Over the past few years, Detroit has become the place to be for all things festive!

This year, Detroit is outdoing itself with its annual holiday events. I have been going to the downtown events for a few years now and each year it just seems to get bigger and better as the word of mouth spreads about the amazing experiences that happen in Detroit. Below are a list of some of the top holiday events that happen EVERY YEAR and FOR FREE in Downtown Detroit that you will not want to miss!

“Light up the Season” – DTE Tree Lighting 

2013 Tree Lighting

Each year the tree and the festivities just keep getting bigger! The 10th Annual Tree lighting, not only lit up a tree with over 19,000 LED lights, but there was also a fantastic 5-minute light show for the estimated 20,000 people in attendance. In addition to the light show, there is also tons of  great local food trucks and vendors, a ice skating performance [follow by open skating!], a holiday market, horse carriage rides and so much more!

 

Menorah in the D

Menorah in the D – photo credit: Eric Seals [Detroit Free Press]

Detroit welcomes all religions! This year was the 3rd Annual Menorah in the D, where 1,500 people came to see the lighting of the 24ft tall Menorah in Campus Martius.

 

Charles H Wright – Kwanzaa Celebration

Kwanzaa Celebration – photo credit: Mario Tama [Getty Images]

Every year the Charles H Wright Museum hosts not just 1 but 3 days worth of spectacular events for their annual Kwanzaa Celebration. The 3 days consist of ceremonies, story telling and spectacular performances throughout the museum.

Motor City New Years Eve – The Drop 

The D Drop – photo credit: Detroit Unspun

Detroit really enjoys lighting things up in Campus Martius, and the fourth Annual Motor City New Year’s Eve – The Drop, is not to be missed! In its short history it has gone from a few hundred to an anticipated 15,000 attendees.  This year, they are amping up this event with the typical downtown staples of food trucks and music, PLUS a 6:30pm drop for families who don’t want to stay up until midnight. This event has become a staple for my New Year’s traditions and I cannot wait to spend this year with my fellow fellows watching the newly designed “D” drop! 

So if you ever need something to do around the holiday seasons, make sure to check out what is going on in the D. Bonus: there is a 99% chance you will see me there, so make sure to say “Hi!”