Best Holiday Light Displays in the Detroit Area

You can check out a different display leading up to Christmas each week. Below are the best holiday light displays in Michigan.

Campus Martius Park and Downtown Detroit

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!

It is free to attend and check out the lights.

Photo by Charles Falsetti

Downtown Rochester Big, Bright Light Show

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

The Big, Bright Light Show is free for everyone.

Photo by Camera Jesus

Holiday Nights at Greenfield Village

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.

Tickets start at $35 for the public and $27.75 for The Henry Ford members.

Detroit Zoo Wild Lights

Wild Lights is returning once again to the Detroit Zoo, running from Nov. 19 through Jan. 8 on select weeknights and all weekends.

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

New this year is an enchanted trail that will be an immersive forest of lights with holiday music.

Tickets start at $17 and it costs $8 to park.

Photo by Kalynne Defever

Wayne County Lightfest

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.

It runs Wednesday through Sunday during the holiday season, and cost $5 cash for vehicles, $20 for commercial vans. You enter Lightfest at 7651 North Merriman Road.

Winter Wonder Lights at Meadow Brook

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.

Tickets for adults are $20 for a holiday walk and $22 for winter wonder lights.

Just outside of metro Detroit

Nite Lights at Michigan International Speedway

About an hour and a half west from Downtown Detroit is Michigan International Speedway, which hosts NASCAR races, music festivals and more. But, in the winter, it transforms into a magical display of holiday lights.

It’s a drive-thru light show on the grounds of the speedway that include beautiful light displays featuring a variety of animals, a race-themed display and more.

Tickets cost $30 per car on weekdays and $35 per car on Fridays and Saturdays.

Christmas at Crossroads Holiday Magic

An hour and a half north of Detroit in Flint you’ll find Crossroads Village and Huckleberry Railroad, the home of Christmas at Crossroads Holiday Magic 2022.

There are thousands of sparking lights throughout the historic village with 34 historic structures.

The Christmas displays will make you feel warm inside and transport you back to the historic times while enjoying the festivities.

Tickets cost $15 for adults for the village only or $24 for the train and the village. Children ages 2-12 are $13 or $22, and under 2 are free.