30 Michigan Christmas Tree Lightings to See in 2025

‘Tis the season to light up the Michigan mitten, and there’s nothing like Michigan holiday tree lightings during give the night sky a cozy glow. 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. It’s a fun activity, and there are more that 30 annual Michigan tree lightings across the state.

Updated November 2025

It’s a festive time: all across the state, communities gather together to celebrate the holidays with parades, festivals and fairs, and of course, the annual lighting of the Christmas tree.There’s really no better way to kick off the holiday season, so read on to discover the very best Michigan Tree Lightings.

Michigan Christmas Tree Lightings in November

Downtown Plymouth Christmas Tree Lighting

Where: Kellogg Park, Plymouth MI 48170
When: Friday, November 28, 2025 at 6:30 p.m.
It’s worth a visit to quaint downtown Plymouth’s Kellogg Park to kick off the holiday season. Located in southeast Michigan, Plymouth is big on charm: it’s also one of the biggest “small towns,” too. Join the crowd of folks gathered in the park and enjoy some free hot chocolate and cookies. You can also bring nonperishable food items or toys for a chance to win gift certificates from local merchants.

Jack Frost Festival Tree Lighting in Ironwood

Where: Ironwood Historic Depot Park, 150 N. Lowell St., Ironwood, MI 49938
When: Thursday, November 20, 2025 at 6 p.m.
The 2024 Jack Frost Festival of Winter Events will officially begin with the lighting of the Jack Frost Festival Tree in Ironwood’s Depot Park, in Michigan’s western Upper Peninsula. Some short speeches in praise of Mr. Frost, some seasonal songs sung by a choir and post-lighting treats in the Historic Ironwood Depot will get the Jack Frost Festival off to a memorable start.

St. Clair Tree Lighting and Lighted Santa Parade

Where: St. Clair City Hall, 547 N Carney Dr, St., Clair, MI 48079
When: Friday, November 22, 2025 at 6 p.m.
Take a ride over St. Clair, Michigan near Port Huron and join in the holiday festivities at the annual Lighted Santa Parade and Christmas tree lighting. Santa will lead the countdown to the lighting. After the tree is lit, visitors can visit with the man in the red suit and his reindeer in the Candy Cane Corral.

22 Annual Detroit Tree Lighting

Where: Campus Martius Park, 800 Woodward Ave., Detroit, MI 48226
When: Friday, November 21, 2025 at 5 p.m.
The highly anticipated 2024 Detroit Tree Lighting at Campus Martius Park is an unforgettable night for the entire family. The Downtown Detroit Partnership and DTE Foundation are proud to present the return of the 21st annual Detroit tree lighting ceremony in Campus Martius Park.

Deck out your holiday season in style and enjoy spectacular live entertainment, Olympic figure skaters, award-winning local performers and skating clubs.

The night will also feature amazing lighting attractions, horse-drawn carriage rides, holiday shopping, hot chocolate giveaways, food trucks, visits from Santa, and much more! An assortment of food and beverage will be available from food trucks, Downtown Detroit restaurants, bars, and more.

Grand Haven Light Night

Where: Downtown Grand Haven, MI
When: Friday, November 21, 2025 at 5 p.m.
The 2024 “Light Night” festivities are from on along the Grand Haven Main Street District providing the perfect backdrop of brilliant lights and holiday cheer to kick off the annual holiday shopping season.

Wyandotte Tree Lighting

Where: Downtown Wyandotte, MI, Sycamore and Biddle Avenue
When: Friday, November 21, 2025 at Dusk
The Wyandotte tree lighting is an annual holiday tradition in this city, alongside the Detroit River in southeast Michigan. So bring the family, sing carols and celebrate as the city’s Christmas tree glows.

Lansing Silver Bells In the City Parade and Tree Lighting

Where: Downtown Lansing, MI near the Capitol Building
When: Friday, November 21, 2025 at 5 p.m.
The capital city will glow with thousands of lights bringing together family and friends from across Michigan and beyond to kick off the holiday season.

Silver Bells in the City attracts more than 65,000 people to Lansing each year and takes place annually on the Friday before Thanksgiving. Over the years, the event has grown to include ice sculptures, carriage rides, and local venues open to the public free of charge.

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

Where: Downtown Traverse City, E Front St., Traverse City, MI 49684
When: Saturday, November 22, 2025 at 6 p.m.
The festivities begin in downtown Traverse City with holiday music from the Central High School Choral-Aires followed by the tree lighting and light parade. Santa Claus is also set to make an appearance.

Annual Christmas Tree Lighting in Hudsonville

Where: Downtown Hudsonville, MI
When: Saturday, November 20, 2025, immediately following the parade in downtown Hudsonville
Enjoy free kids activities, photos with Santa, complimentary snacks and beverages (while supplies last), horse and carriage rides throughout Hudsonville’s Downtown and more at the Annual Tree Lighting!

Alpena Christmas Tree Lighting

Where: Culligan Plaza, Alpena, MI 49707
When: Friday, November 28 at 5:30 p.m.
The holiday season kicks off each year with the annual holiday parade through Downtown Alpena, followed by the tree lighting ceremony and arrival of Santa in Culligan Plaza.

Kalamazoo Tree Lighting Ceremony

Where: Bronson Park, 200 S Rose St., Kalamazoo, MI 49007
When: Friday, November 28, 2024 at 5 p.m.
Kalamazoo locals can ring in the holiday season with the city’s annual tree lighting ceremony at Bronson Park at 6 p.m. Other festivities at the park include music and dance performances, a Grinch tent, sElfie station, live painting, crafts and visits with Santa, Mrs. Claus and reindeer from GG Reindeer Farm. Hot chocolate will also be available to enjoy.

Mason Holiday Lighted Parade and Tree Lighting

Where: Downtown Mason, 315 S. Jefferson, Mason, MI 48854
When: Friday, November 28, 2025 at 6 p.m.
Head to Mason for the tree lighting ceremony where the Citizen of the Year will give the command to light the tree. The holiday parade with its lights all aglow will arrive downtown shortly after the tree lighting.

Port Austin Christmas Tree Lighting

Where: Port Austin, MI 48467
When: Friday, November 28, 2025 at 6:30 p.m.
Head to the tip of Michigan’s thumb for the Port Austin Annual Christmas tree lighting. If you get there early, you can enjoy the parade, too. There’s a lot to do around this fun town.

Saugatuck Annual Community Tree Lighting Ceremony

Where: Wicks Park, Water Street Saugatuck, MI 49453
When: Friday, November 28, 2028 at 5 p.m.
Prior to the tree lighting, Santa and his reindeer will be available for photos starting at 3 p.m. Bring your camera and Christmas list! Following pictures, head over to Wicks Park Gazebo on Water Street for a countdown to the annual tree lighting ceremony with Santa and the Mayor of Saugatuck. The lighting of the holiday tree will be in unison with the Star on Mt. Baldhead. Be sure to visit local shops and restaurants while you’re there.

South Haven Holiday in the Park Tree Lighting

Where: Dyckman Park, 546 Phoenix St., South Haven, MI 49090
When: Friday, November 28, 2028 ; 5:30 p.m.
Kick-off the holiday season with the community of South Haven at Holiday in the Park. Activities include a Santa Paws Pet Parade, pictures with Santa, Mrs. Claus and their elves, ice skating, campfires and smores, hot chocolate and coffee, dessert truck and luminaries. There will also be a grand reveal of the new holiday lighting in the downtown – all with holiday music playing in the background.

Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting Celebration in Charlevoix

Where: Odmark Performance Pavilion, 400 Bridge St., Charlevoix, MI 49720
When: Friday, November 28, 2025 at 3 p.m.
Join friends, family and the Charlevoix community at the annual Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting. The event starts with a parade and ends with a festive tree lighting. It’s not called “Charlevoix the Beautiful” for nothing: learn all about this charming Michigan vacation destination here.

Ludington Aglow on the Avenue Holiday Parade & Tree Lighting

Where: Legacy Plaza, 112 N. James St., Ludington, MI 49431
When: Saturday, November 29, 2025 at 6 p.m.
Catch the holiday lights parade on Ludington Avenue from Gaylord Avenue to Harrison Street, before heading to the Legacy Plaza for the tree lighting. The event is in collaboration Small Business Saturday.

Harbor Springs Annual Christmas Tree Lighting

Where: Downtown Harbor Springs, MI
When: Saturday, November 29, 2025 at 6 p.m
Celebrate 109 years of a magical tradition in downtown Harbor Springs at the Christmas tree lighting. Gather with your friends and neighbors to sing carols, enjoy the lighting of the tree on Main Street and celebrate the winners of the annual window decorating contest.

Holiday Tree Lighting in Madison Heights

Where: Civic Center Plaza, 300 W. 13 Mile Road, Madison Heights 48071
When: Monday, November 24, 2025
Join in the excitement as Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive to turn on the city of Madison Heights’ holiday lights. Visitors can enjoy cookies and hot chocolate while listening to festive music. After the tree lighting program is over, participants can get their photos taken with Santa inside the Breckenridge Room of the Library.

Michgan Tree Lightings in December

Kentwood Holiday Light Parade and Tree Lighting Ceremony

Where: Grand Rapids Public Library – Kentwood Branch, 4950 Breton Rd., Kentwood MI 49508
When: Thursday, December 4, 2025 at 6 p.m.
Join in caroling and other festive activities during the annual Kentwood tree lighting ceremony including carriage rides, kids crafts, holiday music and a visit from Santa.

Wixom Tree Lighting Festival

Where: Wixom Community Center, 49015 Pontiac Trail, Wixom, MI 48393
When: Friday, December 5, 2025 at 5 p.m.

Auburn Hills Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony

Where: Downtown Auburn Hills
When: Friday, December 5, 2025 at 6 p.m.
After the tree lighting ceremony there will be a Children’s Choir performance at 6:30 followed by other holiday festivities, including photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, caroling, train rides, coffee, hot chocolate, s’mores, cookies and much more.

Macomb Holiday Lighting & Outdoor After Glow

Where: Macomb Township Recreation Area, 20699 Macomb St., Macomb, MI 48042
When: Saturday, December 5, 2025 at 6:30 p.m.
The event begins outside with caroling, the arrival of Santa and the holiday tree lighting display. Then, head inside the recreation center for a warm festive celebration including: refreshments, crafts, music, live reindeer, photos with Santa and giveaways!.

19th Annual Holidays in Lakeside Muskegon Tree Lighting

Where: Lakeside District, Muskegon
When: December 6, 2025
Enjoy a fun foray into the Holidays in the Lakeside District. Shop, send a letter to Santa, enjoy our tree lighting, go for a carriage ride and experience all that our historic and eclectic area has to offer with an abundance of Holiday Cheer!

Tawas Annual Tree Lighting Celebration

Where: Downtown Tawas, MI
When: December 4 at 5 p.m.
Gather at the old Look parking lot in downtown East Tawas to light the tree, sing Christmas carols, enjoy cookies, hot chocolate and a parade! Spend some exploring the beautiful Tawas area while you’re in town and head over to Tawas Point State Park for some stunning scenery.

50th Annual City of Marquette Tree Lighting

Where: Third Street and Marquette Commons, Marquette, MI
When: Thursday, December 5, 2025 at 6 p.m.
Usher in the holiday season along the shores of Lake Superior at the annual Winter Snow Fun holiday parade and annual City of Marquette tree lighting. The parade, prior to the lighting of the tree, features carolers, bands, illuminated floats and decorated trucks, including a cement mixer.

Where is your favorite Christmas tree lighting? Drop us a line and let us know!