Discover the joy of the season in Rochester Hills with our detailed event guide. From Rochester Hills locals to international travelers, our guide is your key to seasonal celebrations.
One of the highlights of the holiday season is the Big Bright Light Show, where the streets come alive with an enchanting display of colorful lights. This dazzling spectacle creates a magical atmosphere for all who visit. The Village of Rochester Hills Tree-Lighting Ceremony features the illumination of a stunning tree surrounded by festivities, offering a warm community gathering. And the Meadow Brook Hall Holiday Walk is something you definitely don't want to miss, showcasing the splendor of the historic estate adorned for the season. See more details on these and other fun events and activities below!
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Top Holiday Events In and Around Rochester Hills
- Big Bright Light Show (Rochester)
- Village of Rochester Hills Tree-Lighting Ceremony
- Meadow Brook Hall Holiday Walk (Rochester)
- Meadow Brook Hall Holiday High Tea (Rochester)
- Visit with Santa at Village of Rochester Hills
- Holiday Royal Tea at Royal Park Hotel (Rochester)
- Lagniappe (Rochester)
- RARA Holiday Craft and Vendor Show (Rochester)
- Northville Holiday Lighted Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony (Northville)
- Canterbury Holiday Wonderland Walkthrough at Oakland Mall (Troy)
See these and even more events listed below!
Rochester Hills Holiday Light Displays
Big Bright Light Show
What to Expect:
Over 1 million points of glimmering holiday lights on downtown 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 must-see holiday attraction.
Where: Rochester | More Info: Big Bright Light Show
Village of Rochester Hills Tree-Lighting Ceremony
What to Expect:
Dazzling light display with Santa visits and fireworks.
Description:
The Village of Rochester Hills Tree-Lighting Ceremony features over 350,000 dazzling-colored lights, live music, Santa visits, and a spectacular fireworks display.
Where: Rochester Hills | More Info: Village of Rochester Hills Tree-Lighting Ceremony
Meadow Brook Hall Holiday Walk
What to Expect:
Self-guided indoor holiday tour through a 110-room estate.
Description:
Explore the historic Meadow Brook Hall during the day with its self-guided indoor tour featuring over 50 magnificent trees, trimmings, and lights. The estate is decorated in opulent holiday décor, including the Great Hall, Ballroom, Living Room, Library, and Bedrooms.
Where: Rochester | More Info: Meadow Brook Hall Holiday Walk
Lagniappe
What to Expect:
Community event with holiday lighting and Santa visits.
Description:
Downtown Rochester merchants offer Lagniappe, a Creole term meaning "a little something extra," to their customers in appreciation for their support throughout the year. The event includes the debut of The Big, Bright Light Show, presented by Fox Automotive, with activities starting at 6:00 PM on Main Street. The program features a welcome by Viviano Flower Shop, performances by Phoebe Holmes and the Keynote Sisters, and the Meadow Brook Carolers. The highlight is the Big, Bright Light Show followed by fireworks, and kids can share their Christmas lists with Santa from 7:15 to 9:00 PM.
Where: Rochester | More Info: Lagniappe
Northville Holiday Lighted Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony
What to Expect:
Community celebration with festive lights and tree lighting.
Description:
The Northville Holiday Lighted Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony features bands, dancers, floats, and Santa, kicking off the holiday season with festive lights and community spirit.
Where: Northville | More Info: Northville Holiday Lighted Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony
Rochester Hills Holiday Markets and Shopping
RARA Holiday Craft and Vendor Show
What to Expect:
Unique handmade items from local vendors.
Description:
The RARA Holiday Craft and Vendor Show features over 40 vendors selling handmade and unique items. Admission is free, making it an ideal place to find special gifts for the holidays.
Where: Rochester | More Info: RARA Holiday Craft and Vendor Show
Kris Kringle Market
What to Expect:
Unique holiday shopping experience with local vendors and festive entertainment.
Description:
The Kris Kringle Market in Downtown Rochester, MI, is an open-air holiday market inspired by 700-year-old European Christmas markets. It features one-of-a-kind shopping with over 35 local vendors offering holiday decorations, unique gifts, and delectable food. The event includes live musical performances, caroling, a warming tent with hot-spice wine and beer, visits with Santa, a gingerbread village, and a s'more station.
Where: Rochester | More Info: Kris Kringle Market
Rochester Hills Holiday Shows and Entertainment
Holiday Hoopla
What to Expect:
Interactive show with special appearances by princesses.
Description:
Join us for a light refreshment brunch featuring Tower Princess and her Not-So-Thief Prince, along with special appearances by Brave Princess. Enjoy festive shows and activities with our wintery, whimsical friends.
Where: Troy | More Info: Holiday Hoopla
Rochester Hills Other Holiday Activities
Meadow Brook Hall Holiday High Tea
What to Expect:
Elegant holiday tea with historical mansion tour.
Description:
Indulge in a classic holiday tea set in the magnificent Christopher Wren Dining Room, featuring elegant savories and sweets. The event includes access to Holiday Walk, an indoor holiday experience showcasing the historic mansion's shimmering splendor.
Where: Rochester | More Info: Meadow Brook Hall Holiday High Tea
Visit with Santa at Village of Rochester Hills
What to Expect:
Cozy outdoor Santa meet-and-greet with photo opportunities.
Description:
Meet Santa Claus at the Village of Rochester Hills, where guests can visit Santa's cozy outdoor setting and take photos.
Where: Rochester Hills | More Info: Visit with Santa at Village of Rochester Hills
Holiday Royal Tea at Royal Park Hotel
What to Expect:
Luxurious holiday tea experience with gourmet food and drinks.
Description:
Join us for a luxurious afternoon of Holiday Royal Tea at Royal Park Hotel, featuring Mighty Leaf Loose Leaf Teas, assorted canapés, and seasonal scones. Enjoy a delightful spread of prosciutto, goat cheese deviled eggs, and miniature quiche in our decked-out holiday bar.
Where: Rochester | More Info: Holiday Royal Tea at Royal Park Hotel
Canterbury Holiday Wonderland Walkthrough at Oakland Mall
What to Expect:
Seasonal activities and decorations in a quaint village setting.
Description:
Explore a charming holiday setting with festive decorations, live music, and seasonal activities amidst a quaint village atmosphere.
Where: Troy | More Info: Canterbury Holiday Wonderland Walkthrough at Oakland Mall
Festival of Trees
What to Expect:
Unique holiday display with community-designed trees and centerpieces.
Description:
The Downtown Rochester Festival of Trees is a holiday event featuring beautifully designed trees, wreaths, and centerpieces from the Metro Detroit community. Enjoy a sneak preview at the Cocktail Preview on November 22, followed by public viewing on November 23 and 24 at the Rochester Community House.
Where: Rochester | More Info: Festival of Trees
Rochester Area Hometown Christmas Parade
What to Expect:
Largest Christmas parade in Michigan with over 100 entries.
Description:
The Rochester Area Hometown Christmas Parade is Michigan's largest Christmas parade, featuring over 100 entries, including floats, marching bands, and community groups, marching down a one and a half mile route.
Where: Rochester | More Info: Rochester Area Hometown Christmas Parade
Sensory Santa
What to Expect:
Sensory-friendly Santa visits tailored for individuals with autism and other special needs.
Description:
Sensory Santa offers a comfortable and inclusive environment for individuals with sensory sensitivities to enjoy a Santa photo experience. Trained staff and volunteers support guests with special needs, ensuring each visit is documented in a way that reflects their unique personality and holiday spirit.
Where: Auburn Hills | More Info: Sensory Santa
Festive Fun in Nearby Cities!
Discover Holiday events in hundreds of cities worldwide. Check out these nearby locations for more festive fun!
- Troy (4 miles)
- Auburn Hills (5 miles)
- Shelby (6 miles)
- Pontiac (7 miles)
- Sterling Heights (8 miles)
- Birmingham (8 miles)
- Royal Oak (12 miles)
- Madison Heights (12 miles)
- Clinton Township (13 miles)
- Southfield (13 miles)
- West Bloomfield Township (13 miles)
- Warren (14 miles)
- Ferndale (14 miles)
- Oak Park (14 miles)
- Roseville (16 miles)
- Eastpointe (16 miles)
- Farmington Hills (17 miles)
- Saint Clair Shores (17 miles)
- Hamtramck (19 miles)
- Redford (20 miles)
- Novi (21 miles)
- Livonia (23 miles)
- Dearborn Heights (23 miles)
- Detroit (23 miles)
- Dearborn (23 miles)
- Garden City (25 miles)
- Windsor (26 miles)
- Westland (26 miles)
- Inkster (26 miles)
- Tecumseh (27 miles)
- Allen Park (28 miles)
- Lincoln Park (28 miles)
- LaSalle (29 miles)
- Taylor (29 miles)
- Canton (30 miles)
- Wyandotte (31 miles)
- Southgate (31 miles)
- Romulus (33 miles)
- Burton (33 miles)
- Flint (37 miles)
- Ann Arbor (40 miles)
- Port Huron (43 miles)
- Sarnia (44 miles)