5 Ways To Celebrate A Detroit Christmas

The holiday season is upon us, and Detroit is transforming into a winter wonderland. The city is filled with festive cheer, and there are plenty of ways to celebrate a Detroit Christmas. From iconic landmarks to local traditions, here are five ways to make the most of your holiday season in the Motor City.

As the snowflakes gently fall onto the city's streets, the sounds of carolers and bells fill the air, signaling the start of the holiday season. Detroiters take pride in their holiday traditions, and there's no shortage of fun and festive activities to enjoy. Whether you're a lifelong resident or just visiting for the holidays, you'll find something to love about a Detroit Christmas.

Detroit's iconic landmarks are decked out in their holiday finest, making for a fun and festive holiday season. From the Renaissance Center to Campus Martius Park, the city's iconic buildings and public spaces are transformed into winter wonderlands. Take a stroll through the city's neighborhoods, and you'll find beautifully decorated homes and businesses, each one showcasing the unique character of the community.

Ice Skating at Campus Martius Park

One of the most popular holiday activities in Detroit is ice skating at Campus Martius Park. Located in the heart of downtown, the park is transformed into a winter wonderland each holiday season, featuring a frozen fountain, festive lights, and a bustling ice skating rink. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just learning to skate, the rink is a fun and festive place to enjoy the holiday season.

Take a Spin Around the Rink

The ice skating rink at Campus Martius Park is open from late November through early January, offering a fun and festive activity for visitors of all ages. Take a spin around the rink, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the holiday season. You might even catch a glimpse of Santa Claus himself!

A Holiday Visit to the Detroit Zoo

The Detroit Zoo is a beloved holiday destination, featuring a spectacular display of lights and festive fun. Each year, the zoo is transformed into a winter wonderland, with over a million lights and dozens of animated displays. Take a stroll through the zoo, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the holiday season.

Wild Lights

The Detroit Zoo's Wild Lights festival is a holiday tradition that's not to be missed. The event features a stunning display of lights and animatronic displays, including a festive forest, a polar bear playground, and a giant Christmas tree. Visitors can also enjoy holiday treats and drinks, including hot chocolate and cookies.

A Christmas Eve Tradition: The Messiah

For many Detroiters, a Christmas Eve tradition is attending a performance of Handel's Messiah at Orchestra Hall. The Detroit Symphony Orchestra's annual performance of the beloved oratorio is a holiday tradition that's not to be missed. Featuring the DSO's renowned chorus and a stellar cast of soloists, the performance is a beautiful and moving way to celebrate the holiday season.

A Holiday Tradition

The Detroit Symphony Orchestra's performance of Messiah is a holiday tradition that dates back decades. Each year, the orchestra and chorus come together to perform the beloved oratorio, featuring some of the most beautiful and iconic music of the holiday season. Whether you're a classical music aficionado or just looking for a unique and festive holiday activity, the DSO's Messiah is a must-see event.

A Festive Visit to the Eastern Market

Detroit's Eastern Market is a holiday shopping destination like no other. Each year, the market is transformed into a winter wonderland, featuring festive lights, decorations, and holiday vendors. Visitors can browse the market's many stalls, featuring local artisans, craftspeople, and small businesses.

Shop Local

The Eastern Market is the perfect place to shop local and support Detroit's small businesses and artisans. From handmade jewelry to unique gifts and decorations, the market offers a wide range of festive and unique items. Visitors can also enjoy holiday treats and drinks, including hot chocolate and cookies.

A Festive Holiday Parade

Each year, the city of Detroit hosts a festive holiday parade, featuring floats, marching bands, and of course, Santa Claus. The parade is a fun and festive way to kick off the holiday season, and it's a great activity for visitors of all ages.

A Detroit Tradition

The Detroit holiday parade is a beloved tradition that dates back decades. Each year, the city comes together to celebrate the holiday season, featuring festive floats, marching bands, and of course, Santa Claus. Visitors can enjoy the sights and sounds of the parade, and even catch a glimpse of the big man himself!

As the holiday season comes to a close, take a moment to reflect on the magic of a Detroit Christmas. From iconic landmarks to local traditions, the city is a winter wonderland that's not to be missed. Whether you're a lifelong resident or just visiting for the holidays, there's something for everyone in the Motor City.

What's your favorite way to celebrate a Detroit Christmas? Share your holiday traditions and memories in the comments below!