The Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP) invites everyone to gather at Campus Martius Park on Friday, Nov. 22, for the 21st annual Detroit Tree Lighting presented by DTE Energy Foundation, a beloved tradition that officially ushers in the holiday season. From 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., the park will come alive with festive activities, more than one million sparkling lights, and a star-studded lineup of performances on ice and stage.
You’re invited to enjoy the live show from the MGM Grand Detroit Main Stage or throughout the area with big screens stationed in Campus Martius Park and Cadillac Square. The highlight of the evening will be the arrival of Santa as he lights the 66-foot Michigan-grown Norway spruce gracing the center of Detroit’s gathering place. Detroit’s Christmas Tree will be decked out with ornaments and illuminated by more than 25,000 shimmering LED multi-colored lights. This year’s tree comes from Manton, a small town in Wexford County located about 15 miles north of Cadillac in Northern Michigan.
The signature event will be marked by a stellar lineup of live entertainment, featuring nationally and locally renowned figure skating performers and entertainers. Taking center stage at the MGM Grand Detroit Main Stage are three powerhouse acts: Alex Sampson, Southern Avenue and Thornetta Davis. Sensations Elladj Baldé and Linzy Fitzapatrick & Keyton Bearinger will be performing on The Rink at Campus Martius Park presented by Visit Detroit.
Other performances of note include The Next Generation Funk Brothers, Motown’s iconic session musicians, who have played on more hits than any other group, defining the Motown sound. The Pointe Singers, a top ensemble from Grosse Pointe South High School, which showcases talented 10th to 12th graders, will also be performing. Additionally, in partnership with 313Presents, The Grinch from Dr. Suess’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical will make an appearance.
Additionally, skaters from several metro Detroit clubs will hit the ice to showcase their skills, including those from Arctic Figure Skating Club, Dream Detroit Skating Academy, Figure Skating in Detroit, Livonia Figure Skating, Motown Ice Theater, New Edge Figure Skating Club and St. Clair Shores Figure Skating Club.
WXYZ-TV Channel 7 will once again serve as the official broadcast partner of the annual Detroit Tree Lighting ceremony, broadcasting complete coverage during a one-hour live special, “Light Up the Season,” beginning at 7 p.m.
Those planning to attend the 21st annual Detroit Tree Lighting are encouraged to arrive early to experience amazing lighting attractions totaling more than a million lights across the Downtown, festive activities, holiday shopping and so much more, including:
Downtown Detroit Markets at Cadillac Square
The Downtown Detroit Markets welcomes residents and visitors to relish in the holiday experience by browsing and shopping locally made, one-of-a-kind gifts from a collection of curated Detroit vendors, each offering something unique beginning now and continuing until Jan. 5, 2025.
Cadillac Lodge
The Cadillac Lodge returns, offering a cozy, family-friendly space right next to the Downtown Detroit Markets through Jan. 5, 2025. The Lodge will serve an assortment of festive foods and beverages for everyone to enjoy. In the comfort and style of a ski lodge setting, the Lodge offers a warm and welcoming place to grab a snack, sit and sip cocktails and hot cocoa and create memories throughout the holiday season.
Food Trucks and Delicious Drink Options
Warm up with spiked holiday favorites and non-alcoholic drinks from beverage stations located within the event footprint! Hungry visitors will be able to grab-and-go from the following food trucks, offering a variety of cuisines: Fun Food Express, Cousins Maine Lobster, Los Dos Amigo Tacos, Sonny’s Hamburger, Big Bo’s Grill, Impasto, Junk Yard Pit Crew, Cinnamon Nuts & More, Poppin & Mixin’, and Andiamo.
Chick-fil-A will also be onsite with a giveaway of 4,000 sandwiches, while supplies last, between 5:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Dining Options Downtown
Downtown Detroit is home to an impressive number of award-winning dining options, from casual to fine dining and everything in between, including the award-winning Parc at Campus Martius Park and Lumen at Beacon Park. The Detroit Tree Lighting is one of the busiest nights of the season, so attendees are encouraged to make reservations early and support local restaurants.
Winter Sponsor-land With Light Up Fun
“Winter Sponsor-land” will feature some of your favorite businesses with giveaways, photo opportunities, swag, and other special surprises. New this year, Gloworks will be onsite, selling their fantastic light-up novelty items to help illuminate downtown Detroit for the evening! Attendees are encouraged to check out their offerings and add a little sparkle to your night.
Photo Ops
In addition to taking photos with Santa, Detroit Tree Lighting attendees may also spot Detroit Lions’ mascot Roary and Detroit Pistons’ mascot Hooper, who will be roaming about.