Bring the kids to downtown Detroit for holiday fun and FREE activities for everyone to enjoy. Be sure to mark your calendars for the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Friday, November 17th. Don’t miss out on the NEW Holly Trolly that will offer FREE rides through downtown Thursdays – Sundays from November 9th thru January 7th.

Winter Wonders Santa Visit

Let the kids write out their holiday wish list and bring them downtown to deliver it to the big man himself! Santa will be stationed at 1001 Woodward this holiday for FREE Santa visits in a whimsical, wheelchair-accessible space. Families interested in a sensory-friendly experience can pre-register for special events on December 2nd from 4:30pm to 6pm and December 8th from 1pm to 3pm.

Monroe Street Midway

Find FREE family fun with the artic slide, puck-putt and LED playground at the Monroe Street Midway. Upgrade for winter bumper cars and arcade experience. On certain weekends you’ll also find the Grinch and Princess Poppy getting in on the fun.

Cadillac Lodge + Holiday Markets

Cadillac Lodge is back for cozy family time. The open-air gathering space will be serve up family-friendly fun and seasonal treats. Next to the Lodge is the Holiday Market featuring 18 local businesses in picturesque, pop-up shops that make checking names off your gift list a lot easier.

Noel Night

Mark your calendar for Saturday, December 2nd. Noel Night brings together over 100 venues (including the DIA, Michigan Science Center and more) for a walkable holiday event that offers festive celebrations inside and out. Shop local, see stunning art installations, indulge in seasonal treats, take in live music and art demonstrations and create memorable family crafts. Best of all it’s all FREE!

Northern Lights @ Beacon Park

Visit Beacon Park after dark and see the larger-than-life light features, including a giant snow globe, giant teddy bear, and other photo-worthy attractions. On the select dates Beacon Park will operate a FREE train ride.

Christmas @ the DSO

Listen to your holiday favorites performed by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. There are shows for every age and interest – from Tiny Tots and Young People’s Family concerts to Home Alone and Elf projected on screen with live music accompaniment, give the gift of an experience this Christmas. Our favorite family tradition is the annual Home for the Holidays concert.

Get Tickets To A Holiday Show

Enjoy an afternoon of theatre and get tickets to a show.

Holiday Markets @ Eastern Market

In addition to weekly Saturday market day, Eastern Market is open for additional days for all your holiday shopping needs and extra fun in the city.

Ice Skate @ The Rink

Strap on your skates and take laps on The Rink surrounded by the downtown skyline. Open daily, admission is $12 for adults and $9 for kids. Skate rental is available for $6 per person.

Christmas Break In Midtown

School’s out but you can still have fun learning. From art at the DIA to S.T.E.M. (including the awesome Towers of Tomorrow exhibit) at the Michigan Science Center and learn history at the Detroit Historical Museum and costume design from films like Black Panter at the Wright Museum, there are plenty of places to explore. BONUS: Admission to the Detroit Institute of Arts is FREE for residents of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties.

Photo credit:  Bedrock Detroit