Best Holiday Light Displays in the Detroit Area

You can see nonstop lights all the way down Woodward Ave. from Comerica Park through Hart Plaza during the holiday season in Downtown Detroit.

Different displays light up the sidewalks on either side of Campus Martius Park, leading to the beautiful Detroit Christmas tree lit up with thousands of bulbs and flickering lights.

The spot is a perfect place to take holiday photos, or that perfect photo you’re going to send to family members.

Also make sure to take a picture in front of the bright light display of “Detroit” to represent the city!

Dates: Tree lighting ceremony is on November 22nd, with lights and activities continuing through early January.

Price: Free to visit; ice skating costs $10, with $5 skate rental.

The Big, Bright Light Show is one of the best holiday light displays in the country, and runs from just before Thanksgiving until the new year.

Over 1.5 million points of light will go from the roof to the sidewalk on the buildings of Downtown Rochester, lighting up the city with various, beautiful colors in a way you’ve likely never seen before.

This is the 17th year for the display, and It makes a great spot to take incredible photos and show off metro Detroit!

Dates: November 25 - January 19

Price: The Big, Bright Light Show is free for everyone.

The historic Greenfield Village celebrates the holidays on nights in December before and after Christmas.

The holiday celebration spans more than 80 acres of Greenfield Village with lights, carolers and much more to get you in the holiday spirit.

You can also ride the carousel, check out historic homes from some of the country’s most important people in history, and end it with a fireworks celebration.

It’s very hard to describe Holiday Nights at Greenfield Village, but once you see it, you’ll know what we mean.

Dates: December 5-8, 11-15, 18-23, 26-28 from 6:30 p.m.-10 p.m.

Price: Tickets start at $35 (adults) for the public and $26 for children.

Wild Lights is returning once again to the Detroit Zoo!

The outdoor light show features millions of lights and displays showing off different animals, vignettes, tree sculptures and a walk-through tunnel.

Santa is back along with the enchanted trail that will be an immersive forest of lights with holiday music.

Dates: November 24 - January 7 on select weeknights and all weekends

Price: Tickets start at $17 - $70 and $8 to park.

Drive through Hines Park in Wayne County for the Wayne County Lightfest, which features dozens of animated-themed displays and more than 100,000 lights.

As you drive with your lights off, take in the wonders of Santa Claus, a ski hill, and feel like you’re traveling around the world with different lights.

Dates: Wednesday through Sunday November 16 - December 24

Price: $5 cash for vehicles, $20 for commercial vans.

Enter Lightfest at 7651 North Merriman Road.

Check out one of the most beautiful mansions in metro Detroit at Meadow Brook Hall’s Winter Wonder Lights.

Meadow Brook has the self-guided tour with delicious concessions and drinks, as well as seasonal specialties.

The beautiful grounds of the mansion are lit up with colorful lights and even some light shows.

Dates: Holiday walks - November 29 to December 23, 2024 and the Winter Wonder Lights - November 29 to December 30, 2024

Prices: Tickets for adults are $20 for a holiday walk and $22 for winter wonder lights, $12 for children

This gorgeous winter wonderland is a new winter experience at Ford House, where visitors can enjoy a beautifully lit evening walk throughout the historic estate, marveling at the glittering white lights and the first floor of the Main Residence. Enjoy a self-guided tour of the Main Residence’s first floor, where you’ll hear captivating stories about the estate’s rich history as you take in the home’s understated elegance, a look inspired by Eleanor Ford’s tastes and wishes.

Dates: Friday through Sunday, December 6 — 22

Times: 5:30 p.m., 6 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 7 p.m., 7:30 p.m., 8 p.m., 8:30 p.m.

Price: $10 -$28

This holiday season will be even brighter, merrier and more colorful as Magic of Lights returns and transforms Pine Knob Music Theatre parking area into a vibrant drive-through holiday-themed light display.

Dates: November 22 - December 30
Mon. - Sun. 5:30 PM - 10:00 PM

Holidays (Thanksgiving, Xmas Eve, Xmas Day) 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM

Price: $22 -$65