Top Ten Outdoor Events near Detroit - December 2025 Edition
- Dan Cooke
- 3 days ago
- 9 min read
Updated: 20 hours ago
'Tis the season for holly, jolly outdoor adventures - and we are stoked for them all! As you navigate the madness of the holidays, here are the top ten outdoor events near Detroit to guide you through this most festive of months. Happy holidays, Detroit!
In case you haven't heard, it's the most wonderful time of the year..!
And yes, not only because of the holiday season. The Expedition Detroit team is STOKED for a December that's JAM-PACKED with world-class outdoor events in the Detroit region, which shouldn't come as a surprise for our resident outdoor enthusiasts.
To be fair, December can be a polarizing month - less in terms of Santa's homestead and more regarding attitudes towards outdoor recreation. The Winter Solstice hitting mid-month means that December brings the shortest and some of the coldest days of the year. Add in the seasonal work and holiday commitments, the net result is that the odds for experiencing bountiful outdoor recreation thin out a bit.
That, dear friends, represents the greatest gift that you will receive this month. December rings in opportunities for intrepid recreationists that simply do not exist mid-summer. Virtually empty running, hiking, and kayaking trails. Prime time for fat tire biking season. Expeditious snowshoeing and cross-country skiing routes. Fresh groomer tracks at Detroit's ski resorts. Extended hunting periods. An entire season ripe for outdoor innovation.
Put differently, December provides us all with two options: hibernate until spring, or fully embrace and capitalize on the gift that is winter in Detroit.
You already know which option we're choosing, so we're kicking off our winter expeditions with these awesome top ten outdoor events near Detroit for December.
1. Earn First Tracks at Detroit's "Big Four" Ski Resorts
All December | Alpine Valley, Mt. Brighton, Mt. Holly, and Pine Knob Resorts
It's only December 2nd, but thanks to the post-Thanksgiving WHITE OUT that we just received, we're already behind on this announcement: SKI SEASON IS HERE!
That's right - as of the writing of this article, 3 out of 4 of Detroit's "Big Four Ski Resorts" are open for riding! We state this with a little bit of a caveat - all four resorts are largely still in the snowmaking/accumulating process, even with the recent powder that the Snow Gods have blessed us with. Conditions are only going to heat up (er, cool down?) as this month progresses, so in the interim we'll be purchasing our season passes (relevant links here and here), sharpening our skis, and dreaming of those sweet, deep powder runs at one of Detroit's four premiere resorts: Mt. Holly, Pine Knob, Alpine Valley, and Mt. Brighton.
2. Explore the Enchanted Borealis Trail
Throughout December | Seven Lakes State Park | 5:30 p.m.
As you're aware, the Expedition Detroit Team is all about embracing nighttime recreation opportunities (#EmbraceTheDark) this time of year. While most nocturnal exploration requires a high degree of independent preparation, the folks at Seven Lakes State Park have greatly simplified this process by hosting their annual "Enchanted Borealis Trail" night hiking events on December 5th and 12th!
The park encourages hikers to meander through the forest by following a one-mile lantern-lit path and enjoy some colorful holiday lights along the way. The hike starts at the Dickinson Picnic Shelter. The event is free, although as an additional option, you can rent your own campfire spot for $20 (wood and fire starting included). Reservations are required for specific time slots to avoid overfilling available parking.
3. Run like Rudolph in a Holiday Race
December 6th | Throughout the Detroit Region | 9:30 a.m.
Remember those few extra pounds that you may or may not have packed on during Thanksgiving..? Well, lucky for you, 2025's holiday race season didn't end with that Turkey Trot your in-laws dragged you out of bed to run. To the contrary, 'tis the season for Christmas-themed races, so you'll burn off those extra turkey pounds in no time.
The holiday race season, all of your favorite running Santas will be coming to towns across the Detroit region this Saturday, December 6th. Starting in Utica, the Eggnog Jog kicks off at 9:30 a.m. Dexter's annual "Holiday Hustle" then sprints off with their half marathon race at 11 a.m., followed by community-favorites 1 mile and 5K events respectively at 4 and 4:30 p.m. Last but certainly not least, Saline's "Merry Mile" closes out the festive racing at 5:30 p.m.
4. Go Big for Global Fat Tire Bike Day
December 6th | Island Lake State Recreation Area | 10 a.m.
Wait, you didn't think that December had enough holidays..? Neither did we, along with the international biking community. Along with other holiday traditions, the most ardent of cyclists switch out their slimmer summer tires for their fatter, snow-ready tires in early December. Fortunately, this isn't a niche sect of the biking faithful - the sport of fat tire biking has grown to such an extent that this seasonal passage has become memorialized into a global holiday. A holiday occurring this Saturday, December 6th.
Ready to take your fat tire for its maiden seasonal voyage? New to fat tire biking and wondering where you can catch a glimpse of the festive action? We've got you: head to Island Lake State Recreation Area for the official Southeast Michigan Global Fat Bike Day festivities. Riders will be setting out from the Spring Mill Pond parking lot to tackle "The Badlands" region of the park.
Salsa Heyday! Cues Fat-Tire Bike - save 19% at REI.com until December 31st!
5. Gaze into the Cosmos at a Dark Sky Preserve
December 13th | Point Pelee National Park | 6 p.m.
Sometimes the best break from the frenzy of the holidays is to do nothing. Well, almost nothing - hiking through a national park to experience some of the best stargazing in the Detroit region definitely counts as doing something.
Fortunately for us, Point Pelee National Park saves the day yet again as our region's sole Dark Sky Preserve: the ideal location for gazing into the cosmos and tuning out the world for an extraterrestrial outing. Point Pelee's "Dark Sky Nights" are especially catered towards star-gazing tourists willing to brave near-freezing temperatures at night, with amenities including extended visitor hours, seasonal star charts, and the combined natural beauty of the park and the cosmos.
The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (RASC) will be onsite with telescopes to facilitate star gazing. RASC attendance is weather permitting as cloudy skies inhibit night sky viewing. Cloudy skies or clear, the park will be open until 12 am unless otherwise stated.
6. Have Yourself a Merry Little Hunt
Throughout December (and beyond) | Statewide in Michigan
Wait - you didn't think that whitetail deer season ended in November, right...?
If you did, don't sweat it. Most Michiganders only associate deer hunting with "primetime" firearm season during the last two weeks of November. However, deer season continues all the way until the very end of January. In fact, Detroit-region hunters have the most expansive and inclusive hunting opportunities in the entire state.
Here's a quick reference guide for the remaining schedule for deer season near Detroit:
Period | Dates | Equipment Regulations | Location |
Muzzleloader | December 5th - 14th | A muzzleloading rifle or black powder handgun loaded with black powder or a commercially manufactured black powder substitute | Statewide |
Antlerless Firearm | December 15th - January 11th | All firearm regulations apply | Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw, Wayne, and St. Clair Counties |
Urban Archery | December 1st - January 31st | Compound and crossbow; must wear hunter orange during firearm periods | Macomb, Oakland, Washtenaw, Wayne, and St. Clair Counties |
This season, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources has specifically called on lower peninsula hunters to play a critical role in the DNR's conservation strategy. More specifically, in order to alleviate the significant stress that an overpopulation of deer has levied upon the lower peninsula's ecosystem, the DNR is pleading for hunters to focus primarily on harvesting a doe. Increased doe harvests will also provide the long-term benefits of reduced cases of disease transmission, vehicle accidents involving deer, and destruction of farmland.
GEAR UP FOR THE SEASON WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT
7. Seize the Day on a Winter Solstice Hike
December 21st | Lake Erie Metropark | 2 p.m.
Winter is coming. For many, that may invoke a feeling of dread - or a signal to start looking at flights south. For Expedition Detroit, on the other hand, that means an opportunity to kick the "Friluftsliv" lifestyle into high gear. The Detroit region's generous snowfall and shorter days mean incredible cross-country skiing, snow shoeing, and night hiking opportunities. Plus, the fair-weather crowds leave our pristine natural environment virtually vacant.
And that all officially kicks off on December 21st - the "Winter Solstice" - which is also the shortest day of the calendar year.
This solstice, our friends at Lake Erie Metropark invite you to seize the fleeting daylight on their nature trails on an educational Winter Solstice Hike! The guides will dive deep into the why and how the winter solstice happens, and what that means for the natural world around us. This program is entirely outdoors, lasts approximately 120 minutes, will be spent on a leisurely walk with frequent stops. The hike will conclude at the Lake Erie Marshlands Museum. The planned path surface is dirt and gravel, mostly flat and level.
EXPLORE A NIGHT HIKE SAFARI WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT!
8. Experience the Winter Wonderland of Glenlore Trails
Throughout December | Glenlore Trails, Commerce, Michigan | 7 p.m.
This holiday season, Glenlore Trails invites you to step into "Aurora," an illuminated winter wonderland! Step into the enchanted forest, where every visitor becomes part of the story. As you journey through an illuminated forest, your presence and interactions help the "Winter Wizards" push back the gloom — a creeping chill that threatens to dim the spirit of the holidays.
Want to add a little extra magic? Optional magic wands (available for $20 before you enter the trail) let you reveal hidden moments and awaken extra magic along the path. Each wave of your wand strengthens the Wizards’ power and brings new surprises to life!
Whether you’re looking for a fun family outing or a memorable date night, Aurora offers a truly immersive experience that will bring the holiday season to life! Aurora will be open until December 28th.
9. Wander Into Winter with Expedition Detroit!
Throughout December | 11 Michigan State Parks and Recreation Areas
Detroit is a world-class, year-round outdoor destination - and our TOP RATED guided trips are curated to capitalize on each phase of our calendar trail conditions!
Beyond our typical offering of guided hiking, backpacking, and trail running adventures, this December we're excited to broaden our offering of guided night hiking safaris and - finally - GUIDED SNOWSHOE TREKS! Both of these trips will provide snow equipment for rent.
The Expedition Detroit team is proud to represent the Michigan DNR's largest commercial provider of guided hiking and other outdoor adventure trips across ELEVEN of the Detroit region's most pristine state parks and recreation areas. Each of our guides has the field experience, wilderness first aid training, park knowledge, and outdoor passion that you can - and should - expect from any world-class trail experience.
P.S. Subscribers to our content get discounts on our Guided Services AND online store items...
10. Sprint into the New Year at the Belle Isle NYE Run
December 31st | Belle Isle State Park | 3 p.m.
Every New Year's Eve, we all find ourselves looking forward to a blank slate of opportunity. Races to be run. Trails to be explored. Memories to capture. And for the most part, all of those experiences lay just outside of our grasp - one ripped calendar page away from becoming a reality.
December 31st also provides us all with one last sweet, finite way of sticking it to the year that's on its way out. Regardless of whether you'll look back on 2025 as the best or worst year of your life, we can't think of a better way to close out this chapter than sweating it out on a New Year's Eve race.
This year, head down to Belle Isle for the annual New Year's Eve Run 5K! Set against the picturesque backdrop of Downtown Detroit, this annual run features a range of distances to accommodate all levels of runners and walkers. Participants enjoy a scenic route with stunning views of the Detroit skyline and the Detroit River, while festive decorations and a lively atmosphere add to the celebration. The event often includes post-race festivities such as music, food, and opportunities for socializing, making it a memorable way to ring in the new year.
EXPLORE BELLE ISLE PARK WITH EXPEDITION DETROIT!
Happy December to you all, and wishing you nothing but the best heading into 2026. We can’t wait to see you out there!
Do you host an upcoming outdoor event that you would like to be featured in a future article? If yes, then we would love to hear from you! Please contact us at info@expeditiondetroit.com to discuss Expedition Detroit feature opportunities.