After exploring metro Detroit’s holiday light shows — from Wayne County Lightfest to the Magic of Lights at Pine Knob — it’s easy to start wondering what else Michigan has to offer in the twinkling display arema. The good news: plenty!
Once southeast Michigan’s routes are checked off your family’s list, a road trip opens the door to even more drive-through light shows across the state. These 2025 displays make it easy for families to stay warm, keep kids comfortable and turn an evening drive into part of the holiday fun.
From west Michigan up to the Upper Peninsula, these drive-through light shows are worth planning around if the family calendar allows for a winter getaway.
Holiday Lasers on the Ore Dock – Marquette
Heading to the UP? The Lower Harbor Ore Dock on the Marquette waterfront will light up every weekend until New Year’s Eve this winter. Check out the event’s Spotify playlist to see the lights sync with the music when you visit.
- 6-9 p.m. Thursday-Saturday until Dec. 31, 2025
- Free
- 7 hours from Detroit
Sparkle in the Park – Bear Lake
Bear Lake’s Sparkle in the Park is an annual free light show, displaying lakeside lights until New Year’s Eve. The available walking trail is encouraged to avoid long car lines at the light show.
- 5-10 p.m. nightly until Dec. 31, 2025
- Free, donations accepted
- 4 hours from Detroit
The Colors of Christmas – Newago
The Croton Township Campground becomes a winter wonderland with The Colors of Christmas, showing festive light displays throughout the campground. This light show is free, but donations are accepted toward Newaygo County Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect.
- 6-11 p.m. nightly until Jan. 1, 2026
- Free, donations accepted
- 3 hours from Detroit
Christmas Lite Show – Grand Rapids
This Michigan light show has been run by veterans for years, lighting up LMCU ballpark with lighted tunnels, animated displays and other glowing attractions. Visitors can purchase tickets for either the Drive-Thru or the Memory Lane Train.
- 5:30-9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 5:30-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday until Jan. 3, 2026
- $30/car online, $35/car onsite
- 2 hours, 30 minutes from Detroit
Freeland Lights – Freeland
This year is the 20th anniversary of Freeland Lights, a Hayes Park light show celebration. This display is synced with music playing on the 93.9FM radio station, so tune in to experience the full magic. Visitors can also request songs following the directions on the event website.
- 5:30-10:20 p.m. nightly until Dec. 31, 2025 (morning show offered 6-8 a.m. if songs are selected)
- Free, donations accepted
- 2 hours from Detroit
Nite Lites Christmas Lights Show – Brooklyn
At the Nite Lites Christmas Lights Show, your family can both view sparkling lights and experience what it’s like to drive on Michigan International Speedway. The lighted path goes through six and a half miles of the race track, offering train rides alongside the drive-through track.
- 5:30-9 p.m. Sunday-Thursday, 5:30-10 p.m. Friday-Saturday until Jan. 5, 2026
- $35/car
- 1 hour 30 minutes from Detroit
Christmas Lights at Sherman Woods – Port Huron
The Sherman Woods neighborhood in Port Huron comes alive with lights around the holiday season, with each yard showing its unique holiday personality. A quick family drive through the neighborhood will not disappoint.
- Free
- 1 hr 30 min from Detroit
Merry Mile – Marshall
Enjoy Merry Mile’s loops of Christmas lights at Calhoun County Fairgrounds this season, one of the top 10 light shows in Michigan. Free visits with Santa are offered on Dec. 6, 13 and 20.
- 6-9 p.m. Thursday-Sunday until Dec. 28, 2025
- $10/car
- 1 hour 45 minutes from Detroit
Don’t forget about the great lights closer to home! Check out Wayne County Lightfest, the Magic of Lights in Clarkston — and our roundup of the top light spectacles in metro Detroit.
This content is sponsored by Southeast Michigan Ford Dealers. Visit buyfordnow.com. Find more articles like this at Metro Parent’s Ultimate Family Road Trip Guide.
