Admittedly, Christmas activities seem to start earlier and earlier, but that's okay because they are fun and magical and distract us as we slip into a Michigan winter. There is plenty to do from now until the New Year, so take a step back in time, marvel at lighted displays and pet a reindeer. This list below consists of month-long displays/activities. There is a separate list for short-term holiday shows and concerts.
Wayne County Parks Lightfest 200
Photo © Laura Sternberg, Licensed to About.com
When: 11/19/09 through 12/31/09, 7-10 p.m.
Where: Hines Drive & Merriman
Wayne County Parks celebrates the holidays with an annual Lightfest consisting of over four miles of displays and over a million lights. Admission is by car and at minimum $5. Sledding and ice skating are also available within the park.
Where: Hines Drive & Merriman
Wayne County Parks celebrates the holidays with an annual Lightfest consisting of over four miles of displays and over a million lights. Admission is by car and at minimum $5. Sledding and ice skating are also available within the park.
Festival of Trees
Courtesy Bob Oren Photo &Copyright; Bob Oren, 2006.
When: 11/22/09 through 11/29/09
Where: Allen Park Municipal Auditorium
The annual fundraiser for the Children's Hospital of Michigan kicks off with a special preview of the professionally and locally-decorated trees on 11/21/09 from 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. The special night includes food, dancing, music and a silent auction. The trees continue on display until 11/29/09.
Where: Allen Park Municipal Auditorium
The annual fundraiser for the Children's Hospital of Michigan kicks off with a special preview of the professionally and locally-decorated trees on 11/21/09 from 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. The special night includes food, dancing, music and a silent auction. The trees continue on display until 11/29/09.
Christmas at Crossroads: Holiday Magic
When: Gradually lengthening weekends from Thanksgiving weekend through the New YearWhere: Crossroads Village, Flint
The village and train are all lit up for the season. In addition to historic displays, food and shopping, the Opera House provides live entertainment, an elf and reindeer wander about, and Santa is available to lend an ear. The Village is open for drive-thru visits on Mondays and December 24th.
Greenfield Village: Holiday Homes Tour
When: Weekends from Thanksgiving through DecemberWhere: Greenfield Village, Dearborn
Explore Holiday traditions through the centuries in Greenfield Village's Porches & Parlors district. The event includes decorations, demonstrations, ice rink and fireworks.
Greenfield Village: Holiday Nights
When: Gradually lengthening weekends from 12/4/09 through 12/27/09Where: Greenfield Village, Dearborn
Stroll along lantern-lit streets to soak up the spirit of Christmas past at Greenfield Village's Holiday Nights. In addition to food, shopping and live performances, there are carriage and Model-T rides, roving costumed characters, sing alongs, an ice rink and Santa. The event costs $14.50 an adult and runs from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The Big, Bright Light Show
Photo © Mitch Ward
When: 11/26/09 through 12/31/09
Where: Downtown Rochester
Downtown Rochester does the holidays right with the The Big, Bright Light Show, wherein each store front along Main Street (Rochester Road) literally gets its own color scheme of lights. The effect is magical and will light up your life -- or at least your shopping -- through New Year's Eve.
Where: Downtown Rochester
Downtown Rochester does the holidays right with the The Big, Bright Light Show, wherein each store front along Main Street (Rochester Road) literally gets its own color scheme of lights. The effect is magical and will light up your life -- or at least your shopping -- through New Year's Eve.
Breakfast with Santa at the Detroit Zoo
When: Saturday mornings, 12/5/09 through 12/19/09, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.Where: Wildlife Interpretive Gallery, Detroit Zoo
The zoo hosts a waffle-breakfast buffet in its Wildlife Interpretive Gallery. Kids will get a thrill when Santa & friends (wildlife) visit. Cost is $30 an adult/$25 a child for non-members, $25 an adult/$20 a child for members.
