Artistic rendering – Event may differ
Detroit Tree Lighting
The 21st annual Detroit Tree Lighting ceremony at Campus Martius Park marks the official start of the holiday season. Attendees can enjoy live music from artists like Alex Sampson and Thornetta Davis, witness dazzling figure skating performances, and experience the magic of Santa lighting the magnificent Christmas tree. The event also features holiday markets, food trucks, and festive light displays.
What to Expect
Annual lighting of Detroit's massive Christmas tree by Santa.
Know Before You Go
- Tickets: FREE
- Parking: Attendees are encouraged to make reservations early at downtown restaurants due to the event being one of the busiest nights of the season. Specific parking details are not provided.
- Accessibility: The event policy PDF mentions accessibility considerations, but specific details are not provided in the text. Visitors are encouraged to check the event visitor policy for more information.
- Pets: No pets allowed (service animals likely permitted, but not explicitly stated).
Other Christmas Events Near Detroit
Local Insight & Ratings
Family Friendly
Best For
Families, couples, holiday enthusiasts
Vibe
Festive, magical, community-oriented
Energy Level
Moderate
Budget
$
Photo Friendly
Weather Sensitivity
High
Special Events & Promotions
- The Rink at Campus Martius Park opening weekend events (Grinch Skate Party, Ugly Holiday Sweater Skate Party, Holiday Onesies & Matching PJ Skate)
- Downtown Detroit Markets at Cadillac Square open until Jan. 5, 2025
- Cadillac Lodge open through Jan. 5, 2025
- Giveaways from Chick-fil-A
- Photo opportunities with Santa, Roary (Detroit Lions mascot), and Hooper (Detroit Pistons mascot)
Location
Event Details
Duration
4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Ages
All ages
Neighborhood
Downtown Detroit
Timed Entry
No
Featured Performers
- Alex Sampson
- Southern Avenue
- Thornetta Davis
- Keegan Messing
- Linzy Fitzapatrick & Keyton Bearinger
- The Next Generation Funk Brothers
- The Pointe Singers
- The Grinch from Dr. Suess’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical
- Various metro Detroit figure skating clubs
Organizer
Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP)
Food & Drink
Food trucks, beverage stations with festive drinks (including spiked options), and the Cadillac Lodge offering food and beverages.
Quick Actions
Tips & Advice
- Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot for the tree lighting ceremony and to enjoy the full range of activities.
- Consider making dinner reservations at a downtown restaurant in advance, as this is a very popular event night.
- Dress warmly in layers, as the event is outdoors and takes place in late November.
- Check the event visitor policy for specific guidelines regarding bags, prohibited items, and accessibility.
- Explore the Downtown Detroit Markets at Cadillac Square for unique holiday shopping opportunities before or after the main event.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time does the Detroit Tree Lighting start?
The event runs from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, November 22nd.
Is there a cost to attend the Detroit Tree Lighting?
No, the Detroit Tree Lighting is a free event for the public.
Where is the Detroit Tree Lighting held?
The event takes place at Campus Martius Park in Downtown Detroit.
What kind of entertainment can I expect?
You can expect live musical performances, figure skating shows, and appearances by Santa Claus.
Are there food and drinks available?
Yes, there will be food trucks and beverage stations offering festive food and drinks, including spiked options.
Always check the official website for the most current information.
We've done our best to keep details up-to-date, but event schedules, prices, and policies can change. For the latest updates, please visit the official website or contact the organizers directly.