It may be the most wonderful time of the year, but I’m not sure if my wallet would echo the sentiment. After all, holiday shopping is far from the only part of the holiday season that comes with a hefty price tag. Between booking tickets to holiday attractions to purchasing ugly sweaters and browsing the aisles for the cutest seasonal decor, I need Christmas to hurry up and get here before I spend up a storm!
This holiday season, save your hard earned dollars for the things that really matter (like matching Christmas pajama sets and eggnog, of course) by enjoying these festive, frugal events and attractions. From free visits with Santa to light displays and holiday events that don’t cost a dime, there’s no reason holiday cheer should come with a price tag.
5 Free Holiday Activities in Metro Detroit
Get into the holiday spirit without breaking the bank with these free festivities and holiday events around metro Detroit.
Attend a tree lighting ceremony
Tree lighting ceremonies are a great way to get your family into the holiday spirit while connecting with other families in your town. These free community events kick off the season with sparkling holiday lights; some even have appearances from Santa and free activities such as ice skating performances, cookie decorating and more holiday cheer.
22nd Annual Detroit Tree Lighting
- 4 p.m.-9 p.m. Nov. 21, 2025
- Downtown Detroit
Live entertainment, figure skating performances and holiday treats are at this event.
Wyandotte Tree Lighting
- Dusk, Nov. 21, 2025
- Wyandotte
A smaller lighting but packed with tradition, Wyandotte is approaching its 79th tree lighting, with its Christmas Parade the following morning.
Holiday Lighted Parade & Tree Lighting Ceremony
- 6:30 p.m. Nov. 21, 2025
- Northville
This festive parade begins at 6:30 p.m. in Downtown Northville. Floats, bands and dancers precede the ultimate tree lighting.
Light the Village
- Nov. 21, 2025
- Village of Rochester Hills
Tree lighting kicks off the holiday season, followed by Santa visits.
Holiday Tree Lighting and Afterglow
- 6:30 p.m. Dec. 5, 2025
- Macomb Township
A tree lighting with fireworks afterwards is the best way to go during the holidays. There is also caroling and visits from Santa.
Visit Santa Claus
If your family is anything like mine, then you’ll know we never pay for something we can get for free! This year, ditch the fees to take a photo with Santa and attend one of these events where kids can visit the big man and snap a photo for free.
Village of Rochester Hills Santa Visits
- dates TBD, expected to begin late November through December
- Rochester Hills
Your kids can visit Santa and his reindeer on weekends starting in late November through Dec. 24. Bring your own camera for photo ops.
Visit Santa at Center Street Mall
- 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Thursdays; 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays, Nov. 29-Dec. 20, 2025
- Milford
Enjoy a hot chocolate after your free visit with Santa at the Village of Milford Center Street Mall.
Santa’s Wonderland at Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shop
- dates TBD, expected to begin late November through December
- Select Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shop locations
Reservations are required, but come with a 15-minute visit and free 4×6 print.
The Big, Bright Light Show
- 5 p.m. Nov. 24, 2025
- Downtown Rochester
I love bundling up, sipping a (spiked) hot cocoa and walking under tunnels of twinkling lights with my loved ones. While there are many fantastic Christmas light displays that are worth the price tag, sometimes it can be fun to check out a more lowkey, relaxed spot.
This year, take a stroll through Rochester as 1.5 million holiday lights illuminate the downtown area. No admission fees means you can put that money towards purchasing holiday gifts from local businesses.
Birmingham Santa Walk
- 9:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025
- Downtown Birmingham
Santa Claus is coming to town, and he’s stopping in downtown Birmingham! There will also be free horse-drawn carriage rides and hot cocoa. Be sure to register to reserve your child’s spot!
Holly Dickens Festival
- 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays; 12 p.m.-5 p.m. Sundays, Nov. 29-Dec. 14, 2025
- Battle Alley, Holly
Enjoy a quaint, Charles Dickens-inspired Christmas village with costumed characters, entertainment and vendors. Children can send a postcard to Santa, drop in for a story time and attend a coronation and knighting ceremony with Queen Victoria. The Dickens Parade will be held at 6 p.m. Nov. 28.
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