Holiday Events Abound in November

Fun and Festive: In the late-autumn darkness, even traffic lights begin to look festive, and events around town do their best to brighten moods.
2207
Blade Runners: Skaters at Campus Martius Park downtown get into the cold-weather spirit. // Photograph by Paul Hitz

Art Van Wonderland

The retailer who helped save Detroit’s parade channels the magic of downtown Hudson’s this year with dramatic displays of lights, installations, and live reindeer at two stores (Warren and Grand Rapids). artvan.org; Nov. 4.

 

Cranbrook Holiday Tables

Tabletop displays at Cranbrook House provide inspiration for holiday hosts and hostesses. cranbrook.edu/housegardens; Nov. 15-18.

 

City of Detroit Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

Festivities begin at 6:30. Lights are switched on at about 8 p.m. The Campus Martius Park event includes entertainment, ice-skating performances, live music, and open skating. campusmartiuspark.org; Nov. 16. (Many metro Detroit communities hold official tree-lighting ceremonies. Contact the local community offices for information.)

 

Hob Nobble Gobble

This annual parade fundraiser spectacular at Ford Field features food, live entertainment, carnival games, and rides. theparade.org; Nov. 16.

 

86th Annual America’s Thanksgiving Parade

Woodward from Midtown to downtown (Mack to Congress). New this year are floats from Quicken Loans, the General Motors Foundation, Skillman Foundation, and the Girl Scouts Centennial Birthday Cake. The 2012 Grand Marshals are U.S. Rep. John Dingell and his wife, Debbie. theparade.org; Nov. 22, 9:05 a.m.

 

30th Annual Turkey Trot

This pre-parade run begins at 7:30 a.m. with the Mashed Potato Mile. The 10K Fifth Third Turkey Trot & 5K S3 Stuffing Strut begins at 7:45 a.m. theparade.org; Nov. 22.

 

Detroit Lions Thanksgiving Classic

Against the Houston Texans at Ford Field. detroitlions.com; Nov. 22., 12:30 p.m.

 

Meadow Brook Hall 41st Annual Holiday Walk

Decorated trees are displayed in the 110-room Tudor Revival mansion in Rochester. meadowbrookhall.org/visit/holidaywalk; Nov. 23-Dec. 22.

 

Festival of Trees

This annual event in Dearborn showcasing trees, wreaths, and gingerbread houses, benefits the Children’s Hospital of Michigan Foundation. Black-tie preview, Nov. 17; tree lighting, Nov. 20; displays through Nov. 25. fot.org.

 

Downtown Rochester Big Bright Light Show

More than 1.5 million lights glow nightly on downtown buildings. downtownrochestermi.com; beginning Nov. 26.