Press Release
For Immediate Release – November 10, 2025
Celebrate the Season with “Hometown Holidays” in Downtown Lake Orion!
The holiday season is in full swing in Downtown Lake Orion! The historic district is adorned with twinkling
lights, festive décor, and all the charm that makes the downtown a beloved destination during the holidays.
From the glow of Children’s Park to the historic streets of Broadway and Flint, there are countless photo-worthy
spots to capture the magic of the season.
Fashioning the downtown with all the season splendors makes Downtown Lake Orion a destination for
shoppers and visitors ready for fun, family-friendly Hometown Holiday events. Nestled amongst quaint shops
and boutiques, cozy coffee houses, and ever-flavorful restaurants, Downtown Lake Orion is the perfect place to
shop, dine, play, and immerse into the holiday season.
Sing & Stroll Tree Lighting – Thursday, November 20
Kick off the holidays at the annual Sing & Stroll Tree Lighting in Children’s Park from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. Enjoy
free horse & wagon rides, holiday music, warm fire pits with freshly prepared s’mores, performances, and
singing to holiday songs, along with festive decorations, and a warm community atmosphere as the downtown
tree is illuminated with the help of Santa and Mrs. Claus. Be on the watch for The Grinch, too! Tree lighting is
at 6 pm and you can get photos with Santa and the Grinch.
Shop Small Saturday – Saturday, November 29
Support local businesses during Shop Small Saturday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Downtown shoppers can enjoy
special deals, festive activities, and horse & wagon rides through the district. Watch for a map on
www.downtownlakeorion.org, listing the deals and experiences you can enjoy on Shop Small Saturday in
Downtown Lake Orion. Use a QR code Selfie at participating stores to enter to win Downtown Dollars, good at
over 40 downtown shops. Don’t forget to snap a selfie at participating shops to enter the Local Gems
Sweepstakes, with a chance to win up to $1,000!
Lake Orion Downtown Development Authority
downtownlakeorion.org
Holiday Lighted Christmas Parade – Saturday, December 6
The annual tradition of one of Michigan’s largest holiday lighted parades takes place in the heart of Downtown
Lake Orion. Order up a warm cocoa or coffee, grab a bite to eat, then settle in along the streets of downtown
for a festive display of holiday pageantry. Parade kicks off at 6 pm from Blanche Sims Elementary.
Polar Express Trolley Experience – Saturday, December 13
The Polar Express Trolley Experience brings the wonder of the North Pole to Downtown Lake Orion! Families
check in and receive a Golden Ticket, enjoy the Hot Cocoa Creation Station, and Kids Crafts area, then when
your time to board is ready, get your ticket punched by The Conductor, and listen to The Polar Express story
along with singing holiday songs together. Arrive at the “North Pole” at Epique Realty (129 S. Broadway) for a
family visit with Santa, cookies, and then board the trolley for a return trip of more singing and excitement of
the day. The event has tickets timed for every half hour from 11 a.m – 3 p.m. Check in at Stadium Drive
Elementary to begin the journey to the “North Pole” station downtown. Tickets are $12 per person, aged 1 year
and up. Free under 1 year. These are timed tickets and there are 30 seats on the trolley per time slot. Learn more
at www.ShopOCMainStreets.com. Tickets for the Polar Express.
Horse & Wagon Rides
Experience the charm of Downtown Lake Orion during the holidays with free horse & wagon rides, offered
during Sing & Stroll Tree Lighting, November 20, 5 -7 pm, and Shop Small Saturday, November 29, 10 am – 2
pm.
Come experience what makes Downtown Lake Orion the perfect Hometown Holiday destination for your
shopping, dining, and gathering this season!
For further information, contact the Lake Orion Downtown Development Authority (DDA) at 248-693-9742 or
see more details at www.downtownlakeorion.org. More information is also on Facebook: LakeOrionDDA,
Instagram: DowntownLakeOrion, or X: LakeOrionDDA.
