Things to do in Detroit this weekend: Tree lighting, turkey giveaway and more

The holiday season officially returns to Detroit this weekend with the annual tree lighting celebration that will draw thousands downtown Friday night.

🎄 Downtown tree lighting: The "Merry & Bright: 20 Years of Holiday Lights" event at Campus Martius Friday features performances from 2022 Olympic gold-medalist ice skater Nathan Chen and Flint-born country singer Miko Marks.

• Santa will be on hand to light the 64-foot Christmas tree at the event, which runs from 4-9pm.

🎁 Holiday markets return: Local shops host pop-ups in Cadillac Square in the area surrounding the Cadillac Lodge.

• Wednesdays-Sundays through Jan. 7.

🫔 Tamales fair: A mole contest and tamales fair in Southwest Detroit from 1-5pm Sunday is being hosted by Soluciones Onda Latina.

• Free entrance and open tasting at 3564 Vernor Hwy.

🦃 Turkey giveaway: City Council President Mary Sheffield's annual turkey giveaway is Sunday at 1pm at the Kappa Detroit Foundation, 6900 Sylvester St.