15 ways to celebrate the holidays in Detroit so they don't suck

By Metro Times editorial staff on Fri, Nov 30, 2018 at 4:41 pm

If you're not someone that plans holiday gifts and decorations months in advance, that's okay. Neither are we. Sometimes the holidays are a drag to get through, especially with the stress of traveling, seeing family, and trying to pick out the perfect gift.

To help ease you through the holiday season, we've selected 15 ways to celebrate the holidays in Detroit so they don't suck.

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Go to Noel Day & Night

Midtown
Dec. 1, 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
This year, Noel Night will be extending its Midtown celebration to an all day event. During the day, there will be activities and vendors up in the Cultural Center, and at night Noel Night will be throughout Midtown. 11 a.m. -5 p.m. daytime hours 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. nighttime hours Photo courtesy of @metrotimes

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See Santa run in his finest speedo

Briggs Detroit- 519 East Jefferson Ave, Detroit, MI 48226
Dec. 2, 12pm-6pm
Put on your skimpiest suit or holiday gear and run the Detroit Santa Speedo Run! Don’t worry about being in shape, it’s only a mile run downtown – you got this!
Photo courtesy of Blulz60 / Shutterstock

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Light the Menorah in the D

Campus Martius - 800 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48226
Dec. 2, 4:30 p.m.
Jewish Festival of Lights will be kicking off the first day of Chanukah at Campus Martius with its 8th annual Menorah in the D. There will be live entertainment, carriage rides, a Kosher food truck and more.
Photo courtesy of @metrotimes Photo by Olga Gamburg

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Ride in a horse drawn carriage at Christmas in Plymouth

Downtown Plymouth
Dec. 6, 5 p.m.-9 p.m.
Carriages, dining, live music, art shows, and more.
Photo courtesy of @matt_envisions

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Krampus Night

Tangent Gallery and Hastings Street Ballroom - 715 East Milwaukee Avenue, Detroit, MI 48202
Dec. 7, 7 p.m. - 2 a.m.
A wild night of amazingly bad lip synching and barely rehearsed skits. The 8th annual Krampus Night will be hosting a donation drive, photo booth, short film festival, fugly sweater contest, gingerbread house contest, and a not so silent auction.
Photo courtesy of @krampusnight

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See the neighborhood light up at Corktown Aglow

Corktown - Dec. 8
This 3rd annual tree lighting ceremony kicks off the holiday season in Detroit’s Corktown neighborhood.
Photo courtesy of Emily Berger

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Get your tiki on at Chin Tiki Christmas Sale and Show

Chin’s Restaurant - 28205 Plymouth Road, Livonia, MI 48150
Dec. 8, 12 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Tropical cocktails, tiki swap meet, Chinese food, vendors, art, live music, and more.
Photo courtesy of Salivanchuk Semen

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Jfamily Chanukah Bash

Congregation Shaarey Zedek - 27375 Bell Rd, Southfield, MI 48034
Dec. 9, 4 p.m.
“A whole latke fun for the whole family.” Jfamily and NEXTGen Detroit will be putting on a family Chanukah Bash this holiday season. Enjoy the Menorah lighting, latke bar, chanukah cookie decorating and dreidel decorating.
Photo courtesy of Fascinador / Shutterstock

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Go ice skating at Campus Martius

Campus Martius - 800 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48226
Grab your favorite ice skating partner and take a twirl in view of the Christmas tree at Campus Martius. Photo courtesy of @detroit_kim_

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Enjoy the Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo

8450 W 10 Mile Rd, Royal Oak, MI 48067
Through December 5:30 p.m. - 10 p.m.
See the Detroit Zoo lit up with over 5 million LED lights every weekend evening throughout December.
Photo courtesy of @hannah_kirn

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View all of the lights at Holiday Nights at Greenfield Village

Greenfield Village - Maple Lane, Dearborn, MI 48124
Through December 6:30 p.m. - 10 p.m.
Greenfield Village’s Holiday Nights will include ice skating, carolers, santa and his reindeer, craft making, carriage rides, holiday cooking demonstrations, and much more.
Photo courtesy of @rachyferraris_

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Find the perfect gift at Holiday Market at Eastern Market

Eastern Market - 2934 Russell St, Detroit, MI 48207
Every Sunday through Dec. 23
There’s something for everyone at the Eastern Market. Not only will there be plenty of Michigan made gifts, but ingredients for all of your favorite holiday recipes.
Photo courtesy of Eastern Market Corporation

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Jingle all the way to Ale Mary’s Beer Hall

Ale Mary’s Beer Hall - 316 S Main St, Royal Oak, MI 48067
Throughout December
Ale Mary’s will be serving christmas themed drinks and cookies this December.
Photo courtesy of @alemarysbeerhall

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Shop for your loved ones at the downtown holiday markets

Capitol Park, Cadillac Square
Through January 13th
Shop from local Detroit brands at the pop up shops to get something special for everyone on your shopping list.
Photo courtesy of @metrotimes Courtesy of Bedrock

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