Out of all the holiday traditions, strolling through light displays just might be at the top of our list! There is something extra magical and enchanting about sparkling holiday lights — especially when they are in excess (or synced to festive music).

Thankfully, we have several popular light displays popping up throughout the Ann Arbor area this year, each sure to boost your holiday spirits with colorful, creative displays — and other holiday musts, like Santa visits, hot cocoa, carriage rides, and more.

Use our map to find the light display nearest you! Or you can even go on a tour to hit up several shows in one evening.

 

Wayne County Lightfest | Westland

Where: Merriman Hollow Park, Westland

When: November 16–December 24, 2023

Head to Merriman Hollow Park in Westland for the Wayne County Lightfest, which is lit up on Wednesdays through Sundays from 6–10 p.m. November 16 through December 24! The show features nearly 50 animated themed displays using more than 100,000 lights. Within 3-5 miles of the entrance on North Merriman Road, you can tune into AM 1640 to receive regular updates on wait times, traffic flow, special events and event costs. And once you get there, admission is just $5 cash per car (with an additional fee for commercial vehicles). Halfway through the show, you can make a stop at Perrin Park to drop off a letter to Santa in the giant mailbox, grab food from one of the food trucks, and use the restroom. On November 22 and 29 and December 6 and 13, Wayne County Lightfest is celebrating Toy Night, which allows visitors to donate a new unwrapped toy in lieu of paying the car entrance fee! Keep in mind that due to the overwhelming popularity of this event, you may experience longer wait times on the weekends, so consider visiting on a weekday instead.

 

Nite Lites | Brooklyn

Where: Michigan International Speedway, Brooklyn

When: November 17, 2023–January 7, 2024

Photo Courtesy of Nite Lites

Extending 5 miles, Nite Lites is one of the largest Christmas drive-thru light shows in Michigan — and it’s right here at the Michigan International Speedway! The display utilizes more than a million light bulbs in various Christmas-themed displays, many of which are animated. Once again, Nite Lites has a train ride traveling through the display called the NiteLites Express! Nite Lites is open every day from November 17 through January 7 — even on holidays, from 5:30–9 p.m. on Sundays through Thursdays and 5:30–10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Purchase tickets for either your car or to ride the train!

 

Plymouth Walk of Trees | Plymouth

Where: Kellogg Park, Plymouth

When: November 24, 2023–January 3, 2024

What’s better than a decorated tree? Dozens of uniquely decorated trees all in one place! The Plymouth Walk of Trees will feature a number of sparkling trees, all decorated by members of the Plymouth Chamber of Commerce, non-profit community organizations, and families in the community. Participants have the opportunity to be selected for a tree, which they will adorn with the provided white lights and any other materials of their choosing. Decorating of the trees takes place from November 17–24, after which the public can view the spectacular collection of trees at Kellogg Park — all the way through January 1!

 

Santa Lights Trail at Hamlett Lavender Farm | Pinckney

Where: Hamlett Lavender Farm, Pinckney

When: December 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22 + 23, 2023

Photo Courtesy of Hamlett Lavender Farm

Hamlett Lavender Farm in Pinckney is hosting their annual Santa Lights Trail every Friday and Saturday evening from 6–8 p.m. December 1–23! There’s so much to do on the farm on these festive nights, including visits with Santa, Mrs. Claus, the Grinch, and other friends. The Lavender Christmas shed will be packed with seasonal favorites like peppermint chocolate popcorn, lavender marshmallows, and everyone’s favorite: lavender cookies! Warm up by the campfires to stay warm and roast marshmallows with their s’mores kits for sale. And of course, enjoy all the stunning lights illuminating the farm! Click here for more details and to reserve your spot — only 50 entries are allowed per half hour.

 

Northville Symphony of Lights | Northville

Where: Northville Christian School, Northville

When: December 1, 2023–January 1, 2024

Formerly called Livonia Lights, the Northville Symphony of Lights is an inspiring Christmas light show at Northville Christian School in Northville. While it is a much-anticipated tradition for the school and the local community, it has also garnered national attention as one of the best displays in the region. The 2023 show features 125,000 lights synced to both contemporary and traditional songs, plus a giant wall of lights, tons of leaping arches, animated Christmas trees, a lighted cross 30 feet above the ground, a large special effects grid, and more. Stop by between 6 and 8:30 p.m. to catch the start of the show every 20 minutes. The display will be running from December 1 through New Year’s Day! Check out the Northville Symphony of Lights Facebook page for more details about this year’s show.

 

Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village | Dearborn

Where: Greenfield Village, Dearborn

When: December 1-3, 8-10, 14-17, 19-23 + 26-28, 2023

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Step back in time to experience an old-fashioned Christmas at Holiday Nights at Greenfield Village in Dearborn, which has been a beloved annual tradition for more than 20 years. Enjoy warming bonfires, carolers, horse-drawn carriage rides, holiday treats and beverages, and more yuletide activities. Hosted by the Henry Ford Museum, this event has no shortage of historic touches. Warm up inside historic homes adorned with lights on the outside and decked out with timeless decor inside — and be sure to stick around for the fireworks show at the end of the evening. Tickets tend to sell out quickly each year, so reserve your spot now!

 

Dexter Light Festival | Dexter

Where: Downtown Dexter

When: December 2–31, 2023

The whole town of Dexter will be well-illuminated throughout the Dexter Light Festival, which starts on December 2 and extends through New Year’s Eve. Businesses and residences will be fully decorated with lights all month long — but kick off the festival at the Holiday Light Parade on December 2 at 6 p.m.!

 

Bostick Family Light Show | Garden City

Where: 29195 Sheridan Street, Garden City

When: December 2023

The Bostick Family Light Show has quickly become a sensation in the Garden City community. It all started in July 2020, when the Bostick family began scheming about a Halloween display to attract more trick-or-treaters. Ever since, they have put together a masterful display for a number of holidays, including Halloween, Christmas, Valentine’s Day, and even the Fourth of July. This year, their Christmas show includes dozens of songs synced to their animated light show — with new surprises every year! Stop by on weekends between 6 and 9 p.m. to see the magic firsthand. Check out their Facebook page for updates throughout the season — or find them on TikTok to see a sneak peek of this incredible production.

 

Bazillion Lights | Livonia

Where: 28718 Robert Drive, Livonia

When: December 2023

The display at 29718 Robert Drive in Livonia is nicknamed “Bazillion Lights” due to the sheer number of lights adorning the property. Since it all began in 1998, the production has grown more and more extravagant year after year, resulting in an impressive animated show with decorations and lights synced to 88.5 FM. This year, they have 45,000 lights in the display, which runs from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. each night through New Year’s Eve! Follow Bazillion Lights on Facebook for updates throughout the season.

 

Happy Holidays!

May you have a wonderful holiday season filled with light and love!