Detroit Christmas Events & Things to Do 2025

The Detroit Tree Lighting Ceremony at Campus Martius Park is a major annual event, marking the start of the holiday season with live entertainment and festive activities. Other key events include the Magic of Lights drive-through display and Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo.

Detroit celebrates a diverse range of holiday traditions including the lighting of the official city Christmas tree downtown, Kwanzaa celebrations, and festive events that blend cultural heritage with community spirit, reflecting the city’s rich history and vibrant neighborhoods.

Downtown Detroit, especially around Campus Martius Park and Woodward Avenue, offers spectacular light displays. Nearby suburban neighborhoods and parks also feature beloved neighborhood displays that attract visitors looking for festive walking trails and drive-through lights.

Christmas markets and local artisan vendors are commonly found at Cadillac Square downtown and at various neighborhood markets throughout Detroit. These markets highlight local craftspeople and seasonal goods, providing great opportunities to shop local.

Free activities include visiting the holiday lights along Woodward Avenue and Campus Martius Park, exploring neighborhood light displays, and attending free market events. Budget-friendly options often include ticketed drive-through light shows and community craft fairs with low admission fees.

Family-friendly picks include Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo, which offers walkable light displays and animal-themed holiday scenes, the Magic of Lights drive-through, and holiday markets with crafts and Santa visits. Ice skating at Campus Martius Park is also popular with kids.