Why wait until December to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year? There are plenty of area holiday happenings in November to kick off a joyous season. We picked a few for you to check out that look particularly merry.
Wayne County Lightfest
More than 100,000 lights and 50 animated displays make up a magical four-mile stretch of Hines Park in the Wayne County Lightfest, which opens Nov. 17 and continues 6-10 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday evenings all the way through Christmas Eve. There is a $5 cash fee for cars and more for commercial-sized vehicles.The entrance to the Lightfest is 7651 North Merriman Road, which is on Merriman between Ann Arbor Trail and Warren Avenue in Westland, 2 1/2 miles south of I-96. Children can drop off a letter to Santa in a giant mailbox at Perrin Park, mid-way through the show, as well as take advantage of food trucks and a restroom.
Winter, Wine & Whimsy, Novi
This is the second year for Winter, Wine & Whimsy, which is planned for Nov. 17-19 at Twelve Mile Crossing at Fountain Walk in Novi. The event billed as a holiday market features more than 40 local artisans, including a ladies night Thursday in which there will be a variety of free beauty services and the first 250 women can get a free giftbag.
But the overall event features fun for the whole family, including a tree lighting, Santa and reindeer visits, games, crafts and a snowball arena for the kids, live music to be enjoyed by all, and a free Emagine movie theater showing of “White Christmas” for seniors 55 and over for those who register in time. Visit https://cityofnovi.org/services/community-relations/holiday-market/event-schedule for complete Winter, Wine & Whimsy details.
Wild Lights, Detroit Zoo, Royal Oak
Wild Lights is the Detroit Zoo’s annual holiday hoopla featuring millions of stunning lights with many displays paying homage to the facility’s inhabitants. New this year is an enchanted trail. The event kicks off on Nov. 19 this year and runs through Jan. 8, on select weeknights. On most Fridays and Saturdays, Wild Lights is from 5-10:30 p.m. Sundays from 5-9 p.m. A variety of packages are available, with prices ranging from $17-$65 per person. Tickets are limited and should be purchased in advance, although a limited number of gate tickets are available.
Holiday Lighted Parade, Northville
The theme is Lighting Up the Streets at the 2022 Holiday Lighted Parade in Northville, set for 6:30 p.m., Nov. 19. Bands, dancers, floats, and Santa will be followed by an official tree lighting at 8 p.m. in Town Square, Downtown Northville.
