HOLIDAY SEASON
TIS' THE SEASON for giving
The calendar year may be filling up fast, but we’re itching to slow down and soak in our favorite holiday traditions - family time at the Detroit Zoo’s Wild Lights, Holiday Nights at Greenfield Village, Santa visits in Downtown Birmingham, the Festival of Trees in Dearborn, and finding our Christmas Tree at Blake Farms...just to name a few.
But while we love experiencing these holiday attractions, nothing beats the experience of giving back! Over the last few years, the LittleGuide community has helped collect, deliver, and wrap hundreds of toys for the children & families who will be receiving care at the Children’s Hospital of Michigan this holiday season.
By donating a toy (or two), we can help bring JOY to the children receiving medical care this holiday season - and help relieve the stress of holiday shopping for their parents too!
Help us make this season a little brighter by donating a toy to our “snowpile” this year!
Speaking of gifts, check out our NEW HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE! We hope our recommendations help save you time on shopping and give you more time for FUN! Don't forget, you can click every article and go directly to for more details and direct links.
Follow us on social media to see our holiday adventures and tag us @littleguidedetroit to show us yours!
Here's to a joyful finish to 2024 and a very happy + healthy 2025!
Kerry Doman + Carrie Budzinski
AMERICA'S THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE
America’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will be marching down Woodward Avenue once again this year and you can watch it live on Thursday, November 28th.
Wake up early Thanksgiving morning and head to Detroit to watch floats, marching bands, and live entertainment make their way from Midtown to downtown.
Reserve the best seats and order your Grand Stand tickets for $60 - $70 or find a spot on the sidewalk (free) along the route
Rain, snow, or shine - this is an annual tradition that your family won't soon forget.
Behind the Scenes
Did you know that you can take a behind-thescenes tour of the actual floats from the parade and learn how they are made? Tours of The Parade Company Studio are available year round: $8 (ages 3-17) and $12 (adults)
2024 TURKEY TROTS 2024 TURKEY TROTS
FAMILY-FRIENDLY RACES FAMILY-FRIENDLY RACES
L I V O N I A : N O V 2 N D
Join the Livonia Parks and Recreation Department in a walk/run for the less fortunate. All proceeds from the race go to the Livonia Goodfellows.
D E X T E R : N O V 1 0 T H
Join A2 Turkey Trot at Hudson Mills Metropark for this annual autumn tradition and enjoy a lateseason run that is fun for the whole family!
A N N A R B O R : N O V 2 8 T H
Join a morning full of holiday fun, costumes, and running before your Thanksgiving Day feast - with Turkey Tom and Santa waiting at the finish line!
C A N T O N : N O V 2 8 T H
Runners/Walkers can support the Epilepsy Foundation of Michigan at Canton's Thanksgiving morning run at Heritage Park.
D E T R O I T : N O V 2 8 T H
“The Parade before The Parade”, participants frolic by the largest spectator crowd in Michigan before America's Thanksgiving Parade for a mile or a 5k.
T R O Y : N O V 2 8 T H
The Mighty Gobbler is a family-friendly 5k or 1 mile run/walk event.
S H E L B Y T W P : N O V 2 9 T H
Join a Turkey TRAIL Trot at Stony Creek Metropark on a 2 or 4 mile run.
There's nothing quite like seeing your favorite characters live on stage!
ELF The Musical
November 6 - 10 @ Fox Theatre
This big-screen favorite is just as fun live on stage! Don’t miss the adventures of Buddy as he takes on the big city to find his dad
The Nutcracker
November 23 @ Music Hall Detroit
Experience the magical holiday tradition of The Nutcracker performed by State Ballet Theatre of Ukraine.
A Charlie Brown Christmas
Nov 24 @ Fox Theatre
Join Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Lucy, Linus, and the rest of the Peanuts gang in their journey to uncover the true meaning of Christmas See your favorite scenes from the animated show with expanded storylines and more music.
Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical
Nov. 27 - Dec. 1 @ Fox Theatre
Max the Dog narrates as the mean and scheming Grinch decides to steal Christmas away from the Holiday loving Who's.
Home For The Holidays
December 13 -15 @ DSO
Gather friends and family, one and all, for a celebration of the season featuring the DSO, holiday favorites, and quite possibly, an appearance by Santa Claus.
‘Twas The Night Before...’ by Cirque Du Soleil
December 20 - 31 @ Fox Theatre
Cirque du Soleil’s mesmerizing holiday show will excite kids (and adults) of all ages.
Make the most of the darker days and take the kids to a light show!
Winter Wonder Lights (Rochester)
Winter Wonder Lights transforms Meadow Brook Hall at night into a breathtaking light show featuring music, seasonal treats, and holiday magic.
Wild Lights (Royal Oak)
The Detroit Zoo will be aglow for 40 magical nights with more than five million lights, over 280 sculptures and LED playground.
Wayne County Lightfest (Westland)
Put on your Christmas playlist and drive down Hines Drive for 4.5 miles of light displays - it’s only $5!
MI Bright Lights (Westland)
The Bostick Family Light Show is getting an upgrade! Experience the new drive-thru experience.
Glenlore Trails (Commerce)
Visit Michigan’s original illuminated forest this holiday season! One-mile outdoor path with interactive story moments and other entertainment.
Holiday Stroll (Lake Orion)
Walk through Canterbury Village as it is taken over by more than one million festive lights and interactive stations with character visits.
NEW: ENLIGHTEN (Grand Rapids)
Experience holiday fun at the Meijer Gardens with an outdoor walk at their new immersive light show.
Bundle up and find a seat on the street for a holiday parade near you. From daytime down Main Street, to evening light parades - here are a few you don't want to miss.
Holiday Express (Clinton Township)
On December 14th, experience the magic of The Polar Express in real life. The story will be read as the train begins its journey, while families enjoy treats, sing carols, and more!
Southern Michigan Railroad (Tecumseh)
Take a 30-minute train ride to see Santa, spend about an hour visiting, and then take a ride back. Trains are nearly 100 years old with weekend adventures beginning after Thanksgiving.
Spicer Orchards (Fenton)
The train to see Santa runs every Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday until Christmas at Spicer Orchard. After your special visit, warm up with cider and donuts around the bonfire.
Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad (Flint)
Join friends and family for an evening ride on the Huckleberry Railroad. Afterwards, tour Crossroads Village and experience the seasonal magic.
Coopersville and Marne Railway (Coopersville)
Enjoy a 90-minute train ride with Santa! Read books with the Story Princess, as you wait for Elves to escort each child to see Santa individually so parents can take pictures
The holidays are a special time in downtown Birmingham! With hundreds of local shops and restaurants, free events, and its small-town charm, Birmingham is a wonderful place to be this holiday season.
Birmingham Santa Walk (Saturday, November 30)
Join in welcoming Santa to town! The walk with Santa through downtown Birmingham includes stops at local shops, before concluding at Santa House in Shain Park Stay for a visit with Santa and take a free horse-drawn carriage ride around the park Registration is required
Santa House & Carriage Rides (Starting November 30)
Make an appointment to visit Santa* at his quaint home in Shain Park. While you're there, hop aboard a FREE horse-drawn carriage for a short ride around the park. As always, Santa House visits and carriage rides are free! *Santa Visits are by appointment only except for select dates
Winter Markt (Friday, December 6 – Sunday, December 8)
Experience the magic of the holidays at the annual Birmingham Winter Markt featuring displays from local artists and vendors, European cuisine, thousands of holiday lights, ice sculptures, live entertainment and more Warming stations, visits with Santa, and the Kinderhaus children’s activity area are sure to please visitors of all ages! Join on opening night (Friday, December 6) at 6pm, for the annual Birmingham Holiday Tree Lighting featuring Santa, live caroling, and the lighting of the holiday tree adorned with over 40,000 LED lights!
Visit ALLINBirmingham.com/events for all the details and to register.
Finding a special activity for your family to do each year is a great way to step away from the chaos and have quality time together. Here are 7 activities in metro Detroit to consider.
A T T E N D A T R E E
L I G H T I N G C E R E M O N Y T H A N K S G I V I N G D A Y P A R A D E 1 1 / 2 8
Christmas |
Wish | Pick
| How
|
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| Don’t Let The Pigeon Drive The Sleigh | There’s On Elf In Your Book | Construction Site on Christmas Night | How Do Dinosaurs Say Merry Christmas?
Christmas
A Pine Tree
the Grinch Stole Christmas
Little Blue Truck
The Night Before Christmas
Moo, Baa, Fa La La La La!
The Crayons’ Christmas
Make the most of your holiday break or simply escape the hustle and bustle of home, with a mini Michigan getaway.
Go for a magical ride on the Memory Lane Train at the Christmas Lite Show in Grand Rapids. Be sure to stop by downtown to experience their NEW Christkindl Markt.
If your littles are looking for Santa and his reindeer, take a trip to Rooftop Landing Farm in Clare - you’re sure to find them there.
Count HUNDREDS of decorated trees at Comstock Park in Adrian. This city beat the Hallmark record with 676 trees all lit up.
Bronner's offers Christmas all year long, but there's something extra special about being in Frankenmuth during December.
Stroll through the Wonderland of Lights at Potter Park Zoo in Lansing.
Visit Santa's House in downtown Midland and then take The Northern Star Train ride for a free downtown tour.
Head south and strap on your ice skates to experience The Ribbon, a 1,000 foot loop trail at the Toledo Metropark.
TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
Whether you’re taking a car, train or airplane - here are some travel essentials to make your trip easier.
Inflatable Foot Rest- $25
8. Childress Gate Check Bag - $20
9. Doodle Board - $10
Shop local at Bedrock's Holiday Markets and then cozy up at Cadillac Lodge with oversized family games and seasonal refreshments.
Enjoy a FREE whimsical experience at 1001 Winter Wonders. Enjoy Santa visits Thursdays thru Sundays beginning November 14th and special sensoryfriendly Santa experiences on November 20th & December 21st.
Check out the annual light displays, holiday photo opportunities, and special family events (including train rides) all for FREE at Beacon Park.
The Mean One will be gaming at Next Level by RollerCade every Sunday between 1pm and 2pm starting Nov 17.
Noel Night brings together over 110 venues in Midtown including the DIA, Michigan Science Center, and more for FREE activities, including horse-drawn carriage rides, crafts, live entertainment, Santa & more
5 Ways To Give Back During The Holidays
It's not always about what you GET, but what you GIVE during the holidays. Kids of all ages can help make the holidays special for people in their community Share these acts of service with them and pick a project to do as a family.
Pick up extra ingredients at the store and donate to a food pantry or canned food drive.
Collect and return cans to donate change to the Salvation Army bell ringers.
Help a neighbor by raking leaves (or shoveling snow).
Bake cookies and deliver them to a local senior living complex, fire department, or hospital.
Find gently used toys and clothes at home and donate them to a local shelter.
CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL OF MICHIGAN'S
Snowpile
LittleGuide Detroit is a proud partner of Children's Hospital of Michigan, and this year we will be supporting the Foundation's "Snowpile" program. The annual donation drive provides gifts for hospitalized children AND their siblings.
You can join the effort by making a monetary donation or giving toys or gifts. Learn more by clicking the link!
2024 GIFT GUIDE
TOPGIFTFINDS MAKEGIFTGIVING FUN &EASYTHISYEAR!
HOSTESS GIFTS
TEACHER GIFTS
STOCKING STUFFERS
TECH TOYS
FAMILY GIFTS
EXPERIENCE GIFTS
STOCKING STUFFER IDEAS
Skip the sweet stuff, but keep it fun - here are stocking ideas for all ages.
Bath Bomb Potions - $16
Wikki Stix - $5
Magnetic 3D Puzzle - $16
Dog Man Card Game
Bathtub Crayons
HOSTESS GIFT GUIDE
When you get to skip the cooking and cleaning for the holiday, surprise your hostess with a treat (or two) as a thank you!
1. Wine Stoppers - $17 | 2. Rose Candle - $19 | 3. Bag - $17 | 4. Lotion- $18
5. Coloring Book - $7 | 6. Diffuser - $29 | 7. Jewelry Tray - $16
8. Magnetic Glass Charms - $29 | 9. Gnomes Wine Bottle Cover - $19
1 25 MAGNA Tiles Castle - $40 | 2 Baby Alive Sophia - $30 3. MEGA BLOKS - $16 | 4. Non-Toxic Nail Polish- $15
5 21-Piece Disney Princess Dress Up - $34 | 6 Letter Cross Bag - $12
Wooden Animal Blocks Sorting & Stacking - $12
DIY Assembly Construction Trucks - $24 | 3 Bouncy Pals Dinosaur - $4
120pcs PicassoTiles - $25 | 5 Superhero Capes and Masks - $20
Baseball Batting Tee - $25
1. UNO NFL Card Game - $11 | 2. Indoor Basketball Hoop - $28
3. MLB Kids Pitching Machine - $35
4 Gatorade Stainless Steel Sport Bottle - $24
5 Soccer Goal Set - $50 | 6 Lacrosse Game - $14
Mosaic Tile Craft Kit - $23
Walkie Talkies- $22 |
Collapsible Corn Hole - $30
1. Camera Instant Print - $32
2. Snap Circuits LIGHT Electronics Exploration Kit - $53
3. Drones for Kids - $32 | 4. Spy Gear Night Mission Goggles - $21
5. Laser Tag Guns Set of 4 - $60 | 6. Flying Orb Ball Toy - $32
Experience gifts Experience gifts your kids will love your kids will love
Skip the stuff this year and give the gift of memories!
Grand Rapids Children’s Museum
Plan a day trip or overnight stay to Grand Rapids and experience the NEW Very Eric Carle: A Very Hungry, Quiet, Lonely, Clumsy, Busy Exhibit at the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum. The temporary exhibit is open through January 5th.
Something to Unwrap:
Wooden Train Set ($26), Stacking Cup Set ($13), You’re My Little Baby ($4)
Family memberships are a great gift because it provides go-to activities all year long!
Something to Unwrap:
Animal Matching Card Game ($9), Alphabet Matching Animal Set ($23), Zoo King - Strategic Zoo Building Card Game ($19)
LOCAL SHOPS TO CHECK OUT IN METRO DETROIT!
If you want to find meaningful gifts or to get hands-on help picking the perfect presents, shop local! Here are a few shops we love and know you will too!
Toyology (Bloomfield & West Bloomfield)
The Friendship Factory (Multiple Locations)
Fascination Factory (Birmingham)
Genuine Toy Co (Plymouth)
Modern Natural Baby (Ferndale)
Toy Box (Utica)
Coreander’s Children’s Bookshoppe (Grosse Pointe)
Toy Box Michigan (Utica)
Village Toy Shoppe (Milford)
Whistle Stop Hobby & Toy (St. Clair Shores)
LEGOLAND Discovery Center is one of our kids favorite destinations. Plan a one-on-one outing for a family trip to Great Lakes Crossings and let them get lost in the world of LEGO.
Something to Unwrap:
Shark Suit Guy 14" Plush Character ($26), LEGO Minifigure Puzzle ($17), Brick Coffee Mug ($16), The Lego Ideas Book ($15), Lego DC Batman Torch ($25)
Swim lessons are a great gift for kids 4 months and up. Not only are swim classes fun, they teach confidence and life-saving skills.
Something
to
Unwrap:
Mermaid Tail for Swimming ($45), Bandits Pool Diving Toys ($10), BEST Swim Diaper by Splash About ($17)
@ Fox Theatre
Paw Patrol LIVE: A Mighty Adventure takes the stage at the Fox Theatre on March 1 & 2, 2025. Treat your Very Important Pup to a VIP experience with premium seating and a photo op after the show.
Something to Unwrap:
Melissa & Doug PAW Patrol Backpack ($28), UNO Junior PAW Patrol Card Game ($7), Rubble Kinetic Build-It Set ($13), Pillow Pet ($34)
Take your car lover for FREE fun inside and out. Visit the Rousch Museum and check out hundreds of cars of all kinds; afterwards, go racing at Wayne County Parks RC Track at Gunsolly Park
Something to Unwrap:
Electric LED Race Stunt Car ($20), Gesture RC Car ($43), All Terrains RC Monster Trucks ($50)
HOLIDAY MOVIE
Can’t Fail Classics
The Grinch
The Year Without A Santa Claus
A Charlie Brown Christmas
Diary of A Wimpy Kid Christmas
Beauty & The Beast: The Enchanted Christmas
ELF
The Muppets Christmas Carol Jingle Jangle
The Santa Claus
The Christmas Chronicles Alvin & The Chipmunks
New Releases
Wicked (Nov. 22nd) Moana 2 (Nov. 27th)
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 (Dec. 20th)
Mufasa: The Lion King (Dec. 20th)
What a year it has been. Celebrate the end of 2024 and welcome in 2025 at a New (or Noon) Year's Eve celebration with ball drops, firework displays, pool parties and more!
If you ’ re tired of being out and just want to stay home, check out LittleGuide’s fun, easy “New Year’s Eve at Home” ideas that are fun for all ages
Find Family Fun:
Beacon Park (Detroit)
Market Center Park (Southgate)
Riley Skate Park (Farmington)
Discovery Center Macomb Paradise Park (Novi)
Canterbury Village (Lake Orion)
Downtown Wyandotte