It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Join the Downtown Detroit Partnership as they welcome the holiday season with live music, figure skating performances and more festive activities at the 21st annual Detroit Tree Lighting Ceremony.
21st Annual Downtown Detroit Tree Lighting Ceremony
- Address: Campus Martius Park, 800 Woodward Ave., Detroit
- When: 4-9 p.m. Friday, Nov. 22, 2024
- Cost: Free
The holiday ceremony will include musical entertainment from Detroit rhythm and blues singer Thornetta Davis, singer-songwriter Alex Sampson, The Next Generation Funk Brothers and The Pointe Singers. Ice skating sensations Elladj Baldé, Linzy Fitzapatrick and Keyton Bearinger will take the ice at The Rink at Campus Martius Park, along with performers from local figure skating clubs. You might even spot some beloved characters enjoying the holiday cheer, including the Grinch, Detroit Lions’ mascot Roary and Pistons’ mascot Hooper.
The highlight of the show will be the arrival of Santa Claus to light the 66-foot tall Christmas tree in Campus Martius Park. This year’s Christmas tree is a Michigan-grown Norway spruce from Manton, a small town more than 200 miles away in northern Michigan. Hundreds of oversized ornaments, 25,000 LED lights and a 7-foot star will light up the tree and spread Christmas cheer through downtown Detroit.
Families can experience the tree lighting ceremony at the main stage, or step back and watch the festivities on big screens throughout Campus Martius Park and Cadillac Square. Those wishing to get into the holiday spirit at home can watch a one-hour broadcast on WXYZ Channel 7 at 7 p.m. EST.
New holiday attractions in downtown Detroit
Chalet 313
This new, two-story holiday hangout space overlooks the Christmas tree and all of the festivities at Campus Martius Park. Chalet 313 will feature warm seating, a full bar offering festive cocktails and dazzling views of the ice rink, Detroit skyline and the Christmas tree.
Food trucks and festive drink offerings
Tree light ceremony attendees can refuel and warm up with offerings from a variety of local food trucks, as well as new festive cocktails. Support a small business by grabbing some grub from Fun Food Express, Cousins Maine Lobster, Los Dos Amigo Tacos, Sonny’s Hamburger, Big Bo’s Grill, Gambino Catering, Impasto, Junk Yard Pit Crew, Cinnamon Nuts & More, Poppin & Mixin’ and Andiamo.
This year’s new craft cocktails include Baily’s spiked hot cocoa, Casamigos Mistletoe Margaritas, Cutwater Espresso Martinis, Cutwater Peppermint White Russian and Blake’s Hard American Apple Cider, as well as beer options. Non-alcoholic cocoa and soda will also be available.
More holiday happenings in downtown Detroit
- Shop for holiday gifts, decor and more for everyone on your list at the Downtown Detroit Markets in Cadillac Square.
- Warm up at Cadillac Lodge, a cozy heated tent with seating, fireplaces, blankets and board games. Grab a seasonal drink, cocktail or snack, then bundle up and make festive memories with the fam.
- Hit The Rink at Campus Martius Park to ice skate while enjoying themed events, giveaways and more. The Rink opens on Nov. 23, 2024.
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