Christmas Lights in Michigan 2024-2025

There's no better way to get into the Christmas spirit in Michigan than to enjoy one of the magnificent light displays, which are so bright that you can see them from space. Considering that winters in Michigan tend to be chilly, drive-through light shows are always a popular option. However, some of the displays can be explored best on foot with a cup of hot chocolate in hand.

Nite Lites Drive-Through in Brooklyn, MI (November 22, 2024–January 5, 2025)

Located at Michigan International Speedway, Nite Lites is a 5-mile (8-km) drive-through light display, one of the longest in the state. The main highlight of the show is the glowing tunnel, decorated with hundreds of lights, arching over the path. You can also hop on board the Nite Lites Express and enjoy the illuminations from the comfort of this fairytale train. Additionally, the event features almost 500 light displays, a forest of sparkling trees, and other attractions that will surely put you in the Christmas spirit.

Schedule & Tickets

Nite Lites is open from 5:30 to 9 pm Sunday through Thursday and until 10 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Tickets start at $35 per car. Tickets to the Nite Lites Express cost $17.25.

Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village (December 5–28, 2024)

The Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation and Greenfield Village is undoubtedly one of the most visited spots in Michigan. Every winter, the city of Dearborn, situated in the suburbs of Detroit, just 9 miles (14 km) from the Motor City, welcomes thousands of visitors to the museum's Christmas lights display. Stroll through this historic village, smelling roasting chestnuts and s'mores, listen to carolers, and enjoy festive illumination and fireworks.

Entertainment also includes ice-skating, horse-drawn carriage rides, rides on Model T, the first Ford vehicle, and festive meals. The attraction is usually open from 6:30 pm to 10 pm, with members having access to a pre-show at 6 pm. Tickets for members cost $30.50-30.75, while non-member tickets vary around $36-42.

Wild Lights at Detroit Zoo, Royal Oak (November 23, 2024–January 5, 2025)

Detroit Zoo looks fantastic during a few special festive nights in November, December, and January with skillfully designed sparkling displays, animal habitats, and tasty holiday treats. The zoo is lavishly decorated with more than five million lights and garlands, illuminating the trees and buildings. The path of the exhibit lies along the otter and beaver habitats. The main highlight is over 500 light displays located throughout the zoo.

The enchanted trail, adorned with thousands of lights illuminating the night, is the perfect place for a date-night stroll. Entertainment also includes holiday movies at the 4D Theater and special Christmas treats.

Hours & Tickets

The display is open from 5 to 9 pm on weekdays and Sundays and from 5 to 10:30 pm on Fridays and Saturdays. In 2024, the event will be open on November 23rd, 24th, 29th, 30th, December 1st, 6th-8th, 12th-23rd, 26th-31st, and January 2nd-5th. General admission Zoo Lights tickets cost $17 online and $26 at the gate, while children under two can enter for free. Parking costs $8.

The Wayne County Lightfest at Hines Park (November 21–December 24, 2024)

One of the largest in Michigan, Wayne County Lightfest at Hines Park in Westland, Michigan is a dazzling drive-through display, which is open from mid-November through late December. Its main highlight is an infinite light tunnel surrounding you through all the twists and turns of Hines Drive. You'll see glowing candy canes, snowflakes, Santa, reindeer, and rainbows. At the end of your trip, you can stop by Santa’s workshop and grab a snack. A magical 5-mile (8 km) stretch of Hines Park features nearly 50 animated displays with over 100,000 lights. Drive or run, walk, and bike through one of the largest holiday displays of the Midwest!

Display Hours & Tickets

This mesmerizing Christmas attraction is open from Wednesday through Sunday from 6 to 10 pm. The display is normally closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, except for December 23-24th. Tickets cost $5 per car, $20 per commercial van, RV, or limo, $25 per mini-bus, and $50 per regular bus. On select dates, visitors can donate an unopened and receive free admission. Toy Nights are scheduled on November 27th, December 4th, and December 11th.

Rochester Big Bright Light Show (November 25, 2024– January 19, 2025)

Downtown Rochester is a must-see during the holidays when buildings and trees are adorned with over one million shimmering Christmas lights. The display is on from 5 pm to midnight, starting from late November up to mid-January. The illumination is the brightest on Main Street, from South Bridge to Romeo Road, and on Fourth Street, from Walnut to Water streets. A perfect destination for holiday shopping or family dinner, Rochester is also known for its Christmas Parade and caroling. The lights are on every night from 5 pm until midnight.

Christmas Lite Show (late November–late December, 2024)

Christmas Lite Show is Michigan’s largest holiday attraction. The impressive light show takes place from late November to late December or January at Lake Michigan Credit Union Ballpark, at Comstock Park. It features dozens of animated displays, illuminated tunnels, and a million of lights. The beautiful two-mile (3.2 km) route can usually be viewed from the comfort of your own car from 5:30 to 9 pm from Sunday through Thursday. The light show is extended to 10 pm on Fridays and Saturdays.