Metro Parent is southeast Michigan’s trusted parenting hub since 1986. We connect families with the best local resources, advice, stories, things to do with kids and much more.
Home 2017
Archives
Follow the adventures of Buddy the Elf in a kid-performed, kid-friendly version of the Broadway musical, based on the hit movie. Presented by Forever After Productions, it features a talented cast of singing, dancing kids and teens, and is guaranteed to get you in the Christmas spirit. Free parking available...
Show your spookiest jack-'o-lanterns whose boss by tossing them down the sledding hill to hit at targets at the bottom.
See a menagerie of classic and new holiday displays and visit with Santa, who will be here most days – occasionally joined by Mrs. Claus.
Times are as follows:
4-8 p.m. Wednesdays-Fridays
2-8 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays
10 a.m.-2 p.m. Christmas Eve
closed Mondays-Tuesdays.
Take a journey to the North Pole to learn about the early days of aviation, take a picture with Santa and more. Be sure to check out Greenfield Village, which is decked out for the holidays, too.
Times are as follows:
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday-Friday
9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday
Note: Santa...
See the Detroit Lions take on Chicago Bears at this annual tradition. Watch on CBS.
Event cost: $77-plus
Event time: Begins at 12:30 p.m.
Celebrating its 98th year, the parade has all of your favorite floats, balloons, marching bands and entertainment.
Event cost: Free
Event time: 8:45 a.m. Nov. 27, 2025
Jog this untimed 5K race for adults and 1K race for kids and families to walk or run together. Registration required.
Event cost: $19-$44
Event time: 8:15 a.m. Nov. 24, 2022
Thanksgiving Day Parade Breakfast and Benefit at the Ecumenical Theological Seminary in Detroit
Christina Clark -
For the past 16 years, Ecumenical Theological Seminary has provided a prime location to view the Thanksgiving Day Parade and participate in the festivities. If you're looking for the best spot to see the parade, and eat some yummy pancakes, join ETS this Thanksgiving.
This annual offers several distances to choose from – the Strategic Staffing Solutions 10k Turkey Trot, the 5k Stuffing Strut, and the family-friendly Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Mashed Potato Mile. All races finish on Atwater, behind Huntington Place, next to Riverwalk.
Event cost:Â $65-$75/Drumstick Double, $60-$70/Cranberry Combo, $45-$55/10K or...
All 13 Huron-Clinton Metroparks offer free admission on Thanksgiving Day. Bring the family to enjoy the trails and amenities. Times vary.
You must register in advance for this basketball free throw competition, which gives one lucky winner the chance to win a frozen Turkey for Thanksgiving.
Take a self-guided scavenger hunt through the trails to look for clues and reasons why it's good to be thankful this season. Drop off your completed scavenger hunt and earn a prize. All ages welcome. Registration required.
Event cost: $3
Event times: 1-3 p.m.







