Thanksgiving Weekend Events Metro Detroit 2026 – Oakland County, and SE Michigan Thanksgiving weekend events, activities, and fun things to do November 25, November 26, November 27, November 28, and 29, 2026.
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 2026 Metro Detroit
GREAT LAKES CROSSING BLACK FRIDAY 2026
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 2026 – Feature Event
November 27 and runs through December 30, 2026 No Tours December 24, 25, 26, 29, or 31
Rochester Thanksgiving Weekend 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. Hosted by meadowbrookhall.org. Purchase Tickets Here. MORE INFO – PICS. MEADOW BROOK HALL HOLIDAY WALK COUPON INFO.
Wednesday, November 25, 2026 Weekend Events
Daily through December 31, 2026 (Daily from 3p-8p)
Toledo Thanksgiving 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 17, 2027 (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
November 27, 28, December 4, 5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23 from 6p-9p (last ticketed entry at 7:45p)
Canterbury Village Thanksgiving Weekend Events – Canterbury Village Holiday Stroll 2026
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 the mailbox for special delivery to SANTA. Advance ticket sales only. Early Bird Admission tickets are just $?? (plus fees) through ??/??/26. Regular admission is $??. FREE Parking. Online ticket & processing fees may apply. OCM COUPON CODE – TBA / TBD for 2026. Hosted by Canterbury Village. Purchase tickets at HERE. REVIEW / PICS. MORE 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 Partnership. PRICES / MORE INFO…
Daily This Weekend / Closed Thanksgiving from 5p-10p /
Commerce Twp Thanksgiving Weekend Events – Glenlore Trails Aurora – WINTER WITCHES
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.
Friday, November 13, 2026 through December 30, 2026 from 6p-10p
Milford Thanksgiving Weekend Events – MI Bright Lights
Camp Dearborn (1700 General Motors Rd, Milford, MI 48380)
One of Metro Detroit’s newest Drive-Thru holiday lights experiences. 2 Features – The Drive Through Spectacular is a 2+ mile drive-thru Christmas Lights display where the displays are all synchronized to holiday music. The RGB LED House Show features a festive house adorned with thousands of Christmas lights all synchronized to holiday music. Tickets are $25 (plus fees) online in advance / $30 at the gate per vehicle and can be purchased here. DISCOUNT COUPON CODE – Save $5 on admission on November 13 through December 12, 2026 dates to MI Bright Lights by using the Oakland County Moms MI Bright Lights Coupon code OCMMBL-5 at online checkout. REVIEW / PICS / INFO…COUPON INFO… Hosted by www.mibrightlights.com.
Wednesday, November 25, 2026 at 7:30p
Detroit Thanksgiving Weekend Events – Detroit Red Wings Thanksgiving Eve Game
MotorCity Casino Hotel (2901 Grand River Ave, Detroit, MI 48201)
Thanksgiving Eve Game: Thanksgiving Salt & Pepper Shakers Giveaway – PURCHASE TICKETS HERE. Detroit Red Wings Kids Club Membership Info. More 2026/2027 Fan Giveaways. Hosted by the Detroit Red Wings.
Thursday, November 26, 2026 Thanksgiving Events Metro Detroit
Thursday, November 26, 2026 at 8:45a
Detroit Thanksgiving Weekend Events – Detroit Thanksgiving Parade 2026
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 27, 2026 Thanksgiving Weekend Metro Detroit
November 27 and runs through December 30, 2026 No Tours December 24, 25, 26, 29, or 31
Rochester Thanksgiving Weekend 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. Hosted by meadowbrookhall.org. Purchase Tickets Here. MORE INFO – PICS. MEADOW BROOK HALL HOLIDAY WALK COUPON INFO.
Friday, November 27 from 12:30p-3:30p
Meadow Brook Hall Thanksgiving Weekend Events – Meadow Brook Hall Holiday High Tea
Meadow Brook Hall and Gardens (350 Estate Drive, Rochester, Michigan 48309-4401, 248-364-6200, meadowbrookhall.org)
Enjoy traditional teas, savories and sweets served in the magnificent Christopher Wren Dining Room. Please call 248-364-6252 for more information. Call 248-364-6252 to be placed on a wait list if sold out. $95. More Info / Book tickets. Hosted by meadowbrookhall.org.
Friday, November 27, 2026 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 27, 28, 29, 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.
Friday, November 27, Saturday, November 28, and Sunday, November 29 (5p-11p TH, 5p-Midnight FR & SA)
Rochester Thanksgiving Weekend Events – Royal Park Hotel Pop-Up Bar
Royal Park Hotel (600 E University Dr, Rochester, MI 48307, 248-652-2600, www.royalparkhotelmi.com)
The decked-out Holiday Bar is back for another year. From the upside- down Christmas tree, to a ceiling adorned in ornaments, lights, and garland, it’s the place to be this holiday season. Ages 21+. Holiday Pop-Up Bar Menu. Hosted by the Royal Park Hotel Park 600. PICS / REVIEW / INFO…
Fridays, Saturdays (5p-10p) & Sundays (5p-9p) 11/27 through 12/31
Holly Thanksgiving Weekend 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, 2026 (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.
November 27, 28 from 6p-8p (last ticketed entry at 7:45p)
Canterbury Village Events – Canterbury Village Holiday Stroll 2026
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 the mailbox for special delivery to SANTA. Advance ticket sales only. Early Bird Admission tickets are just $?? (plus fees) through ??/??/26. Regular admission is $??. FREE Parking. Online ticket & processing fees may apply. OCM COUPON CODE – TBA / TBD for 2026. Hosted by Canterbury Village. Purchase tickets at HERE. REVIEW / PICS. MORE INFO…
November 27, 28, 29 at 4p & 6p
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. $10. Kids 12 & under $8. Hosted by sloanlongway.org.
November 27, November 28, and November 29, 2026 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
(Almost) Daily, November 27, 28, & 29 from 5p-10p
Meadow Brook Hall Thanksgiving Weekend Events – Winter Wonder Lights 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. Hosted by meadowbrookhall.org. Purchase Tickets Here… MORE INFO… Winter Wonder Lights Coupon Code for Discount Admission.
November 27 at 6p, November 28 & 29from 11a-6p Saturdays, noon-5p and Sundays
Holly Thanksgiving Weekend Events – Holly Dickens Festival 2026
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 27 at 6p. For more info, visit www.hollydickensfestival.org. MORE INFO….
Saturday, November 28, 2026 Weekend Events Metro Detroit
Saturday, November 28, 2026 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 28, 2026 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 / TBA FOR 2026 (and don’t forget to RSVP after you do). Hosted by the Birmingham Principal Shopping District.
Saturday, November 28, 2026 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 2026. Hosted by the Birmingham Principal Shopping District. Schedule
Saturday, November 28, 2026 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.
Saturday, November 28, 2026 from 10a-4p
Rochester Thanksgiving Weekend Events – Santa Saturdays at Meadow Brook Hall
Meadow Brook Hall and Gardens (480 South Adams Rd, Rochester, MI 48309)
Visits to Santa and a self-guided Hall tour are included in all ticket prices. All slots are expected sell out. $23.50 for adults and seniors, $11 for children ages 3-12, children age 2 and under are free. More Info / Book tickets. Hosted by meadowbrookhall.org. More Info – Pics.
November 28 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 28 and 29, 2026 from 11a-3p each day
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
Saturday, November 28, 2026 from 11a-2p
Metro Detroit Thanksgiving Weekend Events – English Gardens Photos with Santa
Clinton Township (44850 Garfield Rd, Clinton Twp, MI 48038)
Royal Oak (4901 Coolidge Hwy, Royal Oak, MI 48073)
West Bloomfield (6370 Orchard Lake Rd, West Bloomfield Township, MI 48322)
Santa is here! Visit the Christmas wonderlands at English Gardens and get your annual photo with Santa. Remember to bring your camera! This is a FREE event. Hosted by English Gardens.
Saturday, November 28, 2026 from 11:30a-5:30a
Grosse Pointe Shores Thanksgiving Weekend Events – Ford House Santa Claus / Cookies with Santa
Ford House (1100 Lake Shore Road, Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan 48236, 313-884-4222, fordhouse.org)
“Photos with Santa is a thoughtfully paced holiday experience at Ford House, designed for families who want a meaningful moment, a great photo, and a calm, welcoming atmosphere. Each family selects a specific time slot and enjoys a brief private visit with Santa, a freshly baked cookie for each child, and time to capture photos using their own phone or camera”. Hosted by Ford House. Tickets are sold in advance online at fordhouse.org. MORE INFO…
Sunday, November 29, 2026 Weekend Events Metro Detroit
Sunday, November 29, 2026 from 9:30a-1p
Troy Thanksgiving Weekend Events – Pins & Pancakes at Escape
Escape Entertainment Center (1950 E Square Lake Rd, Troy, MI 48085)
Enjoy one hour of bowling plus all you can eat pancakes for just $12 per person. Add your favorite breakfast extras, and grown-ups can enjoy Sunday drink specials including mimosas, Bloody Marys and more. Bring the family and come hungry. Reserve your lane – here. Hosted by Escape Entertainment in Troy.
Sunday, November 29, 2026 from 1p-2p (Every Sunday in November)
Shelby Twp Thanksgiving Weekend Events – Feeding Time in the Nature Center
Stony Creek Metropark – (4300 Main Park Rd, Shelby Twp, MI 48316, 586-781-4242, metroparks.com)
It’s feeding time for nature center animals. Talk with an interpreter about the animals and learn what is on the lunch menu that day. Enjoy a relaxed time in the center, learning about the animals, visiting the exhibits, and hiking the trails. All ages. Free Event. No pre-registration required. For more info, call 586-781-9113. A Metroparks daily or annual vehicle pass is required to enter any Metropark. You can purchase an annual pass HERE.
EVENTS TBA / TBD FOR 2026
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
Saturday, November 29 and Sunday, November 30 – from 1p-4p (each day)
The Village of Rochester Hills Thanksgiving Weekend Events – Santa’s Reindeer at the Village of Rochester Hills
Village of Rochester Hills (NE corner of Adams Rd and University, Rochester Hills, MI)
Come pet and say hi to Santa’s Reindeer at Fountain Park at the Village of Rochester Hills. Don’t forget your camera! Visits with Santa and his Reindeer are FREE. All visits with Santa will be walk-up visits and will be available to all who want to visit during Santa’s hours. Guests should bring their own camera as photographers will not be provided. Hosted by TheVofRH. VoRH SANTA CLAUS HOURS.
All research and formatting for this Thanksgiving Weekend Events 2026 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.
