Downtown Detroit is a haven for fun and romantic things to do all year round, but during the holidays, the downtown area transforms into one of the country’s most picturesque and romantic places! But with so many options and things to do, it can be hard to plan the perfect evening without getting caught up in the crowds and lines you often get this time of year, which is exactly why we’ve planned it for you!
Start your holiday date night in style at Experience Zuzu for an intimate sushi dinner
Location: 511 Woodward, Suite 100, Detroit, MI 48226
Right in the heart of Downtown Detroit, just a few blocks from the Downtown Holiday Markets and Cadillac Lodge is Experience Zuzu, a restaurant that offers one of the most intimate and upscale dining experiences in the city. While the sushi steals that show at Experience Zuzu you’ll quickly find that there are plenty of phenomenal options for those who aren’t interested in rolls or nigiri, so there’s no need to fret if your special someone happens to have some picky preferences.
While this place does run on the pricier side in terms of its menu prices, the quality of the food and the intimacy of the atmosphere make this restaurant, in our opinion, one of the most romantic spots in Downtown Detroit.
Take a stroll to see the festivities at Campus Martius Park
Location: 800 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48226
Once you’ve eaten your fill or just want a change of scenery, it’ll be time to put your coats back on and venture a few blocks up to Campus Martius Park, where you can take in the full scale of the holidays in Detroit. This is the perfect place for some holiday date night walking and talking, taking a few fantastic photos in front of the Downtown Christmas Tree, and even perusing through the Holiday Markets to pick out a few cute gifts.
Test your skills on the ice at the Campus Martius Park ice rink
Location: 800 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48226
Outdoor ice skating during the holiday season in Downtown Detroit is as romantic as it gets, with an incredible view of the Downtown Tree lit up against a backdrop of Detroit’s skyline, you really do get a sense of holiday cheer and warmth emanating from the city! If you can manage to stay on both feet and help each other make a few laps around the rink, then you’ll certainly be in good spirits and will be ready for a chance to sit back down and relax, which is exactly what takes us to our next stop in our date night plan:
Grab a seat and enjoy a drink at Cadillac Lodge
Location: 60 Campus Martius, Detroit, MI 48226
No holiday date night plan in Downtown Detroit would be complete without a visit to Cadillac Lodge, this little paradise is the full package when it comes to capping off a perfect romantic evening. Offering a full menu of tasty treats and signature seasonal craft cocktails, there is no better place to slow things down and keep the conversation going.
The best part is that this drink menu lets you take the evening at exactly the speed you want, whether it be some simple hot cocoa to cap off the evening, a Christmassy cocktail to put you both in the holiday spirit, or even some seasonal shots if you want to kick-off the night.
Hop aboard the Holly Trolley for a free ride to tour the city
Location: Multiple Stops
Whether you want to take the Holly Trolley to get to one of the many Christmas-themed holiday pop-up bars around Detroit or just want to take a quick tour of some of the city’s most exciting locations, it’s a great way to see some of the decorations and displays that have been put up for the holiday around the city for free. The Holly Trolley takes you in a circle around Detroit’s busiest areas with five stops at Book Tower, Capitol Park, Campus Martius Park, Parker’s Alley, and Columbia Street.
It’s worth noting that Holly Trolley only runs on Thursdays and Fridays from 4 pm to 8 pm and on Saturdays and Sundays from 12 pm until 8 pm. So if you’re planning a mid-week date night, be sure not to depend on the Trolley to get you around town!