See the best holiday highlights in Pontiac! Our guide features all the must-see events and activities. Whether Pontiac is your home or your holiday stop, our guide showcases the top seasonal events.
One highlight of the holiday season is the enchanting Pontiac Holiday Extravaganza Parade & WinterFUN Festival, where festive floats and cheerful activities fill the streets. Another event that draws many visitors is the Big, Bright Light Show @ Downtown Rochester, known for its stunning light displays that illuminate the downtown area. And the Detroit Tree Lighting Ceremony is something you definitely don’t want to miss, as it marks the beginning of the holiday season with a spectacular tree lighting amidst community festivities. Check out the rest of the page for more details on these and other fun events and activities!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Pontiac
- Detroit Tree Lighting Ceremony (Detroit)
- The Big, Bright Light Show @ Downtown Rochester (Rochester)
- Pontiac Holiday Extravaganza Parade & WinterFUN Festival
- Mariah Carey Merry Christmas One and All @ Little Caesars Arena (Detroit)
- Cirque Dreams Holidaze @ The Fox Theatre (Detroit)
- Frozen: The Musical @ Detroit Opera House (Detroit)
- Holiday Nights @ Greenfield Village (Dearborn)
- Winter Wonder Light @ Meadowbrook Hall (Rochester Hills)
- NUTCRACKER Magical Christmas Ballet @ The Fox Theatre (Detroit)
- The Hip Hop Nutcracker @ The Fisher Theatre (Detroit)
See these and even more events listed below!
Pontiac Holiday Light Displays
Detroit Tree Lighting Ceremony
What to Expect:
Live entertainment and festive lighting in a historic park setting.
Description:
The Detroit Tree Lighting Ceremony is a cherished tradition at award-winning Campus Martius Park, featuring spectacular live entertainment, Olympic figure skaters, and award-winning local performers. The event includes amazing lighting attractions, holiday shopping, hot chocolate giveaways, food trucks, and visits from Santa.
Where: Detroit | More Info: Detroit Tree Lighting Ceremony
The Big, Bright Light Show @ Downtown Rochester
What to Expect:
Over 1 million points of glimmering holiday lights on historic buildings.
Description:
Downtown Rochester transforms into a dazzling spectacle with over 1 million points of glimmering holiday lights adorning its buildings. The display is lit every evening from 5 pm to midnight, making it a perfect backdrop for holiday shopping and festive atmosphere.
Where: Rochester | More Info: The Big, Bright Light Show @ Downtown Rochester
Winter Wonder Light @ Meadowbrook Hall
What to Expect:
Immersive outdoor light show with interactive environments and seasonal treats.
Description:
Winter Wonder Lights at Meadowbrook Hall features unique light displays across the grounds, interactive environments, and seasonal treats like glow-in-the-dark cotton candy and popcorn.
Where: Rochester Hills | More Info: Winter Wonder Light @ Meadowbrook Hall
Holiday Lighted Parade @ Northville
What to Expect:
Annual parade with festive floats and Santa.
Description:
The Holiday Lighted Parade in Downtown Northville features bands, dancers, floats, and Santa, kicking off the holiday season with a festive celebration.
Where: Northville | More Info: Holiday Lighted Parade @ Northville
Christmas Aglow @ Clinton Township Civic Center
What to Expect:
Holiday celebration with Santa visits and festive lights.
Description:
Join Clinton Township for a festive holiday event featuring visits with Santa, holiday lights, and light refreshments. The event is free, but attendees are asked to bring a non-perishable food donation for the township's needy families.
Where: Clinton Township | More Info: Christmas Aglow @ Clinton Township Civic Center
Holiday Hike @ Rochester Hills
What to Expect:
Immersive light environments and interactive holiday attractions.
Description:
Explore the historic mansion at Meadow Brook Hall during the day with Holiday Walk, featuring over 50 magnificent trees and exquisite decorations. At night, experience the breathtaking Winter Wonder Lights, a self-guided outdoor light show with music, seasonal treats, and holiday magic.
Where: Rochester Hills | More Info: Holiday Hike @ Rochester Hills
Pontiac Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Frozen: The Musical @ Detroit Opera House
What to Expect:
Tony-nominated musical with expanded score and new songs.
Description:
Disney's Frozen: The Musical at the Detroit Opera House features iconic songs from the original film, plus new numbers by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez. The show includes stunning sets, costumes, and special effects, with powerful performances that bring the story of Elsa and Anna to life.
Where: Detroit | More Info: Frozen: The Musical @ Detroit Opera House
Cirque Dreams Holidaze @ The Fox Theatre
What to Expect:
Dazzling costumes and spectacular acrobatic feats celebrating the holiday season.
Description:
Cirque Dreams Holidaze is a spectacular holiday show featuring 30 performers from over 12 countries in 20 acts. The show transforms Christmas ornaments into costumed characters performing astonishing feats, combining an original musical score with American holiday favorites. Dazzling costumes and a sparkling stage set create a whimsical joy that is perfect for the entire family.
Where: Detroit | More Info: Cirque Dreams Holidaze @ The Fox Theatre
Mariah Carey Merry Christmas One and All @ Little Caesars Arena
What to Expect:
Exclusive Christmas concert featuring Mariah Carey's iconic holiday hits.
Description:
Mariah Carey brings her Merry Christmas One and All tour to Little Caesars Arena, celebrating her timeless holiday classics with a special performance.
Where: Detroit | More Info: Mariah Carey Merry Christmas One and All @ Little Caesars Arena
A Magical Cirque Christmas: A Holiday Variety Show @ The Fox Theatre
What to Expect:
World-class acrobats, contortionists, and aerialists performing to holiday music.
Description:
A variety show filled with nostalgia, charm, and awe-inspiring performances for all ages, featuring world-class entertainers performing favorite holiday music.
Where: Detroit | More Info: A Magical Cirque Christmas: A Holiday Variety Show @ The Fox Theatre
The Hip Hop Nutcracker @ The Fisher Theatre
What to Expect:
Innovative digital graffiti and hip-hop dance fusion.
Description:
The Hip Hop Nutcracker is a contemporary dance spectacle directed by Tony and Olivier Award-nominated Jennifer Weber. This re-imagined version of the classic combines hip-hop dance with Tchaikovsky's timeless music, featuring a powerhouse cast of all-star dancers, a DJ, a violinist, and MC Kurtis Blow. The show transforms E.T.A. Hoffmann's beloved story from traditional 19th Century Germany to vibrant, diverse contemporary New York City, celebrating love, community, and the holiday season.
Where: Detroit | More Info: The Hip Hop Nutcracker @ The Fisher Theatre
NUTCRACKER Magical Christmas Ballet @ The Fox Theatre
What to Expect:
World-class ballet performance with elaborate sets and costumes.
Description:
The NUTCRACKER Magical Christmas Ballet at The Fox Theatre features an international all-star cast blending world-class ballet with whimsical puppets, lavish costumes, and stunning acrobatics. This production showcases a fusion of talent from esteemed ballet capitals worldwide, with new choreography this year.
Where: Detroit | More Info: NUTCRACKER Magical Christmas Ballet @ The Fox Theatre
Home Alone In Concert @ Detroit Symphony Orchestra
What to Expect:
Live orchestral performance of Home Alone's iconic score.
Description:
The Detroit Symphony Orchestra performs John Williams's captivating score from the beloved holiday film Home Alone, reliving John Hughes's charming and hilarious story about family with young Macaulay Culkin.
Where: Detroit | More Info: Home Alone In Concert @ Detroit Symphony Orchestra
Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer – The Musical @ Fisher Theatre
What to Expect:
Heartwarming holiday tradition celebrating individuality.
Description:
Witness the beloved characters from the classic TV special come to life in Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer – The Musical. This heartwarming holiday tradition teaches that what makes you different can be what makes you special. Featuring Santa, Mrs. Claus, Hermey the Elf, Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, Clarice, Yukon Cornelius, and Rudolph, this musical is an adventure that celebrates individuality and belonging.
Where: Detroit | More Info: Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer – The Musical @ Fisher Theatre
“’Twas the Night Before…” by Cirque du Soleil @ The Fox Theatre
What to Expect:
World-class acrobatics and re-invented holiday music.
Description:
Cirque du Soleil's "’Twas the Night Before…” is a Christmas-themed show inspired by the joy of giving and the wonder of the holiday season. Featuring thrilling acrobatics, lovable characters, and a soundtrack of re-invented holiday classics, this show is designed to entertain families of all ages with a heart-warming story.
Where: Detroit | More Info: “’Twas the Night Before…” by Cirque du Soleil @ The Fox Theatre
Home For The Holidays @ Detroit Symphony Orchestra
What to Expect:
Family-friendly holiday concert with a mix of classic and modern music.
Description:
The Detroit Symphony Orchestra presents a curated selection of holiday music, featuring classic and modern hits, in a warm and wonderful setting at Orchestra Hall. Gather the family for one of the best holiday traditions in Detroit, where the DSO and special guests play all your favorites.
Where: Detroit | More Info: Home For The Holidays @ Detroit Symphony Orchestra
Elf In Concert @ Detroit Symphony Orchestra
What to Expect:
Live orchestral performance of the iconic film's score.
Description:
The Detroit Symphony Orchestra presents Elf In Concert, featuring Danny Elfman's Grammy Award-winning original score live-to-film in a symphonic performance of the beloved animated classic.
Where: Detroit | More Info: Elf In Concert @ Detroit Symphony Orchestra
Breakfast for Santa @ Shelby Township Activities Center
What to Expect:
Breakfast event with Santa Claus.
Description:
Join us for Breakfast for Santa at the Shelby Township Activities Center, where families can enjoy a delightful morning with Santa Claus.
Where: Shelby Township | More Info: Breakfast for Santa @ Shelby Township Activities Center
Pontiac Other Holiday Activities
Pontiac Holiday Extravaganza Parade & WinterFUN Festival
What to Expect:
Community-driven holiday celebration with professional floats, live ice carving, and Santa's reindeer.
Description:
The Pontiac Holiday Extravaganza Parade & WinterFUN Festival brings together Oakland County's cities and townships to celebrate the holiday season with a colorful parade, interactive activities, and family-friendly entertainment.
Where: Pontiac | More Info: Pontiac Holiday Extravaganza Parade & WinterFUN Festival
Pontiac Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Annual holiday parade with live ice carving and petting zoo.
Description:
The Pontiac Christmas Parade is a festive event featuring costumed characters, floats, balloons, marching bands, fire trucks, dancers, and more. It includes a winter fest with an ice carving competition, petting zoo, face painting, and crafts for kids.
Where: Pontiac | More Info: Pontiac Christmas Parade
WinterFUN Festival
What to Expect:
Interactive activities for all ages.
Description:
The WinterFUN Festival is a family-friendly event featuring a petting zoo, live Santa reindeer, face painters, balloon artists, and interactive activities like ice carving and craft projects.
Where: Pontiac | More Info: WinterFUN Festival
Children’s WinterART Center
What to Expect:
Interactive holiday crafts and face painting for kids.
Description:
The Children’s WinterART Center offers a variety of craft projects where kids can participate in different activities, get their face painted, and engage in creative pursuits.
Where: Pontiac | More Info: Children’s WinterART Center
Holiday Nights @ Greenfield Village
What to Expect:
Historic holiday activities and rides in a festive village setting.
Description:
Holiday Nights at Greenfield Village is a premier holiday celebration featuring over 80 acres of festive activities, including free carousel rides, ice skating, historic Model T rides, and horse-drawn wagon rides with live music. Explore decorated homes and shops, enjoy holiday vignettes in period attire, and experience live musical performances and cooking demonstrations.
Where: Dearborn | More Info: Holiday Nights @ Greenfield Village
Caroling In The City @ Downtown Rochester
What to Expect:
Largest Christmas parade in Michigan with over 100 entries.
Description:
The Rochester Area Hometown Christmas Parade is an annual event held on the first Sunday in December, featuring over 100 entries, including floats, marching bands, and community groups, marching down a one and a half mile route in downtown Rochester, Michigan. The parade attracts tens of thousands of spectators and includes a free Snowflake Shuttle service from Chase Bank in Rochester Hills to downtown Rochester.
Where: Rochester | More Info: Caroling In The City @ Downtown Rochester
Santa’s Mini House @ Royal Oak
What to Expect:
Regular visits with Santa Claus.
Description:
Santa's Mini House in Royal Oak offers meet-and-greets with Santa Claus every Friday in December from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at a designated location on West Fifth Avenue, right in the heart of retail on South Washington.
Where: Royal Oak | More Info: Santa’s Mini House @ Royal Oak
Jolly Days Carriage Rides @ Royal Oak
What to Expect:
Scenic horse-drawn carriage rides through Downtown Royal Oak.
Description:
Horse-drawn carriage rides through Downtown Royal Oak, offering a scenic tour of the area's holiday lights and attractions.
Where: Royal Oak | More Info: Jolly Days Carriage Rides @ Royal Oak
Festive Christmas Open House @ Historic Orson Starr House
What to Expect:
Historic home tour during the holiday season.
Description:
Explore the historic Orson Starr House, featuring its Greek Revival architecture and rich history, during a special Christmas open house event.
Where: Royal Oak | More Info: Festive Christmas Open House @ Historic Orson Starr House
Old Fashioned Christmas @ Rochester Hills
What to Expect:
Traditional holiday activities with model trains and wagon rides.
Description:
Join us for an old-fashioned holiday celebration at the Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm. Enjoy model train displays, wagon rides, crafts, snacks, and live music performances.
Where: Rochester Hills | More Info: Old Fashioned Christmas @ Rochester Hills
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Auburn Hills (4 miles)
- West Bloomfield Township (7 miles)
- Rochester Hills (7 miles)
- Troy (8 miles)
- Birmingham (8 miles)
- Farmington Hills (11 miles)
- Southfield (12 miles)
- Royal Oak (13 miles)
- Shelby (13 miles)
- Oak Park (14 miles)
- Sterling Heights (14 miles)
- Madison Heights (14 miles)
- Novi (14 miles)
- Ferndale (15 miles)
- Warren (17 miles)
- Redford (18 miles)
- Livonia (19 miles)
- Clinton Township (19 miles)
- Roseville (20 miles)
- Eastpointe (21 miles)
- Dearborn Heights (21 miles)
- Hamtramck (21 miles)
- Garden City (22 miles)
- Westland (22 miles)
- Dearborn (23 miles)
- Saint Clair Shores (23 miles)
- Inkster (24 miles)
- Detroit (25 miles)
- Canton (25 miles)
- Allen Park (27 miles)
- Windsor (27 miles)
- Lincoln Park (27 miles)
- Taylor (28 miles)
- Romulus (29 miles)
- LaSalle (30 miles)
- Southgate (30 miles)
- Burton (30 miles)
- Tecumseh (30 miles)
- Wyandotte (30 miles)
- Flint (33 miles)
- Ann Arbor (34 miles)