Michigan’s 16 Best Drive Through Christmas Lights for 2023

See Magical Christmas Lights from Your Car

If you find yourself in need of a megadose of Christmas Cheer or lights in your city are non-existent, you might want to venture further afield and explore the 10 best drive thru Christmas lights displays in Michigan.

They’re sprinkled across the state, so wherever you live, you can find one within driving distance.

You can motor through campgrounds, stadiums, and woods filled with millions of lights while staying warm and snug in your vehicle.

We found Christmas light displays in the Grand Rapids area, Detroit metro, mid-Michigan, and Northern Michigan, to name a few places.

(Feature image – Magic of Lights at Pine Knob)

Drive Through Lights

Map of Drive Through Christmas Lights in Michigan

Find Drive Through Christmas Lights Near Me

Drive Through Christmas Lights in Michigan for 2023, Listed

Here’s where you can find the Michigan drive thru Christmas Light Displays:

The Big, Bright Light Show! - Christmas Lights Display
Drive Through Christmas Lights in Rochester, MI
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The Big, Bright Light Show!
Location:
Downtown, Rochester, MI 48306
Last updated in 2023
You can drive through the downtown lights or you can get out and walk.

You are invited to brighten your holidays in Downtown Rochester with The Big, Bright Light Show!
The buildings in downtown Rochester will be covered with more than 1 million points of glimmering holiday light.
Ticket Pricing:
Free!
Open Hours:
The display will be lit every evening (5 pm - Midnight) from November 20 - January 21, 2024.

Most stores are open Monday - Saturday, until 9 pm.

Crane Orchards Light Show - Christmas Lights Display
Drive Through Christmas Lights in Fennville, MI
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Crane Orchards Light Show
Location:
6054 124th Ave, Fennville, MI 49408
Last updated in 2023
Join us this winter as we open our orchard for a magical holiday drive-through light show.

With a mile of lit winter wonderland decorated with thousands of lights and hundreds of hand-crafted props, experience the orchard like never before and enjoy holiday magic from the comfort of your car.
Ticket Pricing:
Vehicles 8 passenger capacity and under: $20

Vehicles 9 capacity or more: $25

Cash or card accepted at time of entrance. Checks are not accepted.
Open Hours:
November 29 - December 31, 2023

Sun, Wed, Thurs: 6 - 9 PM
Fri & Sat: 6 - 10 PM

*** Please always call or visit our Facebook page the day you plan to visit to confirm hours.***

River Lights of Wonder - Christmas Lights Display
Drive Through Christmas Lights in Three Rivers, MI
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River Lights of Wonder
Location:
207 East Michigan Ave, Three Rivers, MI 49093
Last updated in 2023
River Lights of Wonder illuminates the hearts and minds of the community with a dazzling display of lights and creativity. Founded in 2018, River Lights of Wonder has become a beloved tradition.

River Lights of Wonder is a fun and free event for the entire family. Drive through the light show next to the river and see the story of Christmas as you enjoy some hot chocolate.

Friday night activities include lights, lollipop train, hayride and fire pit.

Additional activities on Saturdays include an indoor movie, children's activities and character photos.
Ticket Pricing:
Free
Open Hours:
December 1 - 23, 2023
Plus Christmas Eve
Friday and Saturday nights

5:45 PM - 8 PM

Marquette Ore Dock Laser Light Show - Christmas Lights Display
Drive Through Christmas Lights in Marquette, MI
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Marquette Ore Dock Laser Light Show
Location:
321 S Lakeshore Blvd, Marquette, MI 49855
Last updated in 2023
Local history and modern technology merge with a laser light show on the iconic Lower Harbor Ore Dock.

Each week will feature different fun and festive displays from holiday, winter, and Marquette themes to crazy, colorful, and abstract.
Ticket Pricing:
Free
Open Hours:
November 23 - December 30, 2023
Plus December 31
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, 6 PM - 9 PM

Lights Gone Wild at Traverse City State Park - Christmas Lights Display
Drive Through Christmas Lights in Traverse City, MI
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Lights Gone Wild at Traverse City State Park
Location:
1132 US-31, Traverse City, MI 49686
Last updated in 2023
Enjoy a 1/2 mile drive thru Traverse City State Park paying tribute to the Clinch Park Zoo. It's been 17 years, come see them in a whole new light!

Price is per vehicle.

Oversized vehicles are not permitted.

Michigan Recreation Passport required for entry.
Ticket Pricing:
$10 per vehicle, Nov 15 - Nov 30
$15 per vehicle, Dec 1 - 31

Plus online fees
Open Hours:
Nov. 15 - Nov 30, 2023
Wednesday - Sundays
5 PM - 10 PM

December 1 - 31, 2023
Daily
Closed Dec 25
5 PM - 11 PM

Winter Wonderland at Gilmore Car Museum - Christmas Lights Display
Drive Through Christmas Lights in Hickory Corners, MI
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Winter Wonderland at Gilmore Car Museum
Location:
6865 W Hickory Rd, Hickory Corners, MI 49060
Last updated in 2023
Winter Wonderland: A Holiday Lights Spectacular is back for its 3rd year with a drive-through and walk-through nighttime holiday lights experience across the spacious 90-acre Gilmore Car Museum campus.

Enjoy a driving tour through the lighted grounds, surrounded by festive music and decorations, then visit the inside of the museum to meet Santa Claus and explore the Gilmore’s Festival of Trees as you walk through galleries filled with hundreds of classic cars.

Plus:
-Classic cars from the museum’s collection dramatically displayed inside Gilmore Snow Globes
-Dashing Through the Snow family rides in Ford Model Ts, a Checker Taxi Cab, a ’63 Cadillac convertible, and several other vintage cars from the collection
-A giant, one of a kind inflatable maze
-A stop inside Santa’s Garage, the big man’s hot rod workshop, located inside our 1930s Shell Station
-Gourmet hot chocolate, adult drinks, holiday-themed food & sweets, and holiday gift shopping
Ticket Pricing:
At Door: Adult (18+) - $20
Youth (age 5 - 17) - $12 / Child (age 4 and under) - FREE

Online: Adult (18+) - $17.50
Youth (age 5 17) - $9.50 / Child (age 4 and under) - FREE
Open Hours:
Fri Nov 24, 2023 - Dec 30, 2023
Open Thursday through Sunday, 5 PM - PM.

Also open Dec 18 - 20, 2023 (Mon - Wed)

** CLOSED on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Christmas in the Park at Jellystone - Christmas Lights Display
Drive Through Christmas Lights in South Haven, MI
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Christmas in the Park at Jellystone
Location:
03403 64th Street, South Haven, MI 49090
Last updated in 2023
Christmas in the Park is a lighted celebration at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort that will surely put you in the Christmas Spirit!

The drive through light show features over 60,000 lights along a 1/2 mile drive throughout Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park Camp-Resort.

PLUS enjoy fun festive activities afterwards!

Stop by Mrs. Claus Bake Shoppe to get sweet treats including donuts, sundaes, fudge and more. Of course, Santa is there, too.

Find the perfect gift at Santa's Toy Shoppe.
Ticket Pricing:
$20 / car up to 8 people

Additional activities and food additional cost
Open Hours:
Dec 1 - Dec 23, 2023

Fri - Sun: 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Lansing Holiday Light Show - Christmas Lights Display
Drive Through Christmas Lights in Lansing, MI
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Lansing Holiday Light Show
Location:
5339 Aurelius Rd, Lansing, MI 48911
Last updated in 2023
The Lansing Holiday Light Show™ at Cottonwood Campground kicks off its second season as the only drive-through light show in Lansing, Michigan!

It features dozens of dazzling, larger-than-life holiday themed displays to delight the entire family.

Visitors are welcomed to bundle up in their car, pack a favorite snack or beverage and tune their radio to enjoy the synced light performance as they travel the .5 mile route.

The show is open evenings beginning at 5pm sharp, select dates November 17 - December 31, 2023. Tickets can be purchased online through the "buy tickets" button on our website or at the door on select days! All tickets are valid for a single admission, valid only on the date listed on your ticket. Don't miss out on this great opportunity and Buy Tickets Now!
Ticket Pricing:
2023 Pricing TBA

2022 Pricing:
$25 / carload - allows you to attend one time, on any day without needing to pick a day or time in advance

$62.50 / carload season ticket - allows you to attend multiple times, on any day without needing to pick a day or time in advance

Tickets purchased for Fridays or Saturdays must be purchased in advance. There are NO gate sales on either night. Tickets for any other day of the week can be purchased at the gate.
Open Hours:
Thursday - Sundays, November 17 - December 17, 2023
December 18 - December 31, 2023 (closed Dec 24)

Show begins at 5 PM all evenings. Check website for end time.

Christmas Lite Show at LMCU Ballpark - Christmas Lights Display
Drive Through Christmas Lights in Comstock Park, MI
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Christmas Lite Show at LMCU Ballpark
Location:
4500 W River Dr NE, Comstock Park, MI 49321
Last updated in 2023
West Michigan's largest Christmas Lite Show at LMCU Ballpark, Comstock Park (near Grand Rapids.)

Enjoy nearly two miles of Christmas magic with over a million lights, animated displays, lighted tunnels, and more, without leaving the comfort and warmth of your car.

Visit Santa's House Fridays - Sundays and Dec 20 - 23. Free to see Santa.
It's $12 to take photos with your own device. (Due to limited space, they will not be photographing and printing photos as in the past.)

You can ride the Memory Lane train for an extra fee. They also have a Winter Wonder Walk in November.
Ticket Pricing:
Admission is charged per vehicle.
Tickets start at $30
Open Hours:
Nov. 22, 2023 – Dec. 31, 2023
Sunday-Thursday // 5:30 - 9:00 P.M.
Friday-Saturday // 5:30 - 10:00 P.M.

Magic of Lights at Pine Knob - Christmas Lights Display
Drive Through Christmas Lights in Clarkston, MI
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Magic of Lights at Pine Knob
Location:
33 Bob Seger Drive, Clarkston, MI 48348
Last updated in 2023
A 200-foot light tunnel and over 40 Scenes of holiday lights displays will be featured during Magic of Lights™, the unique and thrilling family-friendly drive-through holiday lights festival spread over a 1-2 Mile course.

Magic of Lights™ features a variety of festive scenes celebrating our grandest holiday.

Magic of Lights™ guests will slowly guide their vehicles through the winding 1-2 Mile course to view sparkling LED displays depicting the favorite characters of the season, including animated snowmen, elves, poinsettias, candy canes, and more!
Ticket Pricing:
$20 standard vehicle ($25 at the gate) Mon - Thurs
$25 standard vehicle ($30 at the gate) Fri - Sun
$40 limo / party bus (no tickets at the gate Mon - Thurs
$50 limo / party bus (no tickets at the gate) Fri - Sun
Open Hours:
Nov. 17 - Dec. 31, 2023
5:30 PM -10 PM

Thanksgiving: 5:30pm – 9:00pm
Christmas Eve: 5:30pm – 9:00pm
Christmas Day: 5:30pm – 9:00pm

The Marshall Merry Mile at the Calhoun County Fairgrounds - Christmas Lights Display
Drive Through Christmas Lights in Marshall, MI
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The Marshall Merry Mile at the Calhoun County Fairgrounds
Location:
720 Fair St, Marshall, MI 49068
Last updated in 2023
The Calhoun County Fairgrounds are lit up for the holiday season.

Marshall’s Merry Mile is a spectacular light display that is an annual tradition for many.

Bring the whole family to enjoy the drive thru Christmas lights this year.
Ticket Pricing:
$10 per car/truck/van
$20 per bus (larger groups w/15+ people)
Purchase at the Fair Office
Open Hours:
Merry Mile Drive Thru Christmas Lights are open:
November 30 - December 30, 2023
Thursdays - Sundays
6:00 - 9:00 pm

Christmas at Crossroads Holiday Magic 2023 - Christmas Lights Display
Drive Through Christmas Lights in Flint, MI
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Christmas at Crossroads Holiday Magic 2023
Location:
N Bray Rd, Flint, MI 48505
Last updated in 2023
Make memories to last all year when the spirit of the season fills the streets and shops of Crossroads Village, with thousands of lights sparkling and Santa waiting to say hello.

Join friends and family for an evening ride on the Huckleberry Railroad and watch Village artisans make vintage crafts. You’re sure to find gifts for everyone on your list.

A family tradition for over 30 years!

Carry on your tradition with Christmas at Crossroads Holiday Magic or make new ones this year with Crossroads Village’s Holiday Magic Drive Thru.
Ticket Pricing:
$10 per car

Holiday Magic Tickets (not the drive thru lights) are sold separately and can be purchased for the village only or a train ride and village combo.
Open Hours:
Open for Christmas Lights Drive Through Only nights: December 4, 11, 18 & 24
Hours for Drive Through Only nights: 5:00pm-9:00pm

Village & Train Rides
November 24-26
December 1-3, 8-10, 15-17, 20-23, 28-30
Hours: 4:00pm-9:00pm

Christmas Dinner Buffet – Seating Starts at 5:30 PM & 6:00 PM select weekdays and 5:00 PM & 5:30 PM select weekends. Reservations suggested. Walk-ins are accepted, based on availability.

Colors of Christmas Wonderland - Christmas Lights Display
Drive Through Christmas Lights in Newaygo, MI
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Colors of Christmas Wonderland
Location:
7683 S Croton Hardy Dr, Newaygo, MI 49337
Last updated in 2023
The Croton Township Campground will be open for you and your family to drive through or hike through "The Colors of Christmas" light displays.

A portion of all donations will be donated to Newaygo Country Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect. All remaining donations go to help maintain and grow the lights and displays.

The Colors of Christmas is non-profit and runs off donations and sponsorships from local businesses.
Ticket Pricing:
FREE to everyone - A $5 donation is suggested & appreciated
Open Hours:
November 24, 2023 - January 1, 2024 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM

Sparkle in the Park at Hopkins Park - Christmas Lights Display
Drive Through Christmas Lights in Bear Lake, MI
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Sparkle in the Park at Hopkins Park
Location:
Hopkins Dr, Bear Lake, MI 49614
Last updated in 2023
Sparkle in the Park features more than 80,000 lights set up in nearly 50 holiday displays from November 26 - December 31, 2022 (5:00pm-10:00pm).

The lighted displays include angels, Christmas trees, Santa and his reindeer, a salute to troops, snowmen, various animals and several Christmas scenes, all arranged in Bear Lake’s lakeside Hopkins Park, US 31 corridor, and village homes.

Sparkle in the Park is free.

Donation boxes are available near Toyland Bear Lake for those who wish to make a contribution which will help buy material for next year’s Sparkle in the Park.

Contact Pauline Jaquish at 231-342-7285 for additional information.
Ticket Pricing:
Admission is Free, donations are appreciated.
Open Hours:
Nov 25, 2023 - Jan 1st, 2024
(5:00pm-10:00pm)

Nite Lites at Michigan International Speedway - Christmas Lights Display
Drive Through Christmas Lights in Brooklyn, MI
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Nite Lites at Michigan International Speedway
Location:
12626 US-12, Brooklyn, MI 49230
Last updated in 2023
It's the largest Michigan Christmas Drive Thru Light Show!
There are many unique animated displays on the 5-mile-long trail.

Take a ride on The Night Lites Express. The open-air train ride through the light show runs nightly (rain or shine) and seats 4 people on a bench. $15.75 per seat, 4 people per bench

Also, they will host the 8th Annual Nite Lites Christmas 5K Fun Run/Walk on Saturday, November 11, 2023, with a 6:00PM 5K Fun Run and a 5K Walk at 6:30PM.
Ticket Pricing:
$35 per car/vehicle
$45 per limo/motorhome/mini bus
$100 per tour bus
Open Hours:
Nov 17, 2023 - Jan 7, 2024
Sun - Thurs | 5:30 - 9
Fri - Sat | 5:30 - 10

Wayne County Lightfest - Christmas Lights Display
Drive Through Christmas Lights in Westland, MI
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Wayne County Lightfest
Location:
7651 N. Merriman Road, Westland, MI 48185
Last updated in 2023
The Wayne County Lightfest is a magical four-mile drive thru Christmas lights show in Hines Park, displaying nearly 50 animated, themed displays and more than 100,000 lights.

This year, Wayne County will offer radio alerts to update visitors with important show information. By tuning into AM 1640 within three to five miles of the Lightfest entrance, visitors can receive regular updates on wait times, traffic flow, special event and event costs.

Once inside, visitors can make a stop at Perrin Park, mid-way through the show, to drop off a letter to Santa in the giant mailbox.

On Opening Night (November 16), the Lightfest will be opening early and there will be free admission from 6:00PM - 6:30 PM during the "Lights On" ceremony.

Hines Drive will be closed to traffic for Lightfest set-up from Ann Arbor Trail to Outer Drive from 5:00 PM - 11:30 PM.
Ticket Pricing:
Cars $5 cash
Commercial van/RV/limo $20 cash
Mini-Bus (20 passenger) $25 cash
Bus (40 passenger +) $50 cash

Pre-paid tickets can be purchased with cash, check or Visa/Mastercard or over the phone with a credit card by calling (734) 261-1990 and tickets will be mailed to you. Please note that tickets purchased in person at the Lightfest are the same price, but must be paid by CASH only.
Open Hours:
November 16, 2023 - December 24, 2023
Wednesdays - Sundays, 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Closed Mondays and Tuesdays

Bicentennial Park Wagon Ride Drive Thru Lights Display - Christmas Lights Display
Drive Through Christmas Lights in Grand Blanc, MI
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Bicentennial Park Wagon Ride Drive Thru Lights Display
Location:
1505 E Grand Blanc Road, Grand Blanc, MI 48439
Last updated in 2022
Enjoy Holiday Wagon Rides around Bicentennial Park with a stop at Santa's Workshop to meet Santa & his Elves!

The wagon rides travel around the lit park path with a short stop at Santa's Workshop.

They'll also have a holiday tree lighting with fireworks on FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2, 2022

and you can walk through the Christmas lights on December 16, 2022.
Ticket Pricing:
$15 Residents
$18 non-residents

Advanced tickets required
Open Hours:
Holiday Wagon Rides thru the lights happen on Dec 9th & 10th, 2022.

Tips for Visiting Drive Through Light Displays

Check Dates & Times

The light shows on this list have set dates and times that they are open. Sync up your calendar to be sure you show up at the right time and place.

Check for Tickets

Some of the light shows require advance tickets. Many of the shows charge admission by the carload, while others request a donation.

Stock Up Your Car

You’ll want Christmas music, holiday snacks, and hot cocoa, plus PJs for the kids, and warm cozy blankets. Also, be sure you have a full tank of gas.

Have a Restroom Strategy

You’ll likely be in the car for a while. And, you might be drinking hot cocoa or hot apple cider. Plan accordingly.

Extend Your Trip

The reality is, not everyone lives within a reasonable driving distance of one of these Drive thru Christmas light shows. Consider renting a cabin near your destination and making it an overnight trip.

Regional Christmas Lights Around Michigan

About The Author

4 thoughts on “Michigan’s 16 Best Drive Through Christmas Lights for 2023”

  1. I love driving around to see the lights.
    So happy you put this out there.
    More places for me to check out.
    A few I have gone to. I miss Domino Farms.
    Pt. Huron, Michigan also has a beautiful display by the water, near the YMCA

  2. Thank you for this page and taking the time to put it together! It is MUCH APPRECIATED! Merry Christmas!🎄 🎁🎅🏻

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