Where To See Christmas Lights in Metro Detroit

*Updated for 2023* The best Christmas light displays around town will help get you into the Christmas spirit this season!

If you’re interested in Tree Lighting Ceremonies, check out this post too.

My Home Christmas Light Displays List can be found here!

Christmas Pop-Up Bars are listed here!

 

Wayne County Lightfest (Westland)

Merriman Hollow Park
7651 N. Merriman Road
Westland, MI

The Wayne County Lightfest is magical five-mile stretch of Hines Park, displaying nearly 50 animated themed displays and more than 100,000 lights.

Starts on Thursday, 11/16 & Runs Every Wed-Sun through Sunday, 12/24/23

6pm – 10pm

Cars: $5 cash
Commercial Van/RV/Limo: $20 cash
Mini-Bus: $25 cash
Bus: $50 cash

There will be two food trucks and a mailbox for Santa Letters.

Wayne County will offer radio alerts to update visitors with important show information. By tuning into AM 1640 within three to five miles of the Lightfest entrance, visitors can receive regular updates on wait times, traffic flow, special event and event costs.

During the Lightfest, Hines Drive closes to traffic for set-up and operations from 5:00 PM – 11:30 PM from Ann Arbor Trail to Outer Drive.

Special Lights On Ceremony on Thursday, 11/16/23 at 6pm

There will be refreshments, music, fireworks and a visit from Mr. and Mrs. Claus at the Lights On Ceremony. After the opening ceremony, participants will be the first to drive through the 2023 Lightfest with free admission until 7:00 PM.

The event is free and pre-registration is not required.

Toy Night, which allows visitors to donate a new, unwrapped toy in lieu of paying the car entrance fee, will take place on Wednesdays, November 22, November 29, December 6 and December 13, 2023. Commercial vehicles will not be considered for free admission.

If you are looking to pre-purchase tickets for employees, friends or family in advance, you can purchase tickets at the Nankin Mills Interpretive Center in Westland Monday – Friday from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM at the walk-up window starting November 20.

Pre-paid tickets can be purchased with cash, check or Visa/Mastercard or over the phone with a credit card by calling (734) 261-1990 and tickets will be mailed to you. Please note that tickets purchased in person at the Lightfest are the same price but must be paid by CASH only.

In addition, bus groups can pre-register their busses and pay ahead of time by check, Visa/Mastercard or cash. Please call (734) 261-1990 for more information but bus pre-registration must be done at least one week ahead of time.

For more information, please call (734) 261-1990.

 

Home For The Holidays at the Ford House (Ford Estate – SCS)

1100 Lake Shore Rd
Grosse Pointe Shores, MI 48236

Dates: Nov 24, 2023 – Dec 30, 2023 (Thursdays – Sundays…please click here to see various dates)

Home for the Holidays presented by Landscape Services Inc., is a new winter experience at Ford House, where visitors can enjoy a beautifully lit evening walk throughout the historic estate, marveling at the glittering white lights and the first floor of the Main Residence.

During the self-guided tour, you will hear captivating stories about the estate’s rich history as you take in the home’s understated elegance, a look inspired by Eleanor Ford’s tastes and wishes. Each ticket also includes a complimentary hot chocolate.

Admission:

• Member Adult: $20
• Member Child: $10
• Public Adult: $30
• Public Child: $15
• Children under 12 months: FREE

 

Other Fun Events This Season:

Holiday Main Residence Tour: Nov 24-Dec 31

Travel back in time and spend the holiday season with the Ford family! Enjoy festive holiday decorations and learn about Ford family traditions during a tour of their historic home. Along the way, we hope you will share your own traditions and stories to spark more conversation and help us celebrate the most wonderful time of the year! This tour requires climbing up and down multiple flights of stairs, and because of these constraints, it is not wheelchair accessible.

It is about 50 minutes long, and each tour is limited to 10 visitors, so advance registration is strongly recommended.

ACCESSIBILITY ACCESS: Please refer to the information provided HERE related to accessibility at Ford House.

Admission:

• Adults: $18
• Senior (65+): $15
• Child (6-12): $9
• Child (0-5): Free
• Member Adult: $9
• Member Child (6-12): $4.50
• Member Child (0-5): Free
• Military: Free
• Museums for All: $5

 

Cookies with Santa: Dec 2-16 (Various Dates in December Beginning at 2pm)

Dates available:  December 2, 5, 6, 9, 12, 13 and 16 at 2 p.m. – 6 p.m.

 

Breakfast with Santa: Dec 3-17

• Click here for December 3 at 8:30 a.m.
• Click here for December 3 at 11:30 a.m.

December 17

• Click here for December 17 at 8:30 a.m.
• Click here for December 17 at 11:30 a.m.

 

Holiday Tea & Tour: Dec 10

In celebration of the holidays, we’re throwing a tea party. Bring your friends and loved ones for an elegant tea service with small bites and sweets in our beautiful Lake Shore Room overlooking Ford Cove and Lake St. Clair. After the tea, take a stroll at your own pace through the historic home and spend time enjoying the Christmas decor.

What to wear? It’s a great excuse to wear your favorite hat or party dress, but you may want to wear shoes comfortable enough to walk the grounds and up and down stairs. Any questions can be directed to events@fordhouse.org.

Times available:

• Click here to reserve the 11 a.m. seating.
• Click here to reserve the 2 p.m. seating.

• Table for two: $140 (Members pay $110)
• Table for three: $210 (Members pay $165)
• Table for four: $280 (Members pay $220)

 

Mistletoe Mingle (Adults Only): Dec 14

 

Aurora at Glenlore Trails (Commerce Twp)

3860 Newton Road
Commerce Twp, MI 48382

Starting Nov 17, 2023 (Thursdays – Sundays)

An immersive wintry experience for all ages.  Visit Michigan’s original illuminated forest this holiday season! One mile outdoor path with interactive, story moments, and other entertainment. New features added regularly!

Great for families, dates, friend groups, etc.

General Admission: $25
Youths: $15
Seniors: $20

 

Canterbury Village Holiday Stroll (Lake Orion)

Nov 22, 24-26

Dec 1-3, 8-10, 15-17, 21-23

Holiday Stroll will be the most memorable experience of the holiday season. Canterbury Village transforms to a winter wonderland to provide a true Holiday setting that brings the spirit of Christmas to life!

This family friendly event is hosted outdoors where you stroll through the quaint Village that is glowing with almost a million festive lights, enjoy a 7-minute amazing light show choreographed to classic holiday songs, and enjoy the sounds of professional carolers, and live Christmas performances.

Experience recreations of favorite holiday scenes throughout, live holiday characters roaming to greet guests, and classic characters like Frosty, Buddy The Elf, The Grinch, Olaf, Jack Frost, Anna and Elsa and more! The Children’s Caroling Corner will showcase some classics songs on a large screen for everyone to sing along, while enjoying smores and hot chocolate.

Also, on the C-Pub outdoor patio enjoy a variety of beers, hard ciders, wine, and cocktails surrounded by firepits and the sounds of Christmas carols.

The holidays would not be complete without a visit with Santa Claus, along with free photos by professional photographers. In addition, Santa’s personal mailbox will be in place and children can bring their letters, with special delivery directly to the North Pole.

The Annual Holiday Stroll at Canterbury Village is a memorable, must-see experience that will become your Holiday tradition.

Adult Tickets: $17.99 + $3.00 Ticket Fee + $1.26 Processing Fee = $22.25 (Sales Tax Will Be Added)

Child (Age 2-17) Tickets: $17.99 + $3.00 Ticket Fee + $1.26 Processing Fee = $22.25 (Sales Tax Will Be Added)

A Parking Pass is also required.

 

Drive Through Light Show at Pine Knob – Magic of Lights

Nov 17, 2023 – Dec 30, 2023

Daily: 5:30-10pm

(The lines are shorter on weekdays.)

Ticket prices are higher when purchased on the event date.

Santa Saver (Online): $17.50/vehicle (on sale for a limited time)

Advance Saver Limo/Party Bus (Online): $50/bus

See the FAQs HERE

 

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by DTE Energy Music Theatre (@dteenergymusic)

 

Winter Wonder Lights at Meadow Brook Hall & Gardens (Rochester)

350 Estate Dr.
Rochester, MI 48309

Nov 24, 2023 – Dec 30, 2023

“Light, music, and magic!”

Pairing indoor sights with outdoor lights, Meadow Brook is Michigan’s most dazzling holiday destination. Our two unforgettable holiday events will delight families, couples and people of all ages.

By day, our beloved annual HOLIDAY WALK transports visitors through the historic mansion decked in shimmering splendor, while WINTER WONDER LIGHTS transforms the estate at night into a breathtaking light show featuring music, seasonal treats and holiday magic.

Holiday Walk by Day (Indoors/Day Event): $20.50

Winter Wonder Lights by Night (Outdoors/Night Event): $22.50

Duration: ~1.5 hours

Parking: Free + Shuttle Service is available

Tickets are on sale now – you must purchase in advance online. Tickets are booked for a specific date and time to limit the capacity.

Holiday Walk is an indoor, daytime event. Winter Wonder Lights is an outdoor, evening event that features the opportunity to tour areas of the mansion. Both experiences will take place rain, snow or shine at Meadow Brook Hall, located on the campus of Oakland University.

Most areas of Holiday Walk are accessible to wheelchairs and power scooters. Strollers are only permitted on the main level and must be checked at the Visitor Services desk for the upstairs portion of the tour.

All outdoor areas of Winter Wonder Lights are accessible to strollers, wheelchairs and power scooters. Strollers are only permitted on the main level during the optional leg of the tour inside Meadow Brook Hall.

Winter Wonder Lights features a variety of food and drinks, ranging from concession snacks such as popcorn and glow-in-the-dark cotton candy. Seasonally-inspired beverages, cocktails and kid-friendly drinks are available.

 

Other Fun Holiday Events:

Starlight Stroll: Dec 6

Waltz your way into a romantic night of holiday elegance with Starlight Stroll. Guests will experience Meadow Brook at its most merry with a sparkling evening of eating, drinking, dancing and frivolity.

Sway to the rhythm of live music in the ballroom and explore the historic mansion decorated for the holidays.

The event includes a four-course strolling dinner with chef-attended stations placed throughout the historic mansion. Guests can mingle among the rooms while dining and dance to the music in our two-story Gothic-inspired Ballroom.

A variety of chef-attended food stations

Full signature bar

Live musical performance

Dancing in the ballroom

Self-guided touring of Meadow Brook (available until 8 p.m.)

Complimentary valet parking

 

Holiday Tea: Sold Out (But You Can Join The Wait List)

Take a break from the bustle of holiday preparations to gather with friends and enjoy a beautiful Holiday Tea. This classic tea features elegant savories and sweets and will fill you with an old-world feeling of enchantment. Holiday Tea is set in Meadow Brook Hall’s magnificent Christopher Wren Dining Room.

Event tickets include access to Holiday Walk, Meadow Brook’s daytime, indoor holiday experience that features the historic mansion decorated in shimmering splendor.

Seating in the elegant Christopher Wren Dining Room decked for the holidays

A selection of teas served with a variety of tea sandwiches, quiche and unique savories and delectable desserts

A self-guided Holiday Walk Tour*

 

Santa Saturdays: Dec 2, 9, 16, 23 (All Time Slots Are Expected To Sell Out)

‘Tis the season for believing. Everyone holds a Christmas wish close to their heart–and Santa Claus is ready to hear them all. It is the time of year to feel hope and to believe in something special.

On select Saturdays this holiday season, Santa will visit Meadow Brook for a magic-filled afternoon. Children can tell Santa their wishes inside the elegant Christopher Wren Dining Room.

Visits with Santa are included with tickets for Holiday Walk, Meadow Brook’s daytime, indoor holiday experience that features the historic mansion decorated in shimmering splendor.

Eat, drink and be merry with us! During Santa Saturdays, we’ll be offering seasonal concessions.

Included with Holiday Walk admission. Admission on Santa Saturdays is as follows:

Adults 13+ $23
Youth 3-12 $10.50
Child 0-2 Free
Meadow Brook Members* $11.50 | Youth members $5.25
Military & Veterans $18
OU Students Free

Santa Saturdays will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.:

Tickets must be purchased online in advance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Meadow Brook Hall (@meadowbrookhallandgardens)

 

Detroit Zoo – Wild Lights 

Nov 24, 2023 – Jan 7, 2024

Available Dates: Nov 24-26, Dec 1-3, 8-10, 13-23, 26-31, Jan 2-7

Select Weeknights

Sundays: 5-9pm

Fri & Sat: 5-10:30pm

Buy your tickets online.

General Admission (Most Basic Package): $17-25/person

Parking is $8

There will be a limited number of Walk-Up Tickets available. General Admission Walk-Up Price is $26

All Guests Ages 2+ Must Have a Ticket

 

Big Bright Light Show (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

 

 

 

 

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A post shared by Downtown Rochester (@downtownrochester)

 

Christmas Tree Walk (Algonac)

Dec 1-29, 2023 (Thurs-Sun)

This one is indoors and it includes 300+ trees!

This year is the 20th Anniversary!

You get a 2 hour window to do your own self-guided tour.

Three levels (it’s a private residence).

Unfortunately it is not handicap accessible at this time.

No walkers or strollers. No food. No pets.

Ticket Pricing: $25/adult & $20/child + Online Processing Service Fees (Tickets are on sale now through Nov 29 tho!)

There is one afternoon (2-4pm) and one evening (5:30-7:30pm) tour daily.

You can add a meal at Foxfire Fixin’s in Marine City too!

 

Fantasyland (Lincoln Park)

3240 Ferris Ave
Lincoln Park, MI 48146

From their site:

Fantasyland is a magical place filled with the sights, sounds and smells of the Christmas season. Open every year since 1964, we continue the tradition so many families look forward to each year.

See what it’s like up at the North Pole, where Santa’s elves are busy building, repairing, polishing, baking, tending reindeer, and all of the other chores that go into making Christmas happen.

You’ll hear carols being sung by our Fantasyland School childrens’ choir, and the figures in the Shadow Boxes The aromas of peppermint, cookies and chocolate hang in the air. Be sure to see the trains upstairs in the Lincoln Park Train Club. Make your visit with us even more special by taking a few moments to chat with Santa himself!

Hours: 

Mondays & Tuesdays: Closed
Wed – Fri: 4 pm – 8 pm
Sat – Sun: 2 pm – 8 pm
Christmas Eve: 10 am – 2 pm

 

Nite Lites – Michigan International Speedway (Brooklyn)

5 mile long holiday lights drive through experience.

11/17/23 – 1/7/24
Open Everyday – Including Holidays

Hours:
Sun – Thurs; 5:30 – 9PM
Fri – Sat; 5:30 – 10PM

Prices: 
$35 per car/vehicle
$50 per limo/motorhome/mini bus
$100 per tour bus

This one has a NiteLights Express Train that you can purchase tickets to ride too!

There is also a 5k run/walk on Nov 11 that you can register for!

 

Trolley in the D (Leaves from Troy)

21+ Event

Prices Range From $89-99 + Fees

This is a BYOB Christmas Light Trolley Tour that visits some of Detroit’s “most extravagant light attractions”!

3 Different Trolleys or Buses to choose from

3 Different Routes as well! Tickets include admission into some of the following great attractions (see site for full details):

Detroit Zoo Wild Lights

Canterbury Village Holiday Stroll

Rochester Big Bright Light Show

Campus Martius

 

Holiday Lights @ Greenfield Village (Dearborn)

Tickets Go On Sale To The Public/Non-Members on Nov 1.

December 1-3, 8-10, 14-17, 19-23, 26-28 (Dec 2, 9, 16, & 23 are Sold Out at time of posting.)

Time: 6:30 -10:00 p.m. Member-exclusive preshow entry at 6:00 p.m.

General Admission To The Public: $38

Mingle with merrymakers amid the smells of roasting chestnuts and warming bonfires and the sounds of carolers, fiddlers and bustling yuletide activity at Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village. Celebrated as one of the country’s premier holiday celebrations, Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village has been an annual tradition for nearly 25 years.

Explore more than 80 acres of Greenfield Village in this glimmering after-hours celebration of a beloved, heartwarming holiday. Stroll down Main Street, brimming with holiday goods, food and warm beverages, or take a ride on a historic Model T, carousel or horse-drawn wagon. Warm up in historic homes as we open the doors to centuries of favorite family traditions. From the finest tinseled detail to the fireworks-filled sky that marks each evening’s finale, make our holiday story a cherished part of your own.

Popular reservation-based dining experiences like Supper with Santa and Holiday Nights in Eagle Tavern are available to purchase online.

We continue to be committed to creating a magical Holiday Nights experience for our members, friends and fans, and we hope you join us as we celebrate the 2023 holiday season.

 

Other Fun Holiday Events:

Supper with Santa in A Taste of History Restaurant
Dates: December 26-28 (Dec 1-3, 8-10, 14-17, 19-23  are sold out at time of posting)

Holiday Nights in Eagle Tavern
Dates: Dec 14, 19-21, 26-28; 7pm Seating Available at time of posting
Dec 28; 5pm Seating is Available at time of posting

[Original Dates Open to Members First: December 1-3, 8-10, 14-17, 19-23 & 26-28]

 

Hollydazzle @ MI Renaissance Festival (Holly)

HollyDazzle is a magical three-quarter mile outdoor trail featuring more than a dozen lighted Christmas scenes including Santa Claus, Sledding Penguins and Candy Land Castle in a magical winter wonderland walk through at the Renaissance Village.

Nov 24-Dec 31, 2023

Most vendor booths accept credit/debit cards. Festival does not accept personal checks or foreign currency in any locations.

 

Holiday Magic Spectacular (Sterling Heights)

Lakeside Mall
14000 Lakeside Circle
Sterling Heights, MI
(between JCPenney and Lord & Taylor)

Dec 9-10, 14-17, 21-22, 2023

The Holiday Magic Spectacular features an astonishing display with over 1,100 Christmas Trees, Thousands of Lights, Hundreds of Nutcrackers, Giant Candy Canes, Selfie Stations, A Walk In Snow Globe, Santa’s Workshop and of course, the BIG MAN himself will be there for a great photo op.

Our event is more than just a celebration; it’s a journey into a world filled with twinkling lights, festive decorations, and the warmth of the season.  We can’t wait to share this enchanting experience with you!

General Admission Adult Tickets: $14.99 + $3.00 Ticket Fee + $0.72 Processing Fee = $18.71 (Sales Tax Will Be Added)

Kids Ticket (Under 2): $0.00 + $3.00 Ticket Fee + $0.12 Processing Fee = $3.12 (Sales Tax Will Be Added)

 

Christmas Walk at Dow Gardens (Midland)

Dec 7-9 & 14-16, 2023; 5-8pm

FREE EVENT

There are many fake Facebook Events popping up for this one by random individuals. Make sure you check out the info directly from Dow Gardens (check the host on the event).

 

Campus Martius (Detroit)

Tree Lighting is on Nov 17th!

I have talked about this one so much already this year (in the Christmas Tree Lighting Post), but I figured I should mention it again!

It’s a nice FREE way to enjoy some lights!

You can also browse the Cadillac Square Markets and warm up in the Lodge!

 

Blossom Heath Park Tunnel of Lights & Jefferson Avenue Lights (SCS)

Head to Blossom Heath Park. They have food trucks and a hot chocolate stand outside. There are a few heated patios and tents open in St. Clair Shores as well! (Check out this post!) The lights here are a little more modest compared to maybe Rochester, but this sounds like a perfect evening stroll to me.

 

Nicol’s Christmas Light Extravaganza (Sanilac)

This one is a little bit out of the way, BUT definitely worth a mention!

No details have been posted yet for 2023, but the details from last season are still below. I am sure they will be similar this year!

Runs every night starting early December through the end of the month, 5:30-10:30pm.

This family has gone ALL OUT like you probably have never seen before.

They have been doing this for 40+ years. It looks like the show is all coordinated to a Christmas playlist of 21 songs.

Please check out their Facebook page (linked above) for more details!

 

Deck Out Almont

Should be happening again this year! I will keep an eye out for details. The Facebook group is linked above.

 

Holiday Walking Night Presented by Genisys Credit Union (Bicentennial Park, Grand Blanc) Waiting to see if this one will happen again for 2023!

December 16, 2022 at 5:30-8pm (Free)

Dec 20 & 22 is $20 per car 6-8pm

Walk takes approximately 25 mins.

It is wheelchair accessible.

“Thousands of lights, sweeping lighted arches, and animated displays…”

Walk the trail with friends & family! 

 

Trail of Lights – Horse Drawn Wagon Rides (Davison)

It’s a bit of a drive (unless you already live father north), but it looks like a lot of fun!

Trail of Lights & Tractor Wagon Rides

You won’t want to miss this great holiday event. We have decked the trails at Robert Williams Nature and Historical Learning Center with thousands of holiday lights! Even more than last year!

Tractor Wagon Rides through the magical Trail of Lights will take place on December 8^th, 10^th, 15^th & 17^th. This fun evening will include horse drawn wagon rides through the Trail of Lights, holiday music, and you can even take your own picture with Santa. Space is limited. Same day tickets may be sold if space allows.

If you miss the wagon rides don’t worry, the lights will be on and available for walking December 8^th, 10^th, 15^th & 17^th from 6:30pm -8:30pm and the 9^th, 16^th, & 21^st – 23^rd from 5:30 – 8:30 for $4-6 per person if you pre-register, $5-7 if bought at the gate the night of.

Don’t think we forgot about your furry friend. Bring them for any of the walking nights.

*Note: We do not mail out tickets. Tickets will be at Will Call at the event. Please bring proof of id when picking up tickets. Please arrive with enough time to pick up tickets and be at the loading area to load the wagons at your designated time.

 

Tractor Wagon Rides:

WHEN: December 8^th, 10^th, 15^th, & 17^th, 2023

WHERE: Robert Williams Nature & Historical Learning Center (10069 E. Atherton Rd. Davison)

TIME: 5:30 – 6:30pm

AGES: Ages 24 months and under are FREE. All ages Welcome.

FEE: Resident: $8 per person; Non-Resident: $10 per person

Walking:

WHEN: December 8^th, 10^th, 15^th, & 17^th, 2023 from 6:30-8:30pm | 9^th, 16^th, & 21^st – 23^rd from 5:30 – 8:30

 

WHERE: Robert Williams Nature & Historical Learning Center (10069 E. Atherton Rd. Davison)

TIME: 5:30 – 8:30pm

AGES: All ages Welcome.

FEE: $4-6 per person if you pre-register, $5-7 if bought at the gate the night of.