(WWJ) -- Working on your weekend plans? Let us be your guide!
Each week, WWJ discovers all the top events happening around Metro Detroit to help you make the most of your weekend with the Don’t Miss List.
Subscribe here to get the full Don’t Miss List newsletter in your inbox every Thursday afternoon, and be sure to check out these Metro Detroit events this weekend:
1. Merry & Bright: 20 Years of Holiday Lights at Campus Martius
Your holiday season officially starts with the Detroit Tree Lighting on Friday, Nov. 17 at the award-winning Campus Martius Park! “Merry & Bright: 20 Years of Holiday Lights” is the 20th-anniversary special edition of this free annual Detroit event, and will feature stellar performances by Olympic figure skaters, the best skaters in Metro Detroit, and live musical acts, plus holiday shopping, food trucks, unique lighting attractions across Downtown Detroit and more!
Friday, Nov. 17 from 4 p.m. - 9 p.m. at Campus Martius Park in Detroit
2. Blake’s Holiday Extravaganza
Kick off the holiday magic with a day of shopping, festive cheer, and twinkling lights at Blake’s Holiday Extravaganza! Explore unique finds from local artisans, pick out the perfect Christmas tree, and don’t forget to take home fresh evergreen wreaths, porch pots, and delightful decor for your home. Visit the original farmhouse for a photo with Santa or head to Orchard Square for cozy igloo dining, and steaming hot beverages. The excitement peaks with Blake’s annual tree lighting in Orchard Square on November 18 at 6 p.m., accompanied by carolers and live music.
Saturday, Nov. 18 - Sunday, Nov. 26 at Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill in Armada
3. Royal Oak Market: Art Fair Edition
Royal Oak Market: Art Fair Edition, now in its 8th year is produced by The Guild of Artists and Artisans and will take place at the Royal Oak Farmers Market Nov. 16 through Nov.17 from 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. This festive event will feature 60 jury selected artists, live entertainment, food vendors, and several adult beverage offerings including: cider from Bløm Meadworks, wine from Riboli Family Wines featuring Stella Rosa + Highlands 41 Wines, and beer from Brew Detroit, Drafting Table Brewing Company, and Ascensions Brewing Company.
Thursday, Nov. 16 - Friday, Nov. 17 from 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. at Royal Oak Farmers Market in Downtown Royal Oak
4. Canterbury Cocoa Crawl at Canterbury Village
Enjoy shopping, sipping cocoa, and some sweet fun at the Canterbury Cocoa Crawl at Canterbury Village! Each small shop of the Village will feature their own unique, handcrafted cocoa concoction for you to sample as you enjoy the quaint ambience of the decorated grounds! There will be plenty of sweet combinations for the entire family to enjoy and even some cocoa cocktails for the adults to indulge in at The C-Pub. The shops will also once again be competing for the Best Cocoa Award, which will be voted on by all attendees.
Saturday, Nov. 18 - Sunday, Nov. 19 at Canterbury Village in Lake Orion
5. Lights Before Christmas at the Toledo Zoo
Get ready to light up the holiday season with Lights Before Christmas at the Toledo Zoo! With over one million twinkling lights, the award-winning Big Tree and 200+ illuminated animal images, the 2023 edition of the electrical spectacle is sure to be both merry and bright! Kicking off on Friday, Nov. 17 and running through New Year’s Eve, Lights Before Christmas will have something for the whole family, including a series of incredible live musical performances. Opening night on Nov. 17 also features a special meet & greet with the “The Mean One” himself & Cindi Loo Who!
Multiple Dates from Friday, Nov. 17 - Sunday, Nov. 31 at the Toledo Zoo