The holiday season is in full swing at my house. The Christmas tree is decorated, my pup and I are wearing matching holiday sweaters, and my town has strung up the most beautiful twinkling lights that I just love walking past every day.
While there are many fantastic Christmas light displays that are worth the price tag, there are plenty of towns in metro Detroit that put on their own free light displays in scenic parks and charming downtown areas. Plus, visiting a light display with free admission means you can put those savings towards hot cocoa, seasonal treats or supporting a nearby small business!
Discover more free holiday activities for metro Detroit families, from free visits with Santa to unforgettable holiday events with free admission.
Free Holiday Light Displays in Metro Detroit
My go-to method for getting into the holiday spirit is to bundle up in your favorite winter gear; grab a travel cup of hot cocoa; and blast a Christmas radio station. Follow these steps and everyone will be feeling the Christmas cheer before you even arrive at these free holiday light displays.
These free attractions may not have all the razzle and dazzle as the ones that charge admission fees, but they are filled with twinkling lights, family photo ops, free visits with Santa and more free family festivities.
Walk of Trees
- Through Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025
- Kellogg Park, Plymouth
Twinkling lights and decked out Christmas trees await your family at Kellogg Park. The festive trees were decorated by community members and local businesses, and stay lit around the clock, which means it’s never too early (or late!) to visit.
Winter Gold
- Through Friday, Jan. 10, 2025
- Beacon Park, Detroit
“Winter Gold” is the theme of this year’s holiday lights at Beacon Park. Holiday displays made up of 125,000 sparkling lights are casting a gorgeous golden glow over the entire park. Take a festive stroll, then check out more holiday fun for families nearby at The Rink at Campus Martius Park.
The Big, Bright Light Show
- Through Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025
- Downtown Rochester
Take a stroll through Rochester as 1.5 million holiday lights illuminate the downtown area. There are no admission fees to enjoy this festive community celebration, which means you can put that money towards purchasing holiday gifts from local businesses.
Tunnel of Lights
- Through Sunday, Jan. 26, 2025
- Blossom Health Park, St. Clair Shores
See Blossom Health Park lit up in sparkling lights. There will be entertainment, food trucks and visits from special guests on select Fridays and Saturdays. Enjoy live music, visit with Santa and feast on delicious local eats. Check the Tunnel of Lights calendar to plan your family’s holiday outing in St. Clair Shores.
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