The holiday season is in full swing, and you know what that means: it’s time to venture out to marvel at some of the most gorgeous sights throughout the Motor City area. When you’re ready to get in the holiday spirit, look no further than these nine best Christmas lights near Detroit. Ho, Ho, Ho!

1. Big, Bright Light Show (Downtown Rochester)
Rochester, MI, USA
Facebook/The Big, Bright Light Show
We’ve featured this fantastic display before, but it’s certainly deserving of another shoutout. Step into the most magical winter wonderland imaginable as you peruse this gorgeously decorated are in downtown Rochester. Each and every storefront glistens with countless Christmas lights, and it’s truly a magical experience.
2. Lightfest at Hines Park (7651 N Merriman Rd., Westland)
Hines Park, 7651 N Merriman Rd, Westland, MI 48185, USA
Facebook/Wayne County Parks
You don’t even have to leave your car to appreciate the beauty of this gorgeous display! Lightfest in Hines Park is one of the best drive-thru Christmas lights near Detroit and also the largest drive-through Christmas light trail in the Midwest. Visitors of all ages will be mesmerized by colorful, creative, uniquely beautiful exhibits. The best part? There’s no need to bundle up!
3. Campus Martius Park (800 Woodward Ave., Detroit)
Campus Martius Park, 800 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48226, USA
Facebook/Campus Martius Park
You don’t have to venture too far from the city itself to embrace the holiday spirit! When you’re looking for a fantastic evening on the town, make your way to Campus Martius Park for an ice skating adventure. Bundle up, grab your loved one’s hand, and glide across the ice below thousands of twinkling Christmas lights.
4. Livonia Lights (34836 Bridge St., Livonia)
Livonia, MI, USA
Facebook/Livonia Lights Christmas Light Show
Make the short trip to the town of Livonia for a glimpse at this family home, which draws in eager Christmas enthusiasts each year from across the state. This is no ordinary Christmas decor; the house is completely immersed in over 60,000 sparkling little bulbs. You can even tune your radio to 88.5 FM for a synchronized light show!
5. Greenfield Village (20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn)
Greenfield Village, Dearborn, MI 48124, USA
Facebook/The Henry Ford
Each year, this historic village in Dearborn brings holiday traditions to life with a breathtaking celebration. You’ll mingle with costumed carolers, sip hot cocoa, and gaze at mesmerizing lights. When you’re ready for a classic Christmas in Detroit adventure, Greenfield Village certainly delivers.
6. Olde World Canterbury Village (2369 Joslyn Ct., Lake Orion)
Canterbury Village, 2359 Joslyn Ct, Orion Twp, MI 48360, USA
David Gibb/Google Maps
When it comes to Christmas in Detroit, you simply cannot miss a visit to Olde World Canterbury Village. This lovely shopping center comes to life each winter with all sorts of colorful décor. Whether you’re 5 or 50 years old, you’re sure to be charmed by the brilliant lights that seem to cover every inch of this area. There are also quite a few holiday-themed stores here that will quickly put you in the spirit.
7. Nite Lites of Jackson (12626 US-12, Brooklyn)
Nite Lite, 145 W Pearl St, Jackson, MI 49201, USA
Facebook/Nite Lites
Another one of the best drive-thru Christmas lights near Detroit is called the Nite Lites of Jackson. Take a slow cruise through this snowy wonderland, which sparkles with gorgeous lights at the Michigan International Speedway. Wrapped trees, glittering displays, and so much more, can you imagine a better way to celebrate the holiday season? Load up the car and get ready for an unforgettable evening.
8. Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo (8450 W 10 Mile Rd., Royal Oak)
Detroit Zoo, 8450 W 10 Mile Rd, Royal Oak, MI 48067, USA
Facebook/Detroit Zoo
Yep...here is yet another of the most awesome Christmas light displays near Detroit - Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo. While you’ve likely visited the zoo during warmer seasons, you simply must explore it during snowier months. That's when the zoo comes to life with amazing, multi-hued light displays and special holiday-themed exhibits. Whether you come on your own, with family, or with friends (and guess what, it makes a great date night adventure too!), you're sure to enjoy this annual light-filled walk on the wild side!
9. Frankenmuth
Frankenmuth, MI, USA
Facebook/Frankenmuth
Let’s face it: Frankenmuth belongs on each and every holiday-themed list throughout the Great Lakes State. This charming Bavarian town is so worth the 90-minute drive from Detroit when you’re in the mood for some serious Christmas cheer. Gaze at gorgeous lights downtown or step into Bronner’s for a one-of-a-kind Christmastime adventure -- no matter how you spend your time here, you’ll be enamored.

Alright, Detroiters: it’s your turn! Did we leave any of your favorite holiday light displays off our list this year? Please feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below, and stay warm!

If you’re looking for activities during the holiday season, check out this list of enchanting ideas!

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More to Explore

The Holidays in and around Detroit

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | October 17, 2022

Are there any Christmas towns near Detroit?

There are actually quite a few Christmas towns near Detroit and further afield, each one offering its own unique charm and beauty. One of the most popular at this time of the year is called Plymouth. It is only about a 30-minute drive and it is full of holiday magic! Shopping, great eats, and an ice fest are just part of the fun here.

Where can I find other great holiday light displays in Michigan?

Michiganders (or Michiganians, depending on whom you ask) just love to decorate for the holidays so you will find many great holiday light displays dotted all over the state. Whether you check out the Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad in the town of Flint, The Big Reveal in the town of Milford, or Winter Snow Fun in Marquette, you’re sure to be delighted.

What are some other holiday-themed things to do in and around Detroit?

There are so many holiday-themed activities around that we'd hate to leave any off the list. But to get you started you might think about heading over to Campus Martius Park to go ice skating, the annual Noel Night celebration in Midtown Detroit, or going to Grosse Pointe Shores to embark upon a holiday tour of the Edsel and Eleanor Ford House.

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