Wayne County Lightfest
Want to bask in over a million holiday lights while cruising from the warm comfort of your car or private bus? The Wayne County Lightfest is a 4.5-mile drive-through holiday lights spectacle you won’t want to miss. Eight gigantic holiday displays along Hines Drive feature thousands upon thousands of twinkling lights choreographed to traditional and modern Christmas tunes. Stop for cider, hot chocolate, and s’mores at the Warming Station or snap a photo with Santa in his workshop along the trail. Hours: The Lightfest is open 7 days a week including holidays from 6pm-10pm from mid-November through late December.
Address: Merriman Hollow Park, Westland, MI 48185
Phone: (734) 261-1990
Detroit’s Big, Bright Light Show
On your way out to the illuminated Lightfest trail, be sure to swing through Downtown Detroit to witness the city’s breathtaking Big, Bright Light Show. This annual light display synchronizes a kaleidoscope of colorful lights and video projections alongside perfectly timed music for a visual masterpiece that dazzles the Woodward Avenue corridor. The light shows are scheduled periodically each night along Woodward, so check the website for nightly showtimes. Location: Woodward Avenue from Larned St. to Campus Martius Park
Urban Winter-Land & Holiday Market
It wouldn’t be the holidays in Detroit without a stop at Campus Martius Park’s magical Urban Winter-Land. Embrace the spirit of the season by ice skating around downtown’s iconic Christmas centerpiece or warming up with a cup of hot cocoa by the fire pits. Local artisans and shops will also peddle their crafts and specialty goods at the park’s annual Holiday Market. Spend the afternoon bundled up browsing the booths and finding unique gifts for everyone on your list. Holiday Market Hours: Fri & Sat 11am-8pm, Sun Noon-6pm, M-Th 11am-7pm
Address: 800 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48226
America’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
One of the most iconic Thanksgiving Day parades in the nation happens right here in the Motor City. Hosted by the Detroit Parade Company, this nationally televised procession has been a tradition in Detroit since 1924. Elaborate floats, imaginative costumes, world-class marching bands, holiday celebrities, and the one-and-only Santa Claus himself travel along the iconic Woodward Avenue route every Thanksgiving morning. Prime viewing near the start of the parade at Woodward and Kirby is available on a first-come, first-serve basis beginning at 6am on Thanksgiving Day. Your charter bus can drop your family or group off within walking distance of the route to secure an optimal viewing spot.
Parade info line: 313-923-7400
The Rink at Campus Martius
We already covered the more magical, lit-up elements of Downtown Detroit’s holiday oasis at Campus Martius Park. But the park’s premier winter attraction is most definitely the Rink at Campus Martius. This signature outdoor ice skating rink is the perfect place to lace up your skates and twirl around under the dazzling lights of the Detroit skyline. Open daily from mid-November through early March, this beloved skating tradition offer safe, fun for all ages and skill levels. Rent a locker to store your winter gear or grab a post-skating drink and bite at the park’s Winterfest Meadows eatery. Hours: Mon-Thurs 11am-10pm, Fri & Sat 10am-11pm, Sun 10am-10pm
Address: 800 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48226
Phone: (313) 963-9393
Holiday Nights at Greenfield Village
Incredibly enough, Detroit’s historic Greenfield Village manages to shine brighter than usual each holiday season. Holiday Nights at Greenfield Village is an after-dark celebration where the entire 80-acre village is decked out with millions of brilliant lights and decorations. Wander through authentically recreated 19th century streets and homes plucked right out of the pages of Christmas past. Toast s’mores by the bonfire, find that perfect handmade gift at the artisan markets, and revel in centuries of holiday traditions around every turn. Dates: Select nights in December
Address: 20900 Oakwood Blvd, Dearborn, MI 48124
Phone: (313) 982-6001
Candlelight Christmas at Ford House
Tour the breathtaking 1920s-era Edsel and Eleanor Ford House as it comes alive in full holiday splendor during Candlelight Christmas. Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of a lavish Ford family Christmas with evenings full of flickering candles, crackling fireplaces, live music, and handcrafted decorations. Touring the historic home is just the beginning. Be sure to stroll the idyllic Christmas Village and sip hot chocolate as you take in the grand scale of lush holiday landscape lighting displays spread throughout the Ford Estate.
Address: 1100 Lake Shore Rd, Grosse Pointe Shores, MI 48236
Phone: (313) 884-4222
Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo
The most brilliant and animal-friendly holiday lights display is just a quick trip from downtown. Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo features millions of LED lights artfully arranged along a winding trek through the zoo’s grounds. Get an up-close view at elaborate animal sculptures created entirely out of holiday lights. Continue the fun indoors at the wildlife interpretive galleries and take advantage of warming stations and concessions along the way. Dates: Late November – Early January
Address: 8450 W 10 Mile Rd, Royal Oak, MI 48067
Phone: (248) 541-5717
Rent With Detroit Party Bus Company To Hit Every Attraction
From the ever-magical Wayne County Lightfest to old-fashioned Candlelight Christmas tours, there’s no shortage of incredible yuletide celebrations to explore around Detroit. But why risk being a scrooge by battling traffic and full parking lots in your personal car? Travel to each and every holiday hotspot with ease when you book a spacious charter bus from Detroit Party Bus Company. Our professional team will get your whole crew around seamlessly, punctually, and most importantly—festively. The plush interiors and premium amenities on our charter buses are decked out to ensure your entire group travels in ultimate comfort and holiday cheer no matter the distance. Call 734-821-4969 to book your Detroit party bus and kick off an unforgettable holiday adventure today!