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Thanksgiving Weekend Events Metro Detroit 2023

Thanksgiving Weekend Events Metro Detroit 2023 – Oakland County, and SE Michigan Thanksgiving weekend events, activities, and fun things to do.Metro Detroit Weekend Events Calendar for November 22, November 23, November 24, November 25, and November 26, 2023.

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 – Holiday Walk at Meadow Brook Hall Kicks off This Friday for the Holiday Season

Thanksgiving Weekend Events 2023 Metro Detroit

METRO DETROIT CHRISTMAS EVENTS
METRO DETROIT SANTA CLAUS VISITS
BEST METRO DETROIT CHRISTMAS EVENTS
HOLIDAY ICE SKATING RINKS IN METRO DETROIT
DOWNTOWN DETROIT HOLIDAY EVENTS & SHOWS
METRO DETROIT CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SHOWS
CHRISTMAS BREAK FUN

Wednesday, November 22, 2023 Weekend Events

Daily through December 31, 2023 (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 HEREMORE 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

Wednesday, November 22, 2023 from 4p-midnight
Oxford Thanksgiving Weekend Events – Legacy 925 DRINKSGIVING
Legacy 925 (925 North Lapeer Road, Oxford, MI 48371)
Get ready to kick off the holiday season with Drinksgiving: a boozy bash where we’ll raise our glasses, enjoy great company, music and food. Your ticket to this fantastic gathering is just $30, and you can bring a friend or loved one with a special offer of 2 tickets for just $50. Includes live music, unlimited bowling, axethrowing, curling, corn hole, darts, & pool tables. Drink specials all night long. Purchase tickets HERE

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.orgMORE INFO / REVIEW / PICS / VIDEO

Nightly through January 21, 2023 (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 DDAReview, pics, more info

Daily – through December 31, 2022
Clarkston Thanksgiving Weekend Events – Magic of Lights 2023
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.comMORE INFO / TICKETS INFO

November 22, 24, 25, 26, at 5p each day
Canterbury Village Thanksgiving Weekend Events – Canterbury Village Holiday Stroll 2023
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. Admission is $14.99. $5 Parking. Online ticket & processing fees may apply. Hosted by Canterbury Village. Purchase tickets at HEREREVIEW / PICSDISCOUNT COUPON CODE – Save $2 on admission to FRIDAY and SUNDAY Holidays Strolls by using the code OCM23 at online checkoutMORE INFO

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 PartnershipPRICES / MORE INFO

Daily This Weekend / Closed Thanksgiving from 5p-10p /
Commerce Twp Thanksgiving Weekend Events – Glenlore Trails Aurora
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 2023 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 LINKMORE INFO.

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 22, 2023 from 6p-9p
Farmington Hills Events – “The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year” Mystery Dinner
Longacre House (24705 Farmington Rd, Farmington Hills, Michigan)
Ages 21+. Dinner & cash bar provided. Find your most festive holiday clothes and ugly Christmas sweaters to make the night fun. It’s up to the audience to help solve this murderously festive holiday comedy. $55 residents / $60 non-residents. Hosted by the Farmington Hills Special Services (Parks & Rec) Department. Pre-registration required. To register.

Thursday, November 23, 2023 Thanksgiving Events Metro Detroit

Thanksgiving Day 2023
Oakland County Thanksgiving Weekend Events – FREE Admission Day at Oakland County Parks
Various OC Park Locations (see description)
Oakland County Parks and Recreation celebrates Guest Appreciation Day by offering free daily park entry on Thanksgiving Day. Experience natural areas, trails and all park amenities at Addison Oaks, Highland Oaks, Independence Oaks, Lyon Oaks, Orion Oaks and Rose Oaks county parks. Visitors can enjoy free daily park entry with access to natural areas, trails, dog parks and all park amenities. Park hours are 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset, or as posted at the park. For more info, call 1-888-OCParks

Thursday, November 23, 2022 at 8:45a
Detroit Thanksgiving Weekend Events – Detroit Thanksgiving Parade 2023
Woodward and Kirby, Downtown Detroit, Michigan
Watch as the Parade makes its way down Woodward Avenue. Santa Arrives in Detroit! Parade Route info

Thursday, November 24, 2023 then daily through Thursday December 7, 2023 from 10a-5p
White Lake Christmas Events – The Big Reveal
Indian Springs Metropark – (5200 Indian Trail, White Lake, MI 48386, 248-625-6640, metroparks.com)
Elves have been busy and now it’s your chance to see their work. Visit any time between, 10a-5p to get in the spirit of the season and enjoy our festively decorated center, including holiday trees and lights, the “underwater snow globe”, and more. Don’t forget to bring your camera to take a unique holiday photo. All ages. FREE event. No pre-registration required. A Metroparks vehicle entry permit is required for these events. A Metroparks daily or annual vehicle pass is required to enter any Metropark. You can purchase an annual pass HERE.

Friday, November 24, 2023 Thanksgiving Weekend Metro Detroit

November 24 and runs through December 23, 2023 from 11a-4p (until 8p on select nights)
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 explores the Dodge and Wilson family’s winter traditions and activities they enjoyed while living on the Meadow Brook Estate. Purchase tickets hereMore Info – Pics.

November 24-26 from 11a-3p
Lake Orion Thanksgiving Weekend Events – Canterbury Village Grinch Weekend
Canterbury Village (2359 Joslyn Ct, Lake Orion, Michigan 48360, 248-391-5700)
Very special guests the Grinch and his pal Cindy Lou Who will be at Canterbury Village to meet and take selfies with. All village stores will be open for holiday shopping as well. Grab a cup of cocoa, take in the decorations throughout the village, and find those last minute gifts. This is a FREE event. Parking is FREE. Hosted by www.canterburyvillage.com.

Friday, November 24, 2023 from 1p-2p OR 2p-3p
Farmington Hills Thanksgiving Weekend Events – Thanksgiving Hike & Seek
Heritage Park (24725 Farmington Road, Farmington Hills, Michigan)
Enjoy a guided hike and search for local plants and animals. Make a fall-themed craft to take home. $3. Hosted by the Farmington Hills Special Services (Parks & Rec) Department. Pre-registration required. To register.

November 24, November 25, and 26, 2023 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 HEREReview / Pics / Info

November 24 through December 30 – November Dates – 24, 25, 26, & 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 $22.50 for adults ages 13+, ages 3-12 are $12.50, 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 24 through November 26 from 6p-10p
Grosse Pointe Shores Thanksgiving Weekend Evens – Starry Nights at Ford House
Edsel and Eleanor Ford House (1100 Lake Shore Road, Grosse Pointe Shores, MI 48236)
Home for the Holidays is a new winter experience at Ford House, where visitors can enjoy a beautifully lit evening walk throughout the historic estate, marveling at the glittering white lights and the first floor of the Main Residence. During the self-guided tour, you will hear captivating stories about the estate’s rich history as you take in the home’s understated elegance, a look inspired by Eleanor Ford’s tastes and wishes. Tickets are sold in advance online at fordhouse.org.

Fridays & Saturdays – November 24, 25 from 6p-11p
Detroit Thanksgiving Weekend Events – Downtown Detroit Carriage Rides
Woodward Esplanade (600 Woodward Ave, Detroit, Michigan)
See Downtown Detroit at Christmastime like you never have before – from inside an enchanted horse drawn carriage. Carriage rides take off from the Woodward Esplanade, directly south of Campus Martius Park. Rides are $10 per person and last about 15 to 20 minutes. On site only. No advanced reservations are accepted. For more info, downtowndetroitparks.com

Saturday, November 25, 2023 Weekend Events Metro Detroit

altSaturday, November 25, 2023 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 $?. Proceeds benefit local charities. For more info, call 248-988-0426. Hosted by the Troy Women’s Association.

Saturday, November 25, 2023 at 9:30a
Birmingham Thanksgiving Weekend Events – Birmingham Santa Walk
Birmingham Santa WalkDowntown 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. Hosted by the Birmingham Principal Shopping District.

Saturday, November 25, 2023 from 10a-11:30a
Milford Weekend Events – Wonderful Waterfowl
Kensington Metropark – (4570 Huron River Parkway, Milford, MI 48380, 810-227-8910, metroparks.com)
Discover how to identify a variety of these birds as we learn about their unique behaviors and adaptations. For this indoor/outdoor program we’ll start at the Kensington Metropark Nature Center for an indoor presentation, then we’ll head outside to observe the waterfowl that are commonly found on Kent Lake and the surrounding wetlands. Ages 12+. $5 per person. Pre-registration is required online or by calling 810-227-8910.

Saturday, November 18, 2023 from 10a-3p
Clarkston Thanksgiving Weekend Events – Holiday Market
Bay Court Park (6970 Andersonville, Clarkston, MI 48346)
Get a jump on holiday shopping while enjoying family-friendly holiday activities. FREE admission & FREE hot cocoa. For more info, call 248-625-8055. Hosted by Independence Twp Parks & Rec.

Birmingham Santa House at Shain Park AKA Santa HausSaturday, November 25, 2023 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. Hosted by the Birmingham Principal Shopping DistrictSchedule

Weekends Saturday, November 25, 2023 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 2022 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 DistrictSchedule

November ??
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.

December 2 & December 3 from 11a-6p Saturdays, noon-5p and Sundays
Holly Weekend Events – Holly Dickens Festival 2023  
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. For more info, visit www.hollydickensfestival.orgMORE INFO….

Saturday, November 25, 2023 at 5:30p
Clarkston Thanksgiving Weekend Events – Beaver Moon Star Party
Independence Oaks County Park (9501 Sashabaw Road, Clarkston, Michigan 48348, 248-625-0877)
An evening of learning about the moon and stars. Explore the current and soon to come constellations in StarLab, the inflatable planetarium. Then, head out to look for the “Beaver Moon” and discuss its lore. Cost is $5/person. Preregistration with payment required by calling 248-858-0916 weekdays or 248-625-6473 during nature center hours. Hosted by Oakland County Parks and Recreation.

Sunday, November 26, 2023 Weekend Events Metro Detroit

Sunday, November 26, 2023 from 10a-11:30a (ages 2-5) or 11a-1p (ages 6-11)
Farmington Hills Weekend Events – Sunday Super Bounce
The Hawk FH Community Center (29995 West 12 Mile Road, Farmington Hills, Michigan 48334, fhgov.com)
Once a month on special mornings and afternoons HAWK staff members will set up the inflatable bouncers in the gym to make an arena of fun. Enjoy the big bouncer, bouncer obstacle course, and giant inflatable slide. $5. Hosted by the Farmington Hills Special Services (Parks & Rec) Department. Pre-registration required. To register.

altSunday, November 26, 2023 from 6p-8p
Brownstown Thanksgiving Weekend Events – Full Moon Hike: Strawberry Moon
Lake Erie Metropark – (32481 W Jefferson, Brownstown, MI 48173, 734-379-5020, metroparks.com)
There are many different myths and legends associated with the Full Moon. Join a Metroparks guide and learn a little about our closest, natural satellite; and explore how and why there are so many unique names associated with each full moon. Ages 8+. $3 child / $5 adult. Pre-registration required online or call 734-379-5020. A Metroparks daily or annual vehicle pass is required to enter any Metropark. You can purchase an annual pass HERE.

All research and formatting for this Thanksgiving Weekend Events 2023 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.

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