2016 Holiday Guide for Metro Detroit: Santa Visits, Tree Lights, Christmas Events

Santa Claus is comin to town! And so much more. Michigan is holiday central this season featuring festive events in nearly every borough and town. Whether you like ice carvings or hot chocolate, singing or shopping, you'll find something to get your family ready for the holidays.

Birmingham
Rescheduled: The tree-light ceremony that was scheduled for Wednesday in Birmingham has been postponed to Friday, Dec. 2, due to anticipated inclement weather. Festivities will begin at 6 p.m. in Shain Park. Join Santa and the mayor for caroling and the lighting of a 35-foot blue spruce with 40,000 LED lights.

Right after, Santa will sit down in his house where kids can come and make their wishes known. The Birmingham Lions will take a photo of the memorable moment for $5. Horse-drawn carriages will also be on hand for free rides around downtown.

The following weekend, Dec. 2-4, Winter Markt will feature European food and drinks, gift items, holiday greens, crafts, ice carving demonstrations, live reindeer, warming stations, a Kinderhaus children’s activity area, the popular Santa House, horse-drawn carriage rides and live entertainment.

Friday, December 2nd, 3 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Saturday, December 3rd, 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Sunday, December 4th, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Canton Township
Kick off the holiday season with the annual Township Tree Lighting Event. The ‘official’ tree will be lit in front of the Summit on the Park at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 7 with special festivities both indoors and outdoors.
Join us for seasonal entertainment, kids crafts, activities, a holiday artisan and vendor marketplace for shopping, refreshments, and visits with Santa! No pre-registration necessary as wristbands are sold on site. New this year: You can pre-purchase non-refundable wristbands at the Summit Front Desk beginning November 23rd and ending December 6th at 10:00 p.m. for $2.50R/$3.50NR.

Dearborn
Music leads the festivities on Monday Dec. 5 at the Ford Center. The evening kicks off at 6 p.m. with the Dearborn Youth Symphony String Quartet in the theater lobby, followed by the tree lighting at 6:40 in the theater circular drive.
Once the tree is lit, the Dearborn High School Orchestra will perform in the theater followed by holiday performances by elementary and secondary honor choirs. A Christmas sing-along for all will start at 7:40 and then, FINALLY, at 8 p.m., Santa will be available for consultation.

Ferndale
This is the coolest holiday celebration ever! The Downtown Ferndale annual Holiday Ice Festival will be Saturday, Dec. 10, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Downtown Ferndale will transform into a winter wonderland with nearly 50 magnificent ice creations lining streets. You can watch the the ice carvers as they chain-saw, chisel and shape blocks of ice into masterpieces and wild creations.

Lake Orion
Downtown Lake Orion lights it up in style with Michigan's largest nighttime lighted parade. It all happens Saturday, Dec. 3 at 6 p.m. Enjoy lighted floats, dancing and Christmas music from several talented marching bands. After the parade, join Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Village Hall at 21 E. Church Street to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. This year's parade theme is Super Heroes.

The parade committee will kick things off a bit early with their Annual Holly Jolly Folly Benefit dinner on Friday, Dec. 2 at 6:30 p.m. at Golling Buick GMC in Lake Orion. Proceeds benefit the Orion Lighted Christmas Parade. Tickets and more information can be found at www.orionlightedparade.org.

Rochester
Is the Rochester Hometown Christmas parade really the biggest in the state? Only one way to find out. Come and see for yourself, Sunday, Dec. 4 at 2 p.m. The theme for this year's parade is "Holiday Masquerade." Arrive early to get the best spot to see the floats, bands and of course, Santa Claus.

Royal Oak
The 35th Annual Royal Oak Tree Lighting Ceremony will be held Thursday, Dec. 1 at City Hall Plaza and the Royal Oak Farmers Market.

The festivities begin at 6:15 pm including caroling led by Stagecrafters, music by the Royal Oak Salvation Army Band, song sheets provided by The Daily Tribune and a performance by the Royal Oak Children’s Choir. The Holiday Magic Marketplace in the Farmers Market from 4:00-9:00 pm will feature more than 60 local crafters and artisans. Jimi's Restaurant and McDonald's of Royal Oak will provide free hot dogs, hot chocolate, coffee and candy canes at the Farmers Market.

Don't forget Santa! He'll be ready for your list after the tree's lit.

Volunteers from The Keystone Club of the Boys and Girls Club will be collecting donations of cash, toys and non-perishable food items. These donations will be distributed by the “Give A Christmas” and “The Christmas Classic Organization” to needy families during the holiday season.

Troy
The tree lighting ceremony in Troy will take place at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9 at City Hall.

The free evening features an opportunity to view holiday displays on the grounds and participate in crafts and games at the nearby Troy Public Library and the Troy Community Center.