To many, December is a time to spend celebrating. Although to some there may not be much happening in Troy, other cities in the metro Detroit area have plenty of holiday activities to enjoy this season.

Birmingham—Riding in a horse-drawn carriage is a traditional way to see the city illuminated with different lights and decorations. There will be horse-drawn carriages available every weekend in the afternoon until Dec. 24. The rides are free on a first-come-first-served basis and begin at the corner of W. Merrill Street and Henrietta Street near the Birmingham Police Station. Santa Claus will be accepting Christmas lists as well as donations to raise money for charity at the Santa Haus in Shain Park.

Rochester—For eleven years, “The Rochester Big Bright Light Show” has been enjoyed by families in Rochester as well as those in surrounding cities. All of the storefronts on Main Street are covered with brightly colored lights from top to bottom. Senior June Choi went to the light show with her family this year for the first time.

“There definitely was a Christmas-y atmosphere,” Choi said. “The store windows had all these Christmas trees and Christmas decorations. I’ve always seen it on social media, but I had never actually been there, so it was really cool.”

Carriage rides similar to the ones being offered in Birmingham will be available in the downtown area on Dec. 23 for $15 at W. Fourth Street and Main Street.

Less than a mile away from the light show is the Royal Park Hotel where passersby will see a display completely made out of gingerbread, icing and assorted candies. This year, the hotel has put up a gingerbread train–free to view by the public–in addition to a hot cocoa station and photobooth.

Royal Oak—The Detroit Zoo is putting on its fifth annual “Wild Lights” exhibit. Throughout the month of December, people are able to walk about the zoo at night and observe the 5 million lights displayed throughout the zoo in the trees and on the buildings. The “Wild Lights” exhibition can be experienced from Dec. 20-23 and 26-31.

The metro Detroit area is in the holiday spirit, offering places and activities to experience with family and friends. Whether it be taking pictures with a giant gingerbread train or enjoying a ride in a horse-drawn carriage, there are plenty of events to make this season memorable.