Even when the temperatures drop, Metro Detroit has a way of coming alive at night during the holidays. All across the area, unique and beautiful light displays appear. From parks and city streets to zoos and neighborhoods, the cold, dark evenings are turned into something warm and inviting.
Below is a roundup of some of Metro Detroit’s favorite holiday light displays. Whether you’re looking for a family outing, a cozy date night, or just a reason to get out and enjoy the season, these local spots are a great way to bring a little extra brightness to your winter.
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- The Detroit Zoo transforms into a nighttime wonderland with millions of LED lights, themed zones like the Enchanted Rainforest and Field of Lights, and more than 500 illuminated animal and nature displays.
- Location: Detroit Zoo: 8450 W 10 Mile Rd, Royal Oak, MI 48067
- Immerse yourself in the spirit of the season at Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village, where 80+ acres transform into a lively landscape of lights, music, and timeless holiday traditions.
- Location: Greenfield Village: 20900 Oakwood Blvd, Dearborn, MI
- The Wayne County Lightfest is a magical five-mile stretch of Hines Park, displaying nearly 50 animated themed displays and more than 100,000 lights.
- Location: Merriman Hollow Park: N Merriman Rd, Westland, MI
- Explore walking routes, live carolers, and festive experiences that capture the spirit of the season.
- Location: Ford House: 1100 Lake Shore Rd, Grosse Pointe Shores, MI
- Enjoy a tour of Blossom Heath Park decorated for the holiday season with all of its sidewalks decked out a tunnel of Christmas lights throughout the park.
- Location: Blossom Heath Park: 24800 Jefferson Ave. St Clair Shores, MI
- A drive-through with thousands of lights dancing in perfect sync with the holiday music.
- Location: Camp Dearborn: 1700 General Motors Rd, Milford, MI
- Magic of Lights is a dazzling, drive-through holiday lights experience featuring favorite holiday scenes and characters of the season using the latest LED technology and digital animations.
- Location: Pine Knob Music Theater: 33 Bob Seger Dr, Clarkston, MI
- A dazzling winter stroll along a three-quarter-mile outdoor trail filled with over a dozen festive Christmas scenes.
- Location: 12600 Dixie Hwy, Holly, MI 48442
- This event features numerous exciting holiday displays with live characters – including a visit with Santa! Scenes of playful snowmen, a walk-thru Whoville, musical light shows, twinkling Christmas trees, timeless holiday characters, and more!
- Location: Canterbury Village: 2325 Joslyn Ct Lake Orion, MI
- Take a leisurely stroll through the zoo’s festively illuminated pathways, where you’ll be surrounded by the warm, inviting glow of twinkling lights.
- Location: Potter Park Zoo: 1301 S Pennsylvania Ave, Lansing, MI
- As you journey through an illuminated forest, your presence and interactions help the Winter Wizards push back the gloom — a creeping chill that threatens to dim the spirit of the holidays.
- Location: Glenlore Trails: 3860 Newton Rd, Commerce Township, MI
- Nite Lites offers a festive drive-through experience filled with glowing displays, animated scenes, and colorful holiday lights, plus a cheerful train ride that lets guests soak in the magic from a different view.
- Location: Michigan International Speedway: 12626 US 12 Brooklyn, MI
- A dazzling outdoor holiday light show that offers a magical, illuminated experience for all ages, filled with festive sights, sounds, and seasonal cheer.
- Location: Meadow Brook: 350 Estate Drive, Rochester, MI
- Brighten your holidays in Downtown Rochester with The Big, Bright Light Show! The buildings in downtown Rochester will be covered with more than 1 million points of glimmering holiday light.
- Location: Downtown Rochester: 431 S. Main Street Rochester, MI
Most of these amazing holiday light displays will be shining bright through the end of December, with some even continuing into January 2026. To make sure you don’t miss out, be sure to click on the links provided for up-to-date information on dates, times, and ticket options. There’s plenty of holiday magic waiting to be enjoyed.