown Birmingham on Christmas Eve. Take a lighted walk at Heritage Park in Canton, Blossom Heath Pier in St. Clair Shores or Big Bright Light Show in Downtown Rochester. Check out the trees at Kellogg Park in Downtown Plymouth.
Farmington Riley Park Ice Rink
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. The Riley Park Ice Rink does not have skate rentals, but we have some donated skates on hand for you to borrow.
Christmas From Your Car
Put on your favorite holiday playlist and cruise down Hines Drive for Wayne County Lightfest. The annual event has been a family tradition for generations and admission is only $5 per car. You can also find free music/light shows in neighborhoods across metro Detroit – check out our complete list.
Holiday Walks
Bundle up a take an evening stroll thru a walking light show – we’ve been and we love them!
- Aurora @ Glenore Trails (Commerce)
- Holiday Stroll @ Canterbury Village (Orion Township) – use code LGD to save $2 on each ticket
- Winter Wonder Lights @ Meadow Brook Hall (Rochester)
- Wild Lights @ Detroit Zoo (Royal Oak)
- Lights Before Christmas @ Toledo Zoo (Toledo)
Photo credit: Downtown Detroit