Top 7 Downtown Detroit Christmas 2022 Activities and FUN Winter Things To Do | Detroit Tree Lighting, Horse Drawn Carriages, Ice Skating at Campus Martius Park This December
Top 7 Downtown Detroit Christmas Events 2022 FUN Things To Do | Detroit Tree Lighting, Horse Drawn Carriages, Ice Skating at Campus Martius Park This Winter
By: Sherry Trautman | Travel-Mi.com | Updated: December 22, 2022
This Christmas season, head to Downtown Detroit for a sprinkle of Christmas spirit topped with a jingle jangle of good cheer! There's so many fun things to do in the Motor City!
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. Incredible Detroit Tree Lighting Ceremony!
The Downtown Detroit Tree Lighting Ceremony is an incredible event occurring on Friday, November 18, 2022 in downtown Detroit at Campus Martius Park. There's live entertainment, food trucks and of course, the magical lighting of the enormous Christmas Tree!
Read More: Detroit Tree Lighting Ceremony at Campus Martius Park This Christmas
2. Be Wowed at "Light Up Beacon Park"
Occuring on the same day as the Downtown Detroit Tree Lighting Ceremony, "Light Up Beacon Park" is worth seeing.
When: Friday, November 18, 2022 from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
From 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., check out the 20-foot, sparkling Michigan-grown Children’s Tree! It's loaded with ornaments decorated by local Detroit children.
Then, at 6:00 pm is the tree lighting ceremony where you can visit with Santa Claus and his live reindeer, embark on a fun train ride, and enjoy live performances.
Read More: Detroit Tree Lighting Ceremony and Light Up Beacon Park at Campus Martius Park This Christmas
3. Go Ice Skating at The Rink at Campus Martius Park!
The Rink at Campus Martius Park opens immediately after the incredible Detroit tree lighting on November 18, 2022!
- The Rink at Campus Martius Park is open seven days a week, including holidays, November 18, 2022 through March 5, 2023. Check their website for hours and more information.
Note: Tickets and skate rentals 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!
4. Start Your Holiday Shopping at the Downtown Detroit Markets!
When: Open November 10, 2022 and will be open during the Detroit Tree Lighting!
The Downtown Detroit Markets will be open until January 1, 2022.
Where: Cadillac Square
What are the Downtown Detroit Markets? The Downtown Detroit Markets are a great chance to shop local small businesses selling their items in a pop-up style. Eighteen curated local retailers will set up shop for the holiday season. These shops feature great gift items such as apparel, jewelry, candles, pet toys and treats, books, board games, fine cheeses, chocolates and more!
5. Cuddle Up on Romantic Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides!
What a fantastic way to ignite your Christmas spirit! These lovely horse-drawn carriage rides embark from the Woodward Esplanade next to Campus Martius Park ((see our map above). Horse-drawn carriage rides are available on Fridays and Saturdays through December 30, 2022. Chris and I can't wait to go this year!
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.
Rides Per Person: $10
Private Group Rides: $40
6. Warm Up in the Beautiful Cadillac Lodge!
When: Open November 10, 2022 and will be open during the Detroit Tree Lighting!
Where: The Cadillac Lodge will be open until January 1, 2022.
This heated, cozy, family-friendly space is conveniently located next to the Downtown Detroit Markets. There's no charge to enter the Cadillac Lodge. 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.
7. Visit "Toyland" at Beacon Park!
Children and adults alike will delight in "Toyland!" See huge custom made light exhibits that include a 25 foot star, huge teddy bear and sparkly larger than life train.
- While visiting Beacon Park's “Toyland,” kids will love a free, ride-on toy train available 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Enjoy this winter wonderland in Beacon park November 18, 2022 through January 16, 2023.
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.