Nov 27, 2023 - Things to Do
Five holiday light displays to visit in Metro Detroit in 2023
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Wild Lights. Photo: Courtesy of the Detroit Zoo
When the weather turns freezing, many of us don't want to bundle up and go outside unless it's to take in glimmering lights paired with music and hot drinks.
- Here's your opportunity to do so this season with the region's most interesting holiday lights experiences, be they by car or on foot.
- We recommend pregaming with hot cocoa and cookies — preferably gingerbread, but you do you.
🚘 Drive-through tradition: Wayne County Lightfest
- When: Every Wednesday to Sunday until Dec. 24 from 6-10pm, with wait times longer on the weekends.
- Details: Drive through a 5-mile stretch of twinkling light displays with a holiday theme. The county says there are more than 100,000 lights involved.
- Price: $5 cash per car. Tickets can be purchased via credit card at (734) 261-1990.
- Where: Enter at 7651 N. Merriman Road.
🦘 Animals, but they're lights: Detroit Zoo Wild Lights
- When: Dec. 1-3, 8-10, 13-23 and 26-31, plus Jan. 2-7. Sunday and weekday hours are 5-9pm, Fridays and Saturdays are 5-10:30pm.
- Details: Explore the zoo while it's full of lit-up animal statues, plus follow an illuminated fairy down a trail.
- Price: General online admission is $17-25.
- Where: 8450 W. 10 Mile Road in Royal Oak
🏰 Lit-up historic home: Meadow Brook Hall
- When: Through Dec. 30
- Details: Winter Wonder Lights is a glowing outdoor stroll around the national historic landmark with drinks and bonfires.
- Price: $22.50 for adults. Book tickets online for a specific time and day.
- Where: 350 Estate Drive in Rochester
🦖 This one has dinosaurs: Magic of Lights
- When: 5:30-10pm daily through Dec. 30, but closes an hour early on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
- Details: The drive along the grounds of Pine Knob includes light tunnels, a "Holiday Barbie" display and Christmas dinosaurs.
- Price: Tickets start at $22.50 per car and are sold only online.
- Where: 33 Bob Seger Drive in Clarkston
🎅 Listen to carolers: Canterbury Village
- When: Dec. 1-3, 8-10, 15-17 and 21-23
- Details: Another historic landmark, Canterbury offers an outdoor walk with a choreographed light show, live performances and drinks.
- Price: Around $20 with fees, plus $6.60 for parking
- Where: 325 Joslyn Court in Lake Orion