7 Downtown Detroit Christmas 2025 Holiday Events | FUN Things To Do | Winter Activities | Detroit Tree Lighting, Chalet 313, Horse Drawn Carriages, Ice Skating at Campus Martius Park
Top 7 Downtown Detroit Christmas Events 2025 FUN Things To Do | Detroit Tree Lighting, Chalet 313, Horse Drawn Carriages, Ice Skating at Campus Martius Park This Winter
By: Sherry Trautman | Travel-Mi.com | Updated: October 28, 2025
This Christmas season, head to Downtown Detroit for a sprinkle of Christmas spirit topped with a jingle jangle of good cheer! Chris and I make it our annual tradition to enjoy the Detroit Tree Lighting Ceremony, ice skating at Campus Martinis and get a head start on our holiday shopping at the merry Downtown Detroit Markets. This top Southeast Michigan destination is definitely worth a visit during the holiday season as downtown Detroit is transformed into a Michigan winter wonderland!
There's so many fun things to do and holiday events in the Motor City! Many of these are worthy of a Detroit day trip or romantic Michigan weekend getaway.
MAP of Downtown Detroit Christmas Events and FUN Things To Do
See our map of Downtown Detroit Christmas Events and FUN Things To Do to do all in one area! Park once, play all day!
1. 22nd Annual Detroit Tree Lighting Ceremony This November 2025 | Top Michigan Holiday Activity
The Downtown Detroit Tree Lighting Ceremony is an incredible event occurring on Friday, November 21, 2025, 4:00 pm - 9:00 pm EST in downtown Detroit at Campus Martius Park. You can enjoy live entertainment, food trucks and of course, the magical lighting of the enormous Christmas Tree!
- Watch local and national talent on the main stage and on the ice
- See Santa! 🎅
- Delicious food trucks
- Holiday shopping
- Festive photo opportunities
- And lots more!
Read More: Detroit Tree Lighting Ceremony at Campus Martius Park This Christmas
2. Go Ice Skating at The Rink at Campus Martius Park | November through March 2026 in Downtown Detroit
The Rink at Campus Martius Park opens for ice skating the day after the incredible Detroit tree lighting.
- The Rink at Campus Martius Park is open seven days a week, including holidays, November through March 2026. Check their website for hours and more information.
See award-winning holiday lighting as you glide across this incredible Detroit ice skating rink! It's a fun affordable Michigan event that is fun for the whole family! Add it to your winter fun list.
Note: Ice skating tickets and skate rentals at Campus Martius Park may be purchased onsite at the park and are offered on a first come, first serve basis.
Read More: If you love ice skating, check out our Detroit Ice Skating Rinks and dozens of super fun Michigan Ice Skating Rinks!
3. Gather at Chalet 313
New in 2024, Chalet 313 is a gorgeous 2-story, heated, glass-enclosed chalet that is THE SPOT to enjoy the holiday season! Sip drinks and cuddle up with that special someone while watching skaters glide across the ice rink.
Chalet 303 offers cozy seating, bar and 360-degree views of the ice rink, towering Christmas tree and dazzling Detroit skyline.
4. Start Your Holiday Shopping at the Downtown Detroit Markets
When: Open November 12, 2025 and will be open during the Detroit Tree Lighting!
Downtown Detroit Markets & Cadillac Lodge Hours:
- *Monday – Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday – Thursday: 11AM – 8PM
- Friday – Saturday: 11AM – 10PM
- Sunday: 11AM – 7PM
*HOWEVER: Closer to Christmas, the markets will be open December 15-16, December 22-23, 2025 11AM – 8PM)
The Downtown Detroit Markets will be open until January 4, 2026.
Where: Cadillac Square
What are the Downtown Detroit Markets? The Downtown Detroit Markets are a great chance to shop local Detroit small businesses selling their Christmas wares in a pop-up style. Several local retailers will set up shop for the holiday season in this outdoor marketplace. You can find great gift items such as apparel, accessories, jewelry, bath products, home décor, children’s toys, pet goods, books, snacks and more!
5. Warm Up in the Beautiful Cadillac Lodge! | Downtown Detroit
When: This pop-up tent will be open during the Detroit Tree Lighting through New Years Day.
Downtown Detroit Markets & Cadillac Lodge Hours:
- Mondays & Tuesdays: Closed
- Wednesdays & Thursdays: 11am – 8pm
- Fridays & Saturdays: 11am – 11pm
- Sundays: 11am – 8pm
Where: The Cadillac Lodge, 60 Cadillac Square, Detroit, MI 48226
This heated, cozy, family-friendly space is conveniently located next to the Downtown Detroit Markets. There's no charge to enter the Cadillac Lodge this November and December. The Lodge is beautifully decorated with plush couches and chairs so come on in to warm up and play fun games like Jenga and Chinese checkers!
- Plus, Cadillac Lounge offers a variety of eats and treats plus festive drinks all in the comfort of a lovely ski lodge setting, all in Downtown Detroit! It's such a warm and welcoming spot to relax and enjoy cocktails or hot cocoa with friends and family.
6. Menorah in the D 2025
Menorah in the D 2025 will take place at Campus Martius, Detroit on Sunday, December 14, 2025.
- 5:00 pm Event & Broadcast Begins
- 5:30 pm Menorah Lighting Ceremony
Here's what's happening:
- Lighting of the 26 ft. Detroit Menorah
- Honoring 8 Community Lamplighters
- Strolling Entertainment
- Soup, snacks and cider
- Photo Ops, balloon animals, fun for kids
7. Cuddle Up on Romantic Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides | Downtown Detroit | Top Spot for a Romantic Winter Getaway!
When: Horse-drawn carriage rides are available on Fridays and Saturdays beginning mid November-December. Check Downtown Detroit Partnership's website for more details.
Where: Woodward Esplanade next to Campus Martius Park
What a fantastic way to ignite your Christmas spirit! Experience the magic of Downtown Detroit from the comfort of a magical horse-drawn carriage! These lovely holiday horse-drawn carriage rides embark from the Woodward Esplanade next to Campus Martius Park (see our map above). Chris and I can't wait to to experience this fun Michigan holiday activity!
Tickets can be purchased at the time of the ride (credit or debit only) on a first come, first served basis. We are excited to take a horse drawn carriage ride around the city and also to see the brilliantly lit Detroit Christmas Tree at Campus Martius Park.
New Year’s Eve Carriage Rides: TBD
Downtown Detroit Places To Park (See Our Map Above)
These are two ideas, of course there are other lots and choices in the area.
- One Campus Martius Garage at 1188 Farmer Street, Detroit, MI. With over 1,750 parking spaces, the One Campus Martius Garage is located at 1188 Farmer Street and is connected to both One Campus Martius and the People Mover. Amenities including a complimentary air pump, window washing stations, bicycle parking and electric vehicle parking/charging stations. 24/7 Security, Daily rate parking available.
- The Kennedy Square Garage at 720 Griswold Street is also one block away. Convenient and secure garage in downtown Detroit, across the street from Campus Martius Park.
Things to Do Nearby in Detroit!