Is there anything more magical than venturing out to explore a few brilliant Christmas displays on a crisp Michigan evening? Throughout Metro Detroit Metro, plenty of locales come to life with stunning sparkle each holiday season. You’ll definitely want to see some of the best holiday lights near Detroit for yourself.

When you’re feeling festive, follow this Christmas lights road trip in and around Motor City for some of the best holiday lights in Southeast Michigan. To access an interactive map of our route, check out the trip itinerary.

1. Campus Martius Park
Campus Martius Park, 800 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48226, USA
Facebook/Campus Martius Park
Begin your journey right here in downtown Detroit with a visit to Campus Martius Park. We’re sure you’ve spent plenty of time in this beloved locale over the years, but the holidays are especially magical. Check out illuminated Christmas trees and marvel at sparkling lights as you ice skate.
2. Lake Shore Drive
Lake Shore Road, Lake Shore Rd, Detroit, MI 48236, USA
YouTube/VanSile
If you live in the Metro Detroit area, you’ve likely experienced the beauty of Christmastime on Lakeshore Drive in Grosse Pointe Farms. The next stop on your journey takes you past well-decorated houses on this stretch of road, which seems to sparkle with holiday spirit every winter.

Watch the Youtube video of this charming Christmas town near Detroit:

2. Big, Bright Light Show (downtown Rochester)
Big, Bright Light Show, Rochester, MI, USA
Facebook/Big, Bright Light Show
This one-of-a-kind display in downtown Rochester might just make you believe in magic. With millions - yes, millions - of gorgeous lights and an altogether brilliant atmosphere, there’s nothing not to love. Do a bit of holiday shopping as you bask in the beauty of this massive winter display.
4. Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo
Detroit Zoo, 8450 W 10 Mile Rd, Royal Oak, MI 48067, USA
Detroit Zoo / Facebook
Who says the zoo is just for checking out animals? Each holiday season, this beloved Detroit destination absolutely comes to life with color and brilliant lights - over five million of them, to be exact. Visitors of all ages will have a total blast strolling through the Detroit zoo on a crisp winter night.
5. Holiday Nights at Greenfield Village
Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, 20900 Oakwood Blvd, Dearborn, MI 48124, USA
Flickr/Mike Boening Photography
Step back in time with a journey to Greenfield Village at the Henry Ford, which offers an old-fashioned Christmas experience at its very best. Mingle with costumed carolers, marvel at well-decorated buildings, or do a bit of ice skating. You’ll wonder if you’ve somehow arrived in a different century.
6. Night Lites of Jackson
Nite Lites, 12626 US-12, Brooklyn, MI 49230, USA
Facebook/Nite Lites
Throughout December, you can explore this stunning light display at the Michigan International Speedway. As you drive through this one-of-a-kind locale, you’ll be surrounded by the sights and sounds of the season. There’s even an opportunity for kiddos to meet Santa Claus on-site. What’s not to love about a drive-thru holiday lights display in Michigan?
7. Livonia Lights
Livonia Lights, 34836 Bridge St, Livonia, MI 48152, USA
Facebook/Livonia Lights Christmas Light Show
Bring the whole family along for a unique adventure at this Livonia light show, which is nothing short of fascinating. Tune your car radio to 88.5 FM for a synchronized "performance" by the lights themselves, which gorgeously sparkle upon a family home. It’s impossible not to feel the Christmas spirit here.
8. Wayne County Lightfest at Hines Park
Wayne County Lightfest, 7651 N Merriman Rd, Westland, MI 48185, USA
Yelp/Kelly R.
This incredible drive-through light display features over 40 brilliant animated displays, upwards of a million Christmas lights, and some of the most colorful holiday decor imaginable. During your four-mile drive, you’ll be swept away into a true winter wonderland. You might even want to return for a second visit!

Okay, Detroiters: tell us where your favorite holiday light displays can be found throughout Motor City. Have you been to any amazing holiday events in Detroit, Michigan? Share the best holiday drive-thru displays near you in the comment section!

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Best holiday lights near Detroit

Chris Muras | October 18, 2022

What day is the Christmas tree lighting in Detroit?

Every year downtown Detroit’s Campus Martius Park glows with hundreds of thousands of brightly colored Christmas lights at the opening ceremony for the town's Christmas tree lighting. The 65-foot Michigan-grown Norway spruce is the center of attention as its 20-thousand lights are set ablaze. This free city-wide event kicks off the third Friday in November with a bevy of fun activities including music, food trucks, figure skating performances, visits with Santa, and of course plenty of hot chocolate.

Where is the famous Christmas town in Michigan?

One of the most popular tourist destinations in Michigan is the charming town of Frankenmuth. Located in the southeastern part of the state, Frankenmuth is best known for its Bavarian-themed architecture and holiday festivals. Visitors can stroll down Main Street to admire the quaint storefronts or enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride through town. During the Christmas season, Frankenmuth is decked out in festive lights and decorations, making it a truly magical place to visit. There are also plenty of family-friendly activities, such as ice skating and listening to live music. With its festive atmosphere and many things to see and do, it's no wonder Frankenmuth is a favorite holiday destination for visitors from all over Michigan.

Is Christmas Michigan a real town?

Believe it or not there actually is a town in Michigan called Christmas. One would imagine it might be a pretty festive town around the holidays. In fact, it probably has some of the best holiday lights in Northern Michigan. It’s located in the Upper Peninsula right off of Lake Superior near the Hiawatha National Forest. With fun and festive business names like the Yule Log Resort or the Silent Nights Campsites you better bet the whole town takes its festive town theme seriously. Just ask the 35-foot-tall Santa Claus, he’ll share some stories about the town’s holiday spirit.

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