One of the best parts of the holiday seasons is getting to load your loved ones into the car and driving to your favorite holiday light display. Luckily, in Michigan, there’s plenty to choose from. We tried to keep the metro Detroit area toward the front of our list, and the longer drives toward the back, but if you’re asking us, all these spots are worthy of a drive.

Did we miss your favorite spot? Let us know at tips@metrotimes.com.

Campus Martius 800 Woodward Ave., Detroit Take a trip down to the ice rink at Campus Martius Park for nightly entertainment and a view of the 60-foot Christmas tree. Credit: Kane Bergstrom
Holiday Nights at Greenfield Village 20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn Holiday Nights at Greenfield Village is a holiday event for the whole family. More than 80 acres of holiday magic is here, and the venue hosts special holiday events. More information is available at thehenryford.org. Credit: Metro Times file photo
Wild Lights 8450 W. 10 Mile Rd., Royal Oak Wild Lights is a metro Detroit treasure. Held at the Detroit zoo every year, more than five million LED lights will illuminate trees, buildings, and more than 200 animal sculptures throughout the front half of the Zoo. More information is available at wildlights.detroitzoo.org.
The Big Bright Light Show Main Street, Rochester The Big, Bright Light Show is exactly as the name implies. The storefronts of downtown Rochester are all decked out for the holidays. Find more information at oaklandcountymoms.com. Credit: Metro Times File Photo
Lake Shore Drive Grosse Pointe On every other night of the year this is just like any other street — well, with gigantic mansions, but still — and during the holidays Jefferson Avenue between Fisher and Nine Mile Roads becomes a lighted spectacular. Credit: Metro Times file photo
Livonia Lights Northville Christian, 41355 Six Mile Rd., Northville Livonia Lights has a grand LED light display that syncs to 88.5 FM. Shows begin on Dec. 1 and run until New Year’s Day. See livonialights.com for more information. Credit: Metro Times file photo
Christmas at Crossroads Holiday Magic 6140 Bray Rd., Flint This massive display features more than 600,000 lights and a running, completely decorated train. Select days have a Christmas buffet. More information, as well as the ability to purchase tickets, is available at geneseecountyparks.org.
Wayne County Lightfest 7651 Merriman Rd., Westland Wayne County Lightfest is the Midwest’s largest and longest drive-through light show, featuring more than 47 giant animated holiday themed displays. The entrance for the Lightfest is on Merriman Road. Credit: Wayne County Parks / Facebook
Lincoln Park Fantasyland 3240 Ferris Ave., Lincoln Park Although this is not necessarily a light display, the Lincoln Park Fantasy land has one of the best indoor holiday displays in metro Detroit. Find more information on Facebook. Credit: Metro Times File Photo
Glenlore Trails: Aurora 3860 Newton Rd., Commerce Twp. An “immersive wintry experience” awaits at Glenlore Trails: Aurora. It’s an illuminated forest, appropriate for all ages. See glenloretrails.com for more information.
Trail Of Lights 7582 Crocker Rd., Holton Trail of Lights has walking nights still available. Credit: Metro Times File Photo
Wonderland of Lights Potter Park Zoo; 1301 S. Pennsylvania Ave., Lansing The Potter Park Zoo sets up thousands of lights in Lansing for crowds to enjoy. See potterparkzoo.org for more information. Credit: Flickr / @aloha75
Nite Lites of Jackson 12626 US-12, Brooklyn The annual Nite Lites held at the Jackson County Fairgrounds is a must-see attraction. See nitelitesshow.com for more information.
The Christmas Lite Show 4500 West River Dr. NE, Comstock Park This two-mile drive through animated light display is the largest in West Michigan. Walk, drive, or ride a train through the display — their website christmasliteshow.com has all the details.
Light Up The Bluff 300 Lake Blvd., St. Joseph Another drive from Detroit, but if you want to load up the family for a day of fun, go visit St. Joseph for their Christmas light displays beginning on Dec. 3. See stjoetoday.com for more information.
Christmas in the Park 03403 64th St., South Haven Advertised as South Haven’s only light show, the park has added family-friendly activities and doubled the length of the show for 2022. More info can be found on southhavenjellystone.com.
Rapid River Light Up the Park Masonville Township Park, Cole St., Rapid River You’ll have to head to the U.P. for this light display, but it’s worth the drive. Visit their Facebook page for more information.
Winter Snow Fun Holiday Parade Third Street/Marquette Commons, Marquette This grand tradition in Marquette is one that you can’t miss on Dec. 8, 2022. Bundle up with friends and family as illuminated floats, tinsel-strewn trucks, and colorful carolers transform Third Street into a magical scene from the North Pole. Parade starts at 6 p.m. and ends with a tree lighting. Find more information on downtownmarquette.org. Credit: Metro Times file photo
The Carters’ Christmas Lights Marquette 1313 N. Vandenboom Ave., Marquette A road trip: The Carters flip their lights on beginning Dec. 1. See their Facebook page for more information.
Magic of Lights at Pine Knob 33 Bob Seger Dr., Clarkston More than 2 million lights, including a 32-foot tall waving Barbie display, will illuminate Pine Knob for this year’s Magic of Lights display. The drive-through holiday show features more than a mile of animated LED light displays with themes like 12 Days of Christmas, Winter Wonderland, Prehistoric Christmas, and The Night Before Christmas. There are also Mega Tree displays and a drive-through Blizzard Tunnel to experience, without ever leaving your car. Standard passes start at $20 a car for weekdays and $25 for Fridays and Saturdays if you buy online in advance. Find more information on magicoflights.com. Credit: Courtesy photo

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