There’s a certain kind of magic that comes to Michigan during the holidays, bringing families together over the season’s excitement. Clarkston delivers that holiday feeling in a big way with the Magic of Lights, a mesmerizing drive-through light show
This glittering path of displays returns for a sixth year in 2025, stretching around Pine Knob Music Theatre. It takes about one hour to drive through, ending with s’mores roasting and a chance to visit Santa.
Find out what’s in store here — and discover even more festive fun with these guides:
- The classic fun of Wayne County Lightfest in Hines Park
- The best can’t-miss holiday light shows around metro Detroit
- 10 other Michigan light shows outside the region worth a trip
What makes the Magic of Lights special
For starters, of course, are the lights — over 2 million of them! Some of the vignettes you can expect to see include:
- A Winter Wonderland
- 12 Days of Christmas
- Toyland
- Reindeer Road
- A 200-foot tunnel of lights
- A 32-foot animated Mattel’s Waving Christmas Barbie®
- A “Prehistoric Christmas” scene with life-sized dinos
- A BIGFOOT® Monster Truck display
Beyond the sparkling lights, the Magic of Lights has some extra surprises in store.
After the first few displays, pop by the Reindeer Rest Stop. This is the perfect place to get out, stretch your legs and take some photos at the lighted photo ops in the area.
Watch for some holiday specials, too. On National Candy Cane Day, Dec. 26, the first 100 cars receive a free sweet treat upon arrival.
Also, every Tuesday is Tail-Wagging Tuesday — all attending pets will receive a free treat as well. Make sure to leave your furry friends inside the car at all times.
Dates, times and costs
Your family can visit the Magic of Lights from 6-9 p.m. Monday-Saturday through Jan. 3, 2026. There are extended hours on weekends from Dec.12-Jan. 3; make sure to check out the event website for a time that works best for you.
Visitors are charged per carload at this drive-through light show, so make sure to load up each seat. Standard cars start at $33 per vehicle on weekdays when purchased online. Prices rise if attending on the weekend or purchasing at the gate, and cash is not accepted.
Pro tips for families
Cars will start to line up at 33 Bob Seger Drive. The line can build up quickly, so the event offers a Dash Pass that can be purchased upon arrival to push your car to the front of the line. The Dash Pass is only a few extra dollars added on to your admission fee.
What to stow before you go:
- A credit card for admission and/or the Dash Pass
- Warm clothes for exploring the Reindeer Rest Stop
- A camera for photos with Santa
Make a day out of it
Before you end your night with a drive-through light show, why not make it a day in this northern Oakland County suburb? The Pine Knob Ski and Snowboard Resort offers winter fun for families who love skiing and snowboarding. Or, for something on the calmer side, a walk around the historic downtown is a great option.
After a family outing in Clarkston, you’ll want something to eat. Clarkston Union has a community-loved mac and cheese that your kids will devour, offering gluten-free and lobster options.
Another option is Honcho, a Latin American street food joint. Don’t leave for the light show without grabbing some of Honcho’s house-made doughnuts and a coffee or hot chocolate from their café.
And,once you get to Pine Knob, just recline those seats (or, for an extra rush, put down a window!) and enjoy the Magic of Lights
Feeling festive? Don’t miss out on the Wayne County Lightfest and more of the best holiday lights in metro Detroit — plus our roundup of lights across Michigan.
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.
