When the holidays come to Metro Detroit, Michigan, it is always fun to participate in some of the local events. Many of the events in the local area help families celebrate the holidays without dropping too much cash. Bring on the holiday cheer by making a stop at each of these events this season! Come with kids, or with your significant other, or just bring friends! Either way you are sure to leave any of these events full of Christmas spirit!
1. Wayne County Lightfest – Hines Drive @ Merriman, Westland, MI
For a small $5 donation, you can drive your family through a collection of great light displays on Hines Drive. The Wayne County Lightfest runs from November 17 until December 31, 2011. That gives you plenty of time to take a relaxing slow drive through the lights. The Lightfest runs every evening from 7-10 PM and the entrance is found on Merriman road @ Hines Drive. When you reach the end, you can go about your way, or stop for food and photos with Santa. The Wayne County Lightfest has become a yearly Christmas tradition for many families in the Metro Detroit area and it should not be missed!
2. Holidays in Henry Ford Museum – Oakwood Blvd, Dearborn, MI
The Henry Ford Museum is a great attraction for families year round, but during the holidays it has a special ambiance to it. Various activities including visits with Santa, Story reading, and viewing of the LEGO or Christmas Tree display are all free for members. If you are not a member, the cost is $15 for adults and $11 for children 5-12. Children 4 and under are always free! This is worth the price to spend a full day at the museum enjoying the standard museum exhibits along with the holiday special exhibits. If you have a family in the Metro Detroit area, sign up for a museum membership which makes events like this free of charge.
3. Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village – Oakwood Blvd, Dearborn, MI
If you really want to get in the holiday spirit, Holiday Nights at Greenfield Village will put you there in no time! This event is held December 16-23, as well as December 26 and 27th. Members receive discounted tickets and non members can expect to pay $17 per adult and $15 for kids over 4. With this ticket you get access to multiple live performances, holiday shops, horse drawn wagon rides, visits with Santa, bonfires, and even an ice rink. Your evening will be topped off by a fireworks show to really get you pumped up for Christmas time.
4. Ice Skating Rink at Campus Martius Park – Woodward Avenue, Detroit, MI
The ice rink at Campus Martius Park in Detroit opens on November 19th and is open daily through March. Come see the 60 foot Christmas Tree and grab your skates for a fun filled time. With a price of $7 for adults and $6 for children, you can definitely budget this in to your holiday events. The ice rink is open daily until 10 PM on weekdays, midnight on weekends, and 8 PM on Sunday. After your skate, grab a bite at the Fountain Bistro where you can enjoy views of the park and fountain.
For more information on any of these events, please visit the links below:
– Wayne County Lightfest
– Holidays in Henry Ford
– Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village
– Ice Rink at Campus Martius