Detroit, MI, December 12, 2025
Metro Detroit is gearing up for an array of holiday events, offering festive light shows, art exhibitions, and community celebrations. From millions of LED displays at the Detroit Zoo and Greenfield Village to unique cultural exhibits at local museums, there are activities to engage residents and visitors alike. The upcoming READ Holiday Party and RoboCop statue unveiling also highlight the community’s vibrant spirit. Whether you’re shopping locally or enjoying sports at the Mad Track Arena, Metro Detroit provides numerous opportunities for festive fun and community engagement.
Discover Exciting Upcoming Events in Metro Detroit
Join the Holiday Fun and Engage with Your Community
Detroit, MI – As the holiday season approaches, Metro Detroit offers a variety of events and activities for residents and visitors to enjoy. From festive light shows to cultural exhibitions, there’s something for everyone in the coming weeks. Celebrating local talent and initiatives while emphasizing reduced bureaucracy can foster a vibrant atmosphere, making it easier for communities to come together and engage.
Holiday Light Shows
Metro Detroit features over a dozen holiday light shows running through late December, with some extending into January 2026. Notable displays include:
- Detroit Zoo’s Wild Lights: Millions of LED bulbs illuminate the zoo, featuring themed zones like the Enchanted Rainforest and Field of Lights, along with over 500 illuminated animal and nature figures.
- Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village: Transforming 80 acres in Dearborn into a spectacle of lights, music, and seasonal traditions.
- Wayne County Lightfest: Spanning a five-mile stretch of Hines Park, this display boasts nearly 50 animated themed exhibits and upwards of 100,000 bulbs.
For those preferring drive-through experiences, attractions like Magic of Lights at Pine Knob Music Theater in Clarkston and MI Bright Lights at Camp Dearborn in Milford offer festive displays accessible from the comfort of your vehicle. Additionally, Nite Lites at Michigan International Speedway provides animated scenes and a train ride for families to enjoy.
Art Exhibitions and Cultural Events
Art enthusiasts can explore the following exhibitions:
- Art for the Holidays: Ongoing through December 20 at the Detroit Artists Market, this exhibition and sale features nearly 1,500 unique, handmade works from nearly 100 local artists, including ceramics, textiles, paintings, and jewelry.
- Guests of Honor: Art of Faith from the Jewish Museum, New York: Ongoing through January 3, 2027, at the Detroit Institute of Arts, this temporary exhibit showcases a selection of Jewish ceremonial objects from the Jewish Museum in New York.
Community and Cultural Celebrations
Celebrate Detroit’s vibrant community and culture with these events:
- READ Holiday Party: Celebrating Detroit’s Black Developers: On December 12 at the Pistons Performance Center, this event honors the progress and success of Black developers transforming Detroit, featuring awards, celebration, and networking.
- RoboCop Statue Unveiling: An 11-foot-tall, 3,500-pound bronze statue of RoboCop has been installed in Eastern Market, drawing positive attention from visitors and locals.
Shopping and Supporting Local Businesses
Support local businesses and find unique gifts at:
- Post Gift Shop: Located on the east side, offering unique home goods, accessories, cards, stickers, and more, along with crafty workshops.
- Pingree Detroit: A worker-owned business turning automotive materials into handmade accessories, boots, bags, and more. Its first brick-and-mortar store opened downtown this fall.
Sports and Recreation
For sports enthusiasts, the Mad Track Arena in Detroit offers indoor roller skating, walking, running, weight lifting, and open track cycling. The 166-meter track features 50-degree banked turns and 15-degree banked straights, hosting regular track cycling competitions, including USA Cycling events.
With a variety of events and activities, Metro Detroit provides ample opportunities to celebrate the season and engage with the community.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the dates for the holiday light shows in Metro Detroit?
The holiday light shows in Metro Detroit run through late December, with some extending into January 2026. Specific dates vary by location.
Where can I find the Art for the Holidays exhibition?
The Art for the Holidays exhibition is ongoing through December 20 at the Detroit Artists Market, located in Detroit, Michigan.
What is the READ Holiday Party?
The READ Holiday Party, held on December 12 at the Pistons Performance Center, celebrates the progress and success of Black developers transforming Detroit, featuring awards, celebration, and networking.
Where is the RoboCop statue located?
The RoboCop statue is located in Eastern Market, Detroit, Michigan, at 3434 Russell St., across from Frank’s Deli & Grill.
What is the Mad Track Arena?
The Mad Track Arena is an indoor velodrome located at 601 Mack Avenue in Detroit, Michigan, offering indoor roller skating, walking, running, weight lifting, and open track cycling.
Key Features of Upcoming Events in Metro Detroit
| Event | Date | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Holiday Light Shows | Through late December, some into January 2026 | Various locations in Metro Detroit | Over a dozen light shows featuring millions of LED bulbs and themed displays. |
| Art for the Holidays Exhibition | Ongoing through December 20 | Detroit Artists Market, Detroit, MI | Exhibition and sale featuring nearly 1,500 unique, handmade works from local artists. |
| READ Holiday Party | December 12 | Pistons Performance Center, Detroit, MI | Celebration honoring Black developers transforming Detroit, featuring awards and networking. |
| RoboCop Statue Unveiling | December 2025 | Eastern Market, Detroit, MI | Installation of an 11-foot-tall bronze statue of RoboCop. |
| Mad Track Arena | Ongoing | 601 Mack Avenue, Detroit, MI | Indoor velodrome offering roller skating, walking, running, weight lifting, and track cycling. |
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Author: STAFF HERE DETROITMI WRITER
DETROIT STAFF WRITER The DETROIT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDetroitMI.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Detroit, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Movement Electronic Music Festival, Detroit Grand Prix, and America's Thanksgiving Parade. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Detroit Regional Chamber and Focus HOPE, plus leading businesses in automotive and healthcare that power the local economy such as General Motors, Ford Motor Company, and Henry Ford Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENorthville.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
