Michigan Christmas light displays to check out this holiday season [PHOTOS]

By Metro Times editorial staff on Wed, Nov 30, 2022 at 11:16 am

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 [email protected].

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Kane Bergstrom

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.

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Metro Times file photo

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.

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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.

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Metro Times File Photo

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Wayne County Parks / Facebook

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.

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Metro Times File Photo

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.

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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.

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Metro Times File Photo

Trail Of Lights
7582 Crocker Rd., Holton

Trail of Lights has walking nights still available.

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Flickr / @aloha75

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Metro Times file photo

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.

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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.

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Courtesy photo

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.

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