Holiday Celebrations Throughout Oakland County

Twin, decorated trees covered in twinkling lights and beautiful ornaments sit on either side of a lit fireplace.

The excitement and anticipation that arrives with the holiday season is in the air. During this celebratory time, there are many seasonal events happening in Oakland County. You’ll find everything from parades, light shows, and seasonal excursions to special performances, holiday markets, and craft fairs.

View our list of holiday happenings using the button below:

List of Holiday Happenings in Oakland County

Signature events include the Detroit Zoo’s Wild Lights, the Big, Bright Light Show in Downtown Rochester, and the Dickens Festival in Holly. Whether you’re searching for something to do with your kids, friends, or family, you are sure to find a jolly time in Oakland County!

Twinkling lights illuminate two giraffe stands at the entrance of the Detroit Zoo.

Do you know about a holiday celebration happening in the Oakland County area? Let us know via Facebook or Twitter, by contacting us at socialmedia@oakgov.com, or leaving a comment below.


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Light Up the Night in Novi!

The big day is almost here! Be there this Friday, December 1st to Light Up the Night on the Novi Civic Center Campus. It’s a festive and fun way to welcome the holiday season with family and friends. Enjoy three hours of holiday entertainment, starting at 6 p.m. and going through 9 p.m.

Mayor Bob Gatt and a very special visitor from the North Pole will kick off this electric holiday event with a tree lighting at 6:15 p.m. New for this year’s Light Up the Night is a 22-foot-tall tree that will be visible from 10 Mile Road all season long! Weather permitting, a magnificent fireworks display will begin soon after the tree is lit.

There’s so much holiday fun and joy to be had at this free community event including a craft show; family activities and games; s’mores and cookies; a petting farm; miniature train rides, ice sculptures; and reindeer. Food trucks will offer items for purchase and you’ll enjoy live entertainment featuring Mexico Lindo Ballet Folklorico, Family Self Defense Martial ArtsNovi Middle School Orchestra, and John the Magician.

“This is truly one of my favorite nights of the year,” said Novi Mayor Bob Gatt. “We are a very special community and this doesn’t just happen. It’s the people here who make it so great, and seeing everyone come together at Light Up the Night is a great way to kick off the holidays.”

Take a look at our video for a sneak peek. It will surely put you in the holiday spirit!

Grab your family and friends and head to the Novi Civic Center Campus this Friday. For more details, visit the City of Novi’s website and follow along with them on Facebook and Twitter.

We hope to see you there!


Follow along with us for news and events happening in Oakland County. Visit our website and find us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram using #OaklandCounty.

Take in the Merriment and Joy of the Holiday Season!

Can you feel the excitement and anticipation in the air? The holiday season is officially here and we’re thrilled to share our list of holiday events happening in Oakland County. There are so many ways to delight in the magic of the season during this special time of year.

View our list of Holiday Happenings. You’ll find everything from parades and seasonal excursions to performances, holiday markets, and craft fairs. Kids, young and old, are sure to have a jolly time!

Please check event websites for dates and times and note that some events are one day only.

Check out more Things to Do in Oakland County


Follow along with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest for more events and ways to have fun using #OaklandCounty, or visit our website.

2014 Tree Lightings, Parades and Holiday Events

It’s time to enjoy the holiday lights and celebrate the season.

A gorgeous Holiday Lights capture from The Village of Rochester Hills’ Facebook page

Here is our 2014 list of tree lightings and holiday events in Oakland County:

Nov. 20, 2014  
The Big Reveal – downtown Milford at 6:30 p.m.

Nov. 21, 2014
Holiday Lighted Parade – downtown Northville at 6:30 p.m.
Light the Village – Village of Rochester Hills at 7:00 p.m.

Nov. 22, 2014
Holiday Hoof Awards and Tree Lighting – downtown Ferndale at 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 23, 2014
Holiday Magic Parade – downtown Royal Oak at 2:00 p.m.

Nov. 24, 2014
Holiday Tree Lighting – City Hall in Madison Heights at 6:30 p.m.
The Big, Bright Light Show & Lagniappe – downtown Rochester at 7:00 p.m.

Nov. 26, 2014
Holiday Tree Lighting – Shain Park in Birmingham at 6:00 p.m.

Dec. 1, 2014
Pleasant Ridge Tree Lighting – Pleasant Ridge City Hall at 6:00 p.m.
Clawson Annual Holiday Tree Lighting – Memorial Park at 6:30 p.m.
Burgh Historical Park Tree Lighting – Burgh Historical Park in Southfield at 7:00 p.m.

Dec. 2, 2014
Waterford Township’s 28th Annual Tree Lighting – Waterford Township Hall at 6:00 p.m.
22nd Annual Holiday Lights Ceremony – Farmington Hills City Hall campus at 6:30 p.m.

Dec. 4, 2014
Royal Oak’s 33rd Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony – City Hall Plaza at 6:15 p.m.
Annual City of Troy Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony – City Hall at 7:00  p.m.

Dec. 5, 2014
Light Up the Night – Civic Center Campus in Novi at 6:00 p.m.
Holiday Celebration Christmas in Oxford  – Centennial Park at 6:00 p.m.
Wixom’s Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony – Community Center at 6:15 p.m.

Dec.  6, 2014
Cool Yule Festival – parade begins in downtown South Lyon at 5:30 p.m.
Holly Days – downtown Farmington from 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Light Up the Grand – A Holiday Lighted Parade – Grand River & Warner in Farmington at 5:00 p.m.
Farmington Tree Lighting – Governor Warner Mansion at 5:30 p.m.
Hometown Holidays Lights Parade – downtown Berkley at 5:30 p.m.
Orion Lighted Parade – downtown Lake Orion at 6:00 p.m.
Auburn Hills Tree Lighting Ceremony – Squirrel and Auburn Roads at 6:00 p.m.

Dec. 7, 2014
Rochester Hometown Parade – downtown Rochester at 2:00 p.m.

Dec. 13, 2014
Holiday Lights Night – Renaissance High School in Clarkston at 6:00 p.m.

Please remember to check websites to verify dates and times.

Enjoy the lights and the beauty of this holiday season!