December is right around the corner, and the holiday spirit is in full swing here in Metro Detroit. Santa parades, dazzling holiday light shows, and festive community activities are all coming to Oakland and Macomb counties, and we can’t wait to join in on the fun. Below, we’ve put together some of the local events that will be going on throughout December that we hope bring you and your family joy.
Photo Credit: Meadow Brook Hall
Oakland County December Events
Birmingham Winter Markt | December 3rd-5th, times vary.
Location: Shain Park | 270 W. Merrill St. Birmingham, MI
Enjoy European food and drink, shopping with local vendors, crafts and children’s activities, horse-drawn carriage rides, visits with Santa, and live entertainment. There will also be live reindeer on Sunday, December 5th!
This is a free event for all ages.
Ferndale Santa Parade | December 4th, 1-4p.
Location: Throughout Ferndale (See above link for details!)
Santa is coming to Ferndale! Bring your family to wave hello to Santa as he visits local parks and rides around downtown. Afterwards you can join him at his final stop at Schiffer Park for festive music, s’mores, and more.
This is a free event for all ages.
Santa’s Candy Cane Trail | December 4th, multiple time slots available
Location: Kensington Metropark | Milford, MI
Take a stroll along the candy cane trail to meet various festive characters, with a chance to see Santa himself!
This is an event for all ages. Pre-registration is required.
Winter Wonder Lights | Thurs-Sun, throughout December
Location: Meadow Brook Hall | 350 Estate Dr. Rochester, MI
This self-guided tour of the beautifully decorated grounds of Meadow Brook is a must-see. There will also be bonfires, selfie stations, and concession stands with warm food and drink for purchase.
This is a ticketed event for all ages.
Glenlore Trails Aurora | Thurs-Sun, throughout December
Location: Glenmore Trails | 3860 Newton Rd. Commerce Charter Twp. MI
A one-mile immersive night walk through an illuminated forest, with interactive experiences, story moments, and more!
This is a ticketed event for all ages.
Magic of Lights | Nov. 19th – Jan.1st
Location: DTE Energy Music Theater | 33 Bob Seger Dr. Clarkston, MI
A drive-thru winter wonderland, with over a million beautiful lights. Load up your car with friends and family, put on your favorite Christmas playlist, and enjoy the sights.
This is a ticketed event for all ages.
Wild Lights | Nov. 20th – Jan. 29th
Location: Detroit Zoo | 2450 W. 10 Mile Rd. Royal Oak, MI
Every year, the Detroit Zoo is transformed into a magical holiday fairytale. With millions of lights illuminating the trees and buildings, and over 200 sculptures, it’s no wonder this event is a local fan favorite year after year.
This is a ticketed event for all ages.
Photo Credit: English Gardens
Oakland County December Events
Romeo Santa Parade & Tree LIghting I December 2nd, 7-8:30p
Location: Downtown Romeo | 15 West Newberry St. Romeo, MI
Head over to Romeo for the annual Santa Parade, followed by the ceremonial tree lighting. There will be music, refreshments, an ice sculpture demonstration, and a photo op with a Clydesdale.
This is a free event for all ages.
A Sterling Christmas | December 4th, 6-8:30p
Location: Dodge Park | 40680 Utica Rd. Sterling Heights, MI
Ring in the holiday season with your entire family at this annual Sterling Heights event. Activities include the tree lighting, visits with Santa, a petting farm, pony rides, ice skating, and more!
This is a free event for all ages.
Princess Holiday Breakfast | December 4th, 11a-3p
MacRay Harbor | 30675 North River Rd. Harrison Twp. MI
Enjoy a delicious breakfast buffet with your favorite Disney princesses! There will be live vocal performances and meet & greet opportunities.
This is a ticketed event for all ages.
Holiday Nature Ornaments | December 4th, 1-2:30p
Location: Stony Creek MetroPark | Washington, MI
Gather natural materials to make your own beautiful nature-inspired ornaments for your own tree, or to give away as gifts.
This event is for ages 5+, pre-registration is required.
Story Hour with Santa | December 7th, 10-11a
The Mall at Partridge Creek | 17420 Hall Rd. Clinton Twp. MI
Join Santa and the Clinton-Macomb Public LIbrary for a reading of one of Santa’s favorite books, followed by some holiday songs and arts and crafts.
This is a free event, reservations are required.
Pictures with Anna & Elsa | December 12th, 12-4p
Location: Blake Farms | 17985 Armada Center Rd. Armada, MI
Calling all Frozen fans! Anna and Elsa will be at Blake Farms for a photo opportunity your little ones won’t want to miss. Afterwards, head over to the outdoor ice rink for some family fun.
This is a free event for all ages.
Tunnel of Lights | Various dates, December 4th-19th, 5-9p
Blossom Heath Park | 24800 Jefferson Ave. St. Clair Shores, MI
Throughout December, Blossom Heath will transform into a wintery wonderland and offer various family-friendly entertainment options each weekend such as food trucks, live music, visits from Santa, and a holiday market.
This is a free event for all ages.
Looking for more fun activities within the Macomb and Oakland country area? Then don’t miss out of our city guides over on the blog.