This List of Metro Detroit Holiday Activities Will Keep Keep You (And Your Kids) Busy
Holiday season is here, and we’ve got some recommendations for fun, family activities that everyone can enjoy.
School may be closed, but lots of places are opening their doors — even extending their hours — to offer kids and families something to do over the holiday break.
Metro Parent Editor Julia Elliott has a comprehensive list of events, displays, camps and more for families to do.
“Who would think that you’d go to a waterpark to see holiday lights? Well, you can.” — Julia Elliott, Metro Parent Magazine
Most of the city’s cultural institutions have special plans for the holiday break.
Most events are free, but recent changes to the admission policy at the Detroit Historical Museum mean many visitors may pay. The Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit, or MOCAD, does not charge for admission but asks for a donation of $5.
Click the player above for Metro Parent Julia Elliott’s holiday recommendations, see their full calendar here and select events below.
December 26th
What: RoboLights Detroit
When: 11am — 8pm
Where: Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit
This outdoor exhibit features sculptures of dinosuars and robots and other fantastic creatures in a interactive “carnival.”
What: Tea Time Theatre: Howl’s Moving Castle
When: noon — 2pm
Where: Detroit Institute of Arts,
In its third year, the DIA’s Tea Time Theatre has become a staple on the holiday calendar. This year, children will be served afternoon “tea” in the Great Hall. Tea starts at noon, followed by an animated film.
What: Hannukkah, Holiday Weekend
When: noon — 3pm
Where: Detroit Historical Museum
This year, the Detroit Historical Museum is using the days of Christmas to celebrate other traditions. An explanation of holiday origins and traditions will be followed by activities and crafts.
*The Detroit Historical Museum has recently changed its admission policy. Residents of Detroit, Hamtramck and Highland Park can access the museum for free using The Detroiter Membership. General admission is $10. View membership information here.
What: Kwanzaa, Umoja
When: 6pm — 9pm
Where: Charles H. Wright Museum o African American History
Community partners host the 7 day celebration of the Nguzo Saba, the 7 principles of Kwanzaa. Visitors experience a variety of African American and African art, music, dance and presentations. Kwanzaa is a cultural celebration, not a religious one, celebrated from December 26th through January 1st.
December 27th
What: RoboLights Detroit
When: 11am — 8pm
Where: Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit
This outdoor exhibit features sculptures of dinosuars and robots and other fantastic creatures in a interactive “carnival.”
What: Tea Time Theatre: The Boxtrolls
When: noon — 2pm
Where: Detroit Institute of Arts
In its third year, the DIA’s Tea Time Theatre has become a staple on the holiday calendar. This year, children will be served afternoon “tea” in the Great Hall. Tea starts at noon, followed by an animated film.
What: Kwanzaa, Holiday Weekend
When: noon — 3pm
Where: Detroit Historical Museum
This year, the Detroit Historical Museum is using the days of Christmas to celebrate other traditions. An explanation of holiday origins and traditions will be followed by activities and crafts.
*The Detroit Historical Museum has recently changed its admission policy. Residents of Detroit, Hamtramck and Highland Park can access the museum for free using The Detroiter Membership. General admission is $10. View membership information here.
What: Kwanzaa, Kujichagulia
When: 6pm — 9pm
Where: Charles H. Wright Museum o African American History
Community partners host the 7 day celebration of the Nguzo Saba, the 7 principles of Kwanzaa. Visitors experience a variety of African American and African art, music, dance and presentations. Kwanzaa is a cultural celebration, not a religious one, celebrated from December 26th through January 1st.
December 28th
What: RoboLights Detroit
When: 11am — 5pm
Where: Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit
This outdoor exhibit features sculptures of dinosuars and robots and other fantastic creatures in a interactive “carnival.”
What: Tea Time Theatre: Eleanor’s Secret
When: noon — 2pm
Where: Detroit Institute of Arts
In its third year, the DIA’s Tea Time Theatre has become a staple on the holiday calendar. This year, children will be served afternoon “tea” in the Great Hall. Tea starts at noon, followed by an animated film.
What: Three Kings Day, Holiday Weekend
When: noon — 3pm
Where: Detroit Historical Museum
This year, the Detroit Historical Museum is using the days of Christmas to celebrate other traditions. An explanation of holiday origins and traditions will be followed by activities and crafts.
*The Detroit Historical Museum has recently changed its admission policy. Residents of Detroit, Hamtramck and Highland Park can access the museum for free using The Detroiter Membership. General admission is $10. View membership information here.
What: Kwanzaa, Ujima
When: 6pm — 9pm
Where: Charles H. Wright Museum o African American History
Community partners host the 7 day celebration of the Nguzo Saba, the 7 principles of Kwanzaa. Visitors experience a variety of African American and African art, music, dance and presentations. Kwanzaa is a cultural celebration, not a religious one, celebrated from December 26th through January 1st.
December 29th
What: RoboLights Detroit
When: 11am — 5pm
Where: Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit
This outdoor exhibit features sculptures of dinosuars and robots and other fantastic creatures in a interactive “carnival.”
When: 2pm
Where: Detroit Institute of Arts
What: Kwanzaa, Ujamaa
When: 2pm — 5pm
Where: Charles H. Wright Museum o African American History
Community partners host the 7 day celebration of the Nguzo Saba, the 7 principles of Kwanzaa. Visitors experience a variety of African American and African art, music, dance and presentations. Kwanzaa is a cultural celebration, not a religious one, celebrated from December 26th through January 1st.
December 30th
When: 2pm
Where: Detroit Institute of Arts
What: Kwanzaa, Nia
When: 3pm — 6pm
Where: Charles H. Wright Museum o African American History
Community partners host the 7 day celebration of the Nguzo Saba, the 7 principles of Kwanzaa. Visitors experience a variety of African American and African art, music, dance and presentations. Kwanzaa is a cultural celebration, not a religious one, celebrated from December 26th through January 1st.
December 31st
What: RoboLights Detroit
When: 11am — 5pm
Where: Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit
This outdoor exhibit features sculptures of dinosuars and robots and other fantastic creatures in a interactive “carnival.”
What: Looney Tune Classics, New Year’s Matinee
When: 2pm
Where: Detroit Institute of Arts
A part of the DIA’s DFT Family series, this New Year’s Eve matinee offers a selection of Warner Bros. Looney Tunes shorts for audiences of all ages.
What: Noon Year’s Eve
When: 10am– 1pm
Where: Detroit Historical Museum
Young Museum visitors ring in the new year in the Streets of Old Detroit long before bedtime at this annual event. Crafts and dancing start at 10am. Balloons drop at noon.
*The Detroit Historical Museum has recently changed its admission policy. Residents of Detroit, Hamtramck and Highland Park can access the museum for free using The Detroiter Membership. General admission is $10. View membership information here.
What: New Year’s Eve Kids Countdown
When: 1pm — 6pm
Where: Beacon Park, Detroit
Promising all of the excitement of a traditional New Year’s Eve party, families can enjoy crafts, activities and a ball drop as they count down to the New Year.
What: Kwanzaa, Kuumba
When: 3pm — 6pm
Where: Charles H. Wright Museum o African American History
Community partners host the 7 day celebration of the Nguzo Saba, the 7 principles of Kwanzaa. Visitors experience a variety of African American and African art, music, dance and presentations. Kwanzaa is a cultural celebration, not a religious one, celebrated from December 26th through January 1st.
January 1st
What: RoboLights Detroit
When: 11am — 5pm
Where: Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit
This outdoor exhibit features sculptures of dinosuars and robots and other fantastic creatures in a interactive “carnival.”
What: Kwanzaa, Imani
When: 3pm — 6pm
Where: Charles H. Wright Museum o African American History
Community partners host the 7 day celebration of the Nguzo Saba, the 7 principles of Kwanzaa. Visitors experience a variety of African American and African art, music, dance and presentations. Kwanzaa is a cultural celebration, not a religious one, celebrated from December 26th through January 1st.
