The holiday season isn’t complete without a healthy dose of bright, twinkling lights, whether you’re searching for something simple or in the mood to admire animated displays. Michigan is home to plenty of drive-thru options that will keep your family safe while bringing the joy of the season to life. In no particular order, here are nine of some of the best Christmas light displays in Michigan that are sure to enchant.
1. Nite Lites (Brooklyn)
This vibrant route will remain open through the end of December for families who want to embrace the joy of Christmas without stepping outside their cars. For $30 per vehicle, visitors will have the chance to marvel at thousands upon thousands of lights, many of which are arranged into captivating displays. There are five miles of glee to experience here, and you certainly won’t want to miss out on one of the best Christmas light displays in Michigan. Learn more on the website..
2. The Merry Mile (Marshall)
Venture to Marshall for a drive along the Merry Mile, which will light up the Calhoun County Fairgrounds. The event runs through December, but be sure to follow them on Facebook for updates as the season gets closer. As its name suggests, the Merry Mile showcases a long stretch of holiday light displays and jolly scenes. Tickets can be purchased online.
3. Bicentennial Park Drive-Thru (Grand Blanc)
Take your holiday happiness to a whole new level when you check out this drive-thru event, which takes visitors through twinkling arches, sparkling displays, and more. On select dates through December, the Grand Blanc Park will come to life with utter cheer, dazzling displays, and some of the best Christmas lights in Michigan. In lieu of a ticket cost, guests are asked to bring at least one non-perishable food item or unwrapped toy for donation.
4. Christmas Lite Show at Fifth Third Ballpark (Comstock Park)
One of West Michigan’s most well-known sporting venues has transformed into a winter wonderland this year - and you’ll want to see it for yourself. This incredible experience is the state’s largest drive-thru holiday display, featuring more than one million lights and stretching for nearly two miles. The LED lights here are bright, brilliant, and genuinely charming. Learn more or purchase tickets by visiting the Christmas Lite Show's website.
5. Big, Bright Light Show (downtown Rochester)
If you’re delighted by downtown decor during winter months, you’ll fall in love with the Big, Bright Light Show in Michigan. This Rochester tradition can be experienced by car or on foot by those who choose to explore the city’s welcoming downtown area. Storefronts come to life with more than one million lights through early January and sales abound throughout local businesses. Does it get much better than this?
6. Magic of Lights (Independence Charter Township)
DTE Energy Music Theatre will look more different than you’ve ever seen it before this winter. When you purchase a ticket to this heartwarming drive-thru light show, you’ll feel like you’ve entered an entirely new world of lights, cheer, and utter charm. Drive through towering tunnels dotted with decor, smile at animated displays, and blast Christmas tunes as you see the sights. Tickets can be purchased in advance by clicking here.
7. Christmas At Crossroads Holiday Magic (Flint)
Crossroads Village is a beloved living history museum that draws in countless visitors throughout the year, but its holiday display is second to no other event. On select dates through December 30th, cars can enter the drive-thru route for just $10 per vehicle. Listen to Christmas music, marvel at classic holiday scenes, and enjoy historical buildings that will make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time. Details can be found here.
8. Spring Lake Sparkle (downtown Spring Lake)
Head to the Village of Spring Lake for a short and sweet drive through its downtown area, which is home to the Spring Lake Sparkle Light Show. This fantastic display consists of more than 120,000 lights along Savidge Street, all of which can be appreciated from the comfort of your car. You might just feel like you’ve entered a real-life Hallmark movie as you peruse this lovely little town.
9. Wayne County Lightfest (Westland)
Drive along a spectacular four-mile route at Wayne County Lightfest, which features upwards of 50 animated displays and over 100,000 impressive holiday lights. The colors are rich, the atmosphere is festive, and the cost is low: just $5 cash per vehicle. There’s no better way to embrace the most wonderful time of the year. If you’d like to learn more about Lightfest, click here.
Click the link below each picture to learn more about pricing and hours for each event.
Have you and your loved ones checked out these drive-thru holiday lights in Michigan? Do you have a favorite? Share your experiences with us by leaving a Facebook comment, or recommend another fun Christmastime event in the Great Lakes State by filling out our nomination form here. If you're looking for a more nature-based outing, read about this cold-weather camping spot in Michigan.
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