It’s the most wonderful time of the year!!!!!! Indeed the season of my favorite holiday is soon approaching. I am absolutely excited to experience the Thanksgiving and Christmas season in Detroit. Great shopping, ice-skating, street performance, live music and horse carriages can all be found downtown.

10th Annual Detroit Tree Lighting in Campus Martius (CBS Detroit)

The season officially kicked off with the 10th Annual Detroit Tree Lighting in Campus Martius on Friday, Nov. 22. A few fellows and I volunteered with Brandi, a fellow fellow, and United Way. During the festival we had the opportunity to experience the tree lighting festivities while giving back to the community in a great way! Salvation Army Red Kettle and Tree Lighting include a 60 feet tall tree that weighs 10,000 pounds and has more than three miles of lights from top to bottom. The tree has 19,000 LED lights which remain lit during a cool holiday music synchronized with the lights. If you’re local but did notmake it out on Nov. 22, no worries, every night at the top of the hour during the holiday season the audio/visual experience will be available to view. Don’t like to skate but would like to enjoy the view? Next to the rink an outdoor seating area complete with heaters, a bar and panoramic views of the park can be accessible at cost. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under.

In addition, the skating rink at Campus Martius Park will be open daily from Nov.22-March 2. The young and young at heart can enjoy this experience for less than $10. Skate rental is $3 and admission is $7 for adults, $6

for children (12 and under) and seniors (50 and older).

Ice Skating at Campus Martius (CBS Detroit)

Every Weekend from Nov. 22 to Dec. 22, Cadillac Square will become a marketplace filled with specialty artisan, boutique and local food vendors. The marketplace will also offer craft beers, warm cocktails, live entertainment and TVs for those looking to watch sporting events. Also on the weekends, horse-drawn carriage rides will provide a tour of downtown at the cost of $8 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under.

Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides (QuickenLoans)

Jugglers, stilt walkers and balloon twisters will provide street performances around Campus Martius during the weekends from Nov 22-Dec 29!

Street Perfromer (Campus Martius Park)

America’s Thanksgiving Parade, presented by Art Van Furniture, one of the country’s oldest and most celebrated Parades, will step off at 8:45am on Woodward Avenue and Kirby and end at Woodward Avenue and Congress in downtown Detroit on Thursday, November 28, 2013. The parade will be broadcast Live on WDIV Local 4 from 9-10am and on WJR 760am. I’m participating with my host company! I’ll be marching alongside the QuickenLoans float as a little kid in a superhero costume!!!

Detroit Thanksgiving Day Parade (MLive)

Perhaps the 31st Fifth Third Turkey Trot Detroit will be of interest if you’re a runner or want to get a pre-workout for the hearty appetite you will have later. The combined finishers of the Turkey Trot, Stuffing Strut, and Mashed Potato Mile was the largest race in Michigan last year. Last year a record 22,100 runners registered. It isn’t too late to participate this year. To participate in the 10K or 5K you may purchase registration ($46) at Cobo Hall on Nov 27. Registration is not available on the day of the race for the 10K and 5K. For the first time participants may register for the “Drumstick Double”, run the 10K and then the 5K. Also available for purchase ($66) at Cobo Hall on Nov 27. Would you rather run a mile!? Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan will allow you to participate in the race for $26. Jogging strollers are allowed, no pets or bikes!

Detroit 29th Annual Turkey Trot (Canton Public Library)

Last but not least, Woodward Avenue (across from the Hudson site) provides great options to purchase unique gifts for the naughty and nice on your shopping list! Stores featured this season will be:

  • The Detroit Shoppe
  •  Rock, Paper, Scissors
  • The Hand Made Company
  • Hudson Café
  • Spielhaus Toys
  • CityLoft
  • Moosejaw

There are no excuses to be bored this holiday season! If you could not tell, I am extremely excited to enjoy all Detroit has to offer this season. Season’s Greetings to you and yours!