It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...While we don't have the piles of snow that buried us last year at this time (thank goodness), holiday lights, Christmas music in every store, and a spirit of good cheer abound. Be sure to take in some of the incredible festivities metro Detroit offers:
- Wayne County Lightfest - More than 1 million lights in 47 giant animated themed displays cover the 4 mile stretch along Hines Park. The Lightfest runs every night from 7 - 10pm through December 31st (closed Christmas night) and is only $5 per carload. It's a holiday tradition and a sweet treat for all.
- Holiday Nights at Greenfield Village - Celebrate the Christmas of old and experience a sensory extravaganza at historic Greenfield Village. The golden glow of candles in the windows, the smell of roasting chestnuts, the sweet harmony of Christmas carolers, and the magic of sleigh bells transport visitors to the idyllic Christmas past. Ice skating, Santa and reindeer, and fireworks round out the perfect visit. Holiday Nights runs December 12 - 14, 18 - 23, and 26 - 27 from 6:30 - 10pm. See website for ticket information.
- Kwanzaa Celebration - Visit the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History December 26 - 29 from 6 - 9pm to celebrate rich cultural heritage through storytelling, music, poetry, dance, and celebration. The themes of Umoja (Unity), Kujichagulia (Self-Determination), Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility), and Ujamaa (Collective Economics) provide a focus for each evening's festivities, all of which commence with a candle lighting ceremony.
- A Christmas Carol at Meadow Brook Theater - Relive this holiday classic as miserly Ebenezer Scrooge is transformed into a gentler, kinder person after is visits of the ghosts of his former business partner, Christmas Present, Christmas Past, and Christmas Yet to Come. A Christmas Carol is playing through December 21st.
- Big, Bright Light Show - Experience downtown Rochester's glow as businesses display more than 1 million points of light nightly. Lights are Big and Bright nightly through January 4, 2015. Most stores are open Monday - Saturday until 9.
- Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo - The Detroit Zoo wins the "Most Lights" contest with over 5 million LED lights displayed on trees, buildings, and animal sculptures throughout the front of the property. Live entertainment, arts and crafts, ice carvings, and a wildlife photography exhibit add to the magic. December 11 - 14, 18 - 23, and 26 - 31. Pre-purchased tickets are strongly recommended.
- Santa's House in downtown Plymouth - Experience the quaint downtown of Plymouth's shops and restaurants when you bring your little ones to Santa's House to share their hearts' desires. Round out your time by strolling the Walk of Trees. Check the website for hours.
- Ice Skating at Campus Martius - While not strictly a holiday festivity, there's nothing quite like taking in the sights and sounds of downtown at The Rink. If you're lucky, you might even see a broom ball game! See website for pricing and hours.
Written by Heather Doering
Ace in the Hole Branding