10 things Happening in Detroit November ‘25

1. Detroit Tree Lighting (Campus Martius) — Fri, Nov 21
   Live music, figure skating, food trucks, Santa, and the big countdown that kicks off the holidays downtown. Downtown Detroit Partnership

2. The Rink at Campus Martius — Opening Weekend — Sat–Sun, Nov 23–24
   Lace up under the skyline as Detroit’s outdoor ice rink opens for the season. Downtown Detroit Partnership

3. America’s Thanksgiving Parade® — Thu, Nov 27 (morning)
   Floats, marching bands, and giant balloons roll down Woodward Avenue—Detroit’s signature holiday tradition. The Parade Company

4. S3 Turkey Trot (5K/10K/Mile) — Thu, Nov 27 (early morning)
   Costumes, huge crowds, and finish-line vibes—“the parade before the Parade” through downtown streets. The Parade Company+1

5. Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo (Royal Oak) — Select nights Nov 22–Jan 4
   Millions of LEDs transform the Zoo into a walk-through wonderland—great for families and photos. Detroit Zoo

6. Wayne County Lightfest (Hines Park) — “Lights On” celebration Thu, Nov 20; runs through Dec
   A classic drive-through light tunnel and animated displays stretching miles through the park. Wayne County Michigan

7. Downtown Detroit Markets & Cadillac Lodge (Cadillac Square) — Opens mid-Nov; runs to early Jan
   Shop local in cozy holiday huts, then warm up by the fireplaces inside the Lodge with cocoa or a cocktail. Instagram+1

8. All Things Detroit: Holiday Shopping Experience (Eastern Market) — Sun, Nov 9
   Hundreds of Michigan makers + food trucks—a one-day spree to jump-start your gift list. Eastern Market

9. Big Bright Light Show (Downtown Rochester) — Nightly Nov 25–Jan 19
   Buildings wrapped in over a million lights—an easy 30-min hop from Detroit and pure glow-up for your feed. Oakland County Moms

10. Lagniappe Night (Downtown Rochester) — Mon, Nov 24, 6–9 pm
    Merchants hand out “a little something extra” as the lights switch on—small-town charm, big sparkle. downtownrochestermi.com