Where to see dazzling Christmas lights in Michigan for the 2024 holiday season

By Lee DeVito on Tue, Nov 26, 2024 at 10:00 am

Courtesy of the Downtown Detroit Partnership

Downtown Detroit is once again decked out for the holidays.

We are entering the darkest, coldest time in Michigan — which is the perfect time to turn the lights on. Here are some colorful, illuminated holiday attractions in the Detroit area and beyond to enjoy this holiday season. (Did we miss any? Let us know! [email protected].)

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Courtesy of the Detroit Zoo

Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo

A tradition for more than 10 years, this family friendly event sees the Detroit Zoo decked out in more than 5 million LED lights, including some in the shapes of larger-than-life animals. Santa will also be onsite for photos from 5-10 p.m. on Fridays and 5-9 p.m. on Saturdays.

Through Jan. 5 at the Detroit Zoo; 8450 W. 10 Mile Rd., Royal Oak; detroitzoo.org. Tickets range from $17-$25 based on time of day.

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Courtesy of Glenlore Trails

Glenlore Trails: Aurora

Established in 2020, this one-mile technologically enhanced nature walk claims to be Michigan’s largest, with interactive light and sound displays. New this year are “magic wands” that can unlock surprises along the trail.

Through Dec. 29 at Glenlore Trails; 3860 Newton Rd., Commerce Twp.; glenloretrails.com. Tickets are $15-$25.

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Courtesy of the Downtown Detroit Partnership

Campus Martius Park

Downtown Detroit’s annual holiday festivities include a 66-foot Michigan-grown Norway spruce decked out with more than 25,000 shimmering LED multi-colored lights, which will be joined by a large-scale Kwanzaa kinara and Hanukkah menorah later in the season. They surround Campus Martius Park, which offers an ice rink and, new this year, CHALET 313, a cozy, two-story heated lounge with 360-degree views.

Through Dec. 31 at Campus Martius Park; 800 Woodward Ave., Detroit; downtowndetroit.org. No cover.

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Courtesy of Magic of Lights

Magic of Lights at Pine Knob

Pine Knob Music Theatre’s parking lot is transformed into a drive-through holiday display including dramatic light tunnels and different themed areas like “Prehistoric Christmas” with dinosaurs and a 32-foot-tall animated Barbie.

Through Dec. 30 at Pine Knob Music Theatre; 33 Bob Seger Dr. Clarkston; magicoflights.com. Car passes are $22.50-$65 depending on day and size of vehicle.

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Shutterstock

The Big, Bright Light Show

Every year, downtown Rochester is decked out with colorful holiday lights, making for scenic shopping or bar hopping.

From Nov. 25-Jan. 19 in downtown Rochester; downtownrochestermi.com.

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Nick Hagen

Holiday Nights at Greenfield Village

Now in its 20th year, the old-timey streets of Dearborn’s Greenfield Village history attraction celebrate the holiday season with carolers, roasting chestnuts, bonfires, fireworks, Model T rides, and other festive traditions.

From Dec. 5-28 at Greenfield Village; 20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn; thehenryford.org. Tickets are $30.50-$42.

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ellenm1, Flickr Creative Commons

Wayne County Lightfest

Five miles of Hines Drive is transformed into a winter wonderland with nearly 50 animated themed displays made from more than 100,000 lights.

Through Dec. 24 at Hines Park; 7651 N Merriman Rd., Westland; waynecounty.com. Tickets are $5-$50 depending on size of vehicle.

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Courtesy photo

Winter Wonder Lights

Take a guided tour of Meadow Brook Estate, a National Historic Landmark made even more enchanting by festive holiday lights. The tour continues inside Meadow Brook Hall where you’ll find more than 50 trees and enjoy the mansion’s cozy fireplaces.

From Nov. 29-Dec. 30 at Meadow Brook; 350 Estate Dr., Rochester; meadowbrookhall.org. No cover for Oakland University students, tickets range from $13-$23.

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Courtesy photo

Nite Lites

This five-mile drive-thru holiday lights event can be experienced either by car or train via the Nite Lites Express.

Through Jan. 5 at Michigan International Speedway; 12626 US-12, Brooklyn; nitelitesshow.com. Tickets are $35-$100 depending on size of vehicle.

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John Martin

Home for the Holidays at Ford House

This one-mile walking tour of the historic Ford House includes includes complimentary hot chocolate, a photo op with Santa, and a visit to the Main Residence for a chance to see how Eleanor Ford would have decorated the home for the holidays.

From Nov. 30-Dec. 22 at Ford House; 1100 Lake Shore Rd., Grosse Pointe Shores; fordhouse.org. Tickets are $10-$28.

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MI Bright Lights

This drive-thru light show is synchronized to music played over your car stereo. Dozens of different songs give this attraction plenty of replay value.

Through Jan. 5; 30712 Michigan Ave., Westland; mibrightlights.com/. Tickets are $20.

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Canterbury Village, Facebook

Holiday Stroll

This quaint village features shopping, choreographed light shows, Christmas characters, carolers, hot drinks and sweet treats from Yates Cider Mill, and more.

From Nov. 29-Dec. 23; Canterbury Village; 2325 Joslyn Ct., Lake Orion; canterburyvillage.com. Tickets are $17.99.

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City of St. Clair Shores, Facebook

Tunnel of Lights

A dazzling light display in Blossom Heath Park free and open to the public; no park pass necessary.

From Dec. 7-Jan. 26 at Blossom Heath Park; 24800 Jefferson Ave., St. Clair Shores; scsmi.net. No cover.

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Courtesy photo

HollyDazzle

The grounds of the long-running Michigan Renaissance Festival are transformed into an enchanted holiday village with carolers, a Polar Pub Crawl, train rides, and more.

From Nov. 29-Dec. 31; hollydazzle.com. Tickets are $8.95-$49.90.

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Jake May, Associated Press

Trail of Lights

You can explore this enchanting holiday light display either by tractor-drawn wagon or a pet-friendly walk — see the official schedule for wagon ride night dates.

From Dec. 7-22 at Robert Williams Nature & Historical Learning Center; 10069 E. Atherton Rd., Davison; exploreflintandgenesee.org. Tickets are $4 for residents, $6 non-residents.

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Genesee County Parks

Holiday Magic at Crossroads Village

This historic village comes to life with holiday lights, artisans, family-friendly activities, and evening rides on the Huckleberry Railroad.

From Nov. 29-Dec. 24 at Crossroads Village; 6140 N. Bray Rd., Flint; geneseecountyparks.org/christmas-holiday-magic. Tickets are $10 per vehicle.

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Courtesy photo

Wonderland of Lights

This 31st annual event decks out Potter Park Zoo with thousands of lights with holiday music and photo ops with Santa on Fridays and Saturdays.

Through Dec. 23 at Potter Park Zoo; 1301 S. Pennsylvania Ave., Lansing;potterparkzoo.org. Tickets are $5-$9.

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Courtesy photo

Christmas Lite Show

This holiday tradition started when William Schrader returned wounded from a stint in the military and wanted to create a holiday experience for children. This holiday extravaganza can be experienced by foot, car, or a ride on the “Memory Lane Train.” See the official schedule for corresponding dates.

From Nov. 27-Jan. 4 at the LMCU Ballpark; 4500 W. River Dr. NE, Comstock Park; christmasliteshow.com. See website for tickets.

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Courtesy of Lightswitch

ENLIGHTEN

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park is celebrating its 30th anniversary year with this immersive outdoor light spectacle. The one-mile illuminated pathway includes state-of-the-art light installations integrated into the park’s existing sculptures, synchronized to music with interactive elements.

From Nov. 27-Jan. 4 at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park; 1000 East Beltline Ave. NE, Grand Rapids; meijergardens.org/enlighten. Tickets are $10-$20 for members, $12-$24 for nonmembers.

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