Get ready to kick off the festive season in Detroit! The annual Detroit Tree Lighting, a beloved tradition produced by the Downtown Detroit Partnership and presented by the DTE Energy Foundation, is happening on Friday, Nov. 22nd at Campus Martius Park. This free event promises an evening packed with dazzling performances, holiday shopping, delicious food, and of course, the breathtaking lighting of a magnificent Michigan-grown Norway spruce. If you’re wondering, What Time Is It In Detroit right now to plan your trip, Detroit operates on Eastern Time (ET). Make sure to factor that in as you prepare for a magical night!
This year marks the 21st annual Detroit Tree Lighting, and it’s shaping up to be bigger and brighter than ever. The centerpiece of the celebration is a stunning 66-foot Norway spruce, adorned with thousands of shimmering LED lights and festive ornaments. Santa himself will lead the countdown to illuminate the tree, officially launching the holiday season in the Motor City. For those who can’t make it downtown, WXYZ-TV Channel 7 will broadcast the entire ceremony live during their one-hour special, “Light Up the Season,” starting at 7 pm ET. You can catch the broadcast on television, online, and through streaming devices.
Spectacular Performances on Stage and Ice
Prepare to be entertained by a stellar lineup of talent taking to both the stage and the ice rink. The MGM Detroit Main Stage will host three incredible musical acts:
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Alex Sampson: This Canadian vocalist and TikTok sensation will bring his dynamic energy and original songs to the Detroit stage. Known for hits like “Stay Here” and “Hopeless Romantic,” Alex’s performance is sure to captivate audiences of all ages.
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Southern Avenue: Get ready for a high-voltage performance from this Memphis-based band. Grammy-nominated for their contemporary blues sound, Southern Avenue blends blues, soul, and gospel into an unforgettable musical experience rooted in Memphis’ rich musical heritage.
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Thornetta Davis: Detroit’s very own “Queen of the Blues” will grace the stage with her powerful vocals and commanding presence. A multiple Detroit Music Award winner and Blues Music Award nominee, Thornetta Davis embodies the soulful magic of Detroit music.
Adding to the musical festivities, The Next Generation Funk Brothers, carrying on the legacy of Motown’s iconic session musicians, will perform classic hits. The Pointe Singers from Grosse Pointe South High School will also lend their voices to the holiday carols. And in a special appearance courtesy of 313Presents, The Grinch himself from Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical will be spreading holiday cheer (or maybe a little mischief!).
The Rink at Campus Martius Park, presented by Visit Detroit, will showcase breathtaking ice skating performances. Headlining the ice will be Keegan Messing, a Canadian national champion and two-time Olympian, known for his artistry and skill on the ice.
Local skating stars Linzy Fitzpatrick and Keyton Bearinger, an internationally acclaimed figure skating duo, will also perform their innovative and electrifying routines.
Skaters from various metro Detroit clubs, including Arctic Figure Skating Club and Dream Detroit Skating Academy, will further showcase the region’s impressive skating talent.
Eat, Drink, and Be Merry in Downtown Detroit
Arrive early to soak in the festive atmosphere and explore the dazzling lighting attractions across downtown Detroit, featuring over a million lights!
Cadillac Lodge
The Cadillac Lodge is back, offering a warm and inviting space adjacent to the Downtown Detroit Markets until January 5, 2025. Enjoy festive food and beverages in a cozy ski lodge setting, perfect for snacks, drinks, and holiday memories.
Food Truck Extravaganza
New for 2024, beverage stations will offer spiked holiday drinks and non-alcoholic options. Food trucks will provide a diverse range of cuisines, supporting local Detroit businesses while you enjoy tasty treats on the go. Participating food trucks include Fun Food Express, Cousins Maine Lobster, and many more! Chick-fil-A will also be giving away 4,000 sandwiches between 5:30 p.m. and 9 p.m., while supplies last.
Downtown Dining Delights
Downtown Detroit boasts numerous award-winning restaurants, from casual eateries to fine dining experiences, including Parc at Campus Martius Park. Given the Detroit Tree Lighting is a popular event, making reservations in advance is highly recommended to support local restaurants.
Capture the Memories: Photo Opportunities
Beyond photos with Santa, keep an eye out for Detroit mascots like Roary from the Lions, Paws from the Tigers, and Hooper from the Pistons, who will be roaming the event and available for fun photo opportunities.
Winter Sponsor-land and Festive Lights
“Winter Sponsor-land” returns with giveaways and surprises from your favorite businesses. New this year, Gloworks will be selling light-up novelties to add extra sparkle to the evening.
Holiday Caroling
Carolers from Motor City Chorale and Grosse Pointe Theatre will fill the air with beloved holiday tunes at event entrances, enhancing the festive spirit throughout the night.
Plan Your Visit
Parking and Transportation
Campus Martius Park is easily accessible with various parking and transportation options, including DDOT, SMART Bus, QLINE, and MoGo. ParkWhiz is recommended for finding parking options.
Road Closure and Event Maps
Road closures will be in effect around Campus Martius Park for the event. Refer to the road closure map and event map provided to plan your route and navigate the event space effectively.
Prohibited Items and Guest Conduct
For safety and security, certain items are prohibited, including weapons, backpacks, outside food and beverages, and more. Please review the list of prohibited items and the guest code of conduct to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone. Minors aged 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent or responsible adult (21+) after curfew.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
The Detroit Tree Lighting is made possible thanks to the generous support of sponsors including DTE Foundation, Rocket Companies, Visit Detroit, 313 Presents, and many others. A full list of sponsors can be found on the event website.
Don’t miss out on the magic of the Detroit Tree Lighting! Bundle up, bring your holiday spirit, and join us for an unforgettable evening in the heart of Detroit. Remember, what time is it in Detroit is Eastern Time, so plan accordingly and get ready to celebrate the start of the holiday season!
