5 Magical Downtown Detroit Christmas Activities

The holiday season is upon us, and Detroit is buzzing with excitement. Downtown Detroit transforms into a winter wonderland, offering a plethora of magical Christmas activities for visitors of all ages. From festive markets to ice skating and spectacular light displays, there's something for everyone to enjoy. Let's dive into the top 5 magical Downtown Detroit Christmas activities that will make your holiday season merry and bright.

A Wonderland of Lights: Campus Martius Park

Campus Martius Park is the epicenter of Downtown Detroit's holiday festivities. The park is transformed into a dazzling winter wonderland with over 350,000 lights, making it a must-visit destination during the holiday season. The iconic Christmas tree stands tall, surrounded by festive decorations, and the park's ice skating rink is open for visitors to enjoy. As the sun sets, the park comes alive with a mesmerizing light display, making it a truly magical experience.

Festive Fun for All Ages

The park offers a variety of activities for visitors of all ages, including:

• Ice skating: Enjoy the fresh winter air while gliding across the ice skating rink.
• Horse-drawn carriage rides: Take a romantic ride through the festively decorated streets of Downtown Detroit.
• Visits with Santa: Bring the kids to meet the jolly old man himself and take part in fun holiday crafts.

Shop 'Til You Drop: Eastern Market Holiday Shopping

Eastern Market is a Detroit staple, and during the holiday season, it transforms into a shopper's paradise. The market features over 225 vendors selling everything from handmade crafts to gourmet treats. Visitors can find unique gifts, decorations, and souvenirs while supporting local businesses.

Special Holiday Events

Eastern Market hosts special holiday events throughout the season, including:

• Holiday shopping days: Extended hours for shoppers to find the perfect gifts.
• Santa's Workshop: Kids can make their own holiday crafts and decorations.
• Holiday Market: A special market featuring local vendors selling holiday-themed goods.

A Christmas Tradition: The Detroit Zoo's Wild Lights

The Detroit Zoo's Wild Lights is a beloved holiday tradition, featuring over 5 million LED lights and 280 sculptures throughout the zoo. Visitors can enjoy the dazzling display while exploring the zoo's many exhibits and animal habitats.

Special Events and Activities

Wild Lights offers a variety of special events and activities, including:

• Santa's Workshop: Kids can make their own holiday crafts and decorations.
• Animal encounters: Get up close and personal with the zoo's fascinating animals.
• Holiday-themed food and drinks: Enjoy festive treats and beverages throughout the zoo.

A Holiday Spectacle: The Renaissance Center's Christmas Tree

The Renaissance Center, home of the General Motors headquarters, is a iconic Detroit landmark that transforms into a holiday spectacle during the Christmas season. The building's atrium features a towering Christmas tree, surrounded by festive decorations and a sprawling ice skating rink.

Special Events and Activities

The Renaissance Center offers a variety of special events and activities, including:

• Ice skating: Enjoy the fresh winter air while gliding across the ice skating rink.
• Holiday concerts: Live music performances featuring festive tunes and local musicians.
• Visits with Santa: Bring the kids to meet the jolly old man himself.

A Festive Market: The Detroit Christkindlmarkt

The Detroit Christkindlmarkt is a traditional German-style market featuring local vendors selling handmade crafts, decorations, and gourmet treats. Visitors can find unique gifts, try festive foods and drinks, and enjoy the holiday atmosphere.

Special Events and Activities

The Christkindlmarkt offers a variety of special events and activities, including:

• Holiday shopping: Find unique gifts and decorations from local vendors.
• Traditional German food and drink: Enjoy festive treats and beverages.
• Live music and entertainment: Festive tunes and performances by local musicians.

As the holiday season comes to a close, remember to share your magical Downtown Detroit Christmas experiences with friends and family. Whether you're a local or just visiting, these activities are sure to make your holiday season merry and bright. So, come and experience the magic of Downtown Detroit this holiday season!