Christmas Tree Lightings Around Metro Detroit 2026: Dates, Times & Locations

Your Guide to the Best Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremonies and Holiday Celebrations in Macomb, Oakland & Wayne Counties

The holiday season is almost here, and Metro Detroit is getting ready to shine!

From the spectacular Christmas tree at Campus Martius in Downtown Detroit to the colorful lights of Downtown Rochester and family-friendly celebrations in Sterling Heights, there's no shortage of holiday magic happening across Southeast Michigan.

Whether you're planning a festive family outing, a holiday date night, or simply looking for something fun to do this Christmas season, here's your guide to Christmas tree lighting ceremonies and holiday celebrations around Metro Detroit in 2026.

🎄 November 2026 Christmas Tree Lighting Events

1. Detroit's Annual Christmas Tree Lighting – Campus Martius

Date: Friday, November 20, 2026
Time: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Campus Martius Park, 800 Woodward Ave., Detroit, MI

One of Metro Detroit's most iconic holiday traditions returns to Downtown Detroit!

Watch a towering Michigan-grown Christmas tree illuminate Campus Martius Park, surrounded by sparkling lights and a festive downtown atmosphere.

Event Highlights:

• Christmas tree lighting ceremony

• Live musical performances and entertainment

• Ice skating performances

• Visits with Santa Claus

• Holiday food and refreshments

Admission: Free

2. Light the Village – Rochester Hills

Date: Friday, November 20, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: The Village of Rochester Hills, Adams Road & Walton Boulevard, Rochester Hills, MI

The Village of Rochester Hills transforms into a beautiful winter wonderland with hundreds of thousands of holiday lights.

Families can enjoy festive entertainment, fireworks, and a magical atmosphere throughout the outdoor shopping district.

This is also a great destination for holiday shopping and family photos.

3. Royal Oak – Lighting of the Park

Date: Friday, November 20, 2026
Time: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Centennial Commons, Downtown Royal Oak, MI

Downtown Royal Oak welcomes the holiday season with its annual Lighting of the Park celebration.

Enjoy live entertainment, holiday music, skating performances, and the lighting of the Giant Oak Tree.

With restaurants and local businesses nearby, it's a great opportunity to make an entire evening out of the celebration.

4. Rochester – The Big, Bright Light Show

Date: Monday, November 23, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Opening Celebration)
Location: Main Street, Downtown Rochester, MI

If there's one holiday display you shouldn't miss in Metro Detroit, it's Rochester's Big, Bright Light Show!

Downtown Rochester transforms into a colorful holiday wonderland with more than 1.5 million points of light decorating the buildings along Main Street.

The display kicks off during the annual Lagniappe celebration and continues nightly through January 17, 2027.

Why Visit?

• Spectacular holiday light displays

• Beautiful photo opportunities

• Local restaurants and shops

• A festive downtown atmosphere

5. Novi – Light the Lights

Date: Friday, November 20, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Location: Twelve Mile Crossing at Fountain Walk, Novi, MI

Novi's Light the Lights celebration brings the holiday spirit to Fountain Walk with a Christmas tree lighting, fireworks, and seasonal entertainment.

The tree lighting and fireworks are scheduled for approximately 7:00 PM.

Admission and Parking: Free

❄️ December 2026 Christmas Tree Lighting Events

6. Birmingham – Winter Markt & Christmas Tree Lighting

Date: Friday, December 4, 2026
Tree Lighting: 6:00 PM
Location: Shain Park, 270 W. Merrill St., Birmingham, MI

Downtown Birmingham brings a European-inspired Christmas market experience to Metro Detroit.

The annual Winter Markt features holiday vendors, festive food, music, and thousands of sparkling lights.

Visitors can enjoy the Christmas tree lighting ceremony on Friday evening and continue exploring the Winter Markt throughout the weekend.

Winter Markt Dates: December 4–6, 2026

7. Sterling Heights – A Sterling Christmas

Date: Saturday, December 5, 2026
Time: 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: Dodge Park, 40620 Utica Rd., Sterling Heights, MI

One of Macomb County's favorite holiday traditions, A Sterling Christmas brings families together for an evening of holiday fun.

Activities Include:

• Christmas tree lighting ceremony

• Visits with Santa Claus

• Holiday caroling

• Ice sculptures

• Pony rides and train rides

• Petting farm and ice skating

Admission: Free

8. Macomb Township – Holiday Tree Lighting & Afterglow

Date: Friday, December 4, 2026
Time: 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Location: Macomb Township Recreation Center, 20699 Macomb St., Macomb Township, MI

Macomb Township celebrates the beginning of the holiday season with its community tree lighting and Afterglow celebration.

It's a wonderful opportunity for local families to gather, enjoy the festive atmosphere, and celebrate the holidays close to home.

📅 More Metro Detroit Holiday Celebrations in 2026

Looking for even more holiday events? Here are several additional celebrations to keep on your calendar.

Berkley's event date requires confirmation with the organizer.

🎅 Tips for Enjoying Metro Detroit's Christmas Tree Lightings

Planning to attend one or more of these holiday celebrations? Here are a few helpful tips:

• Arrive early: Popular events such as Detroit's Campus Martius Tree Lighting and Rochester's Big, Bright Light Show can attract large crowds.

• Dress warmly: Most celebrations take place outdoors, so winter coats, gloves, and hats are recommended.

• Plan parking ahead: Downtown events may have limited parking availability.

• Bring your camera: These celebrations offer some of the best holiday photo opportunities in Metro Detroit.

• Check event updates: Weather and organizer changes can affect event schedules and activities.

Celebrate the Holidays in Metro Detroit

One of the things that makes Metro Detroit such a special place to call home is the incredible sense of community throughout the holiday season.

From the bustling streets of Downtown Detroit to the charming downtowns of Rochester and Birmingham, and the family-friendly celebrations in Sterling Heights and Macomb Township, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

Whether you're starting a new family tradition or continuing one you've celebrated for years, these Christmas tree lighting ceremonies are a wonderful way to make lasting holiday memories.

Which Metro Detroit Christmas tree lighting are you planning to attend this year?

Share this guide with your family and friends, and enjoy the holiday season!

Please note: Event dates, times, and activities are subject to change. Always verify the latest details with event organizers before attending.