For me, the Christmas season officially begins the day after Thanksgiving. That’s when we pull out the totes full of decorations, and turn the house into a Christmas wonderland. We’ll blast the Christmas music as we decorate and truly get into the season’s spirit! Besides decorating the house (and baking just a few Christmas cookies), we love attending fun, family-friendly Christmas activities in Brighton.
Winter fun outdoors
If you love the outdoors, there’s always something to do in the area in wintertime:
- Go sledding at Genoa Township park. You’ll enjoy sledding down the 40-foot hill with a run the length of 200 feet! The hill is lit until 10:00 PM for those late-night sled runs. If you get chilled, a heated pavilion and heated bathrooms are nearby.
- Kensington Metropark’s 4,500 acres host a ton of fun winter activities! They have sledding, tobogganing, ice skating, ice hockey, cross-country skiing, sleigh rides, ice fishing, and miles of trails for a winter hike. Each year, they host a Winter Solstice Full Moon Walk where hikers learn fun facts and folklore.
- Island Lake State Recreation Area has 4,000 acres of “up north” experience without leaving southeast Michigan. In the winter, they have cross-country skiing, ice fishing, and miles of hiking trails. For thrill-seekers, they have over 14 miles of snowmobile trails!
- Huron Meadows Metropark is a bit smaller, at 1,500 acres, but has stunning views for avid cross-country and skate-skiers. They’re also home to two ice skating ponds and sled hills.
- Lastly, if you like to ski, you must go to Mt. Brighton! Skiers and riders can access the 25 trails (with five chair lifts, five tow ropes, and two surface lifts) covering 130 acres on hills with a 250-foot vertical drop for downhill skiing and snowboarding. If you’ve never skied before . . . don’t worry! There’s a bunny hill, equipment rentals, and lessons to help you get started.
Brighton Christmas 2022
If you’re looking for Christmas-themed activities, then check out these options in Brighton and the nearby areas:
1. November 25, 2022
Kick off your holiday season with the Fantasy of Lights—one of the longest-running holiday parades in the area! The evening starts at 3:30p on State Street in downtown Howell, with live entertainment by local choirs and a visit and photos with Santa and his reindeer. Before the parade is a Fantasy 5K race and a one-mile Family Fun Walk. After dark, grab a cup of hot chocolate and watch as the parade of beautifully lit floats and local marching bands makes its way down Grand River. You’ll want to stay until the end as Santa wraps up the parade to start the Christmas season officially!
2. December 1 – 31, 2022
The Hester family’s South Lyon Light Show runs the entire month of December. Every evening, starting at dusk, this fantastic family home has over 50,000 standard string lights, coloring-changing lights, and color-changing ribbon lights with lighting patterns set to favorite Christmas music, it is a crowd-pleaser! (Note: This is a private family home, so please be respectful of everyone’s yards and houses of the neighbors.)
3. December 1, 2022
Milford’s annual Christmas Open House is an entire evening of Christmas cheer. This event runs from 6p to 9p in Downtown Milford. Santa begins the activities by arriving downtown aboard a Milford Fire Department fire engine, where he’ll visit with children in Village Center Mall. A long-time community favorite, the annual event has strolling entertainment, horse-drawn carriage rides, Christmas caroling, and special promotions at downtown stores and restaurants.
4. December 3, 2022
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Habitat for Humanity Christmas Extravaganza!
Habitat’s second annual Christmas Extravaganza is full of holiday spirit for everyone. Be one of the first shoppers to purchase their Christmas items and enjoy cookie decorating, join one of the Christmas upcycle workshops, Christmas music, and fun throughout the day! Plus, Santa will be stopping by for pictures from 11a to 2p, but the event runs from 9a to 3p at the Habitat ReStore in Brighton.
5. December 3, 2022
4:30 PM – 7:00 PM
The 25th annual Holiday Light Parade in downtown Williamston is a long-standing Christmas tradition! The festivities run from 430p to 7p, with the parade starting at 6p, followed by a tree lighting at City Hall and a meet and greet with Santa!
6. December 4, 2022
The village of Fowlerville celebrates the holiday season with an entire day of events that start at 8a and run until 7p! Weather permitting, the day starts with amazing hot air balloons flying in the chilly skies. Throughout the day, there are carriage rides, a Gator raffle, chili at the fire department, 1-mile and 5-K road races, a parade, real reindeer, a visit from Santa, and much more!
7. Dec 10, 11, 17, & 18, 2022
A holiday season tradition at the Kensington MetroPark Farm! Fun for all ages, each visit includes a horse-drawn hayride or sleigh ride (weather dependent on which is available), a holiday sing-a-long (complete with cozy blankets, song sheets, and jingle bells), snacks (fruit, cookies, juice, hot cocoa, and coffee), and most importantly, a visit with Santa by the Christmas Tree!
Note: Children must be accompanied by a registered adult. Pre-registration is required by 4 p.m. one week (7 days) before the program. Cost: $12 per person.
8. December 11, 2022
Young Peoples Worship Arts presents a free Christmas Musical performance of “The Little Drummer Dude.” Join the Wise Men and Persia’s Traveling Band as they bring their gifts to Jesus, the One True King. The performance takes place at First United Methodist Church at 400 E Grand River from 5p to 7p, and is followed by dinner and a visit with Santa.
9. December 16, 2022
It’s a Who-liday Christmas Party
A Christmas event for the whole family! Join the 2|42 Community Center at 7526 Grand River Ave., for a fun-filled Christmas event from 4 to 8pm! You’ll enjoy crafts, games, face painting, holiday candy, snacks, and much, much more! Santa will be visiting to take pictures! Plus, bring your blanket and watch How the Grinch Stole Christmas on the field with the Grinch himself, visiting all the way from Mount Crumpit!
10. December 18, 2022
Jingle Jam – A Christmas Palooza
NorthRidge Church, 7555 Brighton Road, Brighton, MI
Jingle Jam – A Christmas Palooza is a Christmas party big enough for the whole family. Take a break from the baking, shopping, and endless rolls of wrapping paper to be a part of this unforgettable Christmas experience. The event includes a short program, crafts, games, hot chocolate, and much more! Doors open at 4:45 pm and the event goes until 7pm.
BONUS Christmas activity!
To wrap up the Christmas season, we invite you to attend one of our Christmas Eve candlelight services at 2|42. Friday, December 23rd at 5:30 or 7pm or Saturday, December 24th at 1:30, 3, 4:30, or 7pm.
Visit 242community.com/brighton for location and general service info.
Check out our website for more information. We always welcome new friends to worship with us. Find a location that’s close to you! You can learn more about our beliefs and visit our video library to explore more topics like this one. You can also check out our events page to find out what fun new things we’re doing this season.
