The Village of Rochester Hills in Michigan, Kicks off the Holidays with FREE Light the Village Event

Image Courtesy of The Village of Rochester Hills

Complete with Fireworks, Santa, Giveaways, Shopping, Performances, Music, and So Much More.

WHAT:               

Get ready to Light the Village! The Village of Rochester Hills, metropolitan Detroit’s premier outdoor lifestyle shopping and dining destination, is once again transforming into a sparkling winter wonderland for its highly anticipated annual Light The Village holiday celebration on Friday, November 20, 2026.

The 375,000 square foot outdoor shopping center will shimmer and sparkle with more than one million dazzling-colored lights, setting the stage for an unforgettable evening packed with FREE family-friendly holiday fun. From holiday music and jaw-dropping performances to giveaways and Santa’s grand arrival, complete with a spectacular fireworks show lighting up the night sky, this magical event is the perfect way for the community to come together to kick off the holiday season.

The Light the Village event will feature:

*Children must be present at pick-up for special items. 

• FREE Shuttle Service from Van Hoosen Middle School beginning at 5:30pm
• Santa Claus’ Grand Entrance – at 7:00pm
• Spectacular Fireworks Show – 7:15pm sharp
• FREE Walk-up Visits with Santa – 8:00pm-9:00pm
• FREE Light Up Stick Necklaces for the first 500 children (ages 4+)*
• FREE Light Up Wands for the first 500 children (ages 4+)*
• FREE Jingle Bell Necklaces for the first 500 children (ages 4+)*
• FREE Red Reindeer Noses for the first 500 children (ages 4+)*
• FREE Balloon Twisting
• Stilt Walkers
• Fire Performers
• LED Dance Performers
• Visits from Buddy the Elf and The Grinch
• Surprise Gift Card Giveaways throughout the night!
• Giveaways from the Village of Rochester Hills will take place throughout the night

Guests will also enjoy live holiday music and performances, throughout the Village, featuring local High School Bands and Drumlines.

In addition to the array of restaurants on-site, guests will be able to grab a bite to eat from any of the available food trucks including, Little Donut Factory, The Almond Hut, Circle T, Taco Cartel, Schultz Concessions, Bloom & Bean Coffee and Cocoa, and many more!

The magic continues all season long at the Village of Rochester Hills. Starting Friday, November 20, 2026 through Christmas Eve, guests can enjoy FREE holiday events and activations all season long, including music from local carolers and free weekly walk-up visits to see Santa, making the Village of Rochester Hills your go-to holiday destination.

The Village of Rochester Hills features more than 50 unique and sought-after retailers including Carter’s, Von Maur, ALO, American Eagle, Aerie, Evereve, Dry Goods, Pandora Jewelry, Woodhouse Day Spa, and Warby Parker, providing something for everyone on your shopping list. The Village also has an enhanced culinary selection of restaurants that offer dine-in and carry-out options like Kruse and Muer, and Sweetgreen which are sure to satisfy hungry holiday shoppers or holiday gatherings.

The beautifully decorated center will offer extended shopping hours through the holiday season along with holiday festivities. All events are free and open to the public. For a full list of events, visit www.TheVORH.com. Activations and times are subject to change based on the weather. Please visit @TheVORH on Facebook for updates and holiday gifting deals!

The Village is conveniently located at 104 N. Adams Road at the corner of Adams and Walton, in Rochester Hills.

The Village of Rochester Hills Special Holiday Hours

The Village of Rochester Hills will offer extended shopping hours through the holiday season. Visit TheVORH.com for a full listing of center hours. Restaurant & Von Maur department store hours may vary. 

Thanksgiving Day: November 26 – CLOSED

Black Friday: November 27 – 9:00am-9:00pm

Christmas Eve: December 24 – 10:00am-5:00pm

Christmas Day: December 25 – CLOSED

New Years Eve: December 31 – 10:00am-5:00pm

New Years Day: January 1 – 10:00am-5:00pm

WHEN: 

The Light The Village event is taking place on Friday, November 20, 2026 from 6:00pm to 9:00pm.

WHERE: 

The Village of Rochester Hills

104 N. Adams Road, Rochester Hills, MI 48309

A complimentary shuttle service will be available from 5:30pm-9:30pm at Van Hoosen Middle School to take guests to and from the Village for the event. Van Hoosen Middle School is located at 1339 N. Adams Road, in Rochester Hills.

COST: 

Light The Village is a FREE event and Visits with Santa are also FREE!

All visits with Santa will be walk-up visits and will be available to all who want to visit during Santa’s hours. Guests should bring their own camera as photographers will not be provided.

About the Village of Rochester Hills

The Village of Rochester Hills, developed in 2002 by Robert B. Aikens & Associates, LLC, is metropolitan Detroit’s premier outdoor lifestyle shopping center. Co-anchored by Whole Foods and Von Maur, the 375,000-square-foot property offers an outstanding mix of renowned retailers and standout stores. From Carter’s, Sephora, and lululemon to Barnes & Noble and Pottery Barn, The Village provides a diverse shopping experience. The center also boasts an array of dining options, including BRAVO! Italian Kitchen, Kruse & Muer, Mitchell’s Fish Market, P.F. Chang’s, Sweetgreen, Pokeworks, Shake Shack, Chipotle, and Starbucks. With its walkable streetscape, beautiful fountain and firepit, lush gardens, and outdoor park, the Village of Rochester Hills serves as a hub for the region’s best shopping, signature events, and community activities. Learn more at www.TheVORH.com.

The Village of Rochester Hills Social Media Channels

www.TheVOHR.com

Facebook: TheVORH

Instagram: TheVORH

Tiktok: TheVORH

Twitter: VORH_Connect