Christmas is right around the corner, and you know what that means: it’s time to start diving deep into the sights and sounds of this magical season. There’s nothing better than celebrating the holidays with loved ones in a Christmas town near Detroit. The whole family will have an unforgettable adventure at this charming Christmas village near the Motor City.
Fantasyland can be found within the Kennedy Memorial Building, which sits at 3240 Ferris Ave. in Lincoln Park, approximately 15 minutes by car from downtown Detroit.
This annual holiday attraction brings visitors of all ages up close and personal with the many wonders of the Christmas season. As soon as you arrive, you’ll be filled with glee.
Admission is just $2 per person, with additional charges for photos with Santa Claus along the way. The memories you’ll make here, however, are priceless.
Take a stroll through the North Pole to admire elves as they work on toys, visit some of Santa’s trusty reindeer, or bask in the sweet aroma of Christmas cookies.
Each holiday display is utterly charming and features vibrant, colorful light arrangements, complete with Christmas tunes that will have you singing along in no time.
From snowmen to penguin pals to a variety of other North Pole characters, there’s something here to make even the Grinch smile. Talk about a festive family outing!
By the time you’re ready to head home, you’ll be filled with Christmas spirit. A stroll through Fantasyland is sure to make your season merry and bright.
Let's check out the Fantasy Land Christmas Village in Detroit (Lincoln Park, MI to be exact), in this video from what's up down river:
Fantasyland remains open through Christmas Eve and open hours vary by day. For further details about this unforgettable Christmas town near Detroit, visit the Fantasyland Facebook page. Happy holidays, fellow Detroiters!
Are you ready to do a bit of holiday shopping, spend time with loved ones, and appreciate the many charms of wintertime here in our beloved Motor City? If you answered yes to any or all of these questions, you’ll undoubtedly want to explore this holiday market in Detroit. Whether you live in the heart of the city or make the journey in from a suburb, you’re in for a magical and marvelous adventure during Christmas at Cadillac Square in Detroit!
Think luxury candles from the Vintage Wick, picking up a few delicious pierogis from People’s Pierogi, or selecting something special from a local hewelry s
If all these shopping options weren’t enough, guests will love visiting the on-site Cadillac Lodge.
Campus Martius Park offers so many magical things for both residents and visitors alike. Can you imagine a more magnificent way to welcome the holidays?
As you make plans for family outings in Detroit this year, be sure to keep the Downtown Detroit Markets at Cadillac Square, along with Cadillac Lodge, on your itinerary. Even the Grinch would be enamored!
Have you and your family checked out Cadillac Square during previous years? Would you agree that coming here is among one of the best Christmas traditions in Detroit? Share your favorite memories or photos with us by leaving a Facebook comment or recommend another great family destination by completing our official nomination form.
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If you’d like to explore winter hikes in and around the Detroit area, you can find some great trails by going to the AllTrails website.
Once Thanksgiving is behind us, it’s time to fully embrace the holiday spirit. And for those who celebrate Christmas in Detroit, there is a wealth of awesome things to do. Following is our list of 9 beloved Christmastime adventures in and around the Motor City that you're sure to love. And who knows, one of these just might become your new annual favorite!
Bundle up with your loved ones, lace up a pair of skates, and head out for a nighttime skating adventure under thousands of sparkling lights at Campus Martius Park. There’s nowhere in Detroit that offers quite so much magic during the holidays and you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped into a winter wonderland as soon as you arrive.
Make the drive to Frankenmuth for the ultimate Christmas-themed day trip. This lovely little town is overflowing with cheer, and you simply must make a stop at Bronner's Christmas Wonderland — a massive store that celebrates the Yuletide season all year long. Marvel at all of the Bavarian architecture as well as you sip on hot cocoa. What’s not to love?
The Detroit Zoo Wild Lights event is an absolute blast for the whole family. While the zoo is fun year-round, there’s certainly something extra special about exploring it when the entire area is covered in millions of twinkling holiday lights. It doesn’t matter how old you are — you’ll enjoy a hearty dose of magic during your zoo excursion. To learn more, visit the Detroit Zoo website.
Usually around the first week of December, Midtown Detroit transforms into a holiday wonderland with its annual Noel Night celebration. From musical performances to open houses at various artistic attractions to horse-drawn carriage rides, there’s truly something here for every member of the family. For more information about this beloved Detroit tradition, check out the Noel Night website.
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5. Explore an old-world Christmas at Greenfield Village
Make the short journey to Greenfield Village at the Henry Ford in Dearborn for one if its beloved Holiday Nights events. You’ll truly enjoy the charm of an old-world Christmas as you stroll throughout the grounds, which come to life with beautiful décor, costumed carolers, and old-fashioned ice skating. There’s no better way to embrace the holiday spirit.
Enjoy a holiday tour of the iconic Edsel and Eleanor Ford House in Grosse Pointe Shores, which becomes illuminated with its holiday best each winter. Marvel at the thoughtfully selected decor throughout the mansion and enjoy a bonfire on the beautiful grounds following your tour. To learn more about this and other events at the Ford House, clheck out the Ford House website.
We’re proud to live along the Detroit River, and this pride doesn’t go away when wintertime rolls around! There’s something uniquely fascinating and lovely about the river when it’s chock full of floating ice and snow, and it is one of our favorite things to do as part of Christmas in Michigan, . Bring along your camera: this is one adventure that will show you some otherworldly beauty!
Venture to Belle Isle, our city’s beloved island park, for a fun day of exploration for the whole family. When the weather outside is frightful, nothing beats stepping into the warm controlled climate of the Whitcomb Conservatory, which displays a variety of stunning plant life from around the world. If animals are more your speed, check out the Belle Isle Aquarium, a longtime favorite that’s sure to impress.
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9. Finish up your holiday shopping in downtown Rochester
Rochester might just be the most breathtaking suburb of Detroit to explore during the holiday season. Each year, the city’s Big, Bright Light Show brings millions of lights to the downtown area, covering businesses from head to toe in sparkling decor. Enjoy the sights and sounds of the season as you grab a few last-minute gifts for your friends and loved ones throughout Rochester.
Ok, Detroiters: In your view, what signals the arrival of Christmastime in the Motor City? Are there any traditions that you’ll simply never forget? We’d love to hear from you in the comment section below!
