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Ann Arbor Area’s Best Holiday Light Displays

Looking to experience the best of the Christmas lights this year in the Ann Arbor area? Check out these local tree lighting ceremonies, lightfests, drive-thru displays, and more! Nothing spreads holiday cheer quite like a hot cup of cocoa, a cozy sweater, and your closest friends and family with you to enjoy these one-of-a-kind displays.

Magic of Lights

33 Bob Seger Drive, Clarkston
November 11th — December 30th

Magic of Lights will be held at the Pine Knob Music Theatre in the Village of Clarkston. This dazzling drive-through wonderland features your favorite holiday scenes and beloved characters of the season, using the latest LED technology and digital animations. Everyone will enjoy experiencing the lights from the comfort of their own vehicle — and the best news? One carload, one price! Invite your friends, family, and neighbors to experience the show. Standard vehicle pricing is set at $22.50 when purchased in advance for a weekday drive, or $27.50 in advance for any day. Tickets are also available at the gate for a slightly higher price. Pups are welcome to tag along for the ride, so long as they stay in the vehicle. As you’re driving through the Magic of Lights, drivers are encouraged to turn off their headlights for the best experience.

Wayne County Lightfest

7651 North Merriman Road, Westland
November 21st — December 24th

The Wayne County Lightfest is a wondrous 5-mile stretch of Hines Park that showcases nearly 50 animated light displays each year, totaling over 100,000 lights! The Lightfest kicks off at the end of November and carries on until Christmas, giving area residents and visitors plenty of time to swing by and experience the magic for themselves. Admission costs $5 per car, with an increasing pay structure for commercial vans, mini-buses, buses, etc. Cash only! Visitors should be aware that access to the Lightfest is only available north of the Merriman Road Bridge due to construction. This may lead to longer entrance times so plan accordingly. There are five food trucks situated in the park approximately halfway through the show, as well as restrooms and a large Santa’s mailbox for the kiddos! If you want to visit on a special night, consider Toy Night, which takes place on Wednesdays through December 11th. Visitors can donate a new, unwrapped toy instead of paying the admission fee.

Nite Lights

12626 US-12, Brooklyn
November 22nd — January 5th

Nite Lights is a drive-thru Christmas lights show, spanning approximately five miles. Opening at the end of November and wrapping up in the new year, area families will have plenty of time to pay a visit. There will be various opportunities to take a train ride through the light show each evening. Limited seating and space are available and train tickets are sold per seat, with four seats on a bench! Drive-thru car tickets are priced at $35 plus fees. If you want to surprise someone this Christmas season, you can purchase a 2024 Gift Ticket that’s valid for a single-car use through Nite Lights. Hours vary per night, with Friday and Saturday drives scheduled from 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM. There is a Veterans Night event on December 2nd, during which all veterans and active personnel can join in on the festivities for free.

Wild Lights at Detroit Zoo

8450 West 10 Mile Road, Detroit
November 23rd — January 5th

If you fancy a trip to the Detroit Zoo, this is one of the most awe-inspiring light displays in the area. Visitors will be amazed by the millions of sparkling LED lights, as they stroll through the spectacular light tunnel, explore the glowing field of lights, and discover endless surprises at one of the wildest light shows around. Wild Lights has been a holiday tradition for over a decade and it’s not difficult to see why! There are an array of enchanting, animal-themed light sculptures that add a fun and whimsical twist to the Christmas season. Multiple ticket packages are available, so you can choose the right one for your group. In addition, with over 30 dates to choose from, you’ll have plenty of opportunity to view the Detroit Zoo in a whole new light. Check the calendar for select event dates to see what fits with your schedule. Zoo members get discounted ticket rates through November 28th. Admission is priced at $26 or you can upgrade to a Zoo + Lights Package so you can visit the zoo during the day before returning in the evening for Wild Lights!

Annual Festival of Trees

15801 Michigan Avenue, Dearborn
November 24th — December 1st

Tickets to the annual Festival of the Trees holiday event will be sold at the door. The entrance fee is priced at $5, and children ages 2 to 16 are admitted for $3. As you take a stroll and look at the beautiful trees, you’ll notice the names of various sponsors, businesses, and organizations that are associated with each one. You can even purchase your own small tabletop tree, wreath, centerpiece, or gift shop items at the venue to take home with you. There will also be raffle tickets on sale at the event, so make sure to participate if you have your eye on one of the great prizes. Little ones will enjoy the toy train, the LEGO display, and the chance to get their photo taken with Santa Claus. Pet therapy dogs will be onsite, as well as activities such as face painting, children’s games, and entertainment from local schools, dance groups, and musicians.

Light Up the Park

South Howell Street, Pinckney
November 24th — January 4th


The goal this year is to have 100 trees sponsored! Tree sponsorships were open to businesses, families, groups, schools, churches, and more this year, so keep an eye out for your favorites as you decide who did the best job. Santa Claus is scheduled to arrive in Pinckney on November 30th. That Saturday will also be the kickoff event with a cookie crawl, horse and carriage rides, kids crafts, a hot cocoa station, and more. Everything is free — so circle the dates on your calendar to make sure you don’t miss out on the fun. Snap a few photos with Santa, Mrs. Claus, and the giant 15-foot reindeer for the family Christmas album!

Winter Wonder Lights

350 Estate Drive, Rochester
November 29th — December 30th

Celebrate the holiday season at Winter Wonder Lights, featuring two unforgettable holiday events that will delight individuals, couples, and families of all ages. During the day, the beloved Holiday Walk transports guests through the historic mansion that’s been decked out in shimmering splendor for the season. At night, the Winter Wonder Lights transform the site into an extravagant light show that features music, seasonal treats, and, of course, a little bit of holiday magic. Expect concession snacks, seasonally-inspired beverages, cocktails, and kid-friendly drinks at the nighttime festivities. Winter Wonder Lights is a self-guided outdoor event and light attraction, with interactive opportunities across the grounds of Meadow Brook Hall. There is an optional leg of the tour that invites visitors inside the main floor of the mansion to enjoy the decorations.

Walk of Trees

777 West Ann Arbor Trail, Plymouth
November 29th — January 5th

The 2024 Walk of Trees is sponsored by the Bank of Ann Arbor and will be held in Kellogg Park. Tree decorating will kick off on November 22nd and the last day to decorate is scheduled for November 29th, which is also the official start of this annual event. The cost for a Christmas tree is $145 ($125 for nonprofits) and participants will be provided with a 6-7 foot tall tree, 300 white lights, and an extension cord. Visitors will have the magical opportunity to stroll through the walk and view the trees that were decorated by local families, clubs, and businesses. This is a free event, so lace up your shoes, put on a cozy sweater, and enjoy the festive atmosphere!

32nd Annual Holiday Lights Celebration

31455 West 11 Mile Road, Farmington Hills
December 3rd

Visit Farmington Hills to check out this year’s annual Holiday Lights Celebration. 2024 marks the 32nd year of the celebration, so it’s sure to be one for the books! The beautiful trees around City Hall and the 20-foot candle that represents the Farmington Hills’ commitment to peace and unity will be illuminated. This traditional community event is a great way to spread hope, perseverance, and inclusion — regardless of background, tradition, culture, or beliefs. Santa will be making an appearance and refreshments will be served after the ceremony at the Fire Station Headquarters. Admission is free and all ages are welcome to enjoy the event.

Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony

901 South Main Street, Chelsea
December 6th


Chelsea’s Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony will be hosted between 5:00 PM and 6:30 PM on December 6th. Santa will be onsite to kick off the Hometown Holiday events, as well as oversee the official lighting of the tree in Pierce Park. There will be free hot cocoa provided by Lakehouse Bakery during the first hour of the event, while supplies last. During the last half hour, Santa will be available for Christmas sing-alongs, and the official lighting will take place. The next day, December 7th, the annual Hometown Holiday Light Parade will take place on Main Street, between Old US 12 and East Middle Street. The parade begins at 6:00 PM, so arrive early to scope out a good spectating spot!

Dexter Light Festival

8300 Main Street, Dexter
December 6th


Santa will be making his grand entrance into Dexter at 6:00 PM on December 6th! He will help organizers light up over 85 trees in the heart of town. Thanks to Dexter Orthodontics, there will be a chance to take photos with the man himself and sip on hot chocolate after the tree lighting. There will also be a Dexter Light Parade held on December 14th at 6:00 PM in the downtown area — so make sure to save the date! The parade will begin at Kensington and Ann Arbor Street and end at the American Legion on Dexter-Chelsea Road.

Grinchmas in the Village

324 West Main Street, Manchester
December 7th


Celebrate the holidays with the Grinch this season! There will be a lighted parade on December 6th at 6:00 PM that leaves from the Emmanuel Church of Christ parking lot. The route will lead onto Main Street in Downtown Manchester. Following the parade, there will be a tree lighting with Santa Claus and Mayor Pat at 7:00 PM. Afterward, kiddos can visit with the big man himself and enjoy hot chocolate by SRSLY. Downtown businesses will stay open later for shoppers looking to make some last-minute Christmas purchases. Earlier in the day, there will be Christmas card crafts at Millie’s Coffeehouse and an array of downtown business specials. Deals and discounts include 25% off all purchases at Sassy Peacock and a free gift with purchases made from River Raisin Mercantile, and Dragonfly and Birch. Additional festivities and activities throughout the day include craft shows at various churches around town, the annual German bake sale, kids’ crafts, balloon artists, hayrides, and much, much more. Make sure you’ve worked up an appetite for the chili cook-off during the evening!

Enjoy the Festive Lights this Holiday Season!

We hope you’re looking forward to these spectacular events and light displays this holiday season, just as much as we are. Christmas time is your chance to be in awe of magnificent trees, beautiful LED displays, drive-thru winter wonderlands, and so much more. With so many activities to choose from, it may be hard to figure out where to begin! Luckily, many of this year’s light displays can be viewed from late November through the end of December — and sometimes, even into early January.

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