Holiday Displays and Tree Lightings in Metro Detroit and Ann Arbor

The holiday season is here. Add a new tradition or carry on an old one with your family in November and December by heading out to one of these fun holiday displays and tree lightings in metro Detroit and Ann Arbor that are sure to illuminate the spirit.

Metro Parent has gathered a list of some of the most merry and bright tree and menorah lightings, along with lots of other joyful jollies here in southeast Michigan – from Detroit to Ann Arbor and beyond.

Check out this list and plan your family’s holiday season kick-off.

Note: Due to the coronavirus pandemic, some events may end up cancelled or may be following strict safety protocols. Check ahead. 

Wyandotte Tree Lighting

Nov. 20, 2020

• Address: At Sycamore and Biddle Avenue, Downtown Wyandotte
• Time: Dusk
• Cost: Free

Music and merriment await you and your family as this city lights up its Christmas tree.

Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo

Select Dates Nov. 20, 2020-Jan. 3, 2021

• Address: 8540 W. 10 Mile Road, Royal Oak
• Time: 5:30- 9 p.m. weeknights and select Sundays, 5:30-10 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays
• Cost: $15-$20, $8/parking

Five million lights shine bright at the Detroit Zoo for 29 days this holiday season. LED lights illuminate trees and building, plus there’s 200 illuminated animal sculptures scattered throughout the zoo.

Wayne County Lightfest

Nov. 25-Dec. 31, 2020 (closed Dec. 25)

• Address: 7651 Merriman Road, Westland
• Times: 7-10 p.m. Mondays-Fridays, 6-10 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays
• Cost: $5/car

Four miles of twinkling lights are ready for you to drive through until New Year’s Eve. Pictures with Santa and concessions on select days provide even more Christmas magic. Don’t forget to bring your letters to Santa; you can mail them outside of Santa’s Workshop.

Detroit Christmas Tree Lighting at Campus Martius in Detroit

Nov. 20, 2020

• Address: Virtual
• Time: 7:30 p.m.
• Cost: Free

Tune in for a pre-recorded look at Detroit’s 16th annual signature tree lighting event. This event kicks off the opening of the skating rink for the 2020-21 season.

Light Up Beacon Park 

Nov. 20-Jan. 15, 2020

• Address: Beacon Park, Detroit
• Time: 5 p.m.-midnight
• Cost: Free

This fourth annual welcomes the holidays in with a light display that features more than 125,000 LED lights, food trucks, holiday music and more.

Holiday Tree Lighting in Madison Heights

Nov. 30, 2019

• Address: Civic Center Plaza, City Hall, 300 W. 13 Mile Road, Madison Heights
• Time: 6:30 p.m.
• Cost: Free

Drive through town to see Mr. and Mrs. Claus arrive to power up the lovely lights.

The Big Bright Light Show, Rochester

Mid-Nov. 2020-Jan. 3, 2021

• Address: Downtown Rochester, Main Street from South Bridge to Romeo Road and Fourth Street from Walnut to Water streets
• Time: 5 p.m. daily
• Cost: Free

Downtown Rochester is decked in 1 million-plus lights, brightening up buildings every evening.

Holiday Walk at Meadow Brook Hall in Rochester

Nov. 27-Dec. 30, 2020

• Address: Meadow Brook Hall, 480 S. Adams Road, Rochester
• Time: 11 a.m.-4 p.m. daily; call ahead for evening hours on select dates
• Cost: $9-$18

The annual indoor walk is canceled this year but you can still take in an enchanted outdoor display.

Saline Tree Lighting Ceremony

Dec. 1, 2020

• Address: Key Bank, 100 W. Michigan Ave., Saline
• Time: 6-7:30 p.m.
• Cost: Free

This festive community event kicks off the holiday season with a tree lighting, music and refreshments.

Tree Lighting and Afterglow in Macomb Township

Dec. 1, 2020

• Address: Macomb Township Recreation Center, 20699 Macomb St., Macomb Township
• Time: 6:30-8:30 p.m.
• Cost: Free

Head to Macomb Township for this annual holiday happening, complete with crafts, Santa, holiday dance performances and refreshments at multiple stations.

Virtual Tree Lighting Event in Canton

Dec. 2, 2020

• Address: Summit on the Park, 46000 Summit Parkway, Canton
• Time: 6-8:30 p.m.
• Cost: Free
• Phone: 734-394-5460

Kick off the holiday season with a virtual version of this annual township event including special guest performances and the actual lighting. .

Christmas Aglow Tree Lighting in Shelby Township

Dec. 3, 2020

• Address: Shelby Township Municipal Grounds, 52700 Van Dyke Ave., Shelby Township
• Time: 7 p.m.
• Cost: Free

Join the community for this drive-thru experience, which features cheer stations, hot cocoa, gifts from Santa and more.

Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village

Select Date Dec. 4-28, 2020

• Address: Greenfield Village, 20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn
• Times: 6:30-10 p.m.
• Cost: $19.24-$30

Walk the candle-lit village streets to see live entertainment, shops decked out for the holidays and Santa with his sleigh and reindeer. Plus take a horse-drawn carriage ride, go ice skating and watch the marvelous fireworks display.

Wixom Tree Lighting Festival

Dec. 4, 2020

• Address: Wixom Community Center, 49015 Pontiac Trail, Wixom
• Time: 4-8 p.m.
• Cost: Free

The city lights up for the holiday season with the lighting of a giant Christmas tree; plus carols, pictures with Santa, crafts for kids, music and more.

Orion Christmas Lighted Parade, Lake Orion

Dec. 5, 2020

• Address: Downtown Lake Orion
• Time: 6 p.m.
• Cost: Free

Instead of the traditional parade, this procession is parked along Broadway in Lake Orion for families to drive past.

Menorah in the D in Detroit

Dec. 10, 2020

• Address: Campus Martius, 800 Woodward Ave., Detroit
• Time: 4-6 p.m.
• Cost: Free

Come watch the lighting of the giant Menorah and celebrate the season with live music, kids activities, food and more.

This post is updated regularly.