Enjoy the holiday spirit in Ann Arbor with our detailed guide. Whether you're rediscovering Ann Arbor or seeing it for the first time, our guide leads you to the best holiday activities.
Popular Events: Experience the festive atmosphere at the Wayne County Lightfest, where spectacular light displays illuminate the park, creating a winter wonderland for families to stroll through. The Northville Lighted Parade and Downtown Northville Tree Lighting features a charming procession of illuminated floats and community spirit. And the Auburn Hills Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony is something you definitely don't want to miss, showcasing a beautifully adorned tree surrounded by holiday cheer. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Ann Arbor
- Wayne County Lightfest (Westland)
- Northville Lighted Parade and Downtown Northville Tree Lighting (Northville)
- Auburn Hills Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony (Auburn Hills)
- Birmingham Santa Walk (Birmingham)
- Waterford Holiday Hoopla & Tree Lighting Ceremony (Waterford)
- Lagniappe (Rochester)
- RARA Holiday Craft and Vendor Show (Rochester)
- Lake Orion Christmas Events (Lake Orion)
- Kids Holiday Craft Club (Saline)
- PJs & Stories with Santa (Saline)
See these and even more events listed below!
Ann Arbor Holiday Light Displays
Wayne County Lightfest
What to Expect:
Animated light displays along a five-mile stretch of Hines Park.
Description:
Wayne County Lightfest is a five-mile stretch of Hines Park featuring nearly 50 animated displays and over 100,000 lights. The event is open Wednesday through Sunday from 6 PM to 10 PM, with special events like Toy Nights and a Lights On Celebration.
Where: Westland | More Info: Wayne County Lightfest
Northville Lighted Parade and Downtown Northville Tree Lighting
What to Expect:
Annual parade with festive floats and live performances.
Description:
The Northville Lighted Parade and Downtown Northville Tree Lighting is an annual tradition featuring bands, dancers, floats, and Santa. The parade begins at 6:30 PM, followed by a tree lighting ceremony in Town Square.
Where: Northville | More Info: Northville Lighted Parade and Downtown Northville Tree Lighting
Auburn Hills Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday celebration with diverse activities.
Description:
Join the community in downtown Auburn Hills for the 30th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony, featuring a festive tree lighting and various activities for all ages.
Where: Auburn Hills | More Info: Auburn Hills Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony
Lagniappe
What to Expect:
Debut of The Big, Bright Light Show with Santa Claus.
Description:
Downtown Rochester merchants offer Lagniappe, a little something extra, to their customers in appreciation for their support. The event includes the debut of The Big, Bright Light Show, presented by Fox Automotive, with a special appearance by Santa Claus and a visit to share Christmas lists.
Where: Rochester | More Info: Lagniappe
Holiday Hustle
What to Expect:
Chip-timed event with neighborhood light displays.
Description:
Join the Holiday Hustle in Dexter, MI, for a fun 5K or 1 Mile dash through neighborhood light displays, fostering a holiday spirit and rewarding participants with post-race snacks and finisher medals.
Where: Dexter | More Info: Holiday Hustle
Lights Before Christmas - Toledo Zoo
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with extensive light displays and interactive activities.
Description:
The Toledo Zoo's Lights Before Christmas features over one million lights, 200+ illuminated animal images, and a revitalized Winter Village with activities like ice carvings, a holiday train ride, and visits with Santa.
Where: Toledo | More Info: Lights Before Christmas - Toledo Zoo
Winter Wonder Lights - Meadow Brook Hall
What to Expect:
Immersive outdoor light show with interactive environments and festive music.
Description:
Winter Wonder Lights at Meadow Brook Hall features unique light displays across the grounds, interactive environments, and festive music, with seasonal treats and drinks available.
Where: Rochester Hills | More Info: Winter Wonder Lights - Meadow Brook Hall
Wild Lights - Detroit Zoo
What to Expect:
Synchronized light and sound show in a zoo setting
Description:
The Wild Lights event at the Detroit Zoo features over five million LED lights illuminating trees, buildings, and sculptures. Guests can stroll through the Enchanted Trail, an immersive forest of lights, and explore the Underwater Trail with interactive ocean scenes. The event also includes life-sized toy sculptures and a 4D movie experience.
Where: Royal Oak | More Info: Wild Lights - Detroit Zoo
Marshall's Merry Mile Light Display
What to Expect:
Mile-long holiday lights display with special events.
Description:
Marshall's Merry Mile Light Display features a mile-long holiday lights display at the Calhoun County Fairgrounds, offering a festive atmosphere with various special events and activities.
Where: Marshall | More Info: Marshall's Merry Mile Light Display
Ann Arbor Holiday Markets and Shopping
RARA Holiday Craft and Vendor Show
What to Expect:
Unique gifts from local artisans.
Description:
The RARA Holiday Craft and Vendor Show is an all-ages event featuring over 40 vendors selling unique gifts and handmade items. Admission is free, making it an excellent place to find special holiday presents.
Where: Rochester | More Info: RARA Holiday Craft and Vendor Show
Lake Orion Christmas Events
What to Expect:
Live characters and festive holiday displays.
Description:
Lake Orion's Canterbury Village transforms into a vibrant holiday setting with numerous displays, live characters, and festive activities. Enjoy holiday photo ops, visit Santa, and explore open boutiques and gift shops. The event features choreographed musical light shows, twinkling Christmas trees, and a nativity scene.
Where: Lake Orion | More Info: Lake Orion Christmas Events
Ann Arbor Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Candlelight: Holiday Special Featuring “The Nutcracker” & More
What to Expect:
Live classical music performance with a string quartet.
Description:
Immerse yourself in a live, multi-sensory musical experience at First Presbyterian Church in Ann Arbor, featuring a holiday medley including "The Nutcracker" and more, under the gentle glow of candlelight.
Where: Ann Arbor | More Info: Candlelight: Holiday Special Featuring “The Nutcracker” & More
Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas The Musical
What to Expect:
Timeless holiday tale with iconic Dr. Seuss characters and music.
Description:
Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas The Musical is a heart-warming holiday classic featuring hit songs like "You're A Mean One, Mr. Grinch" and "Welcome Christmas." Max the Dog narrates as the mean and scheming Grinch, whose heart is two sizes too small, decides to steal Christmas away from the holiday-loving Whos. The show features magnificent sets and costumes inspired by Dr. Seuss' original book, directed by Matt August and choreographed by Bob Richard.
Where: Detroit | More Info: Dr. Seuss' How The Grinch Stole Christmas The Musical
Canterbury Holiday Stroll - Canterbury Village
What to Expect:
Live holiday characters and festive light displays.
Description:
Canterbury Holiday Stroll at Canterbury Village features numerous holiday displays, live characters, and festive lights. Enjoy a visit with Santa, musical light shows, and holiday performances. The event also includes food and drink options, as well as shopping opportunities at various boutiques and gift shops.
Where: Lake Orion | More Info: Canterbury Holiday Stroll - Canterbury Village
Ann Arbor Other Holiday Activities
Waterford Holiday Hoopla & Tree Lighting Ceremony
What to Expect:
Free holiday activities with Santa and reindeer visits.
Description:
Celebrate the season with various FREE holiday activities including a visit and photo opportunity with Santa, a reindeer visit, crafts, and cookie decorating. This event is held outdoors, so please dress for the weather. Location: Waterford Township Hall, 5200 Civic Center Drive.
Where: Waterford | More Info: Waterford Holiday Hoopla & Tree Lighting Ceremony
Birmingham Santa Walk
What to Expect:
Short, festive walk with Santa through downtown shops.
Description:
Join the annual Birmingham Santa Walk as Santa makes his way through downtown Birmingham, visiting various shops before concluding at his quaint home in Shain Park. Enjoy the festive atmosphere and free activities like horse-drawn carriage rides and hot chocolate.
Where: Birmingham | More Info: Birmingham Santa Walk
PJs & Stories with Santa
What to Expect:
Cozy holiday storytelling with Santa.
Description:
Join Santa for a cozy evening of holiday stories, songs, and crafts at Saline Recreation. Wear your favorite pajamas and enjoy milk, cookies, and hot chocolate while listening to Santa's favorite tales.
Where: Saline | More Info: PJs & Stories with Santa
Kids Holiday Craft Club
What to Expect:
Hands-on holiday craft-making with festive treats.
Description:
Kids will create various art projects perfect for holiday gift giving while enjoying holiday cookies.
Where: Saline | More Info: Kids Holiday Craft Club
IN Days - Holiday Sing Along & Treats
What to Expect:
Hands-on holiday cookie baking with diverse flavors and techniques.
Description:
Join us for a holiday baking class where you'll learn to make 14 festive and delicious cookies, including traditional Spanish Panellets, Guava GoGos, and Chocolate Ganache Thumbprints. Each cookie offers a unique blend of flavors and techniques, ensuring something for everyone.
Where: Ann Arbor | More Info: IN Days - Holiday Sing Along & Treats
Grinchmas Swim Night
What to Expect:
Holiday-themed swim event with warm pools.
Description:
Join us for Grinchmas Swim Night at the Saline Recreation Center, where families can enjoy a fun-filled evening of swimming and holiday cheer. The event features both lap and leisure pools, making it an inclusive activity for all ages.
Where: Saline | More Info: Grinchmas Swim Night
Santa Photo Experience - Briarwood Mall
What to Expect:
Private photo experience for children with special needs.
Description:
At Briarwood Mall, families can take part in the Santa Photo Experience, where Santa is available daily for photo opportunities. Visitors can choose to sit with Santa or take a socially distant photo, with Santa's helpers wearing face masks and sanitizing stations available.
Where: Ann Arbor | More Info: Santa Photo Experience - Briarwood Mall
Country Christmas - Three Cedars Farm
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with festive activities and Santa Claus.
Description:
Celebrate the holiday season at Three Cedars Farm with Christmas trees, wreaths, hot cocoa, cider, donuts, and Santa Claus. Enjoy activities like a petting farm, train rides, and kids' outdoor play land.
Where: Northville | More Info: Country Christmas - Three Cedars Farm
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Canton (13 miles)
- Westland (18 miles)
- Romulus (18 miles)
- Novi (20 miles)
- Livonia (21 miles)
- Garden City (21 miles)
- Inkster (22 miles)
- Farmington Hills (23 miles)
- Redford (24 miles)
- Taylor (24 miles)
- Dearborn Heights (24 miles)
- Allen Park (27 miles)
- West Bloomfield Township (27 miles)
- Southgate (28 miles)
- Lincoln Park (29 miles)
- Dearborn (29 miles)
- Southfield (30 miles)
- Adrian (30 miles)
- Monroe (31 miles)
- Wyandotte (31 miles)
- Oak Park (31 miles)
- Birmingham (33 miles)
- Ferndale (33 miles)
- Royal Oak (34 miles)
- Jackson (34 miles)
- Pontiac (34 miles)
- LaSalle (35 miles)
- Madison Heights (35 miles)
- Detroit (36 miles)
- Hamtramck (36 miles)
- Windsor (37 miles)
- Troy (38 miles)
- Auburn Hills (38 miles)
- Warren (40 miles)
- Rochester Hills (40 miles)
- Sterling Heights (42 miles)
- Eastpointe (42 miles)
- Tecumseh (43 miles)
- Toledo (43 miles)
- Roseville (44 miles)