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During the holidays, we always try to explore some of Michigan’s largest cities and towns. There’s always something magical about Christmastime in a city! And no matter how many times you visit a city during Christmas, there’s always something new to see as well as traditional favorites to experience over and over again. Detroit is one of the cities we continually are drawn to visiting during the holidays. That’s why I put together this Christmasy day trip to Downtown Detroit to help inspire your own visit!
Inspiration Behind this Day Trip
My love for Detroit during the holidays stems all the way back to when my friend Lily visited from Kenya, and we spent a long weekend in Detroit. Then, as a family, we rang in New Years 2022 from Detroit. Then, we didn’t participate in any parties – we just came for the vibes and to ring in the new year somewhere new for us. And again, last Christmas, we visited Downtown Detroit to experience the festivities around the Monroe Street Midway.
We found all the winter and holiday fun at the Monroe Street Midway and around Campus Martius Square perfect for our family. So we decided to return again to re-experience the holiday fun and see what’s changed!
Christmasy Day Trip to Downtown Detroit Summary
When: Saturday during the holiday season between Thanksgiving and Christmas
Why: We love spending time in cities during the holidays. They are always decorated festively! And Downtown Detroit no exception. In fact, Detroit even offers a number of free things to do. We welcome this – especially during the holidays when we already are spending so much on gifts and preparations to host holiday parties.
Time Traveled (one way): 1 hour from Toledo, 1.5 hours from Lansing, 2.5 hours from Grand Rapids, 4 hours from Traverse City
Time Spent at Destination: 5 hours
Budget: $ – parking, beverages, snacks, bumper cars, any shopping done at the Downtown Detroit markets
Christmasy Day Trip to Downtown Detroit Details
Cadillac Lodge
Our first stop after arriving in Downtown Detroit was to the Cadillac Lodge to grab a drink and bite to eat. We were visiting Detroit on one of Michigan’s first below freezing days so figured it best to make sure we start off on a warm footing. Plus from our visit last Christmas, I remember Cadillac Lodge fills up quickly upon opening.
To get to Cadillac Lodge, you’ll pass through the Downtown Detroit Markets at Cadillac Square. The entrance is off to the left. Upon entering, the whole lodge gives off Christmas living room vibes with several couches and arm chairs, plus fire places and Christmas trees for decor. The bar to order both food and drinks is located in the middle of the Lodge. On the menu are alcoholic drinks – both hot and cold, plus non alcoholic drinks – also hot and cold.
For food, most of the options are sharable like pretzel bites and popcorn, but there is also a quarter pound all beef hot dog! (I ordered this last year!). For the complete menu, check that out here.
To prevent crowding at the door, there is a separate exit to the left of where you entered from so there’s a one way flow of traffic.
Next, we visited the Monroe Street Midway, which is directly to the right of the Lodge. As you walk over to it from the Lodge, don’t pass up getting some pictures with the cute holiday displays they have between them!
Monroe Street Midway
The Monroe Street Midway holiday midway is back open through January 7! Enjoy all the free (or affordable) fun of the midway! The Monroe Street Midway is open Thursday to Sundays with special hours during Christmas break.
The first thing we did when we arrived at the Midway was head to the Warming Hut to participate in the holiday craft scheduled every Saturday between 11-1pm. Not only is it free, it doesn’t require a reservation! During our visit, the craft was decorating ornaments by filling them with paint. They even provided aprons for this craft. The hut is festively decorated and had some nice spots to snap photos!
Next, we engaged in some seesaw action before riding the bumper cars – aka Winston’s favorite activity. He remembered this activity from last year when we visited the Midway. Thankfully, this year, he’s gotten better at steering. Last year, he had us whirling like a top for the full five minutes. Glad I have a stomach to handle that! Tickets to ride the bumper cars are $5 a ride. You must be at least 42 inches tall or 5 years to ride alone.
Another activity we did at the Midway was play a free game of Puck Putt. This game is like mini golf but with a hockey puck and stick. There are nine “goals” to play. We had a blast playing and Winston was extremely focused with this activity.
Other activities you may enjoy during your visit is going down the Arctic Slide. The slide is 20 feet tall and 80 feet long and requires riders to be at least 44 inches tall. I rode this slide last year which was a fun experience!
Another spot to warm up is the indoor arcade within the Midway. Games cost between $.50 and $3.
1001 Winter Wonders
Back again after a year off is the most magical place you can visit this holiday season – 1001 Winter Wonders located at 1001 Woodward Ave! We absolutely love walking through this festive, free experience! I was blown away by how many options there were for capturing cute holiday memories. We saw other families go through but also groups of friends too! It’s open to all ages!
In total, there are 10 different sets for photos – some even have props! And on Saturday’s, Santa is here for photos. The photo is free and it prints out instantly. Also cute for little ones is the letter writing station, where they can take a candy cane and sticker before mailing the letter off.
Some additional tips I jotted down to help you plan your visit include…
- There are several helpful & friendly elf’s ready to help you take your picture.
- There isn’t a coat check, but it’s easy to set your coat down at each set if you prefer to not take pictures all bundled up.
- Do come bundled up though! This experience may require waiting outside the building. A limited number of groups are allowed in at a time to prevent crowding.
- The hours are Thursday & Friday 4-8pm | Saturday & Sunday 12-4pm now through Christmas Eve.
- It took us about 15 minutes to go through. We did not feel rushed at all as we went through! And we waited in line outside for 5 minutes.
Campus Martius Square
It’s hard to miss Camps Martius Square when visiting Downtown Detroit – especially during the holidays. That Christmas tree just draws you IN! While my son and I mostly passed through the park to admire the tree, we also paused for a bit to watch the ice skaters. I tried getting him to ice skate last winter in Rosa Parks Circle in Grand Rapids – which he attempted to do with all the confidence a three year old can muster – but of course, it will take some practice. We decided to pass on the opportunity to try it out again this time. But I’m sure we’ll find a place this winter to give it another try!
Within Campus Martius Square during the holidays, there’s the ice skating rink, warming tent selling drinks like hot cocoa, historic signs and markers, and we even found another mailbox to mail a letter to Santa from! Here is the link to learn more about ice skating in Detroit, including reservations.
Holly Trolley
New this year within Downtown Detroit is the Holly Trolley, which I was super pumped to try out! This trolley is free to ride and stops at 5 places around downtown Detroit. Each stop is clearly marked with a sign where you can wait until it arrives. The trolley’s arrive every 15 minutes (but on the day we visited, it was running slightly slower than scheduled at about 20-25 minutes).
We hopped on the Holly Trolley where the Downtown Detroit Markets are located. Here there is ample room to wait even with the foot traffic. Then it circles around to several other stops throughout Downtown Detroit like the Book Tower and Parker’s Alley. During the journey on the Holly Trolley, Christmas music is playing and helpful information is shared about what you may be interested in experiencing at the next stop. We found that neat and helpful!
Within the trolley itself, its decorated with festive greenery & bells. The Holly Trolley is running now through January 7th. It’s schedule is 4-8pm on Thursdays and Fridays, and 12-8pm on Saturdays and Sundays.
Parker’s Alley
After our loop around the trolley, we exited at the Parker’s Alley stop to snap a few pics under the sparkling lights. Parker’s Alley is a part of the Shinola Hotel and has historical significance. Parker’s Alley is named after Thomas Parker – one of the first black landowners in the city of Detroit.
And while the alley is lined with twinkling lights and Christmas trees, there are several boutiques to pop into and shop at such as Good Neighbor, Rebel Nell, and of course, Shinola. This is also another spot where you can grab some lunch or dinner at – like Penny Red’s or Mister Dip.
Downtown Detroit Markets
Our final stop before calling it a successful day of exploring was the Downtown Detroit Markets to pick out some goodies. We always hit this spot up last so we’re not carrying bags around the whole day. Located within the market at Cadillac Square are these cute booths with over 30 vendors. The market is open now through January 7th every Wednesday to Sunday. The hours are 11am-8pm on Sundays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. And 11am-11pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
Every year we’re delighted with what we find at the market as the vendor’s change each year. And it’s not just gift related items sold here. Here you can find souvenir type items, Christmas themed ornaments and decor, games and books, clothing and accessories – definitely something for everyone on your list.
After picking out a couple gifts (for ourselves this time!), we headed back to our car to head on out. It was a lovely, well rounded, holiday adventure in Downtown Detroit!
Complete Itinerary for a Christmasy Day Trip to Downtown Detroit
Take my family’s itinerary for how we spent our day exploring Downtown Detroit:
- 10:30 am: Arrive and park
- 11am: Bite to eat and drink at Cadillac Lodge
- 11:30am: Create a craft, play Puck Putt and ride the bumper cars within the Monroe Street Midway
- 12:45pm: Capture priceless memories for free at 1001 Winter Wonders
- 1:00pm: Pass through Campus Martius Square to admire Detroit’s Christmas tree
- 1:15pm: Climb aboard the Holly Trolley to go on a Christmasy tour of Detroit
- 1:45pm: Check out the festively decorated Parkers Alley
- 2:30pm Shop from local makers and businesses at the Downtown Detroit Markets
- 3:30pm: Depart
Map of Things to Do During a Christmasy Day Trip to Downtown Detroit
Other Helpful Info to Note
What are some restaurant options in Downtown Detroit near these attractions?
If you’re looking for something quick and convenient, there are some food options within both Cadillac Lodge and the Monroe Street Midway. During our visit last Christmas, we ordered a couple hot dogs from the lodge and they were definitely filling!
Fast and relatively cheap are Detroit staples – American and Lafayette Coney Island. Both are a couple blocks from Campus Martius. Another quick eat just off the Parker’s Alley stop of the Holly Trolley is the burger joint Mr. Dips or fried chicken restaurant Penny Red’s.
For something more upscale, consider reservations at Parc in Campus Martius. They are the same team that manages Cadillac Lodge. Here, the menu offers options options like steak, pasta, and fish. Plus you get a lovely view of the festivities downtown!
Another high end option that’s on my bucket list is dining at Le Supreme. It’s within the reopened and renovated Book Tower building, which is another Holly Trolley stop. This French restaurant accepts reservations and serves all the well known French dishes like beef bourguignon.
Where do you recommend parking in downtown Detroit?
We park at the Garage at One Campus Martius for ease & convenience. Its right across the street from the Midway and cost us $10 all day on a Saturday. Plus it’s easy to pay with your phone and drive out after. But Decked Out Detroit’s website makes it easy to find a parking option that’s best for you! Check that out here.
Are there public restrooms at any of these places?
Yes! Within Monroe Street Midway, there is a cleverly concealed row of Porta Potties within it. There is also a bathroom to use if you’re visiting 1001 Winter Wonders. It’s not super advertised, but just ask one of the elfs there and they’ll direct you. Otherwise, if you pop in for a coffee at one of the many coffeeshops around Downtown Detroit or grab lunch downtown, you can use the restrooms there too.
Is this day trip easily walkable or do I need to drive anywhere?
Most of these attractions are centrally located around Campus Martius Square so no driving is needed. And if you’d like to explore beyond the square, let the Holly Trolley take you to where you need to go! It stops every 15 minutes and goes to five stops throughout Detroit.
To help me plan ahead, when does this usually start each year?
Decked Out Detroit usually kicks off right around Detroit’s tree lighting ceremony, which in 2023 was November 17. From the weekend prior to Thanksgiving through New Years, you’re safe to plan a visit. And most attractions are only open at the end of the week and during the weekend. So I’d plan a Thursday or Friday visit to avoid crowds, or you’ll definitely be fine visiting Saturday and Sunday.
Do any of these require reservations?
Nope! Everything is first come, first served at the Decked Out Detroit attractions.
Where can we spend the night in Downtown Detroit?
If you’re looking to turn this Christmasy day trip to Downtown Detroit into a Christmasy getaway, I recommend the below hotels, which are hotels I’ve previously stayed at during past visits to Detroit (and enjoyed!). All three of the hotels listed below are within walking distance to Campus Martius.
- Siren Hotel gives off romantic vibes and would be where I recommend couples stay if they plan a visit to Downtown Detroit. Within the lobby of the Siren Hotel is a cafe, boutique and tucked in the back is the all pink Candy Bar, which is such a delight! Just make sure to snag a reservation to ensure you get a seat!
- Atheneum Suite Hotel – This all suite hotel is the perfect spot to call it a night if you’re visiting Detroit with family. It’s located within Greektown so steps away from a convenient selection of food!
- Shinola Hotel – Another solid choice for a place to stay within Detroit is the boutique Shinola Hotel owned by the Detroit luxury watch maker – Shinola. This hotel is an excellent option if you also plan on doing a lot of holiday shopping or want to try out some of Detroit’s finest restaurants and its located within the shopping district. It’s also right off the Parker’s Alley Holly Trolley stop.
For another great stay nearby, but not within Detroit proper, I recommend:
- Trumbull & Porter – This hotel in Detroit’s Corktown neighborhood, used to be an old, Holiday Inn built during peak times for Detroit. Over the past decade, a local, independent group invested in this hotel, renamed it Trumbull & Porter and got to work restoring it using mostly Michigan sourced materials to bring it to its current glory. This is the hotel my husband and I first stayed at during our first ever visit to Detroit back in 2016!
Happy adventures!
From Michigan with love,
Jackie
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