Posted by Michael Perna on Tuesday, October 28th, 2025 12:13pm.
**Updated Nov 27, 2025
November in Metro Detroit is packed with exciting activities and events for everyone, making it an ideal time to explore the area. Whether you're already living in Metro Detroit or considering moving to Metro Detroit, this month offers a rich array of entertainment options, from electrifying concerts and comedy shows to holiday markets and family-friendly festivities. With venues like Little Caesars Arena and the Royal Oak Music Theatre hosting top artists, along with festive events like the Detroit Zoo Wild Lights, the region promises something special for every interest. Keep reading to discover the top things to do in Metro Detroit this November!

.png)
.png)
.png)
Detroit Lions, Facebook

Beyond Van Gogh, Facebook
Step inside a cinematic, walk-through gallery where more than 700 works from Van Gogh and Monet are projected floor-to-ceiling in a 360-degree setting accompanied by an original score. Plan on about 60–90 minutes to explore the immersive rooms and take in the shifting light, color, and sound that surround the viewer. The experience is designed for all ages, with timed entry to manage flow and free admission for ages 4 and under when accompanied by a ticketed adult.
Detroit’s signature small-business market returns with a curated lineup of 200+ local vendors and an on-site Food Truck Rally spread across the Eastern Market sheds. Early access perks include two hours of shopping before doors open to the public, plus an All Things Detroit tote and exclusive coupons and giveaways. The one-day showcase routinely welcomes more than 12,000 shoppers and is held twice a year, making the November edition a prime stop for gift hunting while supporting Michigan makers. Expect a high-energy marketplace experience designed to celebrate local entrepreneurship and community.
Corktown hosts Detroit’s annual salute to service with an opening ceremony at IBEW Local 58 before the parade moves through the neighborhood. The route begins near Porter and Trumbull, tracks along Michigan Avenue, loops south to 16th and Lacombe, then returns east on Michigan before heading back down Trumbull toward Abbott. Expect veterans organizations, community groups, and a motorcycle brigade leading the procession, with detailed staging and access points set for participants and spectators.
Metro Detroit’s largest pop-culture convention takes over the Showplace with celebrity meet-and-greets, Artist Alley, panel conversations, cosplay contests, photo ops, gaming lounges, and a full slate of family programming in Novi. Expect curated attractions like sketch duels, a kids’ room, tabletop play, and special after-hours activities that keep the energy going all weekend. On-site parking is first-come, first-served and $10 per vehicle, with in-and-out privileges.
This fully synchronized, drive-through holiday spectacle stretches for about 1.5 miles and plays in perfect time with a curated soundtrack broadcast to your car stereo at 100.1 FM. New for this season, a companion “house show” at the Canteen adds a second stop to extend the experience. Timed by vehicle rather than person, it is designed for easy family visits with nightly operations from 6:00 to 10:00 p.m. throughout the season.
Detroit’s creator economy takes center stage with a full-day program of keynotes, panel talks, and breakout sessions designed to deliver practical playbooks on branding, monetization, and social strategy. Attendees can expect a high-energy crowd of influencers, founders, and small-business owners, plus opportunities to meet mentors and explore partnerships. Conference tracks span tech, fashion, real estate, music, marketing, sports marketing, film, entrepreneurship, and investment, making it an all-in-one crash course for content-driven growth. The venue confirms doors open at 10:00 a.m. with programming running through 10:00 p.m. under one roof downtown.
Beneath the dot parking garage, this two-day pop-up brings together a “secret society” of artists, makers, authors, and bakers for a festive underground shopping experience in Ferndale. It is intentionally short and sweet, with limited-run hours across Saturday and Sunday, which keeps the energy high and the finds fresh. Visitors can browse giftable goods for friends and family or pick up something special for themselves, all while supporting local creatives. Entry is free, with an optional food drive or FernCare donation welcomed on site.
A five-mile stretch of Hines Park transforms into a drive-through wonderland featuring nearly 50 themed displays and more than 100,000 lights, all synced for easy cruising with family or friends in Westland. The season launches with the “Lights On” celebration on Thursday, Nov 20 at 6:00 p.m. at Merriman Hollow Park, complete with music, fireworks, and a visit from Santa.
Tune to AM 1640 near the entrance for real-time updates on traffic and wait times, and note that Hines Drive closes for operations from 5:00–11:30 p.m. along the route. Bonus nights on Monday, Dec 22 and Tuesday, Dec 23 provide extra chances to roll through before the display wraps on Dec 24.
Beacon Park launches the season with 125,000 twinkling LEDs, themed music, warm drinks and dinner options, plus the lighting of a 20-foot Michigan-grown holiday tree. The kickoff runs 5:00–7:00 p.m., while the “Candyland” winter display, with larger-than-life light features, a giant gingerbread house, and photo-worthy backdrops, continues nightly through January 20, 6:00–10:00 p.m. Families can also look for a new indoor DESIGN HAUS pop-up on select dates Nov 21–30 offering art, music, fitness and wellness activations. It’s a polished, downtown-ready way to ease into the holidays without the overwhelm.
Five consecutive weekends fill downtown with free holiday programming, from a grand opening tree lighting to markets, rides, and live entertainment in Royal Oak. The series merges with Winter Blast this year, adding favorites like the zip line, carnival attractions, and ice sculptures alongside returning staples such as visits with Santa, horse and wagon rides, and the Great Royal Oak Elf Hunt. The outdoor skating rink operates daily in Centennial Commons with posted hours and pricing for admission and skate rentals.
Pine Knob’s parking lots transform into a mile-plus drive-through of millions of LEDs with towering scenes, digital animations, and multiple illuminated tunnels, including a 200-foot “Enchanting Tunnel of Lights.” New this year in Clarkston, the Reindeer Rest Stop lets guests step out for a brief walk-through photo moment before returning to the route. Regular operating hours run 6:00–9:00 p.m. most nights, with expanded weekend hours (5:30–10:00 p.m.) from Dec 12–Jan 3 and holiday hours 6:00–9:00 p.m. on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve/Day, and New Year’s Eve. One pass covers one vehicle for a single trip; all passes must be purchased online in advance.
Glenlore Trails returns with a story-driven, illuminated forest walk where guests join the “Winter Wizards” to brighten a mile-long path with sound, color, and seasonal spectacle. The experience runs on timed entries Thursday through Sunday evenings and typically takes 45–60 minutes to complete, making it an easy add to a holiday night out. Optional interactive “magic wands” are available on site to trigger hidden moments and extra effects along the route, while concessions and select food truck nights keep the cozy vibes going. Family friendly and camera ready, it is built for all ages and designed for wandering, lingering, and plenty of photos.
Downtown Brighton turns Main Street into a festive market with vendors, live performances, and hands-on children’s activities. Families can expect train rides, a petting farm, and photos with a live reindeer throughout the afternoon. Santa and Mrs. Claus make a sleigh arrival with their elves around 5:45 p.m., capping a community celebration that officially kicks off the season. Everything is outdoors, easy to browse, and designed for a relaxed small-town holiday experience.
Michigan Foodies, Facebook
This festive takeover fills the orchard with an artisan market, carolers and live music, free children’s crafts and face painting, and twinkling décor throughout the grounds. Guests can browse holiday goods, pick up fresh wreaths and décor, and plan add-ons like igloo dining or a ticketed Santa Experience. The season officially kicks off with the annual tree lighting in Orchard Square on November 22 at 6:00 p.m., making it an easy small-town holiday tradition with big atmosphere. Free RSVP is encouraged, and select food and beverage options are available for purchase on site.
This holiday drive-through spans roughly 6.5 miles across MIS with large-scale displays and illuminated scenes designed for a slow cruise with family or friends. It operates in all weather and remains open on both Christmas Day and New Year’s, making it an easy add to the holiday calendar. Entrances are off US-12 at Gate 8 (westbound) or Gate 14/Graves Farm (eastbound); follow the route to the ticket booth before entering the main show. Timed by vehicle rather than person, one ticket covers a single pass through the display; optional train rides are also offered on select nights with limited seating.
The 41st annual celebration fills The Center with designer trees, wreaths, and centerpieces, all to benefit The Children’s Foundation. The season begins with the ticketed Preview Gala on Saturday night, followed by a week of public viewing hours and a raffle drawing on Sunday, Nov 30 at 3:30 p.m. Families can also look for the Gingerbread Village, created by local bakers and on display throughout the show. It is a polished, tradition-filled kickoff to the holidays with convenient daily hours and easy, at-the-door admission.
On select nights, the Zoo transforms into a winter dreamscape with more than five million LED lights, immersive tunnels, and themed zones such as the Enchanted Rainforest and a glowing Field of Lights in Royal Oak. The 2025/26 schedule runs Nov 22–Jan 4 on specific dates, with extended hours on Fridays and Saturdays. Booking online is recommended for the best rates and to secure preferred time slots. Proceeds support the Detroit Zoological Society’s mission, adding purpose to a highly photogenic night out.
Downtown merchants celebrate the 52nd year of Lagniappe, offering “a little something extra” as Main Street closes to traffic for an evening of holiday cheer in Rochester. The Big, Bright Light Show officially flips on at 7:00 p.m., followed by a fireworks display, with Santa arriving for visits from 7:15–9:00 p.m. Attendees should plan ahead for road closures between Second and University and arrive early for parking. Event details, including the stage location at W. 4th & Main and recommended guidelines, are posted on the official page.
More than one million LEDs blanket the buildings of Downtown Rochester, creating a walkable, movie-set glow every evening after the flip-the-switch moment at 7:00 p.m. on Nov 24. The display is self-guided and easy to pair with shopping and dining, with streets closed for the kickoff and a stage set at W. 4th and Main for the evening program. Plan on nighttime viewing from 5:00 p.m. to midnight throughout the season, and check the official page for parking maps and updates. It is a signature small-city spectacle that draws families, photographers, and holiday sightseers to Main Street.
Detroit’s Thanksgiving-morning tradition returns with 10K, 5K, and the Mashed Potato Mile, long celebrated as the “Parade before the Parade” for its costumes and crowd energy. The 10K and Mile start at 7:30 a.m., followed by the 5K at 8:30 a.m.; 10K/5K start on Griswold & Fort, the Mile on Atwater behind Huntington Place, and all races finish on Atwater by the Riverwalk. Packet pickup and a free Expo run at Huntington Place Hall E on Wednesday (Nov 26, 12–7 p.m.) and again on race morning (6–8 a.m.). Strollers are allowed, while pets and bikes are not, so plan gear and pacing accordingly.
Detroit’s 99th annual holiday tradition rolls three miles down Woodward with colorful floats, high-flying balloons, marching bands, and special guests, starting at Kirby and finishing at Congress. Much of the route is open viewing at no cost, while pre-paid grandstand seats are available along the avenue. If watching from home, the parade airs live on WDIV Local 4 and streams on ClickOnDetroit, with on-site details and the route map available on the official page.
By day, Holiday Walk in Rochester is a self-guided tour through the National Historic Landmark’s grand rooms dressed in full seasonal décor, from the Great Hall to the Ballroom. After dark, Winter Wonder Lights turns the estate into an outdoor light show with immersive installations, music, seasonal concessions, bonfires, and an optional peek inside the mansion’s main floor. Events run most dates Nov 28–Dec 30, operate in rain or snow, include free parking, and use timed entry to pace the experience. Value Nights and Family Nights appear on select dates for added savings and kid-friendly perks.
The village transforms into a walkable winter scene with choreographed light shows, carolers, twinkling trees, and holiday vignettes, plus live character meet-and-greets with Santa and Mrs. Claus, the Grinch, Buddy the Elf, and more. Evenings are timed to manage crowd flow, with gates opening at 6:00 p.m., last entry at 8:00 p.m., and the village closing at 9:00 p.m. Warm up with hot drinks or treats from on-site vendors like Yates Cider Mill and browse the boutiques for giftable finds between light displays. It’s an easy, family-friendly stroll built for photos, nostalgia, and a festive night out in Lake Orion.
Kellogg Park glows with rows of decorated evergreens for a continuous, self-guided stroll through the holidays, presented by the Plymouth Community Chamber of Commerce. The display officially begins November 28 and remains up around the clock through early January, making it easy to visit at any time. This year’s edition is sponsored by Bank of Ann Arbor, with the Chamber coordinating tree placement and participant guidelines. For the latest event details, dates, and contacts, refer to the official page.
The Renaissance village turns into a walk-through holiday world with over half a million lights, artisan shopping, bonfire warming spots, and sweet treats along the route. Expect festive moments like meeting Santa, a Polar Pub Crawl, and a Holiday Token Hunt, plus rotating add-ons such as a tree-lighting ceremony and cookie decorating with Santa’s elf. The event runs on select dates Nov 28–30 and Dec 5–7, 12–14, 19–21, 22–24, 26–28, and 31, making it easy to plan a night that fits the calendar. It’s a family-friendly stroll built for photos and nostalgia, with timed evening hours that keep the experience relaxed and bright.
Visit Detroit, Facebook
Detroit’s holiday season flips on in the heart of downtown with the 22nd Annual Detroit Tree Lighting, presented by the DTE Energy Foundation and produced by the Downtown Detroit Partnership. Expect a full on-site program that blends main-stage performances with on-ice exhibitions, Santa sightings, food trucks, giveaways, and more than a million lights brightening the surrounding parks and skyline. The schedule runs 4:00 to 9:00 p.m., and the event is free to attend. It is Detroit’s signature kickoff, designed to be both a neighborhood gathering and a city-wide spectacle.
This year’s celebration reaches beyond the park with an exclusive broadcast partnership on WDIV Local 4, expanding coverage to a two-hour special with additional streaming on Local 4+ and ClickOnDetroit. The upgrade puts the tree lighting alongside the city’s other marquee telecasts, making the moment accessible for viewers across Metro Detroit who want the energy without the commute. Whether you watch live from Woodward or from the living room, the program is built to capture that first-night glow.
Skating fans get a bonus. The evening includes star-power figure skating performances on The Rink at Campus Martius Park, and the rink itself operates daily from November through March, including holidays, for those who want to return and make a full winter outing of it. Few urban skylines frame a rink like this one, and the atmosphere only intensifies once the tree is lit. Plan a repeat visit to skate under the lights later in the season.
Make it a downtown night by pairing the lighting with a walk over to Cadillac Square, where the Downtown Detroit Markets and the Cadillac Lodge run November 12 through January 4. The outdoor marketplace features a rotating mix of small-business vendors, while the Lodge offers a cozy, family-friendly hangout steps from Campus Martius. Hours vary by day, with special operating times on Tree Lighting Friday.
As November unfolds, Metro Detroit comes alive with a wide variety of events and experiences that truly capture the spirit of the season. From live music and comedy shows to festive holiday markets and family-friendly attractions, there’s no shortage of things to enjoy. Whether you’re living in Metro Detroit or moving to Metro Detroit, this vibrant region offers countless opportunities for entertainment, culture, and community. Be sure to take advantage of all that the area has to offer as you explore the top things to do in November!
The Perna Team and Michael Perna are the best real estate agents in Metro Detroit and Ann Arbor. The Perna Team and Michael Perna have been hired as a real estate agent by hundreds of home owners to sell their homes in Metro Detroit and Ann Arbor.
The Perna Team were steady, responsive, and genuinely supportive from beginning to end. If you're buying or selling a home anywhere in Metro Detroit, Noah is the kind of agent who shows up with professionalism, care, and your best interest at heart.