Where to Find Michigan’s Most Magical Free Holiday Light Displays
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Whether you’re looking for a unique date idea, an excuse to shake off winter’s chill, or something the whole family can enjoy, there’s no better (or inexpensive) way to soak up the spirit of the holiday season than looking at one of Michigan’s many free light displays.
From decorated downtowns and local parks to festive family farms and public home light shows that pull out all the stops, chances are there’s an amazing free light display not too far from you right now. What’s more, you can enjoy many of them from the comfort of your car!
So if the sight of bright, twinkling lights (bonus if the show includes music) gets you in the holiday spirit, bundle up and make your way to one of these magnificent, free light displays this winter.
RELATED: List of BEST Christmas Lights in Michigan
Big, Bright Light Show | Rochester
431 S. Main Street, Rochester, Michigan 48307
The Big, Bright Light Show in Downtown Rochester is the perfect way to brighten your holidays.
There’s something special about a brightly colored city downtown during the holidays that gives off feel-good vibes for anyone who visits. The buildings in Downtown Rochester are covered with more than 1.5 million points of magical holiday light.
The display will be lit every evening from late November (5 p.m. to midnight) through the end of December.
deLIGHTfully Portland
100-200 Kent St, Portland, MI
Throughout December and early January, Portland embraces the holiday season with multiple events. But the centerpiece of the entire celebration is a breathtaking light display in the city’s historic downtown district.
It’s here that residents and visitors alike can walk three blocks and enjoy a 25-minute light display set to music that changes each week. The display includes more than 20,000 Edison bulbs across 32 buildings to create an unforgettable winter wonderland.
Campus Martius Tree Lighting | Detroit
800 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48226
Campus Martius is the go-to winter spot in Detroit, and its annual tree lighting is one of Michigan’s biggest and best. At the center of the park is a towering tree, draped in more than 25,000 LED lights and oversized ornaments, and topped with a glowing star that draws the eyes of every visitor. The annual tree lighting is a must-see event that ushers in the holiday season.
As night falls each day, the tree illuminates the park, casting a warm and inviting glow across the surrounding plaza — where shimmering garlands, holiday decorations, and lights strung throughout Downtown Detroit contribute to a festive atmosphere featuring over a million sparkling lights total.
Visitors bundle up to enjoy live music and spectacular ice-skating shows on the park’s rink, with families often grabbing hot drinks, snacks from food trucks, and strolling between booths at the nearby market in Cadillac Square.
Light Up the Bluff | St. Joseph
300 Lake Blvd, St Joseph, MI 49085
Each winter, Light up the Bluff converts Lake Bluff Park into a winter paradise (including one million Christmas lights).
The lights in Michigan’s Most Romantic City are part of a whole host of holiday events, including a holiday artisan fair, a reindog holiday parade, a window wonderland, and the opening of Santa’s House leading up to Christmas.
Dearborn Wanderlights | Dearborn
22271 W Village Dr, Dearborn, MI 48124
The inaugural Dearborn Wanderlights is lighting up PEACE Park West this winter, transforming the park into a glowing winter wonderland through February 2026. The free, family-friendly experience features three immersive, interactive light installations crafted by internationally recognized artists.
Installations such as “Lunar Lamp Posts,” “Fallen Stars,” and “Kalopeiron” combine light, art, and sound to create a magical walk-through experience. The result is a magnificent display of public art and holiday spirit that invites community members to gather and explore.
Dow Gardens Christmas Walk | Midland
Dow Gardens | 1809 Eastman Ave, Midland, MI 48640
Dow Gardens is ready to brighten your Christmas season! Take a stroll along the softly illuminated walk through Christmas lights, see Santa’s reindeer, and sip warm drinks from Travelin’ Tom’s Coffee of Saginaw.
The event is free and, no matter the weather, it’s hard to beat a winter evening of music and lights.
International Festival of Lights | Battle Creek
77 East Michigan Avenue, Battle Creek, MI 49017
Each winter, downtown Battle Creek comes alive with holiday spirit as 30,000 lights sparkle during the International Festival of Lights.
Visitors can stroll through downtown Battle Creek and enjoy the lights and holiday decorations, which have included a pixel light show set to Christmas music in the past.
Special holiday events also take place, including a Christmas parade that’s been going strong for more than 40 years, so check out the Battle Creek Festival website for dates, times, and locations of these events.
Kalamazoo Holiday Lights
Bronson Park and Downtown Kalamazoo | 200 South Rose Street, Kalamazoo
Downtown Kalamazoo is a popular destination during the holidays, and there are plenty of events for visitors of any age.
A trip along Candy Cane Lane in downtown Kalamazoo is one of the must-see holiday light displays in Michigan. Near the Radisson hotel, you can also take a picture with the giant Santa.
The Holly Jolly Trolley is another way to take in the sights; just remember to visit Santa’s workshop. There are plenty of opportunities for some holiday shopping too!
The Colors of Christmas | Newaygo
7683 S Croton Hardy Dr, Newaygo, MI 49337
In Croton Township Campground in Newaygo, Michigan, The Colors of Christmas is a wonderland full of lights and displays that visitors can drive through or hike through.
The idea started in 2016 and ultimately transformed a campground into a dazzling array of displays and lights. It’s the perfect place to make memories and feel the joy of the holiday season.
The display opens the day after Thanksgiving and is open every day until January 1. Donations are appreciated, and all donations are given to a local non-profit.
Light Up the Park | Pinckney
E Main St, Pinckney, MI 48169
Light Up the Park in Pinckney is an amazing community tradition that transforms the town square into a festive wonderland. Every December, the downtown area becomes an awe-inspiring wonderland, illuminated with twinkling lights, holiday music, and fun, family-friendly activities.
Visitors can enjoy a “Cookie Crawl” through local shops, take free carriage rides around the square, sip hot cocoa, meet Santa Claus (who officially lights up the park), enjoy pony rides, listen to carolers, and let children explore craft-making at a kids’ tent. There’s something for everyone who attends and plenty of lights to enjoy in a festive atmosphere.
Sparkle in the Park | Bear Lake
Hopkins Lake Campground | Hopkins Dr, Bear Lake, MI 49614
For nearly two decades, Sparkle in the Park has featured more than 80,000 lights set up in nearly 50 holiday displays from Thanksgiving Weekend to New Year’s Eve (5 p.m. to 10 p.m.).
The lighted displays include all kinds of holiday characters, including angels, Christmas trees, Santa and his reindeer, snowmen, various animals, and several Christmas scenes.
Sparkle in the Park is a free event. Donations are accepted and appreciated at boxes near Toyland Bear Land.
Freeland Lights | Freeland
Hayes Park, 9200 Midland Rd, Freeland, MI 48623
For many years, Hayes Park has been home to the Freeland Lights display, which features displays of characters, music selections, and plenty of lights.
The light show plays every night in December from 5:30 to 10 p.m, no matter how cold or snowy it is outside. Visitors can tune their radios to 93.9 FM to hear the music, and each show lasts about 12 minutes.
Visitors can even get in on the fun by connecting to the event’s WiFi and choosing the songs during select times.
Innovations Hills Light Display | Rochester Hills
2800 West Hamlin Road, Rochester Hills, MI 48309
From December through mid-January, families can enjoy an exciting holiday light display as they stroll past the ponds at Innovation Hills. The path is lit by thousands of festive, colorful lights, creating the perfect atmosphere for family photos and lasting memories. The dazzling lights are accompanied by holiday music, and visitors can also enjoy the Story Brook Stroll, which features a story that brings the holiday lights to life.
Holiday Lasers on the Ore Dock | Marquette
Lower Harbor Ore Dock, East Spring Street and South Lakeshore Boulevard, Marquette, Michigan 49855
For the last several years, a historic Upper Peninsula landmark has become one of the U.P.’s most unique holiday light destinations.
The family-friendly display features plenty of lights and serves as a platform to appreciate the holidays and Marquette with dazzling laser lights.
The event begins on Thanksgiving and traditionally runs through December every Thursday through Saturday.
Dent Family Christmas Farm | Mt. Pleasant
1132 S Brinton Rd, Mount Pleasant, MI
Advertised as the biggest Christmas light display in Central Michigan, this small family farm is always looking for ways to make its annual Christmas display even better.
The lights are usually turned on each night from about 5:30 to 10 p.m. during December and include all sorts of holiday favorites in their display. Additionally, there are two barns that visitors can go inside to see more holiday displays.
Visitors are asked to drive/walk cautiously through the display and to tell friends and family about the lights to bring more visitors during the holiday season. You can even follow the festivities on TikTok!
Deater Family Light Show | Hesperia
6344 E Garfield Rd, Hesperia, MI
An experiment in 2018 has transformed into a full-fledged light show with a front yard full of majestic colors and decorations. The shows run nightly, Thanksgiving weekend through Christmas, from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. and last about 45 minutes with a brightly colored display synchronized to music.
The show features more than 6,000 pixel lights, which can be changed individually to feature any color. Visitors can tune into 93.1 FM to hear the music that goes with the light show.
Johnson Family Light Show | Grand Blanc
6418 Meadowwood Ln., Grand Blanc, MI 48439
Christmas light enthusiasts can sit in the comfort of their cars and enjoy nearly 2 dozen festive holiday songs all synced to a magnificent light display.
Display watchers can tune into 102.9 FM to hear the music and can also visit the family’s website to pick the songs they wish to hear, just like a jukebox. The display runs each night through early January from 5 to 10 p.m.
Bazillion Lights Show | Livonia
29718 Robert Dr., Livonia, Michigan 48150
What began as a simple light decorating project in 1998 has grown into a full-blown (some say extreme) light display that gets bigger, better, and brighter each year.
Homeowner Gary Slater’s mission every year is to transform every inch of the Bazillion Lights house; the house, from top to bottom, the grass, every single inch.
The family also decorates for Halloween, and Christmas light enthusiasts can check the Facebook page for schedule updates.
Wesner Christmas House | Sterling Heights
14500 Lakeside Cir, Sterling Heights, MI 48313
It’s like something out of a fairy tale — a man born and raised in Sterling Heights marries his high school sweetheart, buys his childhood home, and puts on a magnificent holiday display each winter.
Each year’s display features more than a half dozen outdoor scenes, and many of the displays are handmade. This community staple is enjoyed by visitors of all ages.
Visitors can tune into 88.5 FM to hear the music that corresponds with the colorful displays.
Small Town Christmas on Mill Lane | Pellston
1833 Mill Lane, Pellston, Michigan, 49769.
Tucked off the beaten path on Mill Lane in Pellston, this privately run holiday drive is a sweet little gem north of Petoskey. The display is free to enjoy, and visitors are treated to complimentary hot cocoa and cookies. Donations are welcome to help keep the lights shining for years to come.
Check their Facebook page for the latest updates.
Holiday House 5777 | Scotts
5777 Clover Meadows Ave, Scotts, MI 49088
This house is decorated for Easter, Halloween, and Christmas, and visitors are encouraged to come over and have a look.
There are routes to walk for a closer look at the over 150 Christmas-themed blowups. This show will be up as the weather permits.
Hammond and Five Mile Christmas Light Show | Traverse City
The corner of Hammond and Five Mile, Traverse City, MI
Terry Ulman takes “making the season bright” to a whole other level, putting on a synchronized light show at his Traverse City home each December.
Terry estimates his light show includes more than 15,000 lights and has added touches to the show since he started a few years ago, including pyrotechnics.
The show runs from 6 to 10 p.m., Sunday to Thursday and 6 to 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, starting around Thanksgiving and running until Christmas.
Boss Family Christmas Display | Charlevoix
9336 Pearl St, Charlevoix, MI 49720
This local Christmas display in Charlevoix has become a Northern Michigan Christmas tradition for many since 1978 and is open to the public. Adults and children alike enjoy the variety of displays and holiday lights.
A fresh blanket of snow really makes the displays here come alive, and visitors can see many of their favorite characters, including SpongeBob SquarePants, the Minions, and all their holiday favorites.
When the weather cooperates, Santa and Mrs. Claus have even made visits to the house too.
Alpena Lights Christmas
W Washington Ave, Alpena, MI 49707
The holiday light display on the house will be synchronized to music played on 102.3 FM.
This Christmas season in Alpena, you could enjoy the light display from the comfort of your vehicle as the singing snowman, singing light bulbs, singing reindeer, and singing Santa delight you and your family.
Holiday Lights of Alpena
Ferncliff Dr, Alpena, MI 49707
Using FM frequency 92.1, this Northern Michigan holiday light display in Alpena runs nightly from 5 p.m. to midnight.
Be sure to check out their Facebook page to get the latest updates! The homeowners also put on an impressive display for Halloween, so visitors can stop by during both the fall and winter.
The Carters Christmas Lights | Marquette
1313 N Vandenboom Ave, Marquette, Michigan 49855
Through December 31, this Upper Peninsula home is covered from top to bottom in holiday lights. From reindeer to Santa to polar bears to the Grinch, the house and surrounding property glows for the holiday.
The owners meticulously spend a month before the holidays getting their yard in order, and visitors are often led individually through this amazing wonderland.
Lights in the Park | Rapid River
Masonville Township Park on Cole Street in Rapid River
Each December, this park becomes the center of attention for a magnificent, free light display that the whole family can enjoy.
Vendors are on hand to sell fresh doughnuts and hot cider, and visitors are asked to bring donations of non-perishable food.
The light display is one of several holiday-themed events in Escanaba and the surrounding area that are perfect for enjoying the holidays and getting your holiday shopping done.
Nicol’s Christmas Light Extravagaza | Cass City
6250 Germania Road, Cass City
For more than 40 years, the Nicol’s Christmas Light Extravaganza has been a dazzling holiday tradition that turns a family home into a glowing winter spectacle. From its modest beginnings in 1981, the show has grown into a synchronized light-and-music show featuring as many as 300,000 lights choreographed to Christmas music.
The show includes a mix of props and visitors can keep their eyes peeled for beloved attractions like a Ferris wheel, a merry-go-round, Santa in a hot-air balloon, and a lighthouse. Newer additions include giant trees, a “fireworks” tree, snowflake lawn displays, and a handmade train. This is a months-long endeavor that offers something exciting for every visitor!
The show usually runs nightly each December, and this free light display has become a part of many families’ holiday tradition.
Chase Family Christmas Lights | Twin Lake
276 E. Kenwood Rd, Twin Lake, MI, 49457
There’s nothing better than walking around (bundled up, of course) and looking at holiday lights. The Chase Family display ensures there’s plenty to see as visitors can pass through brightly lit arches past festive and coordinated displays. It’s not uncommon to see beloved figures like Santa Claus or The Grinch make appearances on the weekends and the fun doesn’t just stop at the lights.
Other on-site fun includes a warming fire pit, photo op spots, a kids’ train, and hot cocoa. So come for the walk-through light display, but make sure to stay for a warm cup of cocoa and snap a few selfies to share with family and friends.
Tunnel of Lights | St. Clair Shores
24800 Jefferson Ave, St. Clair Shores, MI, 48081
The Tunnel of Lights in Blossom Heath Park becomes a wintery light-filled wonderland from early December into January. Visitors can enjoy winding walkways and waterfront paths that glow with hundreds of festive light displays — including classical arches, twinkling trees, and seasonal decorations — offering a magical, family-friendly stroll under the stars.
For families looking for a simple, joyful way to celebrate the holidays, Tunnel of Lights is a cozy, low-cost evening out that captures festive charm. In past years, the winter festivities have included food trucks, live music or dance performances, hot cocoa or other seasonal treats, making it a great spot for a full holiday family outing.
Winter Wonderland Walk and Parade | Canton
1150 S Canton Center, Canton, MI 48188
Each early winter, Canton bedazzles Heritage Park into a festive wonderland for its Winter Wonderland Walk & Parade. The event begins around 4 p.m. with a cheerful lighted parade traveling along Veterans Way — expect marching bands, community groups, holiday lights, and a special visit from Santa Claus to delight children and families.
After the parade concludes, the celebration continues with a walking tour around the pond inside Heritage Park. Lights twinkle along the path, and the atmosphere is warmed by live entertainment (including music) and seasonal treats — free hot cocoa often served while supplies last.
Along the walk, you’ll also find fun activities — think inflatable igloos for kids, photo-ops with popular holiday characters, holiday crafts and vendor booths, and even a fire-ring performance for a dash of theatrical flair.
Northville Symphony of Lights | Northville
41355 Six Mile Rd, Northville, MI 48168
NOTE: The Northville Symphony of Lights will not take place during the 2025-26 winter season.
Each year, tens of thousands of colorful lights — at least 125,000 — are choreographed to music, ranging from classic carols to contemporary pieces, creating a dazzling synchronized light show. Visitors can enjoy the show from the comfort of their car — just tune their radio to 87.9 FM — or step out for photos.
The display features dramatic light effects (arches, walls of lights, animated trees, even a 30-foot illuminated cross) and is organized entirely by volunteers: roughly 400 man-hours go into setup and operation each year by nearly 100 volunteers.
Celebrating the Christmas season with family-friendly joy and holiday music, the Symphony of Lights has become a cherished part of the holiday calendar in Southeast Michigan — often cited among the state’s top Christmas light displays.
Bundle Up and Enjoy a Free Light Display in Michigan This Winter
Michigan’s free holiday light displays are more than twinkling bulbs and festive décor. They are places where communities can come together to enjoy the magic of the holidays. Whether visitors are strolling beneath canopies of color in small towns, exploring immersive installations in larger cities, or simply enjoying a peaceful drive through a glowing park, these displays stand out by celebrating creativity and the joy of gathering in the cold winter air to witness something beautiful.