It’s the most wonderful time of the year! And even if winter isn’t your favorite season, getting involved in all of the holiday fun is sure to put anyone in the Christmas spirit. Whether you are a Christmas-year-rounder or a borderline Scrooge, you won’t be able to resist this list of Christmas activities downriver.
Traditional Christmas activities
Traditions are an important part of building strong family bonds. They are a great way to pass on family stories and teach those around us what matters most. Many of us have holiday traditions we take part in every year, and some of us are just starting to decide what those will be. If you haven’t yet established your traditions, or you are looking to add a few, you may want to give some of these a try this year:
- Build a snowman
- Take a stroll or drive to look at lights
- Go Christmas caroling
- Go ice skating
- Participate in a toy drive
Christmas activities indoor
If you aren’t much of an outdoor person, there’s always plenty of Christmas fun waiting to happen inside. You can put on your Christmas jammies, gather your family and friends and try a few of these:
- Watch Christmas movies
- Bake Christmas cookies
- String popcorn to put on the tree
- Make a Christmas wreath
- Decorate a gingerbread house
- Write Christmas cards for shut-ins
Downriver
If you’ve lived downriver for any length of time, you already know what an amazing place it is, especially during the holiday season. The downriver community is made up of 21 cities and townships south of Detroit. From the home of the Detroit Lions in Allen Park to the quaint waterfront of Wyandotte, Downriver is full of excitement and fun for the whole family. And Christmas downriver is no exception.
Christmas activities downriver
The list of downriver Christmas activities is lengthy, and growing all the time. But below we’ve laid out something to put you in the holiday mood each week from the start of November to the end of December.
Shop for handcrafted items
When: November 5th – 8th
Kick off the holiday season with shopping for hand crafted items at the 8th annual craft and vendor market at the Brownstown Recreation Center. This event will feature 50 vendors with every holiday item you can imagine. Not to mention door prizes every half hour. The cost is $3 per adult, kids are free, and so is parking. It’s a great way to start marking off that Christmas shopping list.
Take a winter hike
When: November 5th
Not quite ready to start your shopping? A hike on a crisp morning might be more up your alley. Bundle up and head out to the fall bird and color hike at the Crosswinds Marsh in New Boston. Spots are limited to 40, so you’ll want to register early. The cost is $4 per person, ages 7 and up.
Make a Christmas wreath
When: November 13th
Don’t want to make a wreath at home? Join All About Grace in Trenton for wreath making with burlap and hope. The class costs $65, and all materials are included. And while you are there you can check out the 90+ vendors and get some of your Christmas shopping done, or buy something nice for yourself as a reward for all of your hard wreath-making work.
Go to a Christmas tree lighting and parade
When: November 18th and 19th
Ready to step into a Hallmark-like Christmas scene? Be sure to head to the City of Wyandotte tree lighting on the 18th, and the holiday parade the next morning. You can spend the evening having dinner at one of the many fabulous restaurants, and then stop for one of several sweet options in the quaint little town. Take a stroll on the water and enjoy the beautiful view.
Christmas karaoke
When: November 23rd
The week of Thanksgiving can be frenzied for some, and a night out with friends could be a welcome break. It’s the perfect time to head to Friendsgiving Karaoke at Southgate Community Players. Entry is just $10 and includes snacks and non-alcoholic drinks. The best part about the night is that it’s a fundraiser for the SCP. So you can have some fun and help the community at the same time.
Black Friday anyone?
When? November 25th and 26th
For those who love to hunt for the very best bargains, black Friday is a long awaited day. This year, you can spend three whole days in bargain hunting heaven getting all the best deals at the holiday craft and vendor show at Southland Mall in Taylor. Shop ‘til you drop.
Old fashioned holiday decorations
When: starting November 26th
If you grew up downriver you most definitely remember going to the Lincoln Park Fantasy Land to visit Santa. The amazing presentation of holiday decorations and displays is something everyone must see at least once. The 26th is the Grand Opening for the year, and will run from 5p to 8p. Entrance fee is $2 per person, and a picture with Santa is just $5. It’s a favorite Christmas activity downriver for many.
Nostalgic Christmas trains
When: December 2nd
There’s something nostalgic about trains, especially during the holidays. This Christmas activity is one not everyone has the opportunity to do. So don’t miss the Great Lakes Live Steamers Santa’s Christmas Express Train Weekend at Kiwanis Train Park. The city of Southgate will hold their tree lighting at 5p, and train rides will begin at 6p. You read that right, rides. The train will take you through a winter wonderland of lights.There is no charge, but donations are accepted.
Join the Winterfest tradition
When: starts December 3rd
The City of Taylor kicks December off with a bang. Winterfest 2022 will include a 5K run in the morning, and the tree lighting, parade, and fireworks in the evening. This event really does have something for everyone. It’s the perfect opportunity to wrap up Thanksgiving and jump into Christmas with a focus on fun.
See the Christmas animals
When: December 10th and 11th
Looking for something for the kiddos? The Jingle Bell Barn at Heritage Park Petting Farm in Taylor is the perfect holiday event for you. This event will run from 11a to 4p both days with an entry free of $5 per person. After petting the barn animals you can stop to see Santa before taking a carriage ride through the park, it’s everything you need for an idyllic evening.
Take a Christmas stroll
When: December 16th
By mid-December everyone is sure to be in the Christmas spirit. It’s the perfect time to grab your gloves and scarf and head to Taylor for the Winterfest Stroll at Heritage Park. This event has a plethora of holiday festivities to absolutely delight you, including circus performers and Santa himself. If you’re busy on the 16th, you can plan to visit on the 17th, 18th, 22nd or 23rd.
Attend a Christmas service
When: December 24th and 25th
Of course we love all of the things associated with the Christmas holiday season, like the lights, family time, and fun.
But we all know the reason we celebrate this time of year – the birth of the Savior, Jesus Christ. Our favorite tradition is attending a Christmas service at 242 Community Church in Taylor, and you are invited to a Christmas Eve candlelight service on Saturday, December 24th at 4:30pm or 6pm.
After Christmas relaxation
After Christmas, you might have the opportunity to take a breath. If so, here are a few things you can do to relax before heading back into the daily grind:
- Take a relaxing bath
- Read a book
- Take a long nap
- Go for a walk
Whatever you do as you ring in the New Year, be sure to plan a follow up visit to 242 in Taylor to get your year started off right. 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.
