Your Guide to Merry & Bright Metro-Detroit Happenings
It’s almost time to celebrate the holiday season, and as you juggle everything that comes along with it, The Gilson Home Group is here for you—whether it be real estate related, or scoping out the top goings-on in your local community.
Let us check something off your list and help plan your next fun and festive outing in Southeast Michigan.
Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo
When: November 22—January 4
Fridays & Saturdays: 5—10:30 p.m. | All Other Days: 5—9 p.m.
Where: Detroit Zoo, Royal Oak, MI
Experience more than five million LED lights illuminating trees, buildings, and pathways at the Detroit Zoo’s Wild Lights. This annual event is perfect for families, couples, or anyone looking to soak up some holiday magic. Enjoy festive treats, entertainment, and photo-worthy displays around every corner. Pro tip: arrive early, tickets sell fast and parking fills up quickly on weekends.
Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet
When: Sunday, December 7
Showtimes at 12:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m. & 8:00 p.m.
Where: Detroit Fox Theatre
Featuring renowned ballerinas and danseurs from the leasing opera houses go the world, Broadway-level sets and costumes, and vibrant new choreography that fuses classical ballet, puppetry, and acrobatics, Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet is a holiday spectacular, having won critical acclaim from critics and audiences alike.
Magic of Lights
When: November 21—January 3
Where: Pine Knob Music Theatre, Clarkston
The most wonderful time of the year gets even brighter with the triumphant return of Magic of Lights. Pine Knob Music Theatre will once again be transformed into a vibrant winter wonderland featuring a spectacular drive-through light display and enchanting Reindeer Rest Stop.
This enchanting event will showcase dozens of dazzling displays, festive favorites, and captivating digital animations, all brought to life with millions of LED lights.
Cadillac Square Holiday Markets
When: November 12—January 4
Wednesday & Thursday: 11 a.m.—8 p.m.
Friday & Saturday: 11 a.m.—10 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m.—7 p.m..
Where: Cadillac Square, Downtown Detroit
The Downtown Detroit Markets at Cadillac Square are back and they’re your go-to destination for this season’s most gift-worthy finds. Explore a curated collection of items including statement-making apparel, handmade accessories, home goods, wellness picks and more. The markets are the perfect place to pick up unique holiday gifts for loved ones.
Wayne County Lightfest
When: November 20—December 24
Wednesdays through Sundays: 6:00 p.m.—10:00 p.m.
Where: Merriman Hollow Park, Westland
The 32nd Annual Wayne County Lightfest is a magical five-mile stretch of Hines Park, displaying nearly 50 animated themed displays and more than 100,000 lights. Pull out your favorite Christmas playlist (and $5 cash for entry) and take a ride—the event is a local favorite!
Holiday Markets at Eastern Market
When: November 30—December 21
Sundays: 10 a.m.—4 p.m.
Where: Eastern Market, Detroit
Detroit’s most beloved holiday tradition returns as Eastern Market transforms the sheds into a festive hub for local shopping, food, and community spirit. The Holiday Markets are part of Eastern Market’s year-round commitment to supporting local growers, food producers, and entrepreneurs while creating meaningful gathering spaces for Detroiters and visitors alike.
Winter Wonder Lights
When: November 28—December 30
Where: Meadow Brook Hall at Oakland University, Rochester
Winter Wonder Lights is a self-guided outdoor event featuring unique light displays across the grounds of Meadow Brook Estate, located in Rochester on the campus of Oakland University, plus part of the beautifully adorned interior of Meadow Brook Hall. Enjoy seasonal drinks, selfie stations, bonfires, food trucks and more!
Southeast Michigan Santa Visits
When: Now through December 24
Where: Various Locations
Looking for a place to spot Saint Nick? When he’s not making his list and checking it twice, he’ll be visiting the children of southeast Michigan at tons of area events and shopping centers. Hour Detroit shares the top ten Santa appearances for the 2025 season. You don’t want to miss these photo ops!
