Select dates, Nov. 20-Dec. 24
Wayne County Lightfest:
Drive along a magical 5-mile stretch of Hines Park and take in 50 animated themed displays featuring more than 100,000 lights without ever leaving the car. Halfway through the show, guests are invited to stop at Perrin Park, where food trucks, restrooms, and photo ops await. $5+. Hines Park, Westland; waynecountymi.gov
Nov. 21- Dec. 7
Aurora Winter Wizards
Guests of this enchanted forest walk along a milelong outdoor trail that is beautifully decorated with displays featuring more than half a million colorful lights and set to festive seasonal music. Uncover more of the holiday wonder by purchasing a magic wand that awakens extra wonders along the path. Also on-hand: Santa visits, live storytelling, food trucks, and warm holiday beverages. $15+; free for kids under 3. Glenlore Trails, Commerce Township; glenloretrails.com
Nov. 21-Jan 3
Magic of Lights
Pine Knob Music Theatre transforms into an enchanting winter wonderland for this annual drive-through light display. View vibrant scenes inspired by classic holiday lore, including Twelve Days of Christmas, Santa’s Toyland, and Reindeer Road, before taking a journey through a spectacular 200-foot tunnel of lights. At the Reindeer Rest Stop, families can stretch their legs and explore walk-through displays on foot. $25+. Pine Knob Music Theatre, Clarkston; 313presents.com
Select dates, Nov. 22-Jan. 4
Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo
Millions of LED lights illuminate trees, buildings, and hundreds of animal-inspired sculptures at the Detroit Zoo’s annual holiday celebration. Wander through themed zones — including an enchanted rainforest and a field of lights — and expect pop-up performances, Enjoy Santa encounters, firepits, and seasonal drinks. $24+. Detroit Zoo, Royal Oak; wildlights.detroitzoo.org
Select dates, Nov. 28-Dec. 23
Holiday Stroll at Canterbury Village
Lake Orion’s historic landmark offers towering Christmas trees, hilarious snowmen, choreographed light shows, holiday characters, professional carolers, and a beautiful nativity scene. The stroll concludes at the C-Pub patio, where guests can cozy up with a hot drink or a snack. $15+. Canterbury Village, Orion Twp.; canterburyvillage.com
Nov. 28-Dec. 30
Holiday Walk and Winter Wonder Lights at Meadow Brook Hall
By day, Holiday Walk offers visitors a chance to discover the beauty of the historic 110-room mansion in all its yuletide glory, complete with more than 50 glittering Christmas trees and plenty of roaring fireplaces. Come back after sundown for Winter Wonder Lights, where the estate’s sprawling outdoor grounds sparkle with hundreds of lights. $10+. Meadow Brook Hall, Rochester; meadowbrookhall.org
Select dates, Nov. 30-Dec. 21
Home for the Holidays at Ford House
Take in stunning lights and décor as you embark on a 1-mile walk through the historic former residence of Edsel and Eleanor Ford. Wind through decked-out buildings and formal gardens before enjoying a self-guided tour of the main residence’s first floor. Be sure to stop for a photo with Santa Claus at the end. $18+. Ford House, Grosse Pointe Shores; fordhouse.org
Dec. 1
Christmas Together
Join Grammy Award-winning gospel artists Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, and CeCe Winans for a night of spiritual holiday music. The program will feature acclaimed contemporary carols from all three artists’ solo albums, along with classic hymns like “Joy to the World.” $76+. Fox Theatre, Detroit; 313presents.com
Dec. 3
Rain: A Beatles Christmas Tribute
Holiday magic meets Beatlemania in this new spin on the acclaimed Beatles tribute show Rain. Featuring authentic costumes, note-for-note musicianship, and lots of nostalgic holiday cheer, the familyfriendly production brings one of rock history’s most iconic bands to festive life. $37+. Fox Theatre, Detroit; 313presents.com
Dec. 3
Pentatonix
The Texasbased acapella vocal quintet will bring their “Christmas in the City” tour to Little Caesars Arena for a night of festive cheer. Known for producing pop-style cover versions of popular holiday songs, the Grammy Award-winning group utilizes vocal harmonies along with scat singing, riffing, vocal percussion, and beatboxing. $53+. Little Caesars Arena, Detroit; 313presents.com
Select dates, Dec. 4-28
Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village
More than 80 acres of Greenfield Village are decked out in twinkling lights, toasty bonfires, and old-fashioned holiday fun for this annual afterhours celebration. Guests are invited to shop for handmade gifts on Main Street, go for a ride in a historic Model T car, or even grab supper with Santa Claus (reservations are required). Each night ends with a dazzling fireworks display. $30+. Greenfield Village, Dearborn; thehenryford.org
Select dates, Dec. 5-19
Holiday Films at Redford Theatre
The historic cinema will showcase seven festive feature films this month, ranging from time-tested classics (It’s a Wonderful Life; White Christmas) to more contemporary blockbusters (Elf; A Christmas Story). Stop in on Dec. 7 for the eighth annual Holiday Mystery Movie — a Redford Theatre tradition. $5+. Redford Theatre, Detroit; redfordtheatre.com
Dec. 5
A Magical Cirque Christmas
World-renowned entertainment troupe Cirque du Soleil is known for jaw-dropping acrobatic stunts that synchronize with immersive visual effects. That formula gets a seasonal spin in A Magical Cirque Christmas, a holiday-themed, family-friendly variety show set to seasonal music favorites. $54+. Fox Theatre, Detroit; 313presents.com
Dec. 7
Nutcracker: Magical Christmas Ballet
The iconic holiday ballet is infused with new choreography, extravagant costumes, and daring acrobatics in this immersive production. Expect an allstar cast of world-class dancers, stunningly colorful sets, and incredibly detailed marionette puppets crafted by legendary builders and puppeteers from around the world. $42+. Fox Theatre, Detroit; 313presents.com
Dec. 7
Jon McLaughlin & Friends: Home for the Holidays
Pianist and singer-songwriter Jon McLaughlin will bring classic Christmas songs, original holiday material, and even a few friends to The Ark this month for a magical new holiday tradition. Special guests include American Idol winner Kris Allen, pop-soul songwriter David Davis, and Broadway vocalist Morgan James. $40+. The Ark, Ann Arbor; theark.org
Dec. 8
An Acoustic Christmas with Over the Rhine
Husband-and-wife duo Linford Detweiler and Karin Bergquist have performed folk music together as Over the Rhine for more than 30 years. Every holiday season, they tour the Midwest to play what they affectionately refer to as their “wintry mix” — a bill of original carols that aims to capture the wide range of emotions many feel during the holiday season, including joy, wonder, loss, and even sadness. $35. The Ark, Ann Arbor; theark.org
Dec. 9
Aimee Mann & Ted Leo Christmas Show
Alternative singer-songwriter Aimee Mann garnered widespread acclaim (and an Academy Award nomination) for “Save Me,” a standout track from her 1999 soundtrack for Paul Thomas Anderson’s critically acclaimed film Magnolia. She’ll join forces with punk singer and guitarist Ted Leo for her upcoming holiday shows, which will feature a blend of old and new seasonal songs and a lineup of guests that includes comedian Paul F. Thompkins, singer-songwriter Nellie McKay, and writer Josh Gondelman. $49+. Royal Oak Music Theatre, Royal Oak; royaloakmusictheatre.com
Dec. 9
Jingle Ball
Detroiters who have come to expect star-studded lineups and festive surprises at this annual holiday concert will not be disappointed by this year’s program, which includes Nelly, BigXthaPlug, Conan Gray, Jessie Murph, Shinedown, and Ravyn Lenae, along with a special KPop Demon Hunters sing-along. $57+. Little Caesars Arena, Detroit; 313presents.com
Dec. 12-14
Home for the Holidays at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra
Celebrate the festive season with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra at this annual pops concert. Packed with beloved holiday songs, the two-hour program is perfect for all ages and even features an appearance by Santa Claus himself. $29+. Orchestra Hall, Detroit; dso.org
Dec. 16-18
Meredith Wilson’s Miracle on 34th Street the Musical
Adapted from the classic holiday film of the same name, this musical production by Meredith Wilson (The Music Man) follows the story of a precocious young girl who encounters the real Santa Claus a New York Macy’s store. Featuring heartwarming themes and joyous music, including the iconic carol “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot like Christmas,” the show is perfect for the whole family. $49+. Fox Theatre, Detroit; 313presents.com
Dec. 20-21
Home Alone in Concert
The beloved holiday film and its iconic soundtrack come to life at this annual performance by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Starring a young Macaulay Culkin as Kevin, Home Alone tells the tale of an 8-year-old boy who is accidentally left at home over the Christmas holiday while his family travels to Paris. Watch the movie on the big screen while the DSO’s talented musicians perform the John Williams-composed score right in time with the scenes. $59+. Orchestra Hall, Detroit; dso.org
Dec. 21
Champions of Magic: Holiday Spectacular
Spectacle, showmanship, and holiday cheer combine in this thrilling, high-energy show. Featuring talented illusionists from the U.S., U.K., and Mexico, along with lots of twists and surprises, this interactive production will keep audience members of all ages on the edge of their seats. $43+. Fox Theatre, Detroit; 313presents.com
Dec. 23
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis
Celebrating more than 40 years of shows, Mannheim Steamroller founder Chip Davis brings his sprawling neo-classical music ensemble to Detroit’s Fox Theatre. Known for a sound that combines classical influence with new age inspiration and rock ’n’ roll sounds, the troupe has sold more than 41 million albums worldwide, making it the best-selling Christmas music artist of all time. $43+. Fox Theatre, Detroit; 313presents.com
Dec. 27
A Night of Holiday Soul
Enjoy a program of soulful seasonal favorites performed by R&B singer-songwriter Will Downing, gospel singer and pianist AverySunshine, and vocalist Leela James. $77+. Fox Theatre, Detroit; 313presents.com
Dec. 27
Trans-Siberian Orchestra
The symphonic rock band made a name for itself with its metal-infused takes on classic Christmas tunes, including “Carol of the Bells” and “O Holy Night.” More of a rock opera than a mere concert, this year’s production features pyrotechnic effects, laser light shows, and a high-energy set list. $55+. Little Caesars Arena, Detroit; 313presents.com
This story originally appeared in the December 2025 issue of Hour Detroit magazine. To read more, pick up a copy of Hour Detroit at a local retail outlet. Click here to get our digital edition.
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