TOP KID-FRIENDLY THINGS TO DO IN DETROIT DURING THE HOLIDAYS

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Bring the kids to downtown Detroit for holiday fun and FREE activities for everyone to enjoy.

1001 Woodward – Detroit


Let the kids write out their holiday wish list and bring them downtown to deliver it to the big man himself! Santa will be stationed at 1001 Woodward this holiday for FREE Santa visits in a whimsical, wheelchair-accessible space. Throughout the season you will also find other special character guests. Families interested in a sensory-friendly experience can pre-register for special events on November 20th from 4pm to 7pm and December12th from 1pm to 3pm.

Candyland @ Beacon Park – Detroit


Step into a sweet holiday wonderland filled with larger-than-life candy displays and colorful light installations that will delight kids and parents alike. The free light installation is open now through January 20th.

Nick Gilbert Way @ Hudson’s Detroit – Detroit


Experience the magic of the season at Hudson’s Detroit this holiday. Bedrock is bringing back the nostalgic charm of the city’s most beloved holiday traditions with festive shopping, live entertainment, sweet treats, and interactive fun at Nick Gilbert Way, the new public plaza connecting Woodward Avenue to Farmer Street. From November 6, 2025, through January 4, 2026, visitors can stroll through holiday pop-ups, and explore creative installations.

Campus Martius – Detroit


Ice skate at the rink and cozy up at the 2-story glass 313 Chalet – you won’t find better views of the city. Bring your letters for Santa and put them in the illuminated Santa Mailbox and get family photos at cool lite up backdrops. Note that the Rink is open daily for ice skating.

Cadillac Lodge + Holiday Markets – Detroit


Cadillac Lodge is back for cozy family time. The open-air gathering space will be serve up family-friendly fun and seasonal treats. Next to the Lodge is the Holiday Market featuring 18 local businesses in picturesque, pop-up shops that make checking names off your gift list a lot easier.

The Detroit Symphony Orchestra – Detroit


Listen to all your favorites performed by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. There are shows for every age and interest – from Tiny Tots and Young People’s Family concerts to Home Alone and Harry Potter And The Prisoner of Azkaban projected on screen with live music accompaniment, the DSO is always an unforgettable experience.

Holiday Markets @ Eastern Market – Detroit


In addition to weekly Saturday market day, Eastern Market is open on Sundays from 10am to 4pm for all your holiday shopping needs and extra fun in the city from November 25th to December 21st.