Thanksgiving Weekend Events Metro Detroit 2025 – Oakland County, and SE Michigan Thanksgiving weekend events, activities, and fun things to do November 26, November 27, November 28, November 29, and 30, 2025.
There are plenty of fun things to do in and around Metro Detroit this Thanksgiving weekend. This list will try to highlight some of the Metro Detroit weekend events – big and small – for kids and families. I’m going to be using this article to post events and activities that are either free, or at least family affordable.
FEATURE IMAGE – Winter Wonder Lights at Meadow Brook Hall Kicks off This Friday for the Holiday Season
Thanksgiving Weekend Events 2025 Metro Detroit
GREAT LAKES CROSSING BLACK FRIDAY 2025
METRO DETROIT BLACK FRIDAY SALES
CHRISTMAS EVENTS CALENDAR
OAKLAND COUNTY MOMS SANTA CLAUS FINDER / SANTA CLAUS PICS / MEET SANTA CLAUS
BEST METRO DETROIT CHRISTMAS EVENTS
METRO DETROIT HOLIDAY LIGHTS DISPLAYS
HOLIDAY ICE SKATING RINKS IN METRO DETROIT
SANTA CLAUS MAILBOXES
CHRISTMAS BREAK FUN
NEW YEAR’S EVE FAMILY FUN EVENTS
DOWNTOWN DETROIT HOLIDAY EVENTS & SHOWS
Thanksgiving Weekend Events Metro Detroit 2025 – Feature Event
TBA / TBD
Wednesday, November 26, 2025 Weekend Events
Daily through December 31, 2025 (Daily from 3p-8p)
Toledo Weekend Events – Lights Before Christmas at the Toledo Zoo
Toledo Zoo & Aquarium (2 Hippo Way, Toledo, Ohio 43609, www.toledozoo.org)
Check out 200+ festive, holiday animal displays throughout the zoo and over one million Christmas lights at this annual spectacular. Reserve your tickets HERE. MORE INFO…
Daily this weekend (Closed Thanksgiving Day)
Royal Oak Thanksgiving Weekend Events – The Rink at Royal Oak
The Rink at Royal Oak (221 E 3rd St, Royal Oak, MI 48067, 248-541-7550)
Professionally maintained ice rink in Downtown Royal Oak is open for the winter season. Admission is $10, skate rental is $5. Hours – Sun-Tue 11-9p, Wed & Th 11a-10p, Fr & Sat 11a-11p. Hosted by the therinkatroyaloak.com. MORE INFO / REVIEW / PICS…
Daily This Weekend / Closed Thanksgiving
Frankenmuth Thanksgiving Weekend Events – Frankenmuth Christmas Experience Ice Rink
Edwin L Zehnder Park (Mill Street and Main Street in Downtown Frankenmuth, MI 48734)
The Zehnder Park rink ice surface has its own chiller which enables the rink to be operable even when ice skating conditions are less than perfect. $10. Skate rental is available for $3. Hours – 4p-9p (Mondays through Thursdays), 11a-10p (Fridays and Saturdays), and 11a-9p (Sundays). Hosted by Frankenmuth.org. MORE INFO / REVIEW / PICS / VIDEO…
Nightly through January 18, 2026 (5p-midnight daily)
Rochester Thanksgiving Weekend Events – Big Bright Light Show
Downtown Rochester
See Downtown Rochester lit up in Holiday glory as the city is adorned with over 1.2 million Christmas Lights. Lights are on from 5p-midnight. Hosted by the Downtown Rochester DDA. Review, pics, more info
Daily – through December 31, 2025
Clarkston Thanksgiving Weekend Events – Magic of Lights 2025
Pine Knob (33 Bob Seger Dr, Village of Clarkston, MI 48348)
Magic of Lights is a dazzling, drive-through holiday lights experience featuring favorite holiday scenes and characters of the season using the latest LED technology and digital animations. Experience Magic of Lights from the comfort and safety of your own car as you wind through the sparkling path of Clarkston’s favorite holiday tradition. One carload, one price. Hosted by 313presents.com. MORE INFO / TICKETS INFO…
November 28, 29, December December 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 from 6p-8p (last ticketed entry at 7:45p)
Canterbury Village Thanksgiving Weekend Events – Canterbury Village Holiday Stroll 2025
Canterbury Village (2359 Joslyn Ct, Lake Orion, Michigan 48360, 248-391-5700)
Numerous exciting Holiday displays with live characters bringing the holidays to life. Bring your letter to Santa Claus and drop it in our mailbox for special delivery to SANTA. Advance ticket sales only. Early Bird Admission tickets are just $15.99 PLUS FEES / expires 11/23/25. Regular admission is $??. FREE Parking. Online ticket & processing fees may apply. Hosted by Canterbury Village. PURCHASE TICKETS. REVIEW / PICS. DISCOUNT COUPON CODE – TBA / TBD for 2025
Daily, Thanksgiving Weekend
Detroit Thanksgiving Weekend Events – Ice Skating at Campus Martius Park
Campus Martius Park (800 Woodward Ave, Detroit, Michigan)
Enjoy the holiday lights at the world famous Campus Martius Park ice skating rink. Situated in the heart of Downtown Detroit on Woodward Avenue, the Rink offers one of the most beautiful skating experiences in the country. Tickets can be purchased on-site or by phone at 313-963-9393 (First-come, first-served). Hosted by the Downton Detroit Partnership. PRICES / MORE INFO…
Daily This Weekend / Closed Thanksgiving from 5p-10p /
Commerce Twp Thanksgiving Weekend Events – Glenlore Trails Aurora – WINTER WIZARDS
Glenmore Trails at Multi Lakes Conservation Association (3860 Newton Road, Commerce Charter Township, MI 48382, glenloretrails.com)
Glenlore Trails is creating a half-mile holiday lights trail for the 2025 Holiday season. Glenlore Trails Aurora is a 1 mile + outdoor walking path that has been overhauled with lighting, projection, and other sensory elements for all to enjoy. This is a family friendly experience. First half-hour increment of tickets starts at 5p, last starts at 9p. The event runs until 10p. Glenlore Trails tickets are $25 for ages 13+, $15 for ages 4-12, FREE for kids under 3. All tickets purchased online only require a processing fee. Tickets can be purchased at this LINK. MORE INFO / REVIEW.
Nightly This Weekend from 6p-10p
Westland Thanksgiving Weekend Events – Wayne County Lightfest in Westland
Hines Park (7651 N Merriman Rd, Westland, MI)
More 40 animated displays and more than 100,000 Christmas Lights in this drive through 4-mile experience. Stop along the way at food trucks dotted along the trail. Tickets are just $5 cash made payable at the event (more for limos & buses). Hosted by Wayne County.
Wednesday, November 26, 2025 at 7p
Detroit Thanksgiving Weekend Events – Detroit Red Wings Thanksgiving Eve Game
MotorCity Casino Hotel (2901 Grand River Ave, Detroit, MI 48201)
Thanksgiving Eve Game: Zamboni Gravy Boat: First 7,500 fans in attendance – PURCHASE TICKETS HERE. Detroit Red Wings Kids Club Membership Info. More 2025/2026 Fan Giveaways. Hosted by the Detroit Red Wings.
Thursday, November 27, 2025 Thanksgiving Events Metro Detroit
Thursday, November 27, 2024 at 8:45a
Detroit Thanksgiving Weekend Events – Detroit Thanksgiving Parade 2025
Woodward and Kirby, Downtown Detroit, Michigan
Watch as the Parade makes its way down Woodward Avenue. Santa Arrives in Detroit! Parade Route info…
Friday, November 28, 2025 Thanksgiving Weekend Metro Detroit
(Almost) Daily – November 28 through December 30, 2025
Rochester Christmas Events – Meadow Brook Hall Holiday Walk
Meadow Brook Hall and Gardens (480 South Adams Rd, Rochester, MI 48309)
The Meadow Brook Hall annual Holiday Walk is a self-guided tour that explores the Dodge and Wilson family’s winter traditions and activities they enjoyed while living on the Meadow Brook Estate. Purchase Tickets Here. Hosted by meadowbrookhall.org. MORE INFO – PICS. MEADOW BOOK HOLIDAY WALK $2 OFF ADMISSION COUPON.
November 28, 29, & 30 from 11a-5p
Armada Thanksgiving Weekend Events – Blake’s Holiday Extravaganza
Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill (17985 Armada Center Road, Armada, MI 48005, 586-784-5343)
Enjoy and explore the holiday lights, visit with Santa Claus, shop holiday crafts made by local artisans, FREE seasonal crafts and face-painting for kids, and more. These are FREE events. Hours are 10a-6p on 11/23 – 11a-5p all other dates. MORE INFO
Friday, November 28, 2025 from 1p-2p OR 2p-3p
Farmington Hills Thanksgiving Events – Thanksgiving Hike & Seek
Heritage Park Nature Center (24915 Farmington Road, Farmington Hills, MI)
A guided hike to seek out nature’s treasures and discover the reasons to be thankful for them. Dress for weather. Children must be accompanied by an adult. All ages. $3 per person. Pre-registration required. To register. Hosted by the Farmington Hills Special Services (Parks & Rec) Department.
November 28, 29, 30 Friday 2p-8p, Saturday noon-8p, Sunday noon-6p
Rochester Hills Thanksgiving Weekend Events – Village of Rochester Hills Santa Claus
Village of Rochester Hills (NE corner of Adams and Walton, Rochester Hills, MI)
Santa and his helper are available in a beautiful setting at the Village of Rochester Hills. Kids can meet Santa, sit on his lap and discuss their Christmas wish. Bring your own camera as photography packages are not available. Santa visits at the Village of Rochester Hills are always FREE! SPECIAL NEEDS SANTA INFO / SANTA CLAUS PET PHOTOS INFO Visit www.TheVoRH.com for hours / more info.
November 30 – December 21 (Tuesdays through Sundays) from 5:30p-8p
Grosse Pointe Shores Thanksgiving Weekend Events – Home for the Holidays at the Ford House
Edsel and Eleanor Ford House (1100 Lake Shore Road, Grosse Pointe Shores, MI 48236)
Enjoy festive holiday decorations and learn about Ford family traditions during a tour of their historic home. Along the way, we hope you will share your traditions and stories to spark more conversation and help celebrate the most beautiful time of the year. Tickets are sold in advance online at fordhouse.org.
Fridays, Saturdays (5p-10p) & Sundays (5p-9p) 11/28 through 12/31
Holly Christmas Events – Holly Dazzle at the Michigan Renaissance Festival
Michigan Renaissance Festival (12600 Dixie Hwy, Holly, MI 48442, 248-634-5552, www.hollydazzle.com)
A walking holiday lights tour throughout the grounds of the Michigan Renaissance Festival. Experience a Renaissance Christmas this season with carolers, merriment, Holiday Token Hunt, and more. Admission time slots include a walk-through. Adults $21.95, Children $8.95, Under 4 FREE. Purchase tickets here. REVIEW / PICS / INFO.
November 28, 29 from 6p-8p (last ticketed entry at 7:45p)
Canterbury Village Events – Canterbury Village Holiday Stroll 2025
Canterbury Village (2359 Joslyn Ct, Lake Orion, Michigan 48360, 248-391-5700)
Numerous exciting Holiday displays with live characters bringing the holidays to life. Bring your letter to Santa Claus and drop it in our mailbox for special delivery to SANTA. Advance ticket sales only. Early Bird Admission tickets are just $15.99 PLUS FEES / expires 11/23/25. Regular admission is $??. FREE Parking. Online ticket & processing fees may apply. Hosted by Canterbury Village. PURCHASE TICKETS. REVIEW / PICS. DISCOUNT COUPON CODE – TBA / TBD for 2025
November 28, 29, & 30, 2025
Royal Oak Thanksgiving Weekend Events – RO Holidays 2025 – Thrill Weekend
Downtown Royal Oak
Seasonal Christmas and Holiday Fun each weekend in Downtown Royal Oak. Enjoy zipline rides, life size Hungry Hippos game, horse & wagon rides, Santa visits, and Marshmallow Roasting Stations . Hosted by royaloakholidays.com. MORE INFO…
November 29 & 30 at 7p each night
Flint Thanksgiving Weekend Events – Longway Planetarium Cosmic Christmas
Longway Planetarium (1310 E Kearsley St, Flint, Michigan 48503, 810-237-3400, sloanlongway.org)
This show features 16 songs to fill you with cheer, including holiday classics, some new hits, and a few fun oddities, all set to stunning 4k visuals in a festival of Christmas splendor. Great for adults and kids ages 6 and older. Reserve tickets online. $8. Kids 12 & under $6. Hosted by sloanlongway.org.
November 28, November 29, and November 30, 2025 from 5p-10:30p
Royal Oak Thanksgiving Weekend Events – Detroit Zoo Wild Lights
Detroit Zoo (8450 W 10 Mile Rd, Royal Oak, MI 48067)
The Detroit Zoo will light up the night this holiday season with Wild Lights, a spectacular holiday light display. For 35+ nights, more than five million LED lights will illuminate trees, buildings and animal sculptures on a half-mile trail through the front of the Zoo. Advance tickets only, no walk-up admission. Purchase tickets HERE. Review / Pics / Info
November 29 through December 30 – November Dates – 28, 29, & 30
Meadow Brook Hall Thanksgiving Weekend Events – Winter Wonder Lights at Meadow Brook Hall
Meadow Brook Hall & Gardens (350 Estate Drive, Rochester, Michigan 48309-4401, 248-364-6200)
Winter Wonder Lights is a self-guided outdoor event featuring unique light displays across the grounds of Meadow Brook Hall. Enjoy fun concessions such as glow-in-the-dark cotton candy and hot meals in our outdoor café. There will be seasonal and specialty drinks, selfie stations, bonfires and more. Tickets are $23 for adults ages 13+, ages 3-12 are $13, 2 & under FREE. Half-hour time slots start at 5:30p daily. Advanced ticket purchases required. Purchase Tickets Here… More Info – Pics– OCM Discount Coupon Offer
November 29, 30, from 11a-6p Saturdays, noon-5p and Sundays
Holly Christmas Event – Holly Dickens Festival 2025
Downtown Holly
Step back into time as you stroll the streets, visit the shops, pubs and eateries in quaint downtown Holly, getting caught up in the story of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol.” Bring the whole family and get a jumpstart on your Christmas shopping. Visit the Santa Claus Mailbox, visit Santa, check out horse-drawn carriage rides, enjoy live entertainment, stories, and much more. Lighted Parade on November 29 at 6p. For more info, visit www.hollydickensfestival.org. MORE INFO….
Saturday, November 29, 2025 Weekend Events Metro Detroit
Saturday, November 29, 2025 from 9a-4p
Troy Thanksgiving Weekend Events – Elf Shelf Arts & Crafts Show Troy
Troy High School (4777 Northfield Pkwy, Troy, MI 48098)
200 Booths of holiday shopping! Admission is $? donation. Proceeds benefit local charities. For more info, call 248-988-0426. Hosted by the Troy Women’s Association.
Saturday, November 29, 2025 at 9:30a
Birmingham Thanksgiving Weekend Events – Birmingham Santa Walk
Downtown Birmingham (320 Martin St, Birmingham, MI)
Santa’s walk through Downtown Birmingham on his way to Shain Park Santa House for another season of fun. Enjoy Small Business Saturday festivities including free horse-drawn carriage rides and free hot chocolate. Parking is also free in municipal structures during the event. Pre-register for this event at THIS LINK (and don’t forget to RSVP after you do). Hosted by the Birmingham Principal Shopping District.
Saturday, November 29, 2025 through Christmas Eve (various dates)
Birmingham Thanksgiving Weekend Events – Birmingham Santa House
Shain Park (S Bates St and W Merrill St, Birmingham, MI, 48009)
Children may give Santa their list and have their picture taken with him. A donation may be given to help a local charity. Link to Schedule a Visit with Santa / TBA for 2025. Hosted by the Birmingham Principal Shopping District. Schedule
Saturday, November 29, 2025 at 10a
Milford Thanksgiving Weekend Events – Downtown Christmas Parade
Downtown Milford
Come out to the annual Milford Christmas Parade, one of the longest-standing Main Street traditions around. Wonderful holiday event for the entire region. Come early! Main Street fills up fast. For more information, visit www.meetmeinmilford.com.
November 29, December 13, 14, 20, from 10:30a-3p (various time slots)
Milford Thanksgiving Weekend Events – Kensington Metropark Snacks with Santa
Kensington Metropark – (4570 Huron River Parkway, Milford, MI 48380, 810-227-8910, metroparks.com)
A holiday season tradition at the Farm. Each visit includes a horse-drawn hayride or sleigh ride (weather dependent on which is available), a holiday sing-a-long, (complete with cozy blankets, song sheets, and jingle bells), snacks, (fruit, cookies, juice, hot cocoa, and coffee), and most importantly, a visit with Santa by the Christmas Tree. All ages. $12 per person. Pre-registration is required online or by calling 810-227-8910. A Metroparks daily or annual vehicle pass is required to enter any Metropark. You can purchase an annual pass HERE.
Weekends Saturday, November 29, 2025 through Christmas Eve (select days & times)
Birmingham Thanksgiving Weekend Events – Birmingham Carriage Rides
Near Santa House (corner of Henrietta and Merrill, Birmingham, Michigan)
Enjoy the Christmas season with an old-fashioned carriage ride through Downtown Birmingham. These are FREE and first-come, first-served. Hosted by the The Birmingham Shopping District. Schedule
Sunday, November 30, 2025 Weekend Events Metro Detroit
TBA / TBD
2024 EVENTS TBA / TBD FOR 2025
November 29, 30, & December 1, 2024 (Hours Below)
The Village of Rochester Hills Thanksgiving Weekend Events – Petting Farm and Reindeer Visits at the VoRH
Village of Rochester Hills (NE corner of Adams Rd and University, Rochester Hills, MI)
Come pet and say hi to the fun animals at Fountain Park at the Village of Rochester Hills. Don’t forget your camera! These are FREE events. TIMES November Dates 11a-7p. December 1 from noon-6p. Hosted by the thevorh.com.
Daily through January 5, 2025 from 10a-6p CLOSED THANKSGIVING DAY
Auburn Hills Thanksgiving Weekend Events – SEA LIFE Twinkling Tides Holiday Events
Sea Life Michigan (4316 Baldwin Rd, Auburn Hills, MI 48326, 248-409-6009)
Experience an underwater winter wonderland. Enjoy holiday decor throughout the aquarium. Take a polar plunge — dip your hands in our cold water Touchpool and pet bright red and green sea anemones. Help Scuba Claus find his lost gifts that have been scattered throughout the aquarium in a holiday themed scavenger hunt. If you’re lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of Scuba Claus and his underwater elves while they clean our Ocean Habitat. SAVE 20% on Admission! Purchase tickets here and then search for Fish-Mas under the “What’s Inside” Tab.
Daily through January 5, 2025 from 10a-6p CLOSED THANKSGIVING DAY
Auburn Hills Thanksgiving Weekend Events – Peppa’s Winter Funtime
Peppa Pig Great Lakes Crossing (4362 Baldwin Road, Auburn Hills, Michigan 48326, Between Districts 6 & 7, www.peppapigworldofplay.com/michigan/offers/oakland-county-moms)
Meet Peppa all dressed up and ready for the holidays. Enjoy a special family photo, watch holiday-themed Peppa episodes, and have fun at Peppa’s World of Play. Purchase tickets here and then search for Peppa’s Winter Funtime under the “What’s Inside” Tab. to save 20% on admission prices courtesy of OCM!
Daily through January 5, 2025 from 10a-6p CLOSED THANKSGIVING DAY
Auburn Hills Thanksgiving Weekend Events – LEGOLAND Holiday Bricktacular
LEGOLAND Discovery Center Michigan (Great Lakes Crossing Outlets, 4000 Baldwin Rd, Auburn Hills, MI 48326, 248-409-6009, legolanddiscoverycenter.com/michigan)
LEGO® winter wonderland during Holiday Bricktacular, the kid-friendly holiday event at LEGOLAND® Discovery Center. Explore MINILAND Detroit transformed into a festive holiday landscape. Build Santa’s sleigh and race against friends & family on LEGO zip lines. Enjoy holiday decor throughout the attraction. Snap a selfie in the life-size LEGO sleigh and LEGO Santa, and more. SAVE 20% on Admission! – Purchase tickets to Bricktacular by clicking this link and then scrolling to Bricktacular under “Attractions”.
All research and formatting for this Thanksgiving Weekend Events 2025 page provided by Oakland County Moms. Unauthorized duplication of this content without express consent is a violation of our Terms and Conditions and Data Security policies. Violators will be reported to Google Support for infringement violation.
This page is intended to be used as a guide. Oakland County Moms does not endorse these events. Oakland County Moms is not responsible for changes to event descriptions, event times or details being altered without notice or cancellations.
See our Events / Things To Do tab for more events, activities and things to do in Oakland County and Metro Detroit Michigan.
Thanksgiving Weekend Events researched and compiled by Glen LaGrou, co-owner of OaklandCountyMoms.com.
