UPDATED 2023 BEST Christmas Lights in Michigan NEW (Interactive MAP)

Best Christmas Light Shows in Michigan

During the holiday season, nothing does a better job of getting us in the Christmas spirit than a magnificent display of glimmering holiday lights: it’s simply the magic of light.

Whether you’re looking for a walkable outdoor experience immersed in glimmering decorations or drive-thru Christmas light display to view sparkling displays of light from the comfort of your car, there is a holiday light display in Michigan that will be sure to delight you!

If you’re looking for a “Christmas light show near me” or Christmas lights near me, in Michigan, use the interactive map the best Christmas lights in Michigan below!

2022 Map of Michigan Light Displays

Best Christmas Light Displays in the Upper Peninsula

Holiday Lasers on the Ore Dock in Marquette NEW!
Where: Marquette Ore Dock, Marquette, Michigan

A holiday light show on the shores of Lake Superior? Sign me up!

New to Marquette last year is a unique and amazing holiday light diplay that you won’t want to miss. Holiday Lasers on the Ore Dock begins on Thanksgiving evening. November 24, and runs through December 31 every Thursday-Saturday from 6 -9 pm.

Sponsored by Travel Marquette, this cool light show uses the historic Ore Docks a backdrop. Each week will feature different fun and festive displays from holiday, winter, and Marquette themes to crazy, colorful, and abstract. This is a family-friendly, don’t miss holiday event in the U.P., and a great opportinity to explore the beauty of Marquette in the winter.

Light Up the Soo-Cancelled for 2022
Where: Downtown Sault Ste. Marie

Every year, the town of Sault Ste. Marie is decked out in festive lights and a trip to the top of the Tower of History provides the best views. From the always magnificent Soo Locks, to the warm glow radiating from the town below, there is no sight quite like it.

PLEASE NOTE: While the “Light up the Soo” event will not take place in 2022, the Soo “Parade of Lights,” a 90-minute Christmas parade through downtown Sault Ste. Marie is scheduled for Friday, Noveber 25, 2022 at 7 p.m.

The Carters’ Christmas Lights Marquette
Where: 1313 N Vandenboom Ave, Marquette MI 49885

In Marquette, the Carters’ Christmas Lights have been drawing people to their home for years to walk through their wonderland of lights. The house and the surrounding heavily wooded area are completely filled with lights and decorations, making this site a uniquely outdoorsy choice.

Rapid River Lights in the Park
Where: Masonville Township Park, Cole St, Rapid River, MI 49878

Hurry to Masonville, just north of Escanaba along US- 2 in the western Upper Peninsula to see a spectacular ligth show in the township. Open the second and third Sunday of December (December 22 &18) from 5 – 8 pm, this cheery light display is free to the public. It’s also a food drive, so you can bring non-perishables along to donate, and enjoy some cider and donuts while you take in the beautfully lit park.

Best Christmas Light Displays in Northern Michigan

Bear Lake’s Sparkle in the Park
Where: 7727 Hopkins Dr, Bear Lake, MI 49614

Bear Lake’s light show, Sparkle in the Park, is one of the best light shows available in the Northern Lower Peninsula. Located in Hopkin’s Park, visitors are greeted by a massive tree sparkling with lights which acts as a beacon for sightseers, drawing them in to see the show. Bear Lake welcomes guests to drive through and view the massive display of over 80,000 lights across almost 50 displays evenings between 5 and 10 p.m.

Boss Family Christmas Display
Where: 9336 Pearl St, Charlevoix, MI 49720

The Boss Family Christmas Display is somewhat of a legend in northern Michigan, and the more than 25,000 annual visitors agree. This unique Christmas display tradition that has been open to the public since 1978; 2022 marks the family’s 44th amazing holiday lights display.

Walk through this amazing display that includes Snow White’s cottage, a lighted ice rink, a Nativity scene, Christmas trees and more. If you’re looking for a holiday road trip, you might consider a visit to Charlevoix or nearby Petoskey to catch a glimpse of these amazing holiday lights.

Enchanted Trail at Boyne Highlands
Where: 600 Highland Rd, Harbor Springs, MI 49740

The Enchanted Trail is a magical and relaxing two-mile roundtrip walk starting at the Cross Country Center at The Highlands of Harbor Springs, culminating at a rustic yurt that will feature s’mores, a bonfire, and warm drinks. During your trail walk, you’ll experience the magical soft warm glow of lights leading you along a beautifully lit winter trail.

You’ll need tickets for this special event, and please note that this popuar event sells out.

Alpena Christmas Lights to Music
Where: West Washington Ave, Alpena, MI 49707

Residents of this Alpena Street decorate their homes in thousands of lights, with music synchronized on 102.3 FM. See an animated Santa, Snowman, Reindeer and 5 Light Bulbs that sing 32 Christmas songs, and 5 Light Bulbs that tell 22 short jokes for all ages.

More Northern Michigan Holiday Light Displays

Alpena Lights of Ferncliff
Where: Ferncliff Drive, Alpena, MI 49707

Look for flashing lights and a sign to tune your car radio in to 93.1 FM for another amazing Christmas Light Show in Northern Michigan.

Colors of Christmas Wonderland in Newaygo
Where: 7683 S. Croton Hardy Dr, Newaygo MI 49337

This Croton Township Campground is a wonderland full of lights and displays that you can drive through or hike through.

Christmas On Kimberly Lane
Where: 9061 Kimberly Lane, Traverse City, MI 49685

This residential Christmas lights display in Traverse City is synchronized to music: tune to 99.5 and watch the dancing lights illuminate the northern Michigan sky!

Herman Holiday’s on Murray Ct
Where: 10780 E Murray Ct Suttons Bay, MI 49682

You can actually get out and walk around this beautiful residential in Suttons Bay, and enjoy the gorgeous holiday lights display. Suttons Bay is an exceptioanlly cheery place during the holidays when the entire downtown area is decorated for Christmas!

Lights Spectacular at Treetops Resort – cancelled in 2022
Where: Treetops Resort, 3962 Wilkinson Rd, Gaylord, MI 49735

Join Santa and an Elf on Stilts as the Treetops Resort in Gaylord lights up the are with an amazing display of color. You’ll also find hot chocolate, S’mores, photos with Santa, Wagon Rides and more on November 27.

Best Christmas Light Displays in Mid-Michigan

Christmas at the Depot – Standish, MI
Where: 107 N Main St, Standish, MI 48658

The historic Standish Train Depot is pretty any time of the year, but when you see it covered in thoushands of twinkling Christmas lights, it next-level pretty. The local elves spend countless hours putting up lights and decorating every inch of the property, inside and out, to share with the hundreds of visitors each season.

Christmas at Crossroads Holiday Magic
Where: 6140 N Bray Rd, Flint, MI 48505

Crossroads Village comes alive under thousands of points of glimmering Christmas lights at the Holiday Magic Light Display. Make memories to last all year from the comfort of your own vehicle and see displays of your favorite holiday scenes as Christmas music fills the at Crossroads Village’s Holiday Magic Drive Thru.

Holiday Lights at Shawhaven Farm
Where: 1826 Rolfe Rd., Mason MI 48854

Enjoy a relaxing wagon ride through a light show set up on the farm and enjoy some delicious treats in the barn when you are through.

Potter Park Zoo Lights
Where: 1301 S. Pennsylvania Ave., Lansing, MI 48912

Thousands of lights create an extraordinary holiday display at the 27th annual Wonderland of Lights. Take a stroll around the zoo, enjoy holiday music, and take in the twinkling lights of the zoo.

Dow Gardens Christmas Walk
Where: 809 Eastman Ave, Midland, MI 48640

Stroll the gently-lit pathway each evening at this free family event on December 8–10 and 15–17, 2022 from 5–7:30 p.m.

Best Christmas Light Displays in West Michigan

Christmas Lite Show at LMCU Ball Park (formerly Fifth Third Ballpark)
Where: 4500 W River Dr NE, Comstock Park, MI 49321

Christmas Lite Show in Comstock Park’s LMCU Ballpark is a great drive-thru light show with over one million lights. You’ll find lighted tunnels, Santa’s House and dozens of animated displays across two miles. This is the biggest light display in west Michigan, and is the biggest and one of the best Christmas light shows in the Grand Rapids Michigan area.

Spring Lake Sparkle Festival
Where: Downtown Spring Lake MI

In West Michigan, Spring Lake’s holiday displays light up the downtown area with hundreds of twinkling lights and its winter wonderland of holiday lights, sights, and sounds. Over 120,000 multi-colored lights will light up the trees lining Savidge Street between Division and Buchanan, as well as the buildings along Savidge.

Make Muskegon Glow
Where: Downtown Muskegon

Thousands of holiday lights wrap this West Michigan town with a technicolor display of Christmas spirit along Western Avenue.

Best Christmas Light Displays in East Michigan

Sherman Woods Association Neighborhood Light Show
Where: Sherman Woods Neighborhood, Port Huron, MI 48060

This entire Port Huron neighborhood comes alive with the holiday spirit with thousands of giant, lit orbs.

Nicol’s Christmas Light Extravaganza
Where: 6250 Germania Rd, Cass City, MI 48726

More than 150,000 Christmas lights are on display at this amazing holiday light display set to music. It’s the 40 anniversary of this Michigan Christmas light show in the Thumb, which seems to get better every year.

Bicentennial Park Christmas Light Show in Grand Blanc – Cancelled for 2022

Best Holiday Lights Displays in Southwest Michigan

Light Up the Bluff
Where: 300 Lake Blvd, St Joseph, MI 49085

More than one million Christmas lights transform the beautiful St. Joseph bluff overlooking Lake Michigan into a winter wonderland through Valentine’s Day. The light show begins Fridaym December 3, 2022.

River Lights of Wonder
Where: 207 E Michigan Ave, Three Rivers, MI 49093

Experience the breath-taking scenery of Christmas lights reflecting off the St. Joseph River in southwest Michigan at the River of Wonder drive-through light display. As you drive through, be sure to listen to the moving story of the very first Christmas.

Walk Through the Lights at Gull Meadows Farms
Where: 8544 Gull Road, Richland, MI 49083

Enjoy the Christmas spirit as you explore Gull Meadows Farms in southwest Michigan. You’ll find thousands of beautiful holidays lights, warm and cozy tastes and smells, Christmas music, and family farm festivities.

Downtown Kalamazoo Holiday Lights
Where: Bronson Park and Downtown Kalamazoo, 200 South Rose Street, Kalamazoo

Walk though Candy Cane Lane under giant candy canes in Bronson Park and then head to outdoor Kalamazoo mall and take in the thousands of twinkling holiday lights.

Holiday House in Scotts
5777 Clovermeadows Ave, Scotts, MI 49088

Visit this home on a residential street in Scotts and be amazed at the pop-up Gingerbread men, Santa and other Christmas inflatables mingled among this massive display of Christmas lights.

Christmas in the Park at Yogi’s Jellystone Park in South Haven
Address: 03403 64th Street South Haven, Michigan 49090

The Christmas in the Park is a park-wide lighted celebration that will change any Scrooge’s mind into enjoying the spirit of the season! The drive through light show will feature over 60,000 lights festively displayed along a 1/2 mile drive throughout Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort.

See the magical lighted displays as Photo-Opportunities, these photo-opportunities are a really good way to capture your memories while you’re in Christmas in the Park. Visitors will be able to experience our NEW enchanting, animated figures and holiday scenes where the lights will come to life.

Find More Michigan Christmas Lights and Holiday Fun

Best Christmas Light Displays in Southeast Michigan

Aurora at Glenlore Trails
Where: 3860 Newton Road, Commerce Township, MI 48382

An immersive wintry experience for all ages. Kids and adults alike will love Michigan’s original illuminated forest this holiday season! You’ll follow a one-mile outdoor path with interactive, story moments, and other entertainment.

Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo
Where: 8450 W 10 Mile Rd, Royal Oak, MI 48067

Some of the best Christmas lights in Michigan can be found at the Detroit Zoo in Royal Oak. Each year, as the animals become less active, the zoo opens their Wild Lights show. The lights are arranged into massive artworks depicting many of the animals you would normally see at the zoo, combining the joy of the zoo and the pure bliss of the Christmas season.

Holiday Nights at Greenfield Village
Where: 20900 Oakwood Blvd, Dearborn, MI 48124

Dearborn’s Greenfield Village is one of Michigan’s top museums and its Christmas celebration lives up to its reputation, with Christmas trees decorated in a fabulous festival of lights. Lights are strung across the historic buildings in such a picturesque way that each sight could be on the front of a different Christmas card.

Wayne County Lightfest
Where: 7651 N Merriman Rd, Westland, MI 48185

The drive-thru style is a great way to experience a Christmas light show. Driving through a light show means you can cover more area, which means more lights! Wayne County Lightfest is the perfect example of this; after all it is the longest lightshow in Michigan!

Over four miles of Hines Drive is dedicated to upwards of 100,000 lights and nearly 50 animated displays ready to greet you around every winding curve in the road. Of all the Christmas light displays in Southeast Michigan, this one is hard to beat.

Magic of Lights at Pine Knob Music Theater (Formerly DTE Music Theater)
Where: 33 Bob Seger Dr, Village of Clarkston, MI 48348

This fabulous drive-thru Christmas light display is a metro Detroit MUST-Visit.

You’ll see more than a million LED lights in this dazzling drive-through light display featuring holiday-themed scenes and characters, including the all-new Prehistoric Christmas and Mega Tree displays.

Returning favorites include the drive-through Blizzard Tunnel, 12 Days of Christmas, Winter Wonderland and The Night Before Christmas. Experience Magic of Lights from the comfort of your own car as you wind through the sparkling pathway.

Big Bright Light Show Rochester
Where: Downtown Rochester MI

Downtown Rochester is home to the Big Bright Light Show, one of the prettiest Christmas displays in southeast Michigan. All the buildings in downtown Rochester will be covered from top to bottom with strings of Christmas lights.

Taking a stroll through the city and exploring the shops is an adventure all its own and a perfect opportunity to discover the perfect gift for someone in your life, all the while supporting local Michigan businesses. The variety of colors all around, the festive decorations in the store windows, and the lively downtown location make you feel like you’re in a holiday movie.

Bazillion Lights in Livonia
Where: 29718 Robert Drive, Livonia, MI, 48150

This amazing display of Christmas lights really is a home covered in a “bazillion” lights, and they’re all set to music. Take a ride to this Livonia home in southeast Michigan and be amazed at the dancing Christmas lights.

Best Christmas Light Displays in South Central Michigan

Nite Lites at the Michigan International Speedway
Where: 12626 US-12, Brooklyn, MI 49230

Nite Lites at the Michigan International Speedway is one of the prettiest light displays in Michigan. Nite Lites is another fantastic drive-thru Christmas light show option for those in South-Central Michigan. It is located at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn.

Because of this rural location, these light displays seem to shine a little brighter than those in the city and the contrast of bold colors against the pitch-black night is a beauty to behold.

Marshall Merry Mile at the Calhoun County Fairgrounds
Where: 720 Fair St., Marshall, MI 49068 United States

Marshall’s Merry Mile drive-thru Christmas parade, held at the historic fairgrounds in Calhoun County, is a holiday tradition for folks in the Marshall and Battle Creek area, and with good reason. The mile-long light display is a great place to get in the holiday spirit in south-central Michigan, so load your car with family and friends to enjoy the nite lights!

Michigan’s 36 Best Holiday Light Displays

Did we miss a Michigan holiday display? Use the comment section below to let us know! Additionally, if you’re looking for some ideas on how to decorate your own home with holiday lights, take notes as you visit these amazing spots.

Best Christmas Light Displays in Michigan F.A.Q.

More Michigan Holiday Fun

About the Author
Bella DiMascio is a Content Editor for mymichiganbeach.com. She grew up in the Detroit suburb of Westland and later attended Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo where she majored in Communication Studies and minored in English: Writing. Creative writing has been a hobby and interest of Bella’s since she was in elementary school and she is thrilled to be using her talents to highlight the Great Lakes State. Outside of writing, Bella enjoys getting outside with her two Australian Shepherds, playing video games, and binging shows on Netflix.

SHARE US~
We love spreading the word about the beauty of Michigan and the many Michigan activities throughout the year. Please use the buttons below to share this post with others.