As the year draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to celebrate the artists, small businesses and unique experiences that our region has to offer. Here are 14 ways to spend the holiday season in metro Detroit, from ugly Christmas sweater parties to dazzling light displays.

Upcoming events (Dec. 18 through Jan. 8)

The Original Turtleneck & Sweater Holiday Extravaganza

  Fifth Avenue Royal Oak

  Saturday, Dec. 20

  $26

The 25th anniversary of the ugly Christmas sweater party that started it all — right here in Michigan. There will be live music, a fashion show, food and drinks, professional photography and more. Festivities go from 5–10 p.m. and all proceeds benefit St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. This event is 21+.

Downtown Trenton Noel Nights: Day 3

  Trenton City Hall

  Saturday, Dec. 20

  Free

An afternoon of activities encouraging residents to explore downtown Trenton, including pony rides, photos with Santa, a holiday market, a live nativity scene, kids crafts and a hot cocoa bar. Festivities go from noon to 4 p.m.

Art for the Holidays

  Detroit Artists Market in Detroit

  Ongoing through Saturday, Dec. 20

  Free

A long-running art exhibition and sale featuring nearly 1,500 unique, handmade works from nearly 100 local artists. Pieces span from ceramics and textiles to paintings and jewelry, and every purchase directly supports Detroit artists. The market is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

WDET’s (Not So) Modern Music Holiday Special

  Online and on your radio

  Saturday, Dec. 20 and Tuesday, Dec. 23

  Free

A radio special hosted by Jon Moshier (host of WDET’s Modern Music) and DJ Dave Lawson featuring a brand-new batch of rare and unusual holiday music. The special premieres on WDET on Saturday, Dec. 20 at 4 p.m., and an encore broadcast will air on Tuesday, Dec. 23 at 10 p.m.

Detroit Public Theatre Holiday Cabaret

  Detroit Public Theatre

  Ongoing through Sunday, Dec. 21

  $25–$100

A festive performance crafted with wit and rowdy charm. An ongoing tradition, the Detroit Public Theatre’s Holiday Cabaret features talented vocalists and adult humor. General admission is $52, but rush tickets are often available for $25.

Eastern Market’s Holiday Market

  Eastern Market in Detroit

  Sunday, Dec. 21

  Free

A seasonal market featuring Michigan-made gifts, including clothing, art, jewelry, beauty products and more. Christmas tree vendors will also be in the parking lot outside Sheds 5 and 6. The market goes from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This is the final Holiday Market of the year.

Wayne County Lightfest

  Hines Park of Westland

  Ongoing through Wednesday, Dec. 24

  $5–$50 cash, depending on type of vehicle

A drive-through attraction featuring five miles of light displays down Hines Drive. Additional activities are available halfway through the route, including photo opportunities, food trucks and a mailbox for letters to Santa. Lightfest is open Wednesdays through Sundays from 6–10 p.m.

A Whole Lotta Love on WDET

  Online and on your radio

  Thursday, Dec. 25 through Friday, Jan. 2

  Free

A series of encore broadcasts from Ed Love’s legendary Evolution of Jazz program on WDET. The show is a master class in jazz history, featuring passionate, in-depth stories from Ed’s decades in the business. Episodes air on WDET weekdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Kwanzaa Celebration and Motor City Kinara Lighting

  Campus Martius Park in Detroit

  Friday, Dec. 26

  Free

A community Kwanzaa celebration hosted by Alkebu-lan Village, the City of Detroit, the Downtown Detroit Partnership and other community partners. Recognized as one of the largest Kwanzaa Kinara displays in the world, the 30-foot-tall monument is designed to stand alongside Detroit’s other major holiday displays, serving as a vibrant symbol of African American life, culture and community. Festivities go from 3–7 p.m. and the Kinara will be on display through the full week of Kwanzaa.

Winter at The Station

  Michigan Central Station in Detroit

  Ongoing through Sunday, Dec. 28

  $0–$15

A family-friendly celebration of the season featuring festive decor, interactive exhibits, holiday shopping, live music and more. Special programming will also take place throughout the month, including dance performances, artist workshops and more. General admission is free and open to the public, but some of the special programming is ticketed. Parking is $5 per vehicle. The Station is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but will be closed Dec. 24–25 and Dec. 31 through Jan. 1 for the holidays.

Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village

  Greenfield Village in Dearborn

  Ongoing through Sunday, Dec. 28

  $36–$44

An immersive historical experience featuring carols, roasted chestnuts, artisan crafts, ice skating and Model-T rides. Limited tickets remain.

Parlay Detroit’s New Year’s Eve Daytime Celebration

  Parlay Detroit

  Wednesday, Dec. 31

  Free

A spirited, kid-friendly afternoon centered around the Michigan Wolverines vs. Texas Longhorns game so families can celebrate New Year’s Eve without staying out late. There will be face painting, DJs and a game day atmosphere. Kids eat free from 2–5 p.m., and seating is first-come, first-served.

Parlay Detroit’s New Year’s Eve Nighttime Celebration

  Parlay Detroit

  Wednesday, Dec. 31

  Free

A vibrant New Year’s Eve night experience for adults and older guests, featuring multiple DJs, an energetic atmosphere and a full food menu available until 2:30 a.m. Festivities kick off at 9 p.m. and the party is first-come, first served.

Guests of Honor: Art of Faith from the Jewish Museum, New York

  Detroit Institute of Arts

  Ongoing through Jan. 3, 2027

  Free with general admission

A temporary exhibit at the DIA featuring a selection of Jewish ceremonial objects from the Jewish Museum in New York. The pieces date from the 1400s to the early 1900s, and include Torah finials, Hanukkah menorahs and more.

This week, we’re highlighting holiday festivities from downtown to downriver. Here are seven things to do this week in metro Detroit, including gift markets, art exhibits, dance performances and more.

Upcoming events (Dec. 11–18)

Art for the Holidays

  Detroit Artists Market in Detroit

  Ongoing through Dec. 20

  Free

A long-running art exhibition and sale featuring nearly 1,500 unique, handmade works from nearly 100 local artists. Pieces span from ceramics and textiles to paintings and jewelry, and every purchase directly supports Detroit artists. The market is open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Guests of Honor: Art of Faith from the Jewish Museum, New York

  Detroit Institute of Arts in Detroit

  Ongoing through Jan. 3, 2027

  Free with general admission

A temporary exhibit at the DIA featuring a selection of Jewish ceremonial objects from the Jewish Museum in New York. The pieces date from the 1400s to the early 1900s, and include Torah finials, Hanukkah menorahs and more.

Seven Seeds, One Harvest: The Chronicles of Kwanzaa

  Detroit School of Arts in Detroit

  Friday, Dec. 12

  $6–$22

A performance by the DSA African Dance Ensemble featuring drumming, dancing, poetry, fashion and storytelling to celebrate unity, healing, power and purpose. This year’s performance is a fundraiser to help students take an educational trip to Guinea, West Africa in 2026–2027. The show starts at 7 p.m.

Downtown Trenton Noel Nights: Day 2

  Trenton City Hall, various locations

  Saturday, Dec. 13

  $0–$5

An afternoon of activities encouraging residents to explore downtown Trenton, featuring a Hot Cocoa Walk, Snowflake Scavenger Hunt and Holiday Concert. Festivities go from noon to 4 p.m., and activities are $5 for adults or free for kids. The Holiday Concert is free and open to the public.

Batch Brewing Holiday Market

  Batch Brewing Company in Corktown

  Saturday, Dec. 13

  Free

An alternative holiday market featuring a dozen local vendors offering a wide variety of gift ideas. The market goes from 1–5 p.m. and also features music by DJ Thornstryker.

Eastern Market’s Holiday Market

  Eastern Market in Detroit

  Sunday, Dec. 14

  Free

A seasonal market featuring Michigan-made gifts, including clothing, art, jewelry, beauty products and more. Christmas tree vendors will also be in the parking lot outside Sheds 5 and 6. The market goes from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This is the second-to-last Holiday Market of the year, as the final one will be Sunday, Dec. 21.

Menorah in the D

  Cadillac Square in Detroit

  Sunday, Dec. 14

  Free with RSVP

An outdoor Hanukkah celebration featuring a 26-foot-tall Menorah and eight community lamplighters. There will be greetings from Jewish leaders, strolling entertainment, hot soup and more. The event starts at 4:30 p.m. and the Menorah lighting ceremony starts at 5:30 p.m. Reservations are required.

The days may be getting shorter, but Detroit knows how to make the most of wintery weather. From finding the perfect gift during Small Business Saturday, to strolling through breathtaking light displays with a loved one, here’s how to kick off your holiday season in metro Detroit.

Plus, indoor entertainment to keep you warm. Read on to learn more. 

Upcoming events

Wayne County Lightfest

Hines Drive

  Thursday, Nov. 20 – Wednesday, Dec. 24

  $5-50 cash, depending on vehicle 

Every Wednesday through Sunday from 6-10 p.m. Hines Drive goes full winter-wonderland with miraculous light displays! En route there’s also food trucks, hot chocolate, and plenty of opportunities to snap the perfect photo. 

Sunset: A Cyber-Lament

  Andy Arts in Detroit

  Thursday, Nov. 20 through Tuesday, Nov. 25

  $11.63–$64.15

A music-driven work inspired by medieval retellings of the Orpheus myth and our collective internet-driven madness. The production weaves technologies old and new to mythologize our relationship with technology and how it has changed and shaped our imagination. This performance runs approximately 80 minutes with no intermission.

Art for the Holidays

  Detroit Artists Market

  Friday, Nov. 14 through Saturday, Dec. 20

  Free

Detroit Artists Market’s Art for the Holidays exhibition is open Tuesday-Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Peruse and purchase unique pieces from almost 100 local artists, perfect for the gift-giving season! 

Detroit Tree Lighting

Campus Martius 

  Friday, Nov. 21

  Free

The 22nd annual tree lighting will be accompanied by live entertainment, holiday shopping, food trucks, and giveaways. It’s a great time to watch professional ice skaters hit the ice and make a visit to Santa! 

Light Up Beacon Park

 City Bird and Nest

  Friday, Nov. 21

  Free

Watch as Beacon Park brings a massive White Fir to life with ornaments and listen to carolers as the park lights up with festive cheer. Beacon Park celebrates the start of the holiday season from 5-9 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 21. 

Black Friday and Small Business Saturday

City Bird and Nest

  Friday, Nov. 28 and Saturday, Nov. 29

  Free

Visit City Bird and Nest for special deals and events during extended hours from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Free gifts will be available, as well a DJ set, a locally crafted photo-op and Midtown Holiday Bingo. For those unable to attend in person, a coupon code is available from Friday to Cyber Monday. 

CatVideoFest 2025

Detroit Film Theatre

  Friday, Nov. 28 through Sunday, Nov. 30

General Admission $11.50, Senior/Student/DIA Member $9.50

Cat videos are a long-standing gem of the internet era, and the Detroit Film Theatre invites you to enjoy the cutest and goofiest of them on the big screen. There are 4 showings over the weekend of this 80 minute compilation. The DFT recommends purchasing tickets in advance. A part of the proceeds will be donated to local shelters. 

As the weather gets colder, we’ve got some cozy events to keep you warm — including intimate performances, accessible art sales and seasonal celebrations.

Plus, the Dance Theatre of Harlem returns to Detroit. Read on to learn more.

Upcoming events

Sweet Tooth exhibition

  Hatch Art Center in Hamtramck

  Ongoing through Dec. 7

  Free

An art exhibition centered around the idea that we need sweetness in our lives to counteract the bitterness around us. The exhibit features works by 18 artists in a variety of mediums, including paintings, photography, sculptures and more. Hatch Art Center is open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 5 p.m., and on Thursdays and Fridays from 6–9 p.m.

Royal Oak Market: Art Fair Edition

  Royal Oak Farmers Market

  Thursday, Nov. 13 and Friday, Nov. 14

  Free

An indoor fine art fair featuring 60 juried artists showing a wide variety of works, including painting, jewelry, ceramics, glass, photography and more. There will also be live musical performances, food vendors and adult beverages. The fair is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. both days.

Jalasat / جلسات: Victor Ghannam, Roger Kashou and Noon

  Adeni Tea Room in Dearborn

  Friday, Nov. 14

  Free

A new pop-up performance series from the Arab American National Museum that celebrates Arab and Arab American expression through intimate performances of poetry, music and conversation in accessible environments. The first show features musical performances by Victor Ghannam, Roger Kashou and Noon (Farah Afra and Layan Srour). Admission is free and open to the public, and the show goes from 7–9 p.m.

Winter at The Station

  Michigan Central in Detroit

  Friday, Nov. 14 through Dec. 28

  Free, $15–$88

A family-friendly celebration of the season featuring festive decor, interactive exhibits, holiday shopping, live music and more. Special programming will also take place throughout the month, including dance performances, artist workshops and more. General admission is free and open to the public, but some of the special programming is ticketed, ranging from $15 to $88. Parking is $5 per vehicle. The Station is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. unless otherwise noted.

Sugar Hill Clay’s 2025 Seconds Sale

  Sugar Hill Clay in Detroit

  Saturday, Nov. 15

  Free

The third annual ceramic seconds sale from Sugar Hill Clay, where experiments, tests and imperfect pieces from the studio are available for discounted prices, starting at $5. This sale is a fundraiser to help the studio purchase new shared tools and create new programming for their members to improve their community experiences. The sale goes from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Ferndale Underground Holiday Market

  Underneath the doT Parking Garage in Ferndale

  Saturday, Nov. 15 and Sunday, Nov. 16

  Free

An underground holiday market featuring unique gifts from over 90 local artists, makers, authors and bakers. Admission is free but canned food donations are welcome. The market is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday.

Dance Theatre of Harlem

  Detroit Opera House

  Saturday, Nov. 15 and Sunday, Nov. 16

  $70–$150

A highly-anticipated Detroit performance by the Dance Theatre of Harlem, with a program featuring iconic works by Robert Garland, Jodie Gates and more. Performances take place at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday and at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday. Limited tickets remain for the Sunday show.