Discover 13 verified christmas lights in Detroit and nearby areas.
Welcome to your guide for Detroit Christmas lights and holiday displays, where the city’s festive spirit shines bright each season. From downtown’s glowing streets to sparkling neighborhood displays, Detroit Christmas lights bring warmth and joy to chilly winter nights.
Be sure to explore signature spots like the dazzling Campus Martius Park tree lighting and the nearby Magic of Lights drive-through experience at Pine Knob Music Theatre. These beloved neighborhood favorites offer a mix of classic charm and modern spectacle.
This guide covers everything from free walking trails and neighborhood displays to ticketed drive-through lights, helping you discover the best holiday lights near Detroit and make the most of your festive visit.
Dazzling holiday light displays across Downtown Detroit parks
Prepare to be enchanted by Detroit Aglow, a breathtaking holiday light display that illuminates Downtown Detroit's cherished parks and public spaces. This event transforms the city into a festive wonderland, offering a magical experience for all.
Spectacular city-wide holiday light display
Prepare to be enchanted by Bright Lights Windsor, a spectacular holiday event that transforms the city into a dazzling spectacle of festive illumination. This beloved tradition offers a magical experience for all, with stunning light displays creating a truly unforgettable...
Annual holiday light displays
Experience the magic of the holiday season at LaSalle Holiday Lights Heritage Nights. This enchanting event promises a festive atmosphere with dazzling light displays that illuminate the town. More details will be announced soon, so check back for updates on...
Historic village transformed into a festive holiday spectacle.
Step into a winter wonderland at Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village, a cherished annual tradition. Explore over 80 acres illuminated by lanterns, filled with the sounds of carolers and the aroma of roasting chestnuts. Enjoy free carousel rides, ice skating,...
Millions of lights transforming the zoo into a holiday wonderland.
Step into a magical winter wonderland at the Detroit Zoo's Wild Lights, a beloved holiday tradition. Millions of LED lights illuminate the park, creating over 500 dazzling displays across themed zones like the Enchanted Rainforest and Field of Lights. Enjoy...
Santa Express train rides and tree lighting
Southgate invites you to a magical Winter Wonderland event featuring a tree lighting ceremony and Santa Express train rides. Join them as Santa Claus arrives to light the city's Christmas tree, accompanied by festive carols. Afterward, hop aboard the miniature...
Christmas Express train rides with Santa visits
Embark on a magical journey aboard the Santa's Christmas Express Train Ride, presented in partnership with the City of Southgate. Experience a captivating ride through a winter wonderland, illuminated by enchanting lights and festive sparkles. Santa himself makes a special...
Christmas tree lighting ceremony with Santa and fireworks.
Taylor Winterfest & Stroll transforms Heritage Park into a winter wonderland. The celebration begins with the Goodfellows 5K and a festive parade, culminating in the lighting of a magnificent 40-foot Christmas tree by Santa and Mrs. Claus. Later, a magical...
Spectacular Christmas light display and Santa's mailbox.
Experience the magic of the holiday season at Market Center Park's 'Light Up Market Center Park' event. Marvel at a spectacular Christmas light display that will fill the park with festive cheer. Don't miss the chance to send your letters...
Five-mile drive-through holiday light display with animated scenes.
Embark on a dazzling five-mile journey through Hines Park at the Wayne County Lightfest. This spectacular display features over 100,000 lights and nearly 50 animated, themed displays, creating a magical holiday atmosphere. Special events like the 'Lights On' opening celebration...
Themed holiday nights with character meet-and-greets.
Experience the magic of Greenmead Historical Village transformed into a winter wonderland for the 'Night of Lights' event. This family-friendly attraction offers a variety of themed nights, including Grinch Night, Lights, Sirens & Heroes, Frozen Night, and Holiday Magic. Visitors...
Santa's rescue and tree lighting ceremony.
Join the festive "Here Comes Santa Claus" event in Downtown Rochester to officially begin the holiday season. This cherished tradition features Mrs. Claus' Workshop with merry music, games, and crafts, followed by Santa's dramatic rescue and the enchanting tree lighting...
Community-wide holiday celebration with parade and festival
Experience the magic of the Holiday Extravaganza in Pontiac, Michigan! This beloved annual event brings communities together for a day filled with festive cheer. Kick off the season with the 'Run Elf Run' races, followed by the spectacular Holiday Extravaganza...
See the location of all christmas lights around Detroit and nearby areas
Open Map →Top displays include the iconic Campus Martius Park with its official city Christmas tree and festive lights along Woodward Avenue, the Magic of Lights drive-through at Pine Knob Music Theatre, and the immersive Glenlore Trails Aurora in Commerce. The Detroit Zoo’s Wild Lights event is also a popular walkable display featuring millions of lights and themed areas.
Drive-through light displays, like Magic of Lights, allow visitors to enjoy holiday scenes from the comfort of their vehicles, often featuring large-scale animated displays. Walkable options, such as Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo or Glenlore Trails Aurora, offer immersive experiences where guests can stroll through illuminated paths and interact with displays up close.
Most Detroit Christmas lights and holiday displays begin lighting up in mid to late November, with events like the Detroit Tree Lighting at Campus Martius Park kicking off the season around November 22. Many displays continue through December and into early January.
Yes, several free displays are available, including the extensive lights along Woodward Avenue and around Campus Martius Park downtown. Neighborhood displays and public parks often feature free holiday lights, making it easy to enjoy festive views without an admission fee.