Here’s Your Guide to the BEST Michigan Christmas Light Displays This Year
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If you’re looking for a “Christmas light show near me” in Michigan, pay a visit to some of Michigan’s brightest attractions this December with the best Christmas lights in Michigan!
As the holidays approach, Michigan sparkles with festive cheer. You’ll find vibrant holiday light displays across the state, from zoos to private homes. With so many great options for an evening stroll or driving tours, there’s likely a display near you.
Featured Event: deLIGHTfully Portland
More than 20,000 lights spread across 32 historic buildings are set to music for a one-of-a-kind holiday light show each Friday night.
Thanks to MiPortlandDowtown for partnering with Awesome Mitten for the holidays!
Best Christmas Light Displays in the Upper Peninsula
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.
Holiday Lasers on the Ore Dock
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.
Light Up the Park
Masonville Township Park on US 2 near 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.
Best Christmas Light Displays in Northern Michigan
SkyBridge Michigan’s Lights in the Sky
Boyne Mountain Rd, Boyne Falls, MI 49713
Since it opened in 2022 at Boyne Mountain, SkyBridge has become a popular Northern Michigan destination as the world’s longest timber-towered suspension bridge.
During the winter months, SkyBridge becomes even more of a must-see attraction during Lights in the Sky. The event sees more than 150,000 sparkling holiday lights strung across the bridge, adding a touch of holiday magic as visitors walk across it.
Hammond and Five Mile Christmas Light Show
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
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.
Herman Holidays on Murray Ct
10780 E Murray Ct, Suttons Bay, MI 49682
Creating holiday enjoyment for all to enjoy, the Herman family opens their property in Northern Michigan to the public to walk around and view the various Christmas light displays.
Watch their Facebook page for days and times to visit this walk-through Christmas lights display in Northern Michigan.
Sparkle in the Park
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, all arranged in Bear Lake’s lakeside Hopkins Park, US 31 corridor, and village homes.
For those wishing to support future Sparkle in the Park events, donation boxes are put near Toyland Bear Lake for those who wish to make a contribution.
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.
Best Holiday Light Displays in West Michigan
Christmas Lite Show
4500 West River Dr NE, Comstock Park, MI 49321
The Christmas Lite Show drive-thru Christmas lights display just outside Grand Rapids is the largest drive-thru animated light display in Michigan. Over a mile long, the holiday tradition has been a favorite of visitors young and old for more than 25 years.
It runs nightly from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30/10 p.m. from late November to early January.
The Colors of Christmas
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.
Holidays in the City
Downtown Muskegon
Holiday lights will be strung along Western Avenue between Second and Seventh streets, as well as Third Street between Western Avenue and Hackley Park, where the annual community tree-lighting ceremony takes place on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. The lighting of the holiday lights along Western Ave coincides with the tree lighting.
The lights enhance the ambiance of downtown’s social district, where adults may buy alcohol from participating establishments and wander the streets.
The tree lighting is one of many events that usher in the season during Holidays in the City, including a GLOW lighting eventand Lakeshore Lights on Lakeshore Drive, where visitors can vote for their favorite light displays.
Deater Family Light Show
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 starting around Thanksgiving from 5 p.m. to around 9 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.
Best Christmas Light Displays in Mid-Michigan
deLIGHTfully Portland
100-200 Kent St, Portland, MI
Make your holiday season unforgettable with deLIGHTfully Portland, a breathtaking light display in Portland’s Historic Downtown District. Every Friday night from 7-9 PM, three blocks of historic buildings burst to life with a dazzling 25-minute light production set to music, changing weekly to keep the experience fresh and exciting.
✨ When: Fridays, December 6 to January 10, from 7-9 PM (or anytime to admire the lights!)
✨ Where: 100-200 Kent Street, Portland, MI 48875
✨ What to Do: Stroll through the glowing streets, grab a bite to eat, shop for unique gifts, and soak in the ambiance of a community brought together by vision and festive spirit.
Even on non-event evenings, the unique deLIGHTfully Portland holiday light display of over 20,000 Edison bulbs spread across 32 buildings creates a magical winter wonderland for all to enjoy throughout the holiday season.
PLUS, Add to your deLIGHTfully Portland experience with a jam-packed day of holiday fun during HolidayFest on Saturday, December 14!
🎅 Santa at the Mill
Start your day by visiting Santa on Saturday from 9 AM to 1 PM at the Red Mill, 450 Water Street.
🎶 Winter Wonderland at Scout Park
Don’t miss this frosty photo op throughout the holiday season – opens December 1!
❄️ Snowball Drop at 4 PM
Collect snowballs to win prizes and discounts! Age divisions range from toddlers to adults, so everyone can join the fun.
🎅 Santa & Mrs. Claus Visits: 4 PM – 5:40 PM
🐴 Sleighbell Horse Wagon Rides: 4:15 PM – 5:45 PM
🎶 Caroling: 4:20 PM – 5:10 PM
💃 Dancing in the Streets: 5:15 PM – 5:45 PM
🎄 Christmas Light Parade at 6 PM
Watch as festive floats light up Kent St on Saturday night, spreading cheer from the Library to Water Street!
✨ deLIGHTfully Portland after the Parade
Make this holiday season one to remember in MiPortland Downtown – immerse yourself in the magic, enjoy unforgettable experiences, and create lasting memories with your loved ones. Plan your visit today!
Wonderland of Lights
Potter Park Zoo | 1301 S. Pennsylvania Ave, Lansing, MI 48912
For more than 30 years, the Potter Park Zoo has been decked out in holiday displays for the season, along with cookies and crafts.
Thousands of glistening lights turn the zoo into the ultimate winter paradise, inviting visitors of all ages to take a stroll through brightly lit pathways and soak up the magic of the holiday season.
This celebration runs from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. from November 23 through December 23 and Santa Claus makes appearances on Fridays and Saturdays for photo ops.
Christmas Walk
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.
Christmas Celebration
Downtown Mount Pleasant
Mount Pleasant’s annual downtown Christmas celebration is filled with all the sights, sounds, and smells of Christmas. While there is a multitude of fun events here, two to keep an eye on are the hayrides which take visitors to see Christmas lights, and the lighted Christmas parade, which features an appearance by Santa Claus.
Dent Family Christmas Farm
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 the month of December and includes all sorts of holiday favorites in its 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!
Freeland Lights
Hayes Park, 9200 Midland Rd, Freeland, MI 48623
For many years, this park has been home to the Freeland Lights display which features changing displays of characters, changing music selections, and plenty of lights.
Part of the fun for visitors who come back year after year is seeing what the organizers come up with year after year and those who come to see the displays are seldom disappointed.
Visitors can even get in on the fun by connecting to the event’s WiFi and selecting from a list of songs for shows up to a certain time.
The light show plays automatically every night in December, 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.
Best Holiday Light Displays in East Michigan
Christmas at Crossroads Holiday Magic
Crossroads Village & Huckleberry Railroad | 6140 N Bray Rd, Flint, MI 48505
Make memories to last all year from the comfort of your own vehicle. Join family and friends for an evening drive, through historic Crossroads Village – magically lit by more than one million twinkling lights.
See displays of your favorite holiday scenes as Christmas music fills the air. Carry on your traditions or make new ones this year with Crossroads Village’s Holiday Magic.
Magic of Lights at Pine Knob
Pine Knob, 33 Bob Seger Dr, Independence Charter Township, MI, 48348
From mid-November through the end of December, Magic of Lights at Pine Knob in Clarkston, Michigan, 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.
Experience the Magic of Lights from the comfort and safety of your own car as you wind through the sparkling path of Clarkston’s favorite holiday tradition.
My New Holiday Tradition: Magic of Lights
Growing up, my family had many seasonal traditions I cherished. Now that I have children, I realize how much work goes into making holiday magic! I’ve had to let go of some traditions (visiting Santa) and cut back on others (making and decorating all the cookies).
Lights, on the other hand – those are easy. All I have to do is plug them in for instant wintery joy. Even better, I can pack up the family for a drive to see other people’s impressive shows.
One display that outshines the others is the Magic of Lights at Pine Knob Music Theater. For the third year now, the parking lot of my favorite concert venue has transformed into a wonderland of twinkling luminescence.
An infinite number of LED bulbs together create the familiar festive markers: Santa, elves, snowflakes, bows, and bells. There are also surprises like big trucks, dinosaurs, and international monuments. Some displays are big, some move, and others are perfect for selfies or group photos (far better than a kid crying on Santa’s lap!).
So we have a new holiday tradition: Magic of Lights.
– Awesome Mitten writer Stefanie Caloia
Sherman Woods Association
Sherman Woods Neighborhood | Port Huron, MI (East of Gratiot Ave south of Lakeside Beach)
Every year homes in the neighborhood decorate for Christmas, creating an extravagant multi-house display during the holidays, known as the Sherwood Christmas Lights.
The neighborhood is well-known for its glowing balls and homeowners typically string up more than 100 for their holiday display and hoist these glowing orbs into tree branches with the help of a slingshot and extension chords.
Johnston Family Light Display
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.
Nicol’s Christmas Light Extravaganza
6250 Germania Rd, Cass City, MI 48726
The family sets their yard just south of Cass City ablaze with holiday lights each year and has been doing so for more than 40 years for the public to enjoy.
It’s definitely worth the drive to enjoy their many Christmas lights and the coordinated holiday music playlist on 92.9FM.
Be sure to add Nicol’s Christmas Light Extravaganza to your holiday lights “must-see” list this year!
History of the Christmas Tree Walk
8934 Marsh Rd, Algonac, MI 48001
While this isn’t a traditional Christmas light display, this private residence turns into a Christmas tree wonderland each winter with dozens of magnificent tree displays and plenty of lights.
The entire History of the Christmas Tree Walk is located inside the home across three levels and is not handicap accessible. Visitors are asked to respect house rules and be considerate of other visitors.
Tours are given twice daily during most Thursdays through Sundays in December, but a limited number of tickets are available through each tour, so get them ASAP.
Best Christmas Lights in Southwest Michigan
International Festival of Lights
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 has 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.
Winter Wonderland Holiday Experience
6865 W Hickory Rd, Hickory Corners, MI 49060
Spread out across the 90-acre Gilmore Car Museum campus, the Winter Wonderland Holiday Experience offers visitors a chance to experience a holiday event like no other.
Visitors can enjoy a mile-long relaxing drive through the museum grounds which are decorated to the nines with lights, holiday decorations, and music.
The event runs throughout the month of December and requires a ticket, which will also offer access to holiday treats, a visit with Santa, and other exhibits.
Eden Springs Park Christmas Miniature Train Rides/Light Displays
793 M-139, Benton Harbor, MI 49022
Visitors to Southwest Michigan can stop by Eden Springs Park during most weekends in December for a dazzling light display as well as mini train rides. It’s an inexpensive way to create a holiday memory, just make sure to dress warm.
Downtown 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!
Holiday House 5777
5777 Clovermeadows 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.
Light Up the Bluff
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, window wonderland, and the opening of Santa’s House leading up to Christmas.
Best Holiday Light Displays in Southcentral Michigan
The Merry Mile
Calhoun County Fairgrounds | 720 Fair St, Marshall, MI 49068
Bring the whole family and enjoy The Merry Mile in Marshall drive-through Christmas light display, then stop into one of the quaint shops in this Hallmark Movie Christmas Town for a cup of hot cocoa or to finish your holiday shopping.
The Merry Mile is also the site of several special events throughout December, including gingerbread house decorating, an eggnog jog, a live nativity, and more.
The Merry Mile is open nightly, Thursday to Sunday, starting in early December. The cost is just $10 per car and $20 per van/bus.
Nite Lites
Michigan International Speedway | 12626 US Hwy 12, Brooklyn, MI 49201
Nite Lites takes over Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn from before Thanksgiving to just after New Year’s Eve for a spectacular drive-thru Christmas lights display.
Nite Lites is open from 5:30 p.m. to 9/10 p.m., and is open nightly. Prices for the display are per car, per minibus or motorhome, and per tour bus.
Christmas Lights Home
1702 Shadford Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
The front yard and structure of this Ann Arbor home are covered with more than 100,000 lights and more than 150 lawn decorations, including snowmen, reindeer, and Santa Claus.
The family who owns this house wanted its own version of the famous home from “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” and their creation can easily be seen from several blocks away.
Holiday Nights at Greenfield Village
20900 Oakwood Boulevard, Dearborn, MI 48124
Visitors are encouraged to enjoy the sounds of carolers, the smell of roasting chestnuts, the warmth of a bonfire, and much more at this annual holiday celebration.
For more than two decades, Holiday Nights has been one of the premier holiday events in Michigan and there’s something here for everyone. The festivities include rides in horse-drawn carriages or vintage Model T’s, food and beverage vendors, a holiday market, and much more.
Tickets go fast, so reservations are encouraged sooner rather than later!
Join in Jackson’s Best Christmas Lights in Jackson County, MI
If you live in or near Jackson County, you won’t want to miss out on any of the best holiday light displays in Jackson MI that Join In Jackson has curated. They’ve even created a map to help you plot your path as you enjoy a Polar Express-type adventure in Jackson, Michigan!
Best Christmas Light Shows in Southeast Michigan
HollyDazzle
12600 Dixie Hwy, Holly, MI 48442
Experience a Renaissance Christmas along this festive 3/4-mile trail through the HollyGrove at Michigan Renaissance Festival Village in Holly.
The winter lights outdoor walking trail features dozens of Christmas-themed scenes including Santa, a Candy Land Castle, and sledding penguins. Over one million lights delight kids of all ages and visitors can stroll through HollyGrove Village and immersed in stories, serenaded with carols, and find places to enjoy holiday treats like cocoa.
HollyDazzle opens during Thanksgiving weekend and is open most weekends in December and right before and after Christmas.
Wayne County Lightfest
7651 N Merriman Rd, Westland, MI 48185
Dozens of animated holiday decorations line a stretch of Hines Park from Westland to Dearborn Heights, featuring more than 100,000 lights over a brightly lit five-mile stretch.
This is a great event for families to get into the holiday spirit and Wayne County offers updates on wait times, traffic flow, and other information related to the event on AM 1640.
The Hines Park lights schedule is Wednesday to Sunday from 6 to 10 p.m. and is open from mid-November until Christmas Eve. The display also includes several Toy Nights, where visitors are encouraged to donate unwrapped toys.
The Big, Bright Light Show
431 S. Main Main Street, Rochester, Michigan 48307
You are invited to brighten your holidays in Downtown Rochester with The Big, Bright Light Show!
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 Rochester’s downtown are covered with more than 1.5 million points of magical holiday light.
The display will be lit every evening from mid November (5 p.m. to midnight) through mid January.
Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo
8450 W. 10 Mile Road, Royal Oak, MI 48067
The Detroit Zoo will be aglow for many magical nights with more than five million LED lights illuminating trees, buildings, and over 280 sculptures throughout the front half of the Zoo.
Experience the magic of the Detroit Zoo in winter as you take in the lights, sights, and sounds of the season for guests of all ages. Children younger than 2 are admitted free.
Bazillion Lights
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.
Glenore Trails: Aurora
3860 Newton Road, Commerce Township, MI 48382
Starting in mid-November, Glenmore Trails offers visitors a chance to go on a relaxing, immersive night walk where the forest comes alive with color, sound, and holiday spirit.
This is a fantastic family-friendly experience or the perfect setting for a date night or a night out with friends.
Aurora lasts through the end of December and requires a ticket to go on the immersive walk
MI Bright Lights
30712 Michigan Ave, Westland, MI 48186
For many years, the Bostick Family of Metro Detroit has loved to celebrate the holidays, creating dazzling displays for Valentine’s Day, Fourth of July, Halloween, and Christmas.
After several years, the family needed a new location, and beginning in 2024, they set up a new location at the iconic Eloise Asylum in Westland. This drive-thru show with synchronized pixel lights offers a new adventure every time families visit. With dozens of holiday songs synchronized to lights and brightly lit displays, it’s a fun way to see the familiar signs of the holiday season.
Visitors can get into the holiday spirit even more by taking photos in Santa Land, a festive walkthrough experience that features photo ops, cookies, cocoa, a heated tent, and much more.
Wesner Christmas House
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.
Find the BEST Christmas Lights in Michigan
Use our interactive map of Christmas lights in Michigan below to easily find the best “Christmas light displays near me” in your town or region…
Where are your favorite places to see Christmas light displays in Michigan? Tell us in the comments!
