The Complete Guide to Christmas Lights Throughout Michigan
Christmas light displays have been growing in popularity over the years and I feel like cities all over Michigan are challenged to have the best display. Whoever may have the best can be debated, but there’s no denying that these displays & shows help get us into the holiday spirit! The magic of the lights, sounds, and experiences are sure to lighten your mood this winter.
Light Displays in Southeast Michigan
Big Bright Light Show, Rochester, MI
Where: Downtown Rochester
When: Nov. 21st - Jan. 15th
Downtown Rochester is lit up and adorned with over 1.2 million Christmas lights from 5p-midnight daily. Kristi Trevarrow, executive director of Rochester DDA, was inspired by Disney’s Obsorne Family Spectacle of Lights and wanted to bring the magical experience back to Michigan.
Detroit Zoo Wild Lights
Where: Detroit Zoo
When: Nov. 19th, 2022 - Jan. 8th - 2023
The Detroit Zoo lights an immersive forest of lights and sounds, masterfully designed light displays, illuminated buildings, sculptures, and tunnels. Throughout the park, you can find special stations for hot cocoa, warm pretzels, kettle corn, a souvenir hot cocoa cup, Santa, and other festive favorites.
Glenlore Trails
Where: 3860 Newton Road, Commerce Township, MI 48382
When: Nov. 17th - Dec. 23rd
This immersive winter experience quickly sells out as it is an amazing display! Every Thursday to Sunday evening, the forest comes to life in a dazzling display of lights, sounds, and magic. New features are added regularly.
Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village
Where: Greenfield Village
When: Dec. 2-4, 9-11, 15-23, 26-28
Greefield Village transforms into a vintage holiday scene every year. You can find roasting chestnuts, warming bonfires, carolers, fiddlers, and yuletide activities all over the village. You can find holiday goods, food, and warm beverages down the dreamy Main Street. Take a ride on a historic Model T, carousel, or horse-drawn wagon. Each night ends with a marvelous firework-filled sky. You can even have a popular dining experience with Santa!
Holiday Stroll at the Canterbury Village
Where: Canterbury Village, Lake Orion
When: Nov. 23, 25-27; Dec. 2-4, 9-11, 16-18, 22-23
Canterbury Village lights up at night to provide a magical holiday shopping experience. This family friendly event is hosted outdoors, strolling through the quaint Village as it glows with almost a million lights. You can witness a 7-minute light show choreographed to classic holiday songs, listen to professional carolers, and live Christmas performances. Characters can be found roaming the paths to greet guests. S’mores and hot chocolate, along with classic songs on a large screen, can be found in the Children’s Caroling Corner. C-pub outdoor patio offers a variety of beers, hard ciders, wine, and cocktails with a firepit. You can find Santa Clause for a picture opportunity and a mailbox to send Santa a letter.
HollyDazzle
Where: Michigan Renaissance Festival
When: Nov. 25-27; Dec. 1-4, 8-11, 15-24, 30-31
The Michigan Renaissance Festival lights up a three-quarter mile outdoor trail with more than a dozen lighted Christmas scenes in their winter walk through called HollyDazzle. You can visit Santa & receive the first gift of Christmas. Kids can enjoy free hot cocoa. If you want a really romantic night, sign up for the Igloo Romance Package and cozy up in a heated igloo with a romantic meal. You can find a 3 course meal (with a vegetarian option), beverage, and a pair of champagne flutes as a keepsake.
Meadow Brook Hall’s Winter Wonder Lights
Where: Meadow Brook Hall
When: November 25th - December 30th
Meadow Brook Hall invites all to this dazzling outdoor even and holiday light show where the grounds are lit, sounds of the season can be heard, and it feels outright magical. The indoors are specially decorated and you can take a self-guided tour through the halls for an additional ticket price. Concessions, such as glow-in-the-dark cotton candy, can be found, hot meals in the outdoor Chimney Tops Café, and special seasonal drinks, bonfires, and more. Throughout the season you can also find special holiday events such as the Starlight Stroll, Holiday Tea, and Santa Saturdays.
Parade of Lights, Ida
Where: Downtown Ida
When: December 3rd, 2022
Downtown Ida celebrates the holidays with festival events held all over the town, including concerts, lunch with Santa, Light Up the Night Fun Run, Story time with Mrs. Clause, and carriage rides. Ending Saturday night, you can see a family firework show hosted by Ida Farmers Co-Op at 6:30PM and the Parade of Lights down Lewis Avenue at 7:00PM. Festivities run all weekend at various times, so be sure to click the link, or check out the schedule here.
Walk of Trees in Plymouth
Where: Kellogg Park, Plymouth, MI 48170
When: Nov. 25th, 2022 - Jan 1st, 2023
Christmas trees are decorated and lit throughout Kellogg Park for the holiday season. Bundle up the family and stroll through the park to witness trees decorated by local families, organizations, and businesses. It’s a free festive experience!
Wayne County Lightfest
Where: 7651 N. Merriman Rd, Westland, MI 48185
When: Nov. 17th - Dec. 24th
The Wayne County Lightfest is a thrilling four-mile stretch of Hines Park, with nearly 50 animated themed displays and more than 100,000 lights. There is a station at Perrin Park (halfway through the show) to drop off a letter to Santa in a giant mailbox, patronize two food trucks, and visit the restroom.
Light Displays in Southcentral Michigan
Celebration of Trees, Downtown Marshall
Where: Downtown Marshall, along Michigan Avenue by City Hall and Carver Park
When: November 23rd, 2022 - January 3rd, 2023
Small 3-foot trees will line downtown in cement planters with live garland and contain a memorial/honorarium plaque. Tall 6-foot trees will be places on the lawn in front of City Hall and Carver Park with lights and memorial/honorarium plaque. You can walk around town and enjoy these beautifully decorated and festive trees throughout the holiday season!
Merry Mile, Marshall
Where: Calhoun County Fairgrounds
When: December 2022 Thursdays - Saturdays (Excluding Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Years Eve) from 6:00PM - 9:00PM
After you see the festive Christmas Trees, head to the Calhoun County Fairground for a stunning drive-thru light display. Entry costs $10 a car or $20 a bus.
Nite Lights at the Michigan International Speedway
Where: Michigan International Speedway, Jackson
When: Nov. 24th - Dec. 31st
Race (or take your time) through this stunning light display as the Michigan International Speedway transforms into a magical Christmas Light Display. Prices are per car and vary based on the night of the week.
Light Displays in Southwest Michigan
Downtown Kalamazoo Holiday Lights
Where: Downtown Kalamazoo and Bronson Park
When: Nov. 25th - Dec. 31st
Bronson Park lights up for the holiday season, which they call “Candy Cane Lane,” and downtown is festively lit.
Holiday House 5777
Where: 5777 Clovermeadows Ave, Scotts, MI 49088
When: The month of December
You can find well over 200 inflatables are displayed in this yard with routes to walk around for a closer look. Although this house has a Christmas-themed set up for the holidays, you can also find an Easter and Halloween display throughout the year. The show is up as weather permits.
International Festival of Lights
Where: 25 McCamly St., Battle Creek, MI 49017
When: Nov. 19th - Dec 31st
The annual Battle Creek Christmas Parade kicks off the International Festival of Lights. This festival features lights down State Street and the W.K Kellog Foundation’s backyard. You can also find horse-drawn wagon rides, free ice skating, and other winter family fun. Keep an eye on the Battle Creek Festival website for dates, times, and locations of these events.
Light Up the Bluff
Where: Downtown St. Joseph
When: December 2nd, 2022 - February 15th, 2023
With the kickoff of the Community Tree Lighting ceremony on Friday, December 2nd, State Street will turn into a Window Wonderland and Lake Bluff Park will transform into a stunning light display. Window Wonderland is a holiday-themed window decorating contest for the stores along State Street. Light Up the Bluff features 1 million holiday lights to add holiday charm through Valentine’s Day in Michigan’s Most Romantic City. The Lights will be on from 5:30AM - 8:30AM and 5:30PM - Midnight following the tree lighting.
River Lights of Wonder
Where: 207 E Michigan Ave, Three Rivers, MI 49093
When: Nov. 26-28; Dec. 2-5, 9-12, 16-19, 23-31
As the lights reflect off the St. Joseph River, you can enjoy a journey through the very first Christmas in your car, on the walking trial, or the candy cane maze. On Friday and Saturday Evenings, enjoy food from the vendors. Dec. 11th is a special family day with outdoor activities, indoor craft making, live animals, hayrides, and other festive favorites!
Walk Through The Lights
Where: 8544 Gull Road, Richland, MI 49083
When: Nov. 26-27; Dec. 1-4, 7-11, 14-23
Gull Meadow Farms transforms their greenhouses into magical Christmas displays with each having their own theme. You can find family farm festivities, holiday music, and warm and cozy tastes and smells.
Winter Wonderland
Where: Gilmore Car Museum
When: Nov. 25-27; Dec. 1-4, 8-11, 13, 15-23
Come the holiday season, you can drive through the lighted grounds of the Gilmore Car Museum, with festive music and decorations. Afterwards, head into the museum to meet Santa, explore the Festival of Trees, hot cocoa, holiday-themed food & sweets, gift shopping, a giant maze of holiday inflatables, and classic cars dramatically displayed inside snow globes.
Light Displays in East Michigan
Creasey Bicentennial Park of Grand Blanc
Where: Creasy Bicentennial Park, Grand Blanc
When: Tree Lighting - December 2nd 5:30PM - 8:00PM; December 16th 5:30PM - 8:00PM
Grand Blanc Parks and Recreation will be hosting their 4th annual tree lighting event! The South Pavilion will be lit from 5:30PM - 8:00PM with festive activities throughout the whole night. Santa will arrive on a firetruck at 6PM and the night will conclude with a firework show.
Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad
Where: Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad
When: Nov. 25th-27th; Dec. 2-4, 9-11, 16-18, 21-23, and 28-30
Drive-Thru Only Nights: Dec 5, 12, 19, 24 and 26
Head back in time to the Crossroads Village decorated for a vintage Christmas. Lights will fill the village and streets and evening rides on the Huckleberry Railroad are sure to lift your holiday spirits.
Flushing Candlewalk
Where: Downtown Flushing
When: December 1st-2nd 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Thousands of softly glowing candles will line the streets of Flushing for the weekend! You can also find chestnuts roasting on an open fire in the middle of Main Street, warming station, and Santa Clause arriving in a grade parade to light the ceremonial tree. After Santa lights the tree, he will sit to visit with kids of all ages in Goggins Hall. You can also participate in a home and business decorating contest and the gingerbread house decorating contest.
Frankenmuth
Where: Frankenmuth
When: The magic of Christmas at Frankenmuth is year-round, but festive holiday events begin Nov. 25th - Dec. 24th
Over the last 3 years, Frankenmuth has come together as a community to bring the holiday magic to locals, the surrounding community, and its visitors in a spectacular way. You can find free Christmas Shuttles to avoid traffic and enjoy hassle-free parking. Enjoy ice skating at the rink located in the heart of downtown, Zehnder Park (open all week long). All day long you can witness a magical musical tree light show at the Visitor’s Center at varying times throughout the day - they alternate so be sure to watch both versions! Throughout town, you’ll discover quaint photo-opp areas. If you check in at all 15 of these locations and snap a picture, you can take your notification of completion to the Visitor’s Center and win a special edition ornament! New this year, you can find special pieces of German Christmas Traditions (Weihnachtstraditionen) and learn about them on your way. For the full list of events, check out the 2022 Christmas Guide.
Holly Day Light Parade Almont
Where: Downtown Almont, along Main Street
When: Saturday, December 3rd
The Almont DDA and other magical floats lead a parade of lights through downtown Almont. They end the night with a tree lighting, where you can find hot cocoa, seasonal treats, and Santa.
Magic of Lights Drive Through
Where: Pine Knob Music Theatre, Clarkston
When: Nov. 18th - Dec. 31st; Sun-Thurs 5:30PM-10:00PM ; Fri-Sat 5:30PM - 11:00PM
Enjoy the magic of lights and the latest LED technology from the cozy comfort of your own car on this drive through holiday experience. If you pay online, one carload is $20, or $25 at the gate.
Nicol’s Christmas Light Show
Where: 6250 Germania Rd., Cass City, MI
When: First weekend in December through the month
This home brings a stunning display to their yard each year for the public to enjoy. People drive from all over the state, and beyond, to enjoy the coordinated holiday music playlist on 92.9FM and the light display.
Sherman Woods Association
Where: Sherman Woods Neighborhood, Port Huron
When: December
Every home in this neighborhood participates in a wonderous display of Christmas lights, bringing joy and magic to the community.
Trail of Lights
Where: 10069 E Atherton Rd., Davison, MI 48423
When: Dec. 9-11, 15-18, 22-23
The Robert Williams Nature and Historical Learning Center transforms into a holiday light experience. You can find special nights for horse drawn carriage rides (Fr. Dec 9th & Sun. Dec 11th) or walk the trails (special needs night Dec. 15th), hot cocoa, holiday music, and a take home craft.
Light Displays in Mid-Michigan
Christmas at the Depot
Where: 107 N. Main St., Standish, MI 48658
When: Nov. 25th 6:00 PM- 7:00PM
Each year, on the day after Thanksgiving, The Depot celebrates the kickoff of the holiday season with an annual Santa Parade and Lighting of the Depot.
Christmas Walk
Where: Dow Gardens
When: Dec. 8-10 & 15-17, 5-7:30PM
Come enjoy these free old-fashioned evenings at the Dow Gardens! The 8th-10th will have gently-lit pathways, Santa’s reindeer, and carolers. From the 15th-17th, the pathways will be silent for quiet enjoyment of the lights. Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee of Saginaw will be on sight with warm beverages available for purchase.
Holiday Lights at Shawhaven Farm
Where: 1826 Rolfe Road, Mason, MI 48854
When: TBA
Shawhaven Farm hosts tractor-drawn wagon rides through a trail of beautiful light displays. Afterwards, you can head into the Event Barn for some free hot cocoa. Popcorn, hot donuts, and cookies are available for purchase. You can shop locally for gifts, visit the animals outside, or head to the fence maze for a beautiful walk under the lights.
Wonderland of Lights
Where: Potter Park Zoo
When: Thursday through Sunday, Nov. 19th - December 23rd (closed on Thanksgiving)
Take a stroll around the Potter Park Zoo and enjoy thousands of lights, holiday music, and a goodie bag for kids at the Savanna Grill.
Light Displays in West Michigan
Christmas Lite Show
Where: 4500 W River Dr. NE Comstock Park, MI 49321
When: Nov. 25th - Dec. 31st
West Michigan’s largest, animated drive-through light show at nearly two miles with over a million lights. They’ll also have special events throughout the season, like memory lane train rides, winter wonder walk, and a reindeer bike ride. Certain events are only held for one night, so be sure to plan ahead for those.
The Colors of Christmas
Where: 7683 S. Croton Hardy Dr., Newaygo, MI 49337
When: Nov. 26th, 2022 - Jan. 1st, 2023
The Croton Township Campground spreads holiday spirit with a free walk or drive-thru experience.
Muskegon “Glow” Holiday Lights
Where: Western Ave, Downtown Muskegon
When: Nov. 28th, 2022 - Jan. 1st, 2023
Hackley Park kicks off the holiday season with the lighting of the Christmas tree the Saturday after Thanksgiving. After-which, the lighting of Western Ave will follow. All along Western Avenue, between Second and Seventh street, you can find holiday lights strung to embrace the ambiance downtown and holiday spirit of Muskegon.
Christmas & Holiday Traditions, Frederik Meijer Gardens
Where: Fredrick Meijer Gardens
When: November 22, 2022 - January 8, 2023
You can find 46 unique displays showcasing cultures and holiday traditions from around the world. This year, they are focusing on sharing the ways diverse cultures use light to uplift hope, spread joy, and warmth throughout the darkest days of the year. You can find displays illuminating the Hanukkah Menorah, the bright flash of Diwali fireworks, Filipino Christmas lanterns and so much more throughout the gardens.
Spring Lake Sparkle Festival
Where: Downtown Spring Lake
When: November 25th, 2022 - January 3rd, 2023
Downtown Spring Lake transforms into a winter wonderland with over 120,000 multi-colored lights lighting up the trees and buildings along Savidge Street between Division and Buchanan. You can even find Santa’s Workshop, where Santa will be, food in the food court, or enjoy a festive beverage.
World of Winter Festival, Grand Rapids
Where: Downtown Grand Rapids
When: January 6th - March 5th
Downtown Grand Rapids transforms into a winter festival for all ages. Across downtown, you can find interactive art installations (last year’s included light up trumpet flowers, crank zappa jellyfish, sumbergence light display, a light maze), 50+ ice sculptures, dancers, music, and so many other fun festivities!
Light Displays in Northern Michigan
Alpena Lights Christmas
Where: 222 West Washington Ave, Alpena, MI 49707 (between Tawas St. & 4th Ave.)
When: Select dates in December
This home provides a holiday light display that is synchronized to music played on 102.3 FM.
Bear Lake Sparkle in the Park
Where: Hopkins Dr., Bear Lake, MI 49614
When: Nov. 26th - Dec. 31st
On opening night, Saturday, November 26th, 2022, you can find Tailgate Chili, coffee, hot chocolate, and cookies for free starting at 5:00PM. From 6:30PM - 7:30PM, Mr. & Mrs. Clause can be found at Toyland Bear Lake (the pavilion) with treats for the kids. Bear Lake decorates the park with over 80,000 lights that glisten off the lake making for a stunning winter spectacle.
Boss Family Christmas Display
Where: 9336 Pearl St., Charlevoix, MI 49720
When: Opening night December 9th - throughout December
The Boss Family home, also known as The Chalet, and Santa’s Workshop around Christmas, has been an extravagant Christmas scene for the past 43 years. This home receives an estimated 25,000 annual visitors to see the hand cut & painted wooden figures, blow ups, scenes and more. The Boss family is well known for being a pillar in the community for Dale Boss’ lifelong dedication to improving Charlevoix.
Christmas on Kimberly Lane
Where: 9601 Kimberly Lane, Traverse City, Michigan 49685
When: Daily from 5:30PM - 10:00PM throughout December
This home puts on a spectacular light show daily throughout the month of December to the radio station 99.5FM.
The Enchanted Trail
Where: The Highlands, 600 Highland Rd., Harbor Springs, MI 49740
When: Dec. 9th 2022 - Feb. 26th - 2023
The Highlands creates a magical winter experience with a two-mile roundtrip walk along a beautifully lit winter trail. This warmly lit trail will lead you to a rustic yurt where you can cozy up around a bonfire with s’mores and warm drinks.
Hammond and 5 Mile Christmas Light Show
Where: 3230 Hammond Rd E., Traverse City, MI 49686
When: November 26 - Month of December
This house turns into a Christmas Light Show every year, running from 6:00pm to 10:00pm on weekdays and 6:00pm to 11:00pm Fridays and Saturdays.
Herman Holidays on Murry Ct
Where: 10780 E Murray Ct, Suttons Bay, MI 49682
When: Month of December
This is another wonderful home that opens their property to the public to walk around and enjoy the light displays in Northern Michigan. In 2021, they hosted cocoa nights where donations for cocoa supported the community.
Holiday Lights of Alpena
Where: Ferncliff Dr., Alpena, MI 49707 (near Sunset School)
When: December, runs nightly from 5:30PM - Midnight
This is another Alpena home that decorates for the holidays and the lights dance to 92.1FM.
4 Mile and Oak Drive Light Display
Where: 4 Mile Road and Oak Drive, Traverse City, MI
When: Month of December
This is a stunning walk-through display to truly get you in the Christmas spirit.
Light Displays in the Upper Peninsula
Carters’ Christmas Lights, Marquette
Where: 1313 N Vandenboom Ave, Marquette, Michigan 49855
When: Hoping to open Dec. 1st
This Upper Peninsula home goes all out every year! From the house to the surrounding property, stunning holiday lights & pathways are made to allow visitors to wander their personal light show.
Holiday Laser Lights on the Ore Dock, Marquette
Where: Marquette Ore Dock
When: Nov. 24th - 26th 6:00 PM - 9:00PM; Dec 1st - 3rd, 8th-10th, 15th-17th, 22nd-24th, 29th-31st 6:00PM - 9:00PM
Back by popular demand, the Ore Docks will be lit up for its second edition starting November 24th and running through December 31st. Watch as holiday, seasonal, and abstract themes showcase the beautiful Marquette area. This even is free and open to the public.
Houghton, MI Winter Wonderland
Where: Bridgeview Park
When: Dec. 3rd, 17th
Houghton turns into a magical winter wonderland straight out of a Hallmark movie. Throughout the winter season, you can fine rustic horse-drawn carriage rides, Santa, a giant 6 ft. ornament, hot cocoa, carolers, and festive lights all throughout downtown.
Light Up the Soo - Cancelled for 2022
Where: Downtown Sault Ste. Marie
When: Cancelled for 2022
Take an express elevator to the top of the Tower of History to view the city’s holiday light for two-weeks in December. While the Twin Saults are lit, various buildings and homes participate in the light display as well. Adult admission is $4.50, children 5-18 are $2.50, children 5 and under are free, and a family discount ticket for $11.00
Rapid River Lights in the Park
Where: Masonville Township Park, Cole St, Rapid River, MI 49878
When: Dec. 18th & 22nd from 5:00PM - 8:00PM
Just north of Escanaba, along US-2, this park transforms into a spectacular light show that is free to the public. You can enjoy some cider and donuts while you walk the park. This is also a food drive, so bring some non-perishables to donate and give back to the community this holiday season.
Sault Ste. Marie Parade Of Lights
Where: Downtown Sault Ste. Marie
When: Friday, November 25th 2022 7pm
The Downtown Development Authority and Parker’s Ace Hardware team up for an annual Parade of Lights! The parade begins behind Parker’s Ace Hardware and travels south on Court St. to Easterday Ave. It then turns right onto Easterday and passes by the Pat’s Foods, turning right onto Ashmun Street. Then it heads north on Ashmun Street all the way to Portage Avenue. The parade will turn right onto Portage Avenue and conclude at the annual Christmas tree lighting presentation in front of Sault Ste. Marie City Hall (225 East Portage Avenue). Mr. and Mrs. Clause will be in attendance at the City Hall too!
Have anymore well-loved displays to add? Leave them in the comments below so we can grow our list!