Everyone claims that their hometown is the best place to be during the Christmas season, but maybe they wouldn’t claim that to be true if they spent a holiday in the wonderfully festive area of Rochester, Michigan. I was born and raised in this amazing city, and I never get tired of all of the Christmas festivities that are offered. Every year I hear of something new going on, but one thing is for sure, if you are looking for an extremely bright, festive, spirited place to call home this holiday season, look no further! Rochester welcomes you in with open arms, and there is so much we have to offer.

1. The Big Bright Light Show

This is definitely the place to be during the holiday season. All of downtown Rochester is lit up in Christmas lights of all colors. Stores all along the strip are covered head to toe in greens, purples, reds, silver, gold, and light up the sidewalks and basically illuminate any passerby. A busy scene, but altogether so festive and bright. Make a stop at Bean & Leaf right on Main Street and grab yourself a hot chocolate before you start your walk through a Christmas wonderland.

2. The Village Of Rochester Hills

The most gorgeous out door mall just got even more beautiful. A 25-foot tree lighting ceremony and Santa Claus all in one place. 850,000 lights are strung all across the Village of Rochester Hills and the trees bordering the mall can be seen in festive multicolored string lights. Simply take a drive through this Christmas Village and you will instantly get into the holiday spirit.

3. Meadowbrook Hall

Come to the amazing Meadow brook hall and take a tour through the home with the holiday walk. Music will be playing fireplaces will be roaring and gorgeous twinkling lights will illuminate every room you walk in. They offer self-guided tours, and you have the opportunity to experience an actual Christmas wonderland. This mansion is “decorated for the holidays and features special exhibits celebrating the treasures of childhood”.

4. Royal Park Hotel

Take a visit to one of the most gorgeous hotels and experience a holiday shopping expo as well as a giant Gingerbread train! The holiday shopping expo features “More than 30 downtown Rochester business” that will be showcasing all of their amazing products and services. Perfect for Christmas gifts for your loved ones. The Gingerbread train will be featured at the hotel as well and “was created with 300 lbs of holiday candy and 300 lbs of gingerbread mix” Just don’t eat it all at once or your will be experiencing a little bit of Holiday weight gain.

5. The Kris Kringle Market

Right in Downtown Rochester, this cute market is full of shopping, all types of food, entertainment and of course, beautiful scenery from the downtown Rochester lights. “The Kris Kringle Market is inspired by the 700-year-old tradition of the European Christmas market”.

6. The Downtown Rochester Christmas Parade

Starting at the beginning of December, a huge festive parade happens right in Downtown Rochester! There is usually around 3,000 people who participate in this wonderful event. All types of people are featured including businesses, families, organizations, schools., clubs and much more!