Metro Detroit Events and Things to Do in November, 2012

When: 11/7/12 through 11/11/12
Where: The Palace of Auburn Hills

The Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus presents Fully Charged, a show that features dancing elephants, galloping stallions, acrobats in Twins Turbines of Steel and a human arrow.

When: 11/13/12 (Tuesday) at 7:30 PM
Where: Main Art Theatre, Royal Oak

As the name implies, Zombie Movie Night is a celebration of all things zombie. Films include shorts, animations, documentaries and music videos by local filmmakers.

When: 11/15/12 through 12/31/12
Where: Hines Drive and Merriman, Westland

The Wayne County park celebrates the holidays with an annual Lightfest consisting of over four miles of displays and approximately a million lights. Admission is by car and at minimum $5. There are also several Lightfest events at Merriman Hollow Area in 2011, including an 8K Fun Run/Walk on November 13th and a "Bike through the Lights" on November 14th. The Opening Night Celebration, which includes live entertainment and fireworks, starts at 6 PM on Thursday, November 15th.

When: Beginning on 11/16/12
Where: Woodward Avenue, Downtown Detroit

The Park at Campus Martius was designed to be the central square of Detroit. During the winter months, the park keeps people coming by offering a venue for ice skating, and the nearby cafe offers hot chocolate to keep Detroiters warm and toasty. The rink opens officially after the Tree-Lighting Ceremony on November 16th.

New for 2012: The Christmas Wonderfest, a Christmas marketplace with international shopping, music, and carnival rides. The festival will be open for tree-lighting weekend, November 16-18, and for parade weekend, November 22-25.

When: Thanksgiving falls on 11/22/12
Where: Throughout the Metro-Detroit area

Thanksgiving is not all about the turkey. Thanksgiving is also about Lions football, America's Thanksgiving Parade, turkey trots and Black-Friday sales. Need a place to keep track of it all? Check out the Detroit Thanksgiving Guide for 2012.

When: 11/22/12, Thanksgiving Day, with events starting at 7 AM
Where: Various starting locations in downtown Detroit

The 30th Annual Turkey Trot is Michigan’s largest 10K run. In addition to the 10K and 5K runs, there is a costume contest, mashed potato mile, and 5K walk. The contest start will be done in waves named after Santa's reindeer. Many of the 10,000 participants who run the challenging city course through downtown Detroit do so in costume. In the past, costumes have ranged from super heroes to Christmas characters.

When: Saturdays from 11/23/12 through 12/9/12
Where: Village of Holly

Holly utilizes its Victorian architecture to great effect in its 33rd annual Dickens Festival. The Dickens Festival Tree Lighting takes place on November 23rd, and the Festival takes place on Weekends from November 24th through December 9th, 2012. The schedule of events includes characters from Dickens' novels, music from the Festival Singers, and crafts.Notes: the Run Like the Dickens race and Holiday Parade takes place on 12/8/12.

When: September through Thanksgiving Weekend
Where: Throughout the Metro-Detroit area and beyond

The Metro-Detroit area is rife with cider mills. In fact, fresh cider, apple pies and piping-hot donuts mark the beginning of fall in the area. Of course the hayrides, pumpkin picking and petting farms will help you work off the extra calories.

When: Throughout the year
Where: Detroit Institute of Arts, downtown

Arts Alive!: After six and one-half years of renovations, the New Detroit Institute of Arts (DIA) opened its doors in 2007 to show off its new design and galleries. The DIA is always brimming with events, including films, exhibits and music.

When: Throughout the next couple of months
Where: Detroit-area theaters

At any given time, Detroit hosts a variety of shows and concerts, including music concerts, Broadway plays, comedians, rodeos and circuses.