Adventure starts with a vehicle that’s up for anything. Trailblazer combines comfort you want, the versatility you need, and the technology to make every moment count.
Campus Martius Tree Lighting Ceremony 2016. Photo credit: Ara Howrani.
Commemorating the arrival of the holiday season, the 16th annual Detroit Tree Lighting Ceremony is taking place this Friday, November 22 at 5 p.m. in Campus Martius. With so much to do, we thought we’d break down all of the activities and festivities you can find downtown tonight as you marvel at the 60-foot Michigan-grown Norwegian Spruce tree adorned in 19,000 ornaments and lights.
This year’s headlining performance comes from GRAMMY-nominated artist Mayer Hawthorne. Hawthorne was born and raised in Ann Arbor, Michigan borrowing half of his stage name from the street he grew up on, Hawthorne Road. Guests can also expect additional live musical performances by the Detroit Youth Choir, Archdiocesan Chorus of Detroit, Beth Griffith-Manley, Carolyn Striho and Daniel Palmeri.
In addition to live music, two world-class figure skaters will perform on the Campus Martius ice rink. World champion figure skater and two-time Olympian Yuka Sato, and Olympian Mirai Nagasu, the first American figure skater to land a triple axel at the 2018 Winter Olympics are slated to perform.
In between live performances, enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride, food trucks and bars all around Campus Martius and Beacon Park, both of which will transform into a winter wonderland. Santa Claus will also be making an appearance and Channel 955 is hosting the Official Rink Opening Party at the Campus Martius ice rink. Visit Downtown Detroit Partnership’s website for a complete list of ice rink hours and admission fees.
For those making trips between Campus Martius and Beacon Park, there will be a free shuttle service from 4:30 p.m. until midnight. Beacon Park will have TV screens livestreaming the festivities from Campus Martius.
For a list of food vendors, parking information and more, visit the official Detroit Tree Lighting & Light Up Beacon Park Facebook event page.
If you’re looking for more to do to get into the holiday spirit this season, check out Eastern Market’s holiday events or where to find the best pies.
