*Updated for 2023!* All of the Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremonies and Events going on in and around Metro Detroit!
I organized this post by date!
Thursday, November 16, 2023
Sing & Stroll Tree Lighting (Lake Orion)
5pm – 7pm @ Children’s Park
The evening will start off with performances by Broadway Dance Company and the Lake Orion High School Choir & Dance Teams followed by the Tree Lighting and then Carolers.
Santa & Mrs. Claus will be there along strolling for photo ops! Grab a complimentary cup of Cocoa and roast marshmallows over an open fire manned by our favorite Boy Scouts!
Lastly, when the event is over ride the
horse & carriage will the carolers stroll through Downtown.
Thank you to our sponsors!
Cookies & Cream, Broadway Embroidery, Fork n’ Pint, Haney Farm Bureau, Your Food Dude, Decorate with Lights
Friday, November 17, 2023
Campus Martius (Detroit)
20th Annual Tree Lighting
Friday, 11/17; 5pm – Midnight
Open to the public!
Last year the actual lighting was at 7pm…I have not heard about a time for this year though.
What is in store for you: Stellar performances by Olympic figure skaters, the best skaters in metro Detroit and live musical acts, holiday shopping, food trucks, unique lighting attractions across Downtown Detroit and more!
The Detroit tradition will center around a 64-foot Michigan-grown Norway spruce decked out with ornaments and illuminated by thousands of shimmering LED multi-colored lights – after a countdown by Santa. WXYZ-TV Channel 7 will also once again serve as the official broadcast partner of the annual Detroit Tree Lighting ceremony, offering complete coverage of the event during a one-hour live special, “Light Up the Season,” beginning at 7 pm. Those who prefer to view the show indoors or from the comfort of their own home can tune in to the one-hour special broadcast on their televisions, online and on all streaming devices.
TREE LIGHTING SPECIAL GUEST PERFORMANCES
-Nathan Chen, one of the biggest names in the world of men’s figure skating, will perform on the Rink at Campus Martius Park Presented by Visit Detroit. Chen took home the gold and silver medals at the 2022 Olympics, is a three-time World Champion.
-Headlining the MGM Detroit Main Stage at Campus Martius Park will be award-winning, acclaimed American country singer and Flint, Michigan native Miko Marks. Marks was named an inductee to CMT’s “Next Women of Country” class of 2022.
-Adding to the impressive headline talent Paul Russell, social media sensation, whose viral hit song ‘Lil Boo Thang’ has garnered millions of views on TikTok.
-Broadway star Talia Suskauer currently playing Elphaba in WICKED on Broadway, will be delivering an exceptional vocal performance.
-Anna Cobb, a professional figure skater and choreographer from Flint, Michigan, Recently, Cobb toured with Disney On Ice, dazzling crowds with her mesmerizing performance as Elsa from “Frozen.”
FOOD TRUCK LINEUP:
Clara’s Place, For the Love of Sugar, Impasto, Little Bros Burgers, Los Dos Amigos Tacos, Max Chicago Style Italian Beef, Original Seafood Truck, Rollin Stone Wood Fired Pizza, Shredderz, Smoke Ring, The Lobster Truck, Unity Catering
PARKING AND TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION:
Convenient and affordable parking and transit options are available steps away from Campus Martius Park, including public transit such as DDOT, SMART Bus (plus FAST), Detroit People Mover, QLINE and MoGo. For parking needs, we recommend you check ParkWhiz for additional parking options.
CURFEW:
Minors are welcome to attend the Tree Lighting from any approved public area. However, for their safety, minors ages 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian or other responsible adult (age 21 or over) while they attend the event.
Light Up Beacon Park (Detroit)
Holiday Lighting Spectacular
Friday, 11/17; 4pm – 9pm
Beacon Park is transforming into a winter wonderland and pop-up seasonal gathering space. We can’t wait for you to join us!
Kick off the holiday season during Light Up Beacon Park on Friday, Nov. 17, from 4 – 9 p.m.
Families can watch our 20-foot, Michigan-grown Children’s Tree come to life, with ornaments decorated by local Detroit children, during the tree lighting at 6 p.m. Plus, spend some time with Santa and Mrs. Claus, meet real reindeer, groove to live music and feast on delicious food truck fare. And don’t forget the “Polar Express” rides – they’re free for all!
Guests are invited to experience “Northern Lights” with larger-than-life light features, including a 15-foot Infinity Snow Globe, a gigantic walkthrough snowflake and gleaming polar bears. We’re lighting up the park with 125,000 LED-efficient dazzling bulbs, all 95% recyclable.
New this year will be the addition of Beacon Park’s “Design Haus,” which opens with Light Up Beacon Park festivities.
Additional dates will be open to the public in November and December. The indoor heated space will feature live entertainment, art installations, themed décor, visual displays, photo backdrops, along with a winter cocktail spritz bar by Lumen Detroit. This Detroit destination is the perfect place to visit all season long. Join us from Nov. 17 to Jan. 16, 2024 and immerse yourself in the winter spirit at Beacon Park.
This event is FREE and open to the public.
FOOD & BEVERAGES
– Lumen: craft cocktails and craft beer
– Food Trucks: Big Bo’s Grill, Curbside Eatery
PERFORMANCES / SPECIAL FEATURES
– Drey Skonie and the Klouds
– DJ Invisible
– Hip Hop Nutcrackers by Ballenger Entertainment
– John R King Performing Arts Academy
– Casali Dancers
– Tap Dance Detroit
– “Polar Express” Train Rides
– Santa and Mrs. Claus
– Live Reindeer
Light Up Beacon Park is presented by DTE Beacon Park Foundation and programmed by the Downtown Detroit Partnership
Canterbury Village (Lake Orion)
Friday, 11/17; 5pm – 8pm (Tree Lighting at 6pm.)
An annual tradition! Canterbury Village kicks off the holiday season with the lighting of our 45-foot, music synchronized, dancing lights Christmas tree!
This festive event is fun for the entire family, complete with entertainment and carolers. Stores throughout the quaint village are open for holiday shopping, old fashioned carolers provide a musical atmosphere, and beloved holiday characters (including SANTA and the GRINCH!) will visit with the children! Outdoor fire pits will be stationed throughout the village for warmth, and we’ll have hot cocoa and warm cider available for purchase.
This event is FREE to attend, and the community is encouraged to come together and bring a donation to help support The Village Food Pantry.
45 Foot D
There will be another special event at the Village Saturday, 11/18 – Sunday, 11/19 called the Cocoa Stroll!
The Stroll will take place 11am – 3pm both days!
Tickets are $2 per person at the door. Admission is free for children under two, active military and veterans.
The village hopes you will also bring your best canned and non-perishable food to benefit The Village Food Pantry.
Shops across the village will offer samples of hand-crafted cocoa treats, and adults can enjoy special cocoa cocktails. The shops are bringing out their best creations as they compete for the Best Cocoa Award, which will be decided by guests at the Cocoa Crawl.
Light the Village: Rochester Hills Tree Lighting
Friday, 11/17; 6-9pm
The 375,000 square foot outdoor shopping center will be covered with over 800,000 dazzling-colored lights and offer an evening of family-fun entertainment. The event will delight folks of all ages and include holiday music and entertainment, delicious food, a spectacular fireworks display, and Santa Claus’s first appearance for 2023!
The Light The Village event will feature:
*Holiday Music
*Santa Claus’ Grand Entrance – at 6:45PM
*FREE walk-up visits to see Santa – from 8PM-9PM
*Fireworks Show – beginning promptly at 7:15PM
*Food Trucks (The Grilled Wrap. Delectabowl, Detroit Popcorn Co., Sugar Honey Macaroons, Armandos Taqueria, Little Donut Truck)
*Fun Interactions from 6:00PM-9:00PM with Stilt Walkers, Fire Performers, LED Performers, and Balloon Twisters
*Magic Show at 6:30PM
*The Grinch and Cindy Lou Appearances
*Free Face Painting
*Free Arts & Crafts Activities compliments of Paint Creek Center for the Arts
*Free shuttle service from Adams High School beginning at 5:30PM
Annual Village Tree Lighting (Grosse Pointe)
Friday, 11/17; 5:30-7:30pm
Kercheval & St. Clair
It’s the most wonderful time of the year in The Village! The City of Grosse Pointe Foundation and the Parks and Recreation Department would like to invite you to join us for the Annual Tree Lighting in the Village.
Sip on cocoa provided by the Grosse Pointe Boat Club, listen to carols sung by the Grosse Pointe South Choir and make some yummy s’mores! Characters from the North Pole will be visiting, outdoor movies, photo ops and fun await visitors of all ages!
Events begin at 5:30PM, with the tree being lit at 6:00PM. All activities will wrap up by 7:30 PM
Saturday, November 18 – Sunday, November 19
Blake’s Holiday Extravaganza (Armada)
Nov 18-19 & Nov 24-26 (Tree Lighting is Friday, 11/18 at 6pm)
Tis the season to be jolly at Blake’s Holiday Extravaganza!
Kick off the holiday magic with a day of shopping, festive cheer, and twinkling lights. Explore unique finds from local artisans, pick out the perfect Christmas tree, and don’t forget to take home fresh evergreen wreaths, porch pots, and delightful decor for your home.
For a truly magical experience, visit the original farmhouse for a photo with Santa or head to Orchard Square for cozy igloo dining, and steaming hot beverages.
The excitement peaks with Blake’s annual tree lighting in Orchard Square on November 18th at 6:00 pm, accompanied by carolers and live music. Plus, keep the little ones entertained with free children’s crafts and face painting, and create lasting memories with our Santa Experience. It’s a holiday extravaganza you won’t want to miss!
Sunday, November 19
Tree Lighting at Partridge Creek (Macomb)
Join us for our annual Tree Lighting Celebration on Sunday, November 19. Sponsored by JD Sports!
Tree Lighting Festivities include:
4:00-7:00 pm near Sola Salon Suites
-Complimentary Face Painters
4:00-7:00 pm near Chico’s
-Complimentary Photo Booth with magical Partridge Creek trees in the background
4:00-6:00 pm near Coach
-Complimentary Cider & Donuts*
-Sponsored by Nino Salvaggio International Marketplace.
-*One per person, while supplies last
5:00-7:00 pm Entertainment on Stage in Center Court
-Snow Sisters
-Lazer Beatz Drum Line
-Break Dancing Elves
-NuClassica Electro-Pop Violinists
-Santa & Mrs. Claus
-Tree Lighting
Starting at 4 pm, the first 1,000 children under the age of ten at each entrance of the mall will receive a light up wand to help Santa light the tree. While Supplies Last.
Plan accordingly and expect heavy traffic on Hall Rd.
Monday, November 20
Big Bright Light Show Kick Off (Downtown Rochester)
Nov 20, 2023 – Jan 21, 2024
The buildings in downtown Rochester will be covered with more than 1.5 million points of glimmering holiday light.
Kick-Off is on Nov 20. Light switch is flipped on at 7pm!
Every Evening from 5pm-Midnight
Most stores are open Monday-Saturday until 9pm
For the FULL LIST of Holiday Lights Around Town/Where To See Christmas Lights >>Click Here <<
Friday, November 24, 2023
Holly Dickens Festival, Lighted Parade, Tree Lighting, & Santa’s Arrival
The Dickens Lighted Parade is the official start of the festival and holiday season in Holly, filling the sights and sounds of Downtown Holly with amazing floats, music, dance, and more!
The parade lines up in the parking lot of the VFW on Airport Road in Holly, then heads down Saginaw Street towards Downtown, then onto Civic Drive where the tree lighting ceremony takes place, followed by a very special visit Santa himself!
Saturday, November 25, 2023
New Haven Parade & Tree Lighting
The Village of New Haven Annual Parade of Lights and Tree Lighting will take place Saturday, November 25th at 6PM.
The parade route will be: Division, Havenridge, Clark and Main Street. The parade will end at Fountain Park where we will have our Annual Tree Lighting!
Grand Marshal to be announced.
Line up for the parade will be at 5:30PM on Division.
After the Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony join us at the New Haven Fire Hall (57775 Main Street, New Haven, MI, 48048) for our Annual Kris Kringle Cookie Contest, a light snack and a visit with Santa!
Wednesday, November 29, 2023
Clawson’s Annual Tree Lighting
Memorial Park; 6:30pm
Mark your calendars for this kickoff to the winter holidays! Join us on Wednesday, November 29th at Memorial Park just outside the Blair Memorial Library.
We’ll start with some caroling led by the Clawson Choir and other members of the community at 6:30pm and Santa will arrive by fire truck around 6:45pm to light the tree! Afterwards, we’ll head across the street to the Community Room at City Hall for some cookies, hot chocolate and more music from the Clawson String Orchestra.
We’ll also collect gift cards for the Clawson Goodfellows “No Child Without A Christmas” program. The Goodfellows will then distribute those directly to local families in need this holiday season.
Thursday, November 30, 2023
Romeo Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting w/Santa
7pm-8:30pm; Downtown Romeo & Village Park
FREE, FAMILY EVENT
Be a part of this Village Tradition! It all begins with a parade up Main Street followed by a celebration in the park. We’ll light the Christmas tree, listen to holiday music, enjoy treats, roast Chestnuts over an open fire, write & mail letters to the North Pole, and visit with SANTA!
*PARADE STARTS AT 7PM; TREE LIGHTING FOLLOWING
Christmas Aglow (Shelby Twp)
Township Municipal Campus
52700 Van Dyke Ave
Shelby Twp, MI
34-foot Christmas tree lighting with Santa!
Free photos with Santa at the library after the tree lighting until 8:30pm
There will be a hot chocolate stand, kids crafts at the Kris Kringle Castle, marshmallow roasting, horse-drawn carriage rides, the “Holiday Express” train display,and a live reindeer.
Friday, December 1, 2023
Holiday Tree Lighting & After Glow (Macomb)
6:30pm-8:30pm; Beginning on Townhall Steps and continuing at the Rec Center
* This is an OUTDOOR event* Dress warm!
The event will begin a ceremony at the Township Hall steps, along with the First State Bank Fireworks display!
Then, join us outside the Recreation Center for more FUN!!!
This FREE event will feature:
– Caroling
– The arrival of Santa
– Refreshments
– Holiday Lighting Display
– Crafts
– Music
– Live reindeer
– Photo opportunities
… and MORE!!!
Celebrate the start of the holidays at our Holiday Fest Friday, December 2nd at 7 pm.
This event will be OUTDOORS with TONS to do so please dress accordingly.
Enjoy the tree lighting, holiday decorations, ice sculptors, characters, holiday music, glow sticks, magic show, snacks, giant Candyland slide, Clydesdale, drop off your letters to SANTA and more!
And of course, visits/photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus!
Saturday, December 2
Clinton Township Christmas Aglow
6pm; Clinton Township Civic Center
This long-standing tradition of the Township will once again mark the opening of our holiday season. Bring your whole family and join neighbors at a night full of fun. Get your Santa photo and personal visits with Santa, enjoy the music of the season, ice sculptures, holiday lights trail, hot chocolate, cookies and MORE!
This is a FREE EVENT but we do ask that you please bring a non-perishable food donation to be given to the Township’s needy families.
Winterfest Parade & Tree Lighting (Taylor)
The annual Winterfest 5k, Parade, Tree Lighting and Firework display is BACK!
Schedule:
Taylor Goodfellows 5k begins at 10 a.m., walk or run for a great cause! Sign up at http://rfeventservices.redpodium.com/2022-taylor-winterfest
The Sheridan Open Air Pavilion opens at 4 p.m. so you can stop by for live music, a hot cocoa, food, a photo with the grinch and more, on your way to watch the parade.
The parade steps off at 5 p.m. from the Taylor Recreation Center, and ends at the Sheridan Open Air Pavilion in Heritage Park. Parade generously sponsored by SBK Orthodontics!
The Tree Lighting and Firework display will immediately follow the parade (approx. 6:15 p.m.). Tree Lighting generously sponsored by Al’s Asphalt!
A Sterling Christmas 2022 (Sterling Heights)
Everyone is invited to ring in the holiday season with a variety of family fun activities at the 45th annual “A Sterling Christmas”!
We will have tree lighting, holiday music with caroling, visits with Santa, a petting farm, refreshments, pony rides, horse-drawn wagon rides, train rides, ice skating, warming fires and much more!
“A Sterling Christmas” is sponsored by: Pet Supplies Plus, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Genisys Credit Union, and the Sterling Heights Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Please join us in Dodge Park from 5:45 p.m. to 8:30 pm. on Saturday, December 3, 2022!
Santa will arrive rain or shine or snow!
Monday, December 4, 2023
Bay-Rama Presents: Annual Christmas Tree Lighting
Join us for the Annual Bay-Rama Christmas Tree Lighting and Sing-a-long with Santa!
Meet at the intersection of Alfred & Washington.
Save the date for Bay-Rama’s Annual Christmas Tree Lighting on Monday, December 4th at 6:30 PM!
This year, we’re adding an extra dash of magic with a spectacular holiday drone show! Join us as we illuminate the night sky and kick off the festive season in style.
6:30 pm: Sing-a-long with Anchor Bay Middle School North
7pm: The NEW Holiday Drone show will light the sky!
7:15 pm: Mayor’s Speech / Santa’s arrival
Directly after please join us for selfies with Santa, treats, hot cocoa, and more at the New Baltimore Civic Club!
Saturday, December 9?
Downtown Utica Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration
The city of Utica is excited to announce our 2022 Downtown Utica Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration.
This year’s event is going to the biggest and best yet!
Highlights include:
• Fox 2 Detroit’s Lori Pinson, Master of Ceremonies
• Rachel and Grunwald from WYCD 99.5 Morning Crew, Special Guests
• Santa and Mrs. Claus visits and photos with the kids
• Large-scale Fireworks Spectacular
• “Stuff an Ambulance” to benefit Toys For Tots
• Utica High School Marching Band
Join us on Saturday, December 10th at 7:00 pm at Utica’s Memorial Park for a fun, family celebration!
