8 Michigan Light Displays that Will Leave a Twinkle in Your Eye
If you need a break from the hectic nature of the holiday season to take in the scenery, be sure to visit one of these eight great Michigan light displays and create a new family tradition!
Please refer to event websites for updates and cancellations.
1. Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village – Dearborn
Step into a living Christmas card — the glowing candlelit windows, the scent of roasting chestnuts, and the sounds of carolers and sleigh bells — when you enter Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village. The Henry Ford has added nights to keep up with demand, so book tickets quickly before the most popular nights sell out! A great event for the whole family at one of the nation's true hidden gem locations.
2. Wayne County Lightfest – Westland
The Wayne County Lightfest in Westland is the largest and longest drive-through holiday light show in the Midwest as it features more than 47 giant animated holiday-themed displays. Visitors enter Lightfest at Hines Drive and Merriman Road in Westland and exit onto Warren Avenue near Telegraph Road in Dearborn Heights. When you’ve reached the end, don’t forget to stop for a visit to Santa’s Workshop, at Warrendale Park.
3. Christmas at Crossroads Holiday Magic – Flint
Come visit during this special time when over one million lights sparkle like tiny stars throughout the Crossroads Village. This year there’s no need to bundle up, all you have to do is get in your car to drive through the stunning display of holiday lights and festive Christmas music.
4. Big, Bright Light Show – Rochester
Brighten your holidays in downtown Rochester with The Big, Bright Light Show. The buildings in downtown Rochester will be covered with more than 1.5 million points of glimmering holiday light. It will be lit every evening from November 19 - January 6. As a bonus, the lights will be aglow every weekend in January through the Fire & Ice Festival. Be sure to check out the wonderful Rochester businesses while you gaze at the city’s lit-up beauty.
5. Nite Lites – Jackson
One of Michigan's largest Christmas light displays, this animated drive-through display is over three miles long! The popular holiday display has a new home at Michigan International Speedway. Millions of dancing lights will make up 65 different themes, a 250-foot lighted tunnel, and a forest of mega trees. Tell Santa Claus your Christmas wishes and take a ride on the holiday train. Real live reindeer will be stopping by for a special visit on three nights only so plan your visit now.
6. Christmas Lite Show – Grand Rapids
From November 21 - December 31, you can enjoy Michigan’s largest Christmas light show! The Christmas Lite Show uses more than 40 animated displays that stretch almost two miles. The Christmas Lite Show is a family tradition for thousands of folks in the Grand Rapids area and beyond.
7. Wild Lights – Royal Oak
This list wouldn’t be complete without the Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo! Experience the magic of the Detroit Zoo in winter as you take in the lights and the sights and enjoy holiday entertainment and activities for guests of all ages. More than five million LED lights will illuminate trees, buildings and more than 100 animal sculptures throughout the front of the Zoo until December 31st. Advance ticket purchase is advised as many nights might sell out.
8. Light up the Soo – Sault Sainte Marie
Visit the Tower of History this holiday season and experience the lights of Sault Sainte Marie from 210 feet in the air. Businesses, homes, and area attractions will be decked out in festive lights for your viewing pleasure. Celebrate this wonderful time of year by creating a new family tradition with a trip to the top of the Tower.