Patch's 2012 Holiday Event Guide for Metro Detroit

We combed our Patches for some great holiday events to put together this list of holiday happenings all over Southeast Michigan. Get out and have some festive fun!

Dearborn Holiday Choral Festival: Featuring performances by the Dearborn Community Chorus along with Vanguard Voices. Held at 7 p.m. Dec. 8. at the Ford Community and Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $10.

Divine Child Tree Lighting: The church's annual tree lighting, held Dec. 2. Followed by Advent prayer.

Holiday Berry Brunch: Hosted by the Garden Club of Dearborn at the Dearborn Inn, starting at 10 a.m. on Dec. 1. Admission is $35.

Holiday Nights at Greenfield Village: The 2012 dates for Holiday Nights are Dec. 1, 7-8, 14-16, 18-23 and 26-27 from 6:30-10 p.m. each night. Includes Santa and live reindeer, candle-lit paths, ice skating, model T rides, 19th Century entertainment, and fireworks every night of the event. Supper with Santa available for members. Tickets for Holiday Nights range from $12.75-$72, depending on membership status, age and inclusions.

Miracle on 34th Street: The classic movie will be shown at the Ford Community and Performing Arts Center at 4 p.m. Dec. 9. Admission is free.

The Nutcracker: Showing at the Ford Community and Performing Arts Center at 8 p.m. Nov. 30, as well as 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 1. Featuring the Ballet Americana Dance Company with principle dancers from the New York City Ballet and American Ballet Theater, accompanied by the Detroit Symphony Civic Orchestra. Tickets are $12-$26.

Tree Lighting and Festival of Trees: Festival runs Nov. 17-25 at the Ford Community and Performing Arts Center. Tree lighting and sing-a-long with Mayor Jack O’Reilly will be held on Nov. 20. Admission: Adults: $5, Children: $3, free for kids under age 2.

Santa at the Smokehouse: Santa will return to the Dearborn Fire Safety House on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1. Admission is free.

Wayne County Light Fest: Take a cruise down Hines Drive to see the county's infamous light show. Enter off of Merriman Road, between Ann Arbor Trail and Warren Avenue in Westland. Cost is $5 per car. Open 7-10 p.m. Nov. 15-Dec. 31 except on Christmas.

Canton

Turkey Trot for a Cause: Celebrate the tradition of family and exercise on Thanksgiving morning as Canton runs for the cause of epilepsy. This 5K chip-timed run/walk is a family event. Headquarters are at the Summit on the Park ballroom. Pre-registrants are eligible to receive a Turkey Trot T-shirt. The run will wind through Heritage Park and Pheasant Run Golf Course. Check out csc.canton-mi.org for the latest updates. Entry is $25 for adults and $10 for children ages 4-12. Details: 734-483-5600.

Holiday Home Decorating Contest: Post a photo of your home light display on theCanton Leisure Services Facebook page or contact Canton Leisure Services to arrange for staffers to stop by and take a photo. Judging will take place from Dec. 1-15 with winners announced Dec. 16.

34th Annual Tree Lighting Celebration: Canton Township will light its tree Dec. 5 at Summit on the Park with a festive celebration from 6-8:30 p.m. Festivities will take place both indoors and outdoors with the tree lighting at 6:30 p.m. Admission is $5 for indoor events. There will be visits with Santa Claus, holiday-themed entertainment, refreshments, crafts and activities.

Santa Brunch: Enjoy brunch with Santa Claus the morning of Dec. 9 at the Summit on the Park ballrooms. Doors open at 11 a.m., with Santa "landing" at 11:30 a.m. Registration is open now until Dec. 2. Children 3 and under are free; ages 4-12: $12 and ages 13 and up are $16. Photos and videos are encouraged.

Grosse Pointe

37th annual Grosse Pointe Santa Claus Parade: Friday, Nov. 23, at 10 a.m. at the Village in Grosse Pointe.

Plymouth

Plymouth Walk of Trees: Nov. 16-Jan. 2. Over 70 Christmas trees will line Kellogg Park in Downtown Plymouth.  Trees are sponsored and decorated by various local businesses, families and organizations.

Tree Lighting and Santa Claus' Arrival: 6 p.m. Nov. 23 Kellogg Park at Ann Arbor Trail and S. Main St. 6 p.m. Free. Plus gingerbread houses on display at local/downtown businesses beginning Nov. 23.

"A Dickens of a Christmas" Exhibit: Plymouth Historical Museum. Launches Dec. 1 1-4 p.m. 155 S. Main St.

Teddy Bear Toss for Veterans:  Plymouth Whalers game vs. Kitchener Rangers. Dec. 1 at Compuware Arena, 14900 Beck Road in Plymouth Township. 7:05 p.m. Teddy bears tossed onto the ice after first goal. Helps provide toys for families in need.

Wyandotte

Tree Lighting: 6 p.m. Friday, Nov. 16, in downtown Wyandotte, featuring a holiday sing-a-long with the Roosevelt High School choir and the First United Methodist Church Bell Choir. The tree lighting is in conjunction with the city's Third Friday celebration, where downtown merchants stay open later and offer discounts and specials.

Holiday Parade: 10 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 17, along Biddle in downtown Wyandotte.

Berkley

Holiday Lights Parade and tree-lighting ceremony: Dec. 1 in Berkley. The festivities begin early in the day with a petting zoo, carriage rides, etc. and go into the night with the tree-lighting after the parade. Here’s a link to last year’s coverage: http://patch.com/A-pkHk

Clawson

Tree Lighting: 6:30 p.m. Dec. 3 at the Blair Memorial Library. Santa arrives by firetruck at this annual event co-sponsored by the Clawson/Troy Optimist Club. Refreshments following at Clawson Middle School.

Ferndale

Holiday Ice and Winterfest Market: Dec. 9, 10 and 11 in downtown Ferndale. Enjoy an outdoor market with unique gifts, ice sculptures, photos with Santa, children's activities and more.

Novi

Light Up the Night: Friday, Nov. 30 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Novi Civic Center. The event includes a tree lighting at 6:45 p.m., craft show, Santa visits (professional photos are $5 each), children’s activities, face painting, marshmallow roasting, hockey skills competition, live reindeer, miniature train rides and free food samples from several local restaurants. Live performances include a magician, festive choir, and an interactive Nutcracker performance. The event is free. 

Holiday Family Road Rally: Friday, Dec. 14 from 6-10 p.m. Teams of 4-6 people go on a scavenger hunt to find predetermined items to photograph. Teams can consist of adults and children, but need at least one adult 21 or older. Each picture taken with the team earns points, which can win you prizes. Teams must have their own vehicle and digital camera. The night ends at a local restaurant for appetizers and awards. Cost is $100 per team and you must register by Dec. 7. The event begins in Fuerst Park in Novi.

Northville

Holiday Lighted Parade: Friday, Nov. 16 at 6:30 p.m. in downtown Northville. After the parade, the public is invited to gather in Town Square for a tree lighting ceremony, carol singing and appearance by Santa.

Jingle Bell Run: Saturday,  Dec. 1 beginning at 6 a.m. at Northville Downs. The 5K and 1 mile fun run benefit The Arthritis Foundation.

Winter Market: Saturday, Dec. 1 and Sunday, Dec. 2 in Downtown Northville. The event includes horse and carriage rides, a live reindeer exhibit, carousel, ice carving demonstrations, treats, artisan and greens sale, and the Santa House.

Rochester/Rochester Hills

Santa’s arrival at The Village of Rochester Hills: Music, special guests and more from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Nov. 16 at the outdoor shopping center at the corner of Adams and Walton in Rochester Hills.

Lagniappe and the lighting of downtown Rochester: Businesses will give small gifts to customers from 5-9 p.m. Nov. 26; the lighting - and Santa’s arrival - happens at 7 p.m.

Hometown Christmas Parade: 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2. The parade starts north of town at the corner of Tienken and Rochester roads in dowtown Rochester and continues south on Main Street to downtown Rochester.

Royal Oak

Santa Scamper in downtown Royal Oak: The half-mile run along Washington Avenue on Nov. 18 is open to all walkers, joggers, and runners. The noncompetitive event takes place at 1:30 p.m.,  just ahead of Royal Oak's Holiday Magic Parade. Registration includes a race number, Santa hat, McDonald’s coupon and hot chocolate after the run to enjoy while watching the parade.

Holiday Magic Parade in downtown Royal Oak: Get into the holiday spirit along Washington Avenue with over 80 parade units, including marching bands, floats, musical performances, circus acts and Santa. After the parade, visit Santa at the Emagine Theatre from 3-5 p.m. or enjoy a stroll through downtown. The parade starts at 2 p.m. on Nov. 18.

Parade-A-Palooza in Downtown Royal Oak: Pick up your Prize Passport and map to huge savings and family-friendly activities at over 40 participating restaurants and retailers in downtown Royal Oak. This event is from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m on Nov. 18. (The Royal Oak Holiday Magic Parade is at 2 p.m.) Parking is free.

Holiday Marketplace at the Royal Oak Farmers Market: Get an early start on holiday shopping. Over 60 local crafters, artisans and Royal Oak merchants will be at the Royal Oak Farmers Market from 4-8 p.m. on Nov. 29 at 316 E 11 Mile Rd.

Tree Lighting Ceremony: Join carolers, the Salvation Army Band and the Royal Oak Children’s Choir while waiting for a visit from Santa. The jolly elf will flick the switch to light the holiday tree. This event takes place from 6:15-7 p.m.  Nov. 29 at the Royal Oak Farmers Market at 316 E 11 Mile Rd.

West Bloomfield/Keego Harbor

Chanukah Wonderland at Orchard Mall Shopping Center, Dec. 9-12, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Includes live historical exhibit on how olive oil was pressed from raw olives during Temple period. Giant menorah lighting takes place Dec. 11, 5:30 p.m.

Holiday tree lighting at DPW building in Keego Harbor (Beechmont at Schroeder), Nov. 30, 7 p.m.

Farmington-Farmington Hills

Holly Days: Dec. 1, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. (Greens & Gifts Farmers Market, Santa Visit, ice carving and more at the Walter E. Sundquist Pavilion; story time with Mrs. Santa and crafts at Mike Greer Photography, 33316 Grand River Ave.; free movies at the Farmington Civic Theater; holiday open house and tree lighting at the Governor Warner Mansion); Farmington Hills tree lighting Nov. 27, 6:30 p.m., at the municipal campus, 11 Mile and Orchard Lake Roads (visit from Santa and refreshments)

Birmingham

Holiday Tree Lighting: 6 p.m. Nov. 21 at Shain Park. That is also the first day for the Santa House in Shain Park (lasts through Dec. 24), and the first day for carriage rides around the city (through Dec. 22).

Magic of Birmingham: Shopping events takes place Dec. 8 and Dec. 15 at most downtown shops.

Winter Markt: (Yes, that’s how you spell it) takes place Nov. 30-Dec. 2 in Shain Park. 

Troy

Santa at The Somerset Collection: He arrives Friday, Nov. 16 and will be there daily through Christmas Eve (closed on Thanksgiving). Click here for the full schedule.

Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony: 7 p.m. on Dec. 5. at Troy City Hall. There will be caroling, hot cocoa and holiday sweets.

Third annual Indoor Walk-through Display of over 300 Nativity Sets from Around the World: Held at Bridge Community Church from 1-9 p.m. on Dec. 6 and 7, and from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Dec. 8. For all ages; light refreshments provided.

Mount Clemens

23rd Annual Christmas Open House & Tree Lighting Ceremony: from 5-9 p.m. Nov. 16 in Downtown Mount Clemens. Free photos with Santa will be available from 6:30-9 p.m. "Santa Passes" for appointments can be picked up starting at 5 p.m. at the Fountain Stage. Other activities include free horse drawn trolley rides and children's activities at different Downtown businesses. 

Macomb County Santa Parade: 10 a.m. Nov. 23 on Main Street in Downtown Mount Clemens. The parade steps off on Main Street at Church Street and will proceed north to Market Street.

Shelby Township

Tree Lighting Festival: Dec. 6 at the Shelby Township Municipal Hall, located at 52700 Van Dyke Ave. The Eisenhower High School choir and band will lead the community in Christmas carols.  Kids can also visit Santa's Snack Shop for hot cider and a cookie and then visit with Santa after the tree lighting.

St. Clair Shores

Ardmore Park Place Holiday Open House: from 5-9 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 15. The cafe is offering 20 percent off entrees, 15 percent off items in the wine and gift shop, 10 percent off in Urban Attic, 20 percent off in Treasure Trove and Studio 5 Salon will offer chair massages, mini facials for $25 and raffles. For more information call (586) 443-4597.

St. Clair Shores Tree Lighting: 7 p.m. Dec. 7 at City Hall. 

St. Clair Shores Optimist Club Santa Station: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, at the Selinsky Green Farmhouse behind the St. Clair Shores Library. The family event includes opportunities to visit enjoy a candy cane, warm up with some hot chocolate, and tour the Farmhouse and visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Children will also be able to feed and pet the animals including a fallow deer, miniature horse, alpaca and goats.

St. Clair Shores Optimist Club Poinsettia Ball: 6:30 p.m. Dec. 12 at Blossom Heath Inn. The ball is a tradition started by the St. Clair Shores Jaycees in the 1970s and brings together the business community, civic organizations and the community to celebrate the holidays. It's a formal holiday dinner dance, and tickets are available for $40 per person, or $50 at the door. The evening includes a champagne toast, prime rib and salmon buffet, open bar, and music by Elite Entertainment.

Macomb Township

Holiday tree Lighting and Afterglow: Wednesday, Nov. 28 at 7 p.m. on the steps of Town Hall, 54111 Broughton Rd., off 25 Mile Road. After glow to follow in the neighboring Rec Center. 

Brighton

Holiday Glow: Sat. Nov. 17 at 4 p.m. on Main Street in downtown Brighton. Brighton’s Holiday Glow launches the holiday season with live entertainment and dance performances from local companies, free hay rides, choo-choo train rides, a nativity petting farm, a station to write letters to Santa, pictures with reindeer, tasty holiday treats and special seasonal sales by local merchants. Santa and Mrs. Claus will join the Mayor of the City of Brighton at approximately 5:45 p.m. at the Mill Pond in downtown Brighton where Santa will be presented a key to the city and magically light the trees to orchestrated synchronized music. 

Howell

Fantasy of Lights parade with the Cyldesdale horses: Friday, Nov. 23, in downtown Howell. Kick off the holiday season with the Fantasy of Lights Parade as it marches down Grand River Avenue in historic downtown Howell before a crowd of thousands. This traditional event features a spectacular nighttime parade, marching bands and musical entertainment, a 5K run, children's activities, and of course, Santa Claus.

Hartland

Warm N Cozy Bazaar: Saturday, Dec. 1. 32nd Annual Holiday craft bazaar.

Black Sheep Weavers Guild Holiday Sale: Nov. 30 and Dec. 1. 30th annual holiday sale. All handmade/woven items.

Saline

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever Nov. 29-30 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 1-2 at 1 p.m. and 3:30 p.m., Stone Arch Arts & Events, 117 S. Ann Arbor St. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, directed by Kara Williams and Elizabeth Champion, is based on the book of the same name.  

Saline Tree Lighting Ceremony: Nov. 30 at 7 p.m., KeyBank, 100 W. Michigan Ave., Saline

Saline Holiday Parade: Dec. 1 at 5:30 p.m., 141 E. Michigan Ave., Saline

Santa’s Village in Saline Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. and Dec. 3-4 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.  Stone Arch Arts & Events, 117 S. Ann Arbor St., Saline

Fiddlers ReStrung Toys for Tots Hometown Concert: Dec. 2 at 2 p.m. at Saline High School, 1300 Campus Parkway, Saline. Special Guests include 6th Grade & 7th/8th grade Fiddle Clubs, Varsity Blues, and SHS Drumline.  Tickets are $10 for Adults, $5 for Seniors & Students and are available at www.fiddlersReStrung.com Call 734-663-8923 (8am to 8pm) or at the door.  Please bring a new, unwrapped toy to donate!

1930s Christmas on the Farm: Dec. 8 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Dec. 9 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Rentschler Farm Museum, 1265 E. Michigan Ave., Saline.  See how farm families coped at Christmastime, when faced with a tight money situation during the Great Depression years. Our 12-room farmhouse will be decorated with natural things that might have been found on the farm. A live tree will grace the parlor with genuine 1930s ornaments and lights. Simple decorations, good aromas throughout the house, and pleasing sights and sounds will greet visitors as they enter the front door.

Dexter

Winter Festival: The Dexter Winter Festival takes place downtown on Nov. 24. Events include a holiday wreath auction, caroling at Monument Park, and the annual lighting of the village Christmas tree. Time: TBA

Home for the Holidays Dec. 1 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. in downtown Dexter. The event includes Breakfast with Santa, craft bazaars, Christmas at Gordon Hall, and the annual Holiday Hustle 5K. Participants in the 5K can register online at www.runholiday5k.com.

Hudson Mills Metropark Santa Central: Children can vist Santa Central and play reindeer games, enjoy a hayride and snack and share their wish list with Santa. You may bring your own camera, purchase a photo for $2 or bring a new toy for Toys for Tots and receive a photo free. Admission is by advance ticket purchase only. Tickets are available for purchase at the park office. Sunday, December 11 at 10 am, 12:30 pm & 2:30 pm
Hudson Mills Activity Center. Event fee $6 per child.

Chelsea

Hometown Holiday: Nov. 30-Dec. 1. Hometown Holiday takes place the first weekend of December each year. It is a fun filled weekend celebration which marks the beginning of the holiday season. Ushering in the festivities will be a tree lighting ceremony and visits with Santa, plus lots of other holiday activities and entertainment at our many great merchants and historic locations in Chelsea, Michigan. To view a complete schedule of events, visit http://chelseafestivals.com/
 

Did we miss your favorite holiday event? Tell us in comments!