Detroit is sparkling with energy this weekend, and whether you’re a local or a visitor, there’s no shortage of excitement across the city. As the holiday season kicks into high gear, the action starts this Friday evening with the 22nd Annual Detroit Tree Lighting at Campus Martius Park downtown. According to Fox2 Detroit, festivities begin at 6 PM, with Santa himself flipping the switch on a towering tree, followed by live entertainment, horse-drawn carriage rides, and the opening of the ice-skating season. Be sure to arrive early—parking fills up quickly for this iconic kickoff to Detroit’s holidays.

If you’re looking to keep that festive spirit going, Beacon Park lights up with Candyland at Beacon Park, featuring giant gingerbread houses and dazzling holiday backdrops perfect for family selfies. Downtown Detroit Partnership hosts this free attraction, running daily into January. After-dark, skate beneath the glimmering lights at the Campus Martius rink, open every day. The rink is in the heart of Woodward Avenue and, as reported by Oakland County Moms, it’s one of the most picturesque in the country.

Big music fans won’t want to miss The Billy Joel Songbook presented by the Detroit Symphony Orchestra Friday through Sunday at Orchestra Hall, showcasing those memorable hits in a grand symphonic setting. For families with kids, the Fox Theatre welcomes Gabby’s Dollhouse LIVE on Sunday afternoon—it’s the first-ever North American tour of this DreamWorks sensation.

The holiday shopping scene is also in full swing. Art for the Holidays runs through the weekend at Detroit Artists Market on Woodward Avenue, where nearly 100 local artists display their handmade works, from ceramics to jewelry. Over at Michigan Central Station, “Winter at The Station” offers live music, pop-up shops with gifts from Detroit artisans, and creative workshops. As highlighted by Hour Detroit, entry to Michigan Central is free to all.

Sports lovers will want to catch the Detroit Red Wings as they take on the Columbus Blue Jackets at Little Caesars Arena Saturday at 1 PM. For a touch of nostalgia and glamour, Broadway in Detroit presents Tina: The Tina Turner Musical at the Fisher Theatre, November 21 through 23.

Detroit brings magical moments every day—but this weekend, the city’s warmth really shines through. Thanks for tuning in. Don’t forget to subscribe, and happy Detroit adventuring. This has been a quiet please production, for more check out quiet please dot ai.

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