Michigan Christmas Tree Lightings 2026: Dates by Town

Michigan’s tree lighting season starts the week before Thanksgiving, and in 2026 six of the lightings on this list fall on the same Friday night. One of my favorite ways to kick off the holiday season is at the annual Christmas tree lighting in my hometown, when the community and visitors gather in a festive celebration. Here are the Michigan Christmas tree lightings with 2026 dates confirmed by their organizers, from Campus Martius in Detroit to the Marquette Commons on Lake Superior.

Updated November 2026

I’ve sorted these by date, and each one was checked against the organizer’s own 2026 listing in early November. Small towns often post their dates late, so I’m adding more as they’re confirmed. These are outdoor events in a Michigan November, so check the organizer’s page the day you go in case weather changes the plan.

2026 Michigan Tree Lighting Calendar

Date	Tree lighting	Town
Thu., Nov. 19	Jack Frost Festival Tree Lighting	Ironwood
Thu., Nov. 19	Christmas Tree Lighting	Hudsonville
Fri., Nov. 20	Detroit Tree Lighting	Detroit
Fri., Nov. 20	Silver Bells in the City	Lansing
Fri., Nov. 20	Lighted Santa Parade & Tree Lighting	St. Clair
Fri., Nov. 20	Light Night	Grand Haven
Fri., Nov. 20	Tree Lighting Ceremony	Auburn Hills
Fri., Nov. 20	Annual Tree Lighting	Wyandotte
Nov. 21–22	Light Parade & Tree Lighting	Traverse City
Mon., Nov. 23	Annual Tree Lighting	Madison Heights
Fri., Nov. 27	Santa’s City of Plymouth Parade & Tree Lighting	Plymouth
Fri., Nov. 27	Christmas Tree Lighting	Saugatuck
Fri., Nov. 27	Christmas Tree Lighting	Port Austin
Fri., Nov. 27	Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting	Charlevoix
Fri., Nov. 27	Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting	Alpena
Fri., Nov. 27	Tree Lighting Ceremony	Kalamazoo
Fri., Nov. 27	Holiday Lighted Parade & Tree Lighting	Mason
Sat., Nov. 28	Aglow on the Avenue & Tree Lighting	Ludington
Sat., Nov. 28	112th Annual Christmas Tree Lighting	Harbor Springs
Mon., Nov. 30	Christmas Tree Lighting	Muskegon Township
Thu., Dec. 3	Tree Lighting Ceremony	Kentwood
Thu., Dec. 10	Holiday Parade & City Tree Lighting	Marquette

Which Michigan Tree Lighting I’d Pick

For the biggest show, it’s Detroit or Lansing, and since they’re the same night, you’ll have to choose. Detroit draws the bigger crowd, while Lansing gives you a lighted parade, the state tree, a drone show and fireworks over the Capitol in one evening.

If you’d rather have a lake town, Grand Haven’s Light Night and Ludington’s Aglow on the Avenue both pair the lights with a walkable downtown and holiday shopping. Already up north for Thanksgiving? Alpena on Friday night or Harbor Springs on Saturday is an easy, small-town way to start the season without a long drive home in the dark.

Pro tip: Friday, Nov. 20 is the crunch night, with six lightings on this list happening at once. Expect crowds downtown, get there well before the switch flips, and dress for standing outside after dark.

Michigan Tree Lightings Before Thanksgiving

Jack Frost Festival Tree Lighting in Ironwood

Where: Historic Depot Park, 150 N. Lowell St., Ironwood, MI 49938
When: Thursday, Nov. 19, 2026, at 6 p.m.

This lighting opens Ironwood’s Jack Frost Festival in Michigan’s western Upper Peninsula, a season of winter events that runs until the Norrie Club’s Light Up the Night bonfire on Jan. 30, 2027. If you can come back, the festival’s lighted parade rolls down Aurora Street on Saturday, Dec. 5, at 6 p.m. The Ironwood Chamber’s Jack Frost Festival page has the full schedule.

Hudsonville Christmas Tree Lighting

Where: Gemmen’s Ace Hardware parking lot, 3488 Kelly St., Hudsonville, MI 49426
When: Thursday, Nov. 19, 2026; festivities start at 4:30 p.m., and the tree is lit at 6 p.m.

Hudsonville, in Ottawa County west of Grand Rapids, turns its lighting into a family evening, so come early if you have kids along. The Hudsonville holiday parade and tree lighting page posts the night’s lineup.

23rd Annual Detroit Tree Lighting at Campus Martius

Where: Campus Martius Park, 800 Woodward Ave., Detroit, MI 48226
When: Friday, Nov. 20, 2026

This is Michigan’s biggest tree lighting. The Downtown Detroit Partnership’s 2025 recap counted more than 120,000 people and announced this year’s date. Treat it as a whole downtown evening rather than a quick switch-flip, and pair it with my guide to fun things to do in Detroit if you’re staying the weekend.

Silver Bells in the City in Lansing

Where: Downtown Lansing, with the tree lit in front of the Michigan State Capitol
When: Friday, Nov. 20, 2026, 5 to 9 p.m.; tree lighting at about 7:30 p.m.

Silver Bells, now in its 42nd year, is where Michigan lights its official state Christmas tree. The night opens with an electric light parade of more than 70 illuminated entries, then the Capitol tree lighting, a community sing-along, a Firefly drone show and fireworks. Greater Lansing’s Silver Bells page has the full schedule, and my list of things to do in Lansing can fill the rest of your day.

St. Clair Lighted Santa Parade and Tree Lighting

Where: Downtown St. Clair along River Road, St. Clair, MI 48079
When: Friday, Nov. 20, 2026, at 6 p.m.

St. Clair, on the St. Clair River south of Port Huron, welcomes Santa with a lighted parade, hands him the key to the city, and then lets him lead the countdown to the community tree. It’s free, and the Blue Water Area event listing has the city’s contact information.

Light Night in Grand Haven

Where: Downtown and Centertown, Grand Haven, MI 49417
When: Friday, Nov. 20, 2026, 5 to 8 p.m.

Light Night is Grand Haven’s holiday kickoff on the Lake Michigan shore. The district’s lights come on, shops stay open late, and Centertown’s expanded Jingletown adds photos with holiday characters, warm drinks and kids’ crafts. Visit Grand Haven’s Jingletown in Centertown listing covers that side of town, and my Grand Haven guide covers the rest.

Auburn Hills Tree Lighting Ceremony

Where: Downtown Auburn Hills, MI 48326
When: Friday, Nov. 20, 2026

If you went last year, note the change: Auburn Hills moved its lighting from early December to the Friday before Thanksgiving. Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive, and the mayor lights the downtown tree. The City of Auburn Hills tree lighting page is where the start time will be posted.

Wyandotte Tree Lighting

Where: Downtown Wyandotte, MI 48192
When: Friday, Nov. 20, 2026, at dusk

Wyandotte, on the Detroit River in Wayne County, lights its tree Friday evening and then holds its 83rd annual Christmas parade the next morning, Saturday, Nov. 21, at 10 a.m. If your kids fade early, the Saturday-morning parade is the easier half of the weekend.

Traverse City Light Parade, Santa’s Arrival and Tree Lighting

Where: Front Street, downtown Traverse City, MI 49684
When: Nov. 21–22, 2026, from 6 p.m.

Downtown Traverse City runs a light parade down Front Street, then Santa arrives and the downtown tree is lit. Front Street closes to cars between Park and Union streets. The organizers recommend the Old Town parking deck, and BATA’s Bayline shuttle gives you a free ride in. The Downtown Traverse City Association’s light parade page has the night-by-night details.

Madison Heights Tree Lighting

Where: Civic Center Plaza, 300 W. 13 Mile Road, Madison Heights, MI 48071
When: Monday, Nov. 23, 2026, 6 to 8 p.m.

Madison Heights, in Oakland County, lights its tree on the Monday of Thanksgiving week. It’s the easy one to fit in if your weekends are already spoken for.

Thanksgiving Weekend Tree Lightings in Michigan

Plymouth Tree Lighting at Kellogg Park

Where: Kellogg Park, downtown Plymouth, MI 48170
When: Friday, Nov. 27, 2026; official lighting at 8:15 p.m. during Santa’s City of Plymouth Parade

Plymouth, my hometown in western Wayne County, lights its Kellogg Park tree during Santa’s City of Plymouth Parade, so you get both in one evening. The lighting comes late, at 8:15, so have dinner downtown first and then find your spot near the park.

Saugatuck Christmas Tree Lighting

Where: Wicks Park Gazebo, 420 Water St., Saugatuck, MI 49453
When: Friday, Nov. 27, 2026, at 6 p.m.

Saugatuck, in Allegan County near the Lake Michigan shore, gathers at the Wicks Park gazebo on the Kalamazoo River for carols, cookies, hot cocoa and Santa. It’s free, and Water and Butler streets are right there if you want dinner first.

Port Austin Christmas Tree Lighting

Where: Village Green, 17 W. State St., Port Austin, MI 48467
When: Friday, Nov. 27, 2026, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Port Austin sits at the tip of Michigan’s Thumb in Huron County, and its Village Green lighting is a quick, one-hour hometown event. It’s an easy add if you’re spending Thanksgiving in the Thumb.

Charlevoix Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting

Where: Downtown Charlevoix, MI 49720
When: Friday, Nov. 27, 2026, 3 to 6 p.m.

Charlevoix, in Charlevoix County between Lake Michigan and Round Lake, runs its parade and tree lighting in the afternoon, the earliest start of any lighting on this list. It wraps up by 6, early enough for dinner downtown afterward, and it’s the better pick if you have little kids who won’t last until an evening lighting.

Alpena Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting

Where: Culligan Plaza, at Second Avenue and Chisholm Street, Alpena, MI 49707
When: Friday, Nov. 27, 2026; parade at 5:30 p.m., tree lighting after the parade

The Bolenz Jewelry Holiday Parade winds through downtown Alpena on the Lake Huron shore, and when it ends, Santa arrives at Culligan Plaza and the community tree comes on. Visit Alpena’s holiday parade and tree lighting listing has the details.

Kalamazoo Tree Lighting Ceremony in Bronson Park

Where: Bronson Park, 200 S. Rose St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007
When: Friday, Nov. 27, 2026

Kalamazoo lights up Bronson Park the night after Thanksgiving. Miss it, and you get a second chance: the park hosts a free December to Remember evening on Thursday, Dec. 10. The City of Kalamazoo holiday events page lists both.

Mason Holiday Lighted Parade and Tree Lighting

Where: Downtown Mason, MI 48854; the parade steps off from Bond Park
When: Friday, Nov. 27, 2026; tree lighting at 6 p.m., parade at 6:15 p.m.

Mason, the Ingham County seat just south of Lansing, lights its tree first and then sends its lighted parade downtown, now in its 25th year. It’s free to watch, and downtown streets close from about 4:30 to 8 p.m., so park outside the core. The Mason Area Chamber of Commerce event page has the details.

Aglow on the Avenue and Tree Lighting in Ludington

Where: Ludington Avenue, then Legacy Plaza, downtown Ludington, MI 49431
When: Saturday, Nov. 28, 2026; parade at 6 p.m., tree lighting right after

Ludington’s lighted parade of floats, bands and fire trucks brings Santa to town on Small Business Saturday, and then everyone heads to Legacy Plaza for carols and the community tree lighting. Here’s what I’d do: shop downtown in the afternoon, grab dinner, and claim a spot on the avenue before six. Pure Ludington’s Aglow on the Avenue page has the details.

Harbor Springs Christmas Tree Lighting

Where: Main Street near Holy Childhood Catholic Church, Harbor Springs, MI 49740
When: Saturday, Nov. 28, 2026, at 6 p.m.

Harbor Springs, on Little Traverse Bay in Emmet County, lights its Main Street tree for the 112th year, and it’s free. Here’s what I’d do: spend Saturday in Petoskey across the bay, then drive around in time for the lighting.

Michigan Tree Lightings After Thanksgiving Weekend

Muskegon Township Christmas Tree Lighting

Where: 1990 E. Apple Ave., Muskegon, MI
When: Monday, Nov. 30, 2026, at 6 p.m.

Muskegon Township lights its tree the Monday after Thanksgiving, a good catch if you missed the holiday weekend’s lightings.

Kentwood Tree Lighting Ceremony

Where: Kentwood Community Center, Kentwood, MI
When: Thursday, Dec. 3, 2026, 6 to 8 p.m.

Kentwood, just south of Grand Rapids in Kent County, holds its ceremony on a Thursday evening, an easy after-work stop for Grand Rapids-area families.

Marquette Holiday Parade and City Tree Lighting

Where: Third Street and the Marquette Commons, 112 S. Third St., Marquette, MI 49855
When: Thursday, Dec. 10, 2026, 6 to 8 p.m.; tree lighting at 7 p.m.

Marquette’s Winter Snow Fun Holiday Parade rolls south down Third Street to the Marquette Commons, where the city lights its tree at 7. It’s the latest lighting on this list and the only one on Lake Superior, so dress for a U.P. December. The Downtown Marquette parade and tree lighting page has the event details.

More Michigan Holiday Events

Tree lightings are just the start of the season. My Michigan Christmas parades roundup and Michigan Christmas markets guide cover the rest, and the Merry Michigan events app keeps it all on your phone. If your town’s lighting isn’t here yet, it may not have posted a 2026 date, and I’ll add it once it does.

Michigan Tree Lighting FAQ

When is the 2026 Detroit tree lighting?

The 23rd annual Detroit Tree Lighting is Friday, Nov. 20, 2026, at Campus Martius Park, according to the Downtown Detroit Partnership. The partnership counted more than 120,000 people at the 2025 lighting.

Where is Michigan’s official state Christmas tree lit?

In front of the Michigan State Capitol in Lansing, during Silver Bells in the City. In 2026 that’s Friday, Nov. 20, with the lighting at about 7:30 p.m., right after the electric light parade.

Which night has the most Michigan tree lightings?

Friday, Nov. 20. Detroit, Lansing, St. Clair, Grand Haven, Auburn Hills and Wyandotte all light their trees that night, so pick one and plan for crowds.

Where’s your favorite Christmas tree lighting? If your town’s isn’t on this list, let me know, and I’ll add it as soon as the date is confirmed. Then open Merry Michigan, find the parade or market that goes with it, and make a whole weekend of it.