Santa Arrives! And Other Holiday Fun in Oakland County This Weekend (Nov. 17-18)

Santa has a busy agenda this weekend. He's going to be traveling around Oakland County for a parade, a welcome and other fun events.

Royal Oak

Santa Scamper in downtown Royal Oak: The half-mile run along Washington Avenue on Nov. 18 is open to all walkers, joggers, and runners. The noncompetitive event takes place at 1:30 p.m.,  just ahead of Royal Oak's Holiday Magic Parade. Registration includes a race number, Santa hat, McDonald’s coupon and hot chocolate after the run to enjoy while watching the parade.

Holiday Magic Parade in downtown Royal Oak: Get into the holiday spirit along Washington Avenue with over 80 parade units, including marching bands, floats, musical performances, circus acts and Santa. After the parade, visit Santa at the Emagine Theatre from 3-5 p.m. or enjoy a stroll through downtown. The parade starts at 2 p.m. on Nov. 18.

Parade-A-Palooza in Downtown Royal Oak: Pick up your Prize Passport and map to huge savings and family-friendly activities at over 40 participating restaurants and retailers in downtown Royal Oak. This event is from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m on Nov. 18. (The Royal Oak Holiday Magic Parade is at 2 p.m.) Parking is free.

Troy

Santa at The Somerset Collection: He arrived Friday, Nov. 16 and will be there daily through Christmas Eve (closed on Thanksgiving). Click here for the full schedule.

Birmingham

Holiday Tree Lighting: 6 p.m. Nov. 21 at Shain Park. That is also the first day for the Santa House in Shain Park (lasts through Dec. 24), and the first day for carriage rides around the city (through Dec. 22).

Farmington-Farmington Hills

Farmington Hills tree lighting: Nov. 27, 6:30 p.m., at the municipal campus, 11 Mile and Orchard Lake Roads (visit from Santa and refreshments)

Lake Orion

Tree Lighting: 6 p.m. Nov. 28, Downtown Lake Orion, across from CJ's Lakeside restaurant. Features the tree lighting ceremony, carolers, Mrs. Claus, and free hot cocoa.

Holly Jolly Folly: Nov. 30 at Golling Buick GMC. Community fundraiser for the light parade, includes dinner, a silent auction, entertainment and the Lake Orion High School Choir. $33 admission; table of 10 for $300. Cash bar. Tickets are at Golling Buick GMC, 1491 S. Lapeer Road, Lake Orion.

Novi

Light Up the Night: Friday, Nov. 30 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Novi Civic Center. The event includes a tree lighting at 6:45 p.m., craft show, Santa visits (professional photos are $5 each), children’s activities, face painting, marshmallow roasting, hockey skills competition, live reindeer, miniature train rides and free food samples from several local restaurants. Live performances include a magician, festive choir, and an interactive Nutcracker performance. The event is free. 

Rochester/Rochester Hills

Lagniappe and the lighting of downtown Rochester: Businesses will give small gifts to customers from 5-9 p.m. Nov. 26; the lighting - and Santa’s arrival - happens at 7 p.m.

Royal Oak

Holiday Marketplace at the Royal Oak Farmers Market: Get an early start on holiday shopping. Over 60 local crafters, artisans and Royal Oak merchants will be at the Royal Oak Farmers Market from 4-8 p.m. on Nov. 29 at 316 E 11 Mile Rd.

Tree Lighting Ceremony: Join carolers, the Salvation Army Band and the Royal Oak Children’s Choir while waiting for a visit from Santa. The jolly elf will flick the switch to light the holiday tree. This event takes place from 6:15-7 p.m.  Nov. 29 at the Royal Oak Farmers Market at 316 E 11 Mile Rd.

Troy

Third annual Indoor Walk-through Display of over 300 Nativity Sets from Around the World: Held at Bridge Community Church from 1-9 p.m. on Dec. 6 and 7, and from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Dec. 8. For all ages; light refreshments provided.

West Bloomfield/Keego Harbor

Holiday tree lighting at DPW building in Keego Harbor (Beechmont at Schroeder), Nov. 30, 7 p.m.

Milford

Milford Christmas Parade: 10 a.m. Nov. 24 on Main Street in downtown Milford. This is one of the longest-standing Main Street traditions around. It's a wonderful holiday event for the entire region. Come early! Main Street fills up fast.

Looking for more events? Check out our Holiday Guide for Metro Detroit.

Did we miss your favorite holiday event? Tell us in comments!