Add a new tradition or carry on an old one with your family this holiday season. Head out to one of these fun holiday light displays in metro Detroit that are sure to illuminate the spirit.
I’ve gathered a list of some of the best events to go to see dazzling holiday lights – including some of our favorites. I love seeing the decorated Christmas trees at the Holiday Walk and all of the beautiful lights outside at Winter Wonder Lights at Meadow Brook Hall. Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo is also a must see!
Be sure to check out these holiday and christmas lights this year with your family.
Wayne County Lightfest at Merriman Hollow Park
Nov. 21-Dec. 24, 2024 (Wednesdays-Sundays)
- Address: 7651 Merriman Road, Westland
- Cost: $5/car (cash only)
A magical five-mile stretch of Hines Park, displaying nearly 50 animated and themed displays, and more than 100,000 lights.
2024 Holiday Lighted Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony
Nov. 22, 2024
- Address: Downtown Northville
- Cost: Free
At this lighted holiday parade, see floats, dancers, bands and of course, Santa Claus. The parade begins at 6 p.m. and will be followed by the official tree lighting in Town Square.
Downtown Rochester Festival of Trees at Rochester Community House
Nov. 23-24, 2024
- Address: 816 Ludlow Ave., Rochester
- Cost: Free
This festival features trees, wreaths and centerpieces designed and donated by the community.
Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo
Nov. 23-24, 29-30; Dec. 1, 6-8, 12-23, 26-31, 2024; Jan. 2-5, 2025
- Address: 8450 W. Ten Mile Road, Royal Oak
- Cost: $17-$26
Encounter enchanting animal-themed light sculptures that bring a whimsical touch to the festive season and create a magical experience for all ages. Be prepared to be mesmerized by millions of twinkling LED lights transforming the Zoo into a winter wonderland.
The Big Bright Light Show in Downtown Rochester
Nov. 25, 2024-Jan. 19, 2025
- Address: Downtown Rochester, Main St. from South Bridge to Romeo Road and Fourth St. from Walnut to Water streets
- Cost: Free
Downtown Rochester is decked in 1.5 million lights, brightening up buildings every evening.
Holiday Stroll at Canterbury Village
Nov. 29-30; Dec. 6-8, 13-15, 20-23, 2024
- Address: 2325 Joslyn Court, Lake Orion
- Cost: $14.99-plus/person, free/parking
Stroll through the quaint village that transforms into a winter wonderland, glowing with almost a million festive lights. Also, enjoy an amazing seven-minute light show choreographed to classic holiday songs, hear the sounds of professional carolers and view live Christmas performances.
Holiday Walk at Meadow Brook Hall
Nov. 29-Dec. 23, 2024
- Address: 350 Estate Drive, Rochester
- Cost: $21/ages 13-plus, $8.50/ages 3-12, free/ages 0-2 and OU Students
Take a walk around the historic house and grounds to see more than 50 decorated trees. Advanced tickets required.
HollyDazzle at the Michigan Renaissance Festival
Nov. 29-30; Dec. 1, 6-8, 13-15, 20-24, 27-31, 2024
- Address: 12600 Dixie Hwy., Holly
- Cost: $21.95/ages 13-plus, $21.95/one adult and one child bundle, $8.95/ages 5-12, free/ages 4 and under; free/parking
Walk the three-quarter mile outdoor trail, which is adorned with over a dozen mesmerizing Christmas scenes. Visit with Santa Claus, experience a Polar Pub Crawl, join the Holiday Token Hunt and more.
The Big Reveal at Indian Springs Metropark, Environmental Discovery Center
Nov. 29-30; Dec. 1-6, 2024
- Address: 5175 Indian Trail, White Lake
- Cost: Free; parking pass required
Bring your camera to take pictures of Indian Springs Metropark’s “underwater snow globe,” holiday trees, lights and more.
Winter Wonder Lights at Meadow Brook Hall
Nov. 29-Dec. 30, 2024
- Address: 350 Estate Drive, Rochester
- Cost: $23/ages 13-plus, $13/ages 3-12, free/ages 0-2 and OU Students
Visitors can explore the National Historic Landmark at its most festive time. There will be seasonal beverages, glow-in-the-dark cotton candy and popcorn, bonfires and more. Advanced tickets required.
Home for the Holidays at Ford House
Nov. 30; Dec. 6-8, 13-15, 20-22, 2024
- Address: 1100 Lake Shore Road, Grosse Pointe Shores
- Cost: Ticket prices coming soon
Enjoy stunning light displays throughout the estate on a one-mile walk around the Ford House grounds. Also, explore the Main Residents, enjoy a complimentary hot chocolate, visit and take a photo with Santa Claus and more.
Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village
Dec. 5-8, 11-15, 18-23, 26-28, 2024
- Address: 20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn
- Cost: $32.50-$38/ages 12-plus, $29.25-$34.25/ages 62-plus, $24.25-$28.50/ages 5-11, free/ages 4 and under
Walk the candle-lit village streets to see live entertainment, shops decked out for the holidays and lots of free activities. Plus take a horse-drawn carriage ride, go ice skating and watch the marvelous fireworks display.
Holiday Lights at the Farm at Wolcott Mill Metropark, Farm Center
Dec. 6-8, 13-15, 20-21, 2024
- Address: 65775 Wolcott Road, Ray
- Cost: $8/person, free/under 2
Stroll through and enjoy traditional holiday decorations and thousands of sparkling lights. Visit with Santa and the resident animals, listen to holiday music and take a tractor-drawn wagon ride around the farm fields. Dress for the weather. Pre-registration required.
Orion Lighted Christmas Parade
Dec. 7, 2024
- Address: Downtown Lake Orion
- Cost: Free
See Michigan’s largest lighted Christmas parade in downtown Lake Orion. The businesses downtown are encouraged to add lights and decorate their storefronts.
Trail of Lights at Robert Williams Nature & Historical Learning Center
Dec. 7-8, 13-15, 20-22, 2024
- Address: 10069 E. Atherton Road, Davison
- Cost: $4/resident, $6/non-resident for trail of lights; $8/resident, $10/non-resident for trail of lights-wagon rides (tickets are $10/resident, $12/non-resident on the day of the event)
Walk through an enchanting holiday experience at Robert Williams Nature & Historical Learning Center at the Trail of Lights. At Trail of Lights-Wagon Rides (Dec. 8 & 15), enjoy a wagon ride, visit with Santa and listen to festive music. Dogs are welcome at the walking event. Pick up tickets at will call.
Lights, Trails & Seasonal Tales at Lake Erie Metropark
Dec. 13, 2024
- Address: 20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn
- Cost: $8/person; parking pass required
Walk the candle-lit village streets to see live entertainment, shops decked out for the holidays and lots of free activities. Plus take a horse-drawn carriage ride, go ice skating and watch the marvelous fireworks display.
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