2. Wayne County Lightfest, Westland
The Wayne County Lightfest winds through a four-mile stretch of Hines Park, displaying nearly 50 animated themed displays and more than 100,000 lights. The Lightfest is open Wednesday-Sunday from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM. It runs until December 31st, but is closed on Christmas Day. All of the displays are viewable from your own car.
The prices are as follows (cash only!):
Car: $5.00
Commercial Van/RV/Limo: $20.00
Mini-Bus (20 passenger): $25.00
Bus (40 passenger+): $50.00
3. Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo, Royal Oak
This event is a trail that illuminates half of the Detroit Zoo. It runs from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM on select weeknights and Sundays and from 5:00 PM to 10:30 PM on select weeknights, Fridays, and Saturdays. Advanced tickets are recommended as the event sells out quickly. Cost will vary subject to date and time; tickets sold in advance (either online or onsite at Customer Care during daytime Detroit Zoo hours) range from $17 to $24 for general admission and $30 to $38 for the Polar Patio package; parking is $8 per car. Wild Lights is held in rain, snow or shine!
4. Outdoor Dining in Igloos!
In 2019 and even 2020, state restrictions prohibiting indoor dining at restaurants prompted restaurants to install igloos or other outside structures for patrons. Some cities, such as Northville and Ann Arbor, closed streets to vehicle traffic to allow for outdoor dining. Many restaurants still offer these unique dining experiences. When looking for restaurants, be sure to get the details before you go. Some locations require reservations.
5. Visit The Big, Bright Light Show, Rochester Hills
From now until January 3rd, the buildings in downtown Rochester Hills will be covered in holiday lights. The displays are lit every evening from 5 PM to Midnight. Most stores are open until 9 PM, Monday-Saturday.
6. Visit Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland, Frankenmuth
Bronner’s features a large selection of Christmas ornaments, trims, trees, Christmas lights, nativities, and collectibles. Christmas cards, garlands, stockings, Advent calendars, and wreaths are also among the many items available. Bronner’s carries 6,000 styles of ornaments, and more than half of the glass ornaments are Bronner’s exclusive design! The store also offers personalized ornaments and gifts. They are open daily except for New Years Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
Below are their hours for November-December:
- Monday – Thursday 10:00 am to 7:00 pm
- Friday 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
- Saturday 9:00 am to 9:00 pm
- Sunday Noon to 6:00 pm
7. Glenlore Trails: Aurora, Commerce Township
A unique experience in Michigan’s original illuminated forest. The immersive trail features interactive story moments and other entertainment with new features added regularly. Every Thursday to Sunday evening the forest comes to life in a dazzling display of light and sound. Glenlore Trails is a rain or shine event, and refunds are not offered due to inclement weather. Concessions are available. The trail is open Thursday-Sunday for the remainder of December.
The ticket prices are as follows:
- General (13+): $25.00
- Youth (4-12): $15.00
- Seniors (65+): $20.00
- 3 & Under: Free
- Group Rates: $18-$22
8. Plymouth Ice Festival, Plymouth
This winter’s ice festival will be held February 11-13, 2022 in downtown Plymouth. At this event, sidewalks are lined with ice carving sculptures/displays and merchants.
This year’s hours are as follows:
- Friday – February 11th: 5 PM – 10 PM
- Saturday – February 12th: 10 AM – 10 PM
- Sunday – February 13th: 10 AM – 6 PM
9. View The Polar Express at The Henry Ford, Dearborn
View The Polar Express in 3D at the The Henry Ford Giant Screen Experience from now-January 2nd. Ticket prices are below and are subject to change. Showtimes vary.
| Ages | Member Price | Non-member Price |
|---|---|---|
| Senior (62+) | $8.75 | $10.00 |
| General Admission (12-61) | $9.50 | $11.00 |
| Youth (5-11) | $7.50 | $8.50 |
| Children (4 & Under) | $7.50 | $8.50 |
10. Volunteer with Focus: Hope or Meals on Wheels
On Saturday, December 18th, Focus: Hope will deliver 1,400 holiday meals to senior citizens across Metro Detroit as part of their Focus: HOPE’S-Food for Seniors program. Deliveries will begin at 8:00 a.m. and end before noon. To volunteer either onsite or by delivering food, you must register using this form: tinyurl.com/SHDP21.
Visit https://focushope.galaxydigital.com/event/detail/?event_id=79681 for more information.
Meals on Wheels has many ways to volunteer: packing meals, delivering meals, working at their office, and delivering meals on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter Day. For more information on how to become a volunteer, visit https://www.mealsonwheelsmi.org/volunteer/.
Thoughts From A Lefty 