The Metro Events Guide: Light displays, holiday shopping + more

This week, we have tons of seasonal festivities, from tree lightings to ugly holiday sweater skate parties.

Plus, some unique opportunities for holiday shopping. Read on to learn more.

Seasonal festivities

Friday, Nov. 22 is the 21st Annual Detroit Tree Lighting in Campus Martius Park. This free event kicks off the holiday season with live performances by national and local musical acts and figure skaters, holiday shopping, food trucks, unique lighting attractions across Downtown Detroit and more. The festivities go from 4-9 p.m. and are open to the public. For more information, visit downtowndetroit.org.

Friday, Nov. 22 also kicks off the annual Light The Village holiday celebration in The Village of Rochester Hills. The 375,000 square foot outdoor shopping center will be covered with over 800,000 colored lights and offer an evening of family-friendly entertainment, including music, food, a fireworks display and a visit from Santa. The festivities go from 6-9 p.m. and are free and open to the public. For more information, visit thevohr.com.

The Aurora Winter Wonderland forest walk has returned to Glenlore Trails now through Dec. 29. Now in its fifth year, visitors can explore the mile-long trail Thursday through Sunday nights starting at dusk. This year’s attractions include touch-sensitive light installations, motion-triggered displays, enchanted holiday sounds, interactive games and magic wands that unlock hidden surprises along the trail. General admission is $25 and all ages are welcome. For more information, visit glenloretrails.com.

On Saturday, Nov. 23, Visit Detroit and Michigan Lottery are throwing an Ugly Holiday Sweater Skate Party at The Rink in Campus Martius Park. From 6-10 p.m., guests are encouraged to wear their best ugly holiday sweater for this festive evening under the glow of Detroit’s Christmas Tree, featuring holiday tunes from DJ Invisible, prizes for the best ugly sweater and a chance to win instant lottery tickets. General admission is $12 and skate rentals are $6. For more information, visit downtowndetroit.org.

Holiday shopping

Find quality ceramics for bargain prices at Sugar Hill Clay’s 2024 Seconds Sale on Saturday, Nov. 23 from 11a.m. to 4 p.m. Seconds are pieces that are experiments, tests, have minor flaws, or pieces that were simply left with the studio. All pieces will be available for purchase at accessible prices, starting from $5. This sale is a fundraiser for the members of Sugar Hill Clay, and all proceeds will be used for the advancement of members’ studio experiences and community building. For more information, visit sugarhillclay.com.

Get your holiday meal prep done at Eastern Market’s Thanksgiving Food Holiday Market on Tuesday, Nov. 26 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. This special Tuesday market will focus primarily on local food vendors and is a perfect place to find everything you need for your holiday meals. For more information, visit easternmarket.org.

Tactile exhibitions

Saturday, Nov. 23 is the annual Clawson Comic Book and Toy Show at Knights of Columbus. Comic book enthusiasts and invited to buy, sell and trade during this massive display of rare and collectable items. This year’s show also features horror artist Don England and door prizes every hour. Admission is $5, parking is free and the show takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, visit Facebook.

Related: Detroit cartoonist Martin Hirchak talks Clawson Comic Book Show – The Metro

One of the latest exhibits at Detroit’s College for Creative Studies Valade Family Gallery is Fiber Flux, which pays homage to the innovative spirit and boundless creativity of educators across the Midwest. This exhibition features artwork that offers a compelling glimpse into the innovative spirit of fiber art and textile design. From intricate weavings to avant-garde textile sculptures, each piece reflects the educators’ commitment to pushing the limits of the field. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 12-6 p.m. For more information, visit ccsdetroit.edu.

Related: Detroit fiber professors discuss new CCS exhibit – The Metro