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The holiday season in Metro Detroit is nothing short of magical, with dazzling light displays and festive events that light up the winter nights. From long-standing traditions to immersive new experiences, these local holiday light events are must-sees for families, friends, and anyone looking to make their season bright. Here’s your guide to the most captivating holiday light displays around Metro Detroit…
GLENLORE TRAILS AURORA
November 15 – December 29
3860 Newton Road, Commerce Township
Glenlore Trails’ Aurora Winter Wonderland is an enchanting, illuminated night walk that captures the holiday spirit with dazzling lights and holiday sounds. The trail offers interactive elements where visitors can use magic wands to unlock hidden surprises along the path. Perfect for a family adventure or a romantic evening, Aurora promises an immersive, magical journey through a winter wonderland. Open Thursdays through Sundays, this mile-long trail lights up as the sun goes down. With photo opportunities and on-site concessions, Glenlore Trails offers an evening full of fun. Check out the special events planned, from live music on opening night to Santa visiting December 13th through 15th before you head on your walk.
WAYNE COUNTY LIGHTFEST
November 21 – December 24
7651 North Merriman Road, Westland
The Wayne County Lightfest is a beloved holiday tradition. Stretching five miles, this impressive showcase features almost 50 animated displays and over 100,000 lights. Guests can enjoy the spectacle from the comfort of their cars, making it a cozy and festive way to kick off the season. Open from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m., except for Mondays and Tuesdays, this Hines Park delight attracts countless families to experience the path. Entrance is $5 (cash only) per car, but on Wednesday evenings (Nov. 27, Dec. 4, Dec. 11) visitors can donate a new, unwrapped toy in lieu of the car entrance fee for Toy Nights. Weekends are especially busy, so be prepared for longer wait times on those evenings.
MAGIC OF LIGHTS
November 22 – December 30
33 Bob Seger Drive, Clarkston
Magic of Lights is an enchanting drive-through experience at Pine Knob Music Theatre, featuring a route filled with themed light displays, digital animations, and holiday cheer. The event includes scenes and favorite characters using a variety of lighting techniques. Open daily from 5:30 until 10 p.m. (until 9 on holidays), it’s a great way to get family and friends together without having to deal with the weather. Tickets are priced by the vehicle and are discounted if you buy online in advance. It’s a great family outing that can transform into a tradition.
DETROIT TREE LIGHTING
November 22 – January 5
800 Woodward Avenue, Detroit
The annual Detroit Tree Lighting at Campus Martius Park is a hallmark event that draws thousands to celebrate the beginning of the holiday season, now in its 21st year. With more than one million lights, live performances, and Santa lighting of the 66-foot Norway spruce adorned with ornaments and over 25,000 multi-colored LEDs, this event is a showstopper. Visitors can enjoy food trucks, festive drinks, photo opportunities with mascots of our favorite Detroit sports teams, and entertainment from talented musicians and ice skaters, all while soaking in the festive ambiance of downtown Detroit. Through January 5th, visitors can check out the Downtown Detroit Markets and Cadillac Lounge in Cadillac Square for shopping and festive foods too!
WILD LIGHTS
November 23 – January 5
8450 West 10 Mile Road, Royal Oak
There’s never been a better time to head over to the Detroit Zoo! Communications Manager Sarah Culton shares, “At Wild Lights, you’ll wander through millions of twinkling lights and more than 500 immersive displays — all while enjoying seasonal treats and eats, warming stations, live entertainment, magical photo opportunities and so much more.” Transforming the zoo into a winter wonderland with animal-themed light displays, Wild Lights offers an evening filled with fun, just like how it’s been done for over a decade. Admission packages range from tickets for the evening or combo tickets for a daytime zoo visit with a nighttime reentry to buffet experiences and more. Guests can also enjoy a visit with Santa through December 23rd. Between the holiday decorations and the animals themselves, you’re in for an unforgettable night of fun and discovery.
BIG, BRIGHT, LIGHT SHOW
November 25 – January 19
Downtown Rochester
Downtown Rochester truly shines during the holiday season, especially during the annual Lagniappe event, which this year celebrates its 51st anniversary on November 25th from 6 to 9 p.m. This event, whose name means “a little something extra,” is all about community appreciation. On the 25th, Main Street will be closed from Second Street to University Drive, with a stage for the mayor and a special appearance from Santa Claus set at the corner of W. 4th Street and Main, with the downtown area set to illuminate at 7 p.m. followed by a fireworks show and visits with Santa until 9. Following Lagniappe, The Big, Bright Light Show will run nightly from 5 p.m. until midnight until mid-January so that everyone can experience over one million holiday lights as they visit downtown Rochester. You can enjoy the scenery while visiting the local shops and restaurants, or just drive through to catch a glimpse of the fun.
HOLIDAY STROLL
November 29 – December 23
2325 Joslyn Court, Lake Orion
Canterbury Village’s Holiday Stroll is a must-visit for anyone seeking an immersive Christmas experience. This outdoor event features an array of light displays, live holiday characters, and musical performances. The stroll invites visitors to wander through scenes of playful snowmen, twinkling Christmas trees, and other stunning displays. Santa Claus himself makes an appearance, as do other characters like Mrs. Claus, the Grinch, Buddy the Elf, and more. Guests can savor warm drinks and treats from Yates Cider Mill (conveniently the halfway point) and the C-Pub patio found at the end of the village and shop for unique holiday gifts throughout. With its quaint village atmosphere and festive décor, Canterbury Village feels like stepping into a holiday storybook.
WINTER WONDER LIGHTS
November 29 – December 30
350 Estate Drive, Rochester
Meadow Brook Hall is a dazzling sight year-round, but during the holiday season, the decorations are brought to the next level. Walk through the historic mansion by day to see it decked out with decorations, or visit the estate during the evening for Winter Wonder Lights. For the season, the grounds transform with lights, music, seasonal treats, and a bit of holiday magic. It is a self-guided tour of the outdoors, with interactive displays throughout the estate. Snack on s’mores and freshly popped popcorn, sip on a hot chocolate (or an adult beverage), and take in the show. Tickets must be purchased in advance, but make sure to check out the special events taking place, like Family Nights or Santa Saturdays.
BLAKE’S HOLIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA
November 23, 24, 29 – December 1
17985 Armada Center Road, Armada
Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill is transforming for Blake’s Holiday Extravaganza this holiday season. Free to attend, you can experience its annual holiday festivities filled with lights, local artisan vendors, and live music. Pick out the perfect Christmas tree, visit with Santa, and make family memories among the carolers and kids crafts and face painting. The excitement peaks with Blake’s annual tree lighting ceremony on Nov. 23 at 6 p.m. in Blake’s Orchard Square. Setting the season up for joy, you can spend the day at Blake’s, shop for holiday decor, and enjoy festive treats at Blake’s Holiday Extravaganza, which is perfect for some family-friendly fun.
This article has been updated to include new information. The original article was published on November 28, 2022, and was authored by Aaron B. Cohen.
