Events & Festivals
Royal Oak Lighting of the Park 2026: Tree Lighting and Family Fun This November
Royal Oak kicks off its holiday season with Lighting of the Park on Friday, November 20, 2026, from 4 to 9 p.m. at Centennial Commons, with the tree lighting on the steps of the public library, Santa, carnival rides, and ice skating.
Lighting of the Park kicks off the holiday season in downtown Royal Oak on Friday, November 20, 2026, from 4 to 9 p.m. at Centennial Commons, and it is the city's official tree lighting celebration. The ceremony takes place on the steps of the Royal Oak Public Library at 222 East 11 Mile Road, with the community tree lighting up over the course of the evening.
The event is part of Royal Oak Holidays, the city's official holiday programming, and it is listed on the city of Royal Oak's own calendar. The evening includes visits with Santa, carnival rides, food trucks, live music, and ice skating at The Rink at Centennial Commons, so there is something to hold the attention of young children before and after the ceremony.
For families, the format is a low-pressure evening: a downtown tree lighting, the skating rink a short walk away, and the city's shops and restaurants along Washington and Main nearby. It is one of the more walkable holiday kickoffs in Oakland County, with parking on surrounding streets and lots.
Royal Oak's holiday markets follow in December, running on three consecutive weekends starting December 4, and The Rink stays open through the winter, so the November 20 kickoff is the start of a season of family programming rather than a one-night event. Details and any additions to the lineup are posted on the Royal Oak Holidays official page and the city of Royal Oak's events calendar as the date approaches.
Sources: Royal Oak Holidays official website (royaloakholidays.com), City of Royal Oak events calendar (romi.gov). Information verified October 1, 2026.