Local performers bring holiday cheer to DTW

DETROIT (Nov. 25, 2025) – The Wayne County Airport Authority (WCAA) is set to host a series of holiday-themed performances featuring local artists and schools as part of its holiday music program at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW).

The performances will kick off at the McNamara Terminal on Tuesday, Dec. 2 with musical selections by the Fraser High School Flute Choir. Additionally, Detroit Public Schools Community District’s Cass Tech High School, John R. King Academic and Performing Arts Academy and Detroit School of Arts are scheduled to perform. Local acts also include the Ida High School Jazz Band, Velvet Carolers and Metropolitan Detroit Chorale.

Customers can expect live musical performances throughout the month of December, while Santa Claus is scheduled to visit the Evans Terminal twice. The holiday-inspired performances will conclude on Dec. 30.

“The holiday music program continues to contribute to a world-class experience for customers passing through DTW,” said WCAA CEO Chad Newton. “Our goal is to bring festive cheer and warmth to our terminals, while creating a greater sense of community with our local performers.”

DTW Destination Pass:

Travelers are not the only ones who can enjoy the holiday music program. WCAA enhanced customer convenience with the 2023 introduction of the DTW Destination Pass kiosks. This self-service program allows non-ticketed guests to gain same-day access beyond the security checkpoint to explore shopping and dining options without the requirement of a boarding pass.

A DTW Destination Pass can only be obtained from 4 a.m.-9 p.m. at the kiosks on the Departures Level of the Evans and McNamara terminals and in the Westin hotel. Interested guests must have a U.S. government-issued photo ID or acceptable identification to apply for a pass. Since installing the kiosks, more than 133,000 passes have been issued.

Customers have more dining options with the recent additions of Buddy’s Pizza, 7greens and Wahlburgers within the McNamara Terminal, which also features new Detroit-centric retail with Corktown Place and Motown Greatest Hits Travel Shop.

Holiday Tips:

• Arrive early! Everything is easier when you’re not rushing. During the holidays, the airport welcomes a higher percentage of infrequent travelers who may need extra time. It is important to arrive early to avoid the stress of rushing to your flight. The airport recommends arriving two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight. Allowing extra time will enable you to park, check baggage, proceed through Transportation Security Administration (TSA) screening and reach your departure gate.
• Remember to bring your REAL ID-compliant driver’s license or state-issued ID. If you don’t have a REAL ID, you can also use a valid passport, military ID or another TSA-accepted form of identification. Without one of these, you may not be allowed through the security checkpoint or could face additional screening.
• Active loading & unloading at the terminal curb fronts will be strictly enforced.
  • Never leave your vehicle on the arrivals or departures curb unattended. Unattended vehicles will be ticketed and towed.
  • The curb fronts at both terminals are reserved for active loading and unloading only and can become extremely congested during peak times. Airport Police will be doing their best to move motorists along to prevent traffic backups. Take advantage of the airport’s short-term parking at both terminals – $4 for 30 minutes or less, and $6 for up to an hour.
  • Pre-arrange a meeting location with the traveler you are picking up. In addition to short term parking lots, two complimentary cell phone lots are available at the north and south ends of the airport. Please visit the following link for a map: metroairport.com/terminals/maps/campus-map.
• Don’t wrap gifts before traveling. Packages that are wrapped may need to be opened by TSA, causing disappointment and delays at the screening checkpoints.
• Check your bags for prohibited items BEFORE arriving at the airport. Attempting to proceed through TSA screening with prohibited items in your bag will delay the screening process for you and other passengers. To find out what is considered a prohibited item, visit tsa.gov/travel/travel-tips, and remember prohibited items are more than just weapons. All liquids and gels over 3.4 ounces are prohibited in carry-on baggage.
• Arrange for assistance in advance. The Airport Authority and its partners are committed to providing a welcoming and convenient travel experience for all passengers. Travelers who may require additional assistance should advise their airline or TSA ahead of time. More information can be found at metroairport.com/at-dtw/getting-around/accessibility-additional-assistance or by calling TSA Cares: 855-787-2227.

Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) welcomed 33 million passengers in 2024. As one of the world’s leading air transportation hubs, DTW offers service from 18 scheduled passenger airlines. Michigan’s largest airport offers approximately 800 flights per day to and from more than 125 nonstop destinations on three continents. With two award-winning passenger terminals, six jet runways, and an onsite AAA Four-Diamond Westin Hotel, DTW is among the world’s most efficient, customer friendly and operationally capable airports in North America. Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport earned Airports Council International’s 2020 and 2022 Airport Service Quality Award for Best Airport by Size and Region (25 to 40 million passengers per year in North America). DTW has also garnered three prestigious awards for customer satisfaction since 2010. DTW is operated by the Wayne County Airport Authority (WCAA), which also operates nearby Willow Run Airport – an important corporate, cargo and general aviation facility. The Airport Authority is entirely self-sustaining and does not receive tax dollars to support airport operations. Visit www.metroairport.com for more information.