Ready to fully immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the holiday season? While the Motor City itself certainly comes to life with color and charm each year, there’s nothing more wonderful than enjoying a quick day trip to one of Metro Detroit’s many Hallmark-like towns. Round up the family, hop in the car, and head out for a dose of Hallmark movie-esque glee in some of the best Christmas towns near Detroit. 

1. Rochester
Rochester, MI, USA
Facebook/Downtown Rochester
If you’re in the mood for a massive dose of cheer, you can’t go wrong with a visit to downtown Rochester. Each year, this welcoming area comes to life with thousands of twinkling lights during the Big, Bright Light Show, which might just be Metro Detroit’s most festive occasion. Do a bit of last-minute shopping, enjoy a cup of hot cocoa, and bask in the brilliance a real winter wonderland.
2. Frankenmuth
Frankenmuth, MI, USA
Facebook/Frankenmuth
There’s something fairytale-like about journeying to Frankenmuth, which sits 90 minutes by car from Detroit. While it’s not quite as close to the city as some of our other selections, Frankenmuth makes up for the distance by offering an Alpine-inspired atmosphere and plenty of quaint shops that will make you feel like you’re smack dab in the middle of a Norman Rockwell painting this season.
3. Holly
Holly, MI 48442, USA
Facebook/Downtown Holly
This town’s name alone should clue you in to its abundance of holiday cheer. As you make your way through the streets of downtown Holly, you’ll appreciate friendly faces and an unbeatable sense of history that makes the area absolutely magical. Throughout December, be sure to stop in at the Holly Dickens Festival for a dose of Victorian charm while celebrating all things Charles Dickens.
4. Northville
Northville, MI, USA
Facebook/Downtown Northville
Meander through downtown Northville as you take in its well-maintained vibe and welcoming atmosphere. Sip hot coffee in the town square, snap photos of Christmas lights throughout the town, or stroll under old-fashioned street lamps as the day turns to evening. No matter how many times you’ve visited, you’ll always find something new to appreciate about Northville.
5. Dearborn
Dearborn, MI, USA
Facebook/The Henry Ford
If you find yourself in Dearborn, you simply must venture to Greenfield Village at the Henry Ford Museum. This historical village will take you on a virtual journey through time, complete with a series of fascinating Christmas events for the entire family. Sing along with costumed carolers, learn about local history, and immerse yourself in the joys of the season during the Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village series.
6. Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, MI, USA
Facebook/Main Street Area Ann Arbor
Despite its larger size, Ann Arbor maintains a sense of warmth and cheer during the winter months that makes it feel more like an intimate village than a bustling college city. Stop in for drinks at Arbor Brewing, do some shopping on South Main, or stroll through the University of Michigan Law Quad for some of the most enchanting wintertime views imaginable. What’s not to love?
7. Clarkston
Clarkston, MI 48346, USA
Facebook/City of the Village of Clarkston
The Village of Clarkston is located just 45 minutes by car from Detroit, rendering it the perfect spot for a day trip with loved ones this holiday season. With under 1,000 full-time residents, Clarkston certainly qualifies as a tiny community — but it’s big on Christmas cheer. In fact, the town hosts an annual holiday lights parade and makes for a picture-perfect scene throughout the wintertime. You might never want to leave.
8. Dexter
Dexter, MI 48130, USA
Flickr/Michigan Municipal League
This lovely town along the shores of the Huron River has a peaceful, nature centric-vibe that sets it apart from other Metro Detroit destinations. If you’re looking for a spot to snap family photos, stretch your legs along the riverfront, or simply escape the stresses of everyday life in the city, Dexter is a wonderful option. Check out the Dexter Area Historical Society and Museum, build a snowman in one of the area’s multiple parks, or do some ice skating — you’ll feel like you’re in your very own holiday film.
9. Milford
Milford Charter Township, Milford Charter Twp, MI, USA
Facebook/Downtown Milford
This Oakland County gem consists of just 2.5 square miles, but it packs in all sorts of holiday glee. When snow coats Milford, the downtown area offers storybook charm and plenty of cozy shops to explore. Warm up with coffee from The Proving Grounds before picking up a few gifts at Acorn Farm. There’s something here for everyone, and you’ll be enamored with this tiny town within moments of arriving.

Alright, fellow Detroiters: we want to hear your opinions, do you think these are the best Christmas towns in the area? Are there any other marvelous holiday towns in and around the Motor City that we neglected to include on our list? We’re always eager to hear from you, so be sure to drop us a line with your best winter suggestions in the comment section below! If you can’t get enough of the holiday joy, you’re sure to love our Christmas lights road trip. 

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More to Explore

Christmas Around Detroit

Sara Dager | November 02, 2022

What are the best Christmas lights displays in Detroit?

There are so many gorgeous Christmas lights displays around Detroit. There are multiples for fans of driving, walking and a combo of the two, and we have a few favorites that we think you'll love. Wayne County Lightfest at Hines Park is the ideal drive through display with over 100,000 twinkling lights in every shape and size. The arches of brightly colored lights are so charming to drive through, and some of displays are even animated so they look like they've come to life!  Another breathtaking option that is walkable is the Olde World Canterbury Village, the charming town made up of whimsical old world styled shops gets all decked out for the holidays and a wander through (with maybe a few shop pop-ins) is the perfect way to spend a winter afternoon.

Are there any Christmas trains around Detroit?

If you want to ride a Christmas train in Detroit or the surrounding area, you have a couple of different options. The Southern Michigan Railroad offers its Santa Express train rides for a few days in November and December. The kids in your group will get to tell Santa just what they want for Christmas aboard this delightful 45 minute train ride, and you can choose between a couple of options for fun decor! You can also gather up the whole family and hop aboard the North Pole Express offered by the Steam Railroading Institute. On this train ride you will bathe in nostalgia as you ride aboard a 50's style train car with staff in era appropriate costumes. All tickets come with hot chocolate and live entertainment!

Which towns around Detroit have the best Christmastime Main Streets?

Lovers of all things Christmas will find a lot of holiday cheer on these adorable Christmas main streets around Detroit. In Rochester you can expect magical light displays in almost every window and tons of opportunities to find the perfect gift. Or experience a delightful holiday parade in the town of Wyandote, also no slacker when it comes to lights. Howell also offers a huge lighted Christmas parade. With all the warm energy in these charming main streets, you won't mind the chill in the air!

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