December in Detroit sets the stage for winter, holiday fun! Embrace the festive spirit as the city comes alive for the season. Whether you’re cheering on your favorite teams, enjoying holiday performances, or immersing yourself in the joyful atmosphere downtown, this month is a perfect blend of holiday cheer, entertainment, and sports excitement. Grab your calendar and make sure not to miss out on the December festivities—it’s the season for holiday magic and thrilling moments!
Celebrate the Holiday Season
When you visit Detroit in December, make sure that you’re ready to celebrate! If you’re ready to dive headfirst into a winter wonderland, mark your calendar with these festive events.
Observe Winter Holidays in the D
All month long, you can enjoy the beautiful lights on Detroit’s Christmas tree at Campus Martius Park. On December 7, the Menorah in the D will be lit to observe the first night of Hanukkah and will stand tall in Cadillac Square for eight nights. On December 26, the Kwanzaa Kinara will be lit. The 30-foot-tall monument brings a celebration of African-American life, community, and culture to Campus Martius Park.
Monroe Street Midway – all month long
Through January 7, experience a world of winter fun at the Monroe Street Midway with an arctic sled slide, bumper cars, an indoor arcade, puck-putt, and more! This winter season, the Midway will feature new interactive art activations in addition to the amazing original artwork that decks out the space.
Detroit Winter Markets – all month long
While the kids play at the Midway, you can enjoy holiday shopping at the Downtown Detroit Markers at Cadillac Square. With more than a dozen local vendors present, the markets bring a wide variety of family-friendly activities, promotions, and engagements for visitors all season long.
The Rink at Campus Martius Park – all month long
The Rink at Campus Martius Park presented by Visit Detroit is open seven days a week, including holidays, until March 3. Rent skates at the rink or bring your own and enjoy the crisp winter air while taking in the stunning downtown Detroit views.
1001 Winter Wonders – through December 24
You know him and you love him! The jolly man in the red suit is back and waiting for your visit this holiday season at 1001 Woodward. Santa will be available for free first come, first served photos through December 24.
Skating downtown, award-winning holiday lighting, shopping with local pop-up retailers, and enjoying the best of Detroit’s restaurants should all be on your list for a visit this December. Before you head out, be sure to double-check the hours of the spots on your list, as some may be closed on certain days throughout the season.
Light Up the Night
Detroit’s metro area is decked out with holiday light displays and spectacles. Make your list, check it twice, and find out which of these activations makes it to the top of your Detroit itinerary!
Wayne County Lightfest at Hines Park – through December 24
Holiday Nights at Greenfield Village – through December 28
Magic of Lights at Pine Knob – through December 30
Aurora at Glenlore Trails – through December 30
Home for the Holidays at the Ford House – through December 30
Winter Wonder Lights at Meadow Brook Hall – through December 30 (You can also enjoy Holiday Tea and a Holiday Walk at Meadow Brook this season)
The Big, Bright Light Show in Downtown Rochester – all month long
Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo – all month long
Dazzling Live Performances
Boost your festive spirit with stage performances that blend timeless traditions and memorable new experiences.
Mariah Carey – Merry Christmas One And All at Little Caesars Arena – December 1
Cirque Dreams Holidaze at the Fox Theatre – December 1-3
Million Dollar Quartet Christmas at the Fisher Theatre – December 2-3
Celtic Woman Christmas Symphony at Hollywood Casino at Greektown – December 3
One Sleepy Night – An Original Musical with a Detroit Vibe at the Garden Theater – December 6-9
The Hip Hop Nutcracker at the Fisher Theatre – December 9
Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet at the Fox Theatre – December 10
Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer – The Musical at the Fisher Theatre – December 15-16
Holiday Cabaret at the Detroit Public Theatre – through December 17
Disney’s Frozen at the Detroit Opera House – through December 17
Manheim Steamroller Christmas at the Fox Theatre – December 17
The Illusionist Magic of the Holidays at the Fox Theatre – December 21-23
Trans-Siberian Orchestra at Little Caesars Arena – December 23
For more on-stage holiday fun, check out our full calendar of events.
Sporting Events
While the holidays are a highlight, there’s also tons of fun to be had rooting on your favorite team at sporting events in December.
2023 Continental Tire Motor City Invitational – Michigan State vs. Baylor at Little Caesars Arena – December 16
2023 Quick Lane Bowl at Ford Field – December 26
Plus, you can cheer on the Red Wings, Pistons, and the Lions and experience all of the excitement of game day in downtown Detroit.
Family Fun
Get all of your holiday shopping done at the Downtown Detroit Markets, Eastern Market, downtown shops, and metro area malls.
It’s also the perfect time to sign up for any of our digital passes to save money and earn prizes while you’re out and about in Detroit. You can use your Explore Detroit Pass to check out exhibits like Ruth E. Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History or Mandela: The Official Exhibition at the Henry Ford Museum for American Innovation. You can also use the Detroit Brew Trail and Detroit Pizza Pass to explore exciting and delicious new food and drink options in Detroit.
Embrace the festive spirit as the city comes alive for the season. Bring your family, your parents, your spouse, your significant other….or come alone! Winter in Detroit in December is a purely, magical, holiday time.
