See Magical Christmas Lights from Your Car
It’s easy to get a hearty dose of Christmas spirit right from your car – if you have some drive through Christmas lights near you.
But, if you find yourself in need of a megadose of Christmas Cheer or lights in your city are non-existent, you might just need to venture further afield and explore the 10 best drive thru Christmas lights displays in Michigan.
They’re sprinkled across the state, so you’ll need to put in a few hundred miles to see them all.
Seriously, though, these drive through Christmas lights are the perfect way to spend a cozy evening with your family. You can motor through campgrounds, stadiums, and woods filled with millions of lights while staying warm, dry, 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.
New this year: A drive through Christmas Lights experience at the Gilmore Car Museum just northeast of Kalamazoo in Hickory Corners, MI.
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, others request a donation.
Stock Up Your Car. You’ll want Christmas music, holiday snacks and hot cocoa, plus PJ’s 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 Christmas light shows. Consider renting a cabin near your destination and making it an overnight trip.
Drive Through Christmas Lights in Michigan for 2021, Listed
Here’s where to find places in Michigan with drive thru Christmas Light Displays:
Drive Through Christmas Lights in Hickory Corners
6865 W Hickory Rd, Hickory Corners, MI 49060
Last updated in 2021
Christmas Light Show Details
Guests will drive their cars through the winding roadways within the museum’s picturesque campus, to be dazzled by more than 25 individual themed light displays, lighted historic barns, and decorated vintage-era car dealerships.
When the drive ends, the experience continues inside the museum – with the Gilmore’s Festival of Trees displayed among hundreds of spectacular classic cars, a special Christmas Through The Decades exhibit, a visit with Santa Claus, reindeer games for the kids, and available holiday food & beverage items. 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 ending in an LED reindeer feeding wall
-A stop inside Santa’s Garage, the big man’s hot rod workshop, located inside our 1930s Shell Station
- A nostalgic 1960s fresh Christmas tree and wreath lot, complete with a vintage Shasta camper trailer
-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
Drive Through Christmas Lights in Clarkston
33 Bob Seger Drive, Clarkston, MI 48348
Last updated in 2021
Christmas Light Show Details
1.5 mile drive thru Christmas lights in Metro Detroit for the 2020 holidays.
Magic of Lightsâ„¢ is a unique and dazzling drive-through holiday lights experience to celebrate the season. Pile everyone into the car and experience Magic of Lights from the safety and comfort of your own car as you wind through the sparkling path. At every turn, the magical route is overflowing with spectacular light displays that bring your favorite holiday themes and characters to life.
Nov. 19th - Jan. 1nd, 2022
Sunday - Thursday 5:30pm - 10 pm. Friday - Saturday 5:30pm - 11pm.
Ticket Pricing
Tickets start at $20 online, in advance.
Ticket prices are higher when purchased on the event date.
Drive Through Christmas Lights in Westland
7651 N. Merriman Road, Westland, MI 48185
Last updated in 2021
Christmas Light Show Details
The Lightfest's magical 4.5 mile drive through holiday light display is a tradition for families all over Metro Detroit. There are new displays this year along with 45 other animated themed displays.
The Lightfest will be open Wednesday - Sunday starting Thursday, November 18, 2021 through December 31, 2021 (closed December 25) from 6:00 PM - 10:00PM.
Due to overwhelming response to the Lightfest, wait times may be longer than normal on weekends
On Opening Night (November 18), 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 5:30 PM - 11:30 PM.
Ticket Pricing
Cars $5 cash
Drive Through Christmas Lights in Brooklyn
12626 US-12, Brooklyn, MI 49230
Last updated in 2021
Christmas Light Show Details
Nov. 25 thru Dec. 31, 2021
Largest Michigan Christmas Drive Thru Light Show with many unique animated displays on the 3-mile long trail.
Pricing: $25 per car/vehicle (Sunday thru Thursday)
$30 per car/vehicle (Friday & Saturday)
$45 per limo/motorhome/mini bus
$100 per tour bus
Time: 5:30 pm - 9 pm Sunday thru Thursday
5:30 pm - 10:00 pm Friday & Saturday
Also, they will host the 7th Annual Nite Lites Christmas 5K Fun Run/Walk on SATURDAY, November 20, 2021 with a 6:00PM 5K Fun Run and a 5K Walk at 6:30PM.
Ticket Pricing
Pricing: $25 per car/vehicle (Sunday thru Thursday)
$30 per car/vehicle (Friday & Saturday)
$45 per limo/motorhome/mini bus
$100 per tour bus
CASH AND CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED
We DO NOT accept "tap and go" cards or Apple Pay.
Drive Through Christmas Lights in Grand Blanc
1505 E Grand Blanc Road, Grand Blanc, MI 48439
Last updated in 2021
Christmas Light Show Details
There are several scam pages on Facebook promoting a fake event by this name. The event did happen in 2020.
The Bicentennial Park Drive Thru Lights Display event will not be happening in 2021, according to the township.
This year, they will bring back the Christmas Tree lighting event on Dec 3, 2021 instead.
Ticket Pricing
Drive Through Christmas Lights in Bear Lake
Hopkins Dr, Bear Lake, MI 49614
Last updated in 2021
Christmas Light Show Details
In its 17th year, Sparkle in the Park features more than 100,000 lights set up in nearly 50 holiday displays from November 27 - December 31, 2021 (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.
Drive Through Christmas Lights in Newaygo
7683 S Croton Hardy Dr, Newaygo, MI 49337
Last updated in 2021
Christmas Light Show Details
The Colors of Christmas is a drive-thru wonderland of lights and Christmas displays.
Every night from 6:00pm to 11:00pm starting day after Thanksgiving through January 1 - the Croton Township Campground will be open for you and your family to drive through or hike through "The Colors of Christmas" light displays.
NEW THIS YEAR - 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. All donations go towards maintaining the lights and adding more lights and displays.
Drive Through Christmas Lights in Flint
N Bray Rd, Flint, MI 48505
Last updated in 2021
Christmas Light Show Details
Open for Drive Through Only nights: December 6, 13, 20, 24 and 27
Hours for Drive Through Only nights: 5:00pm-9:00pm
Village & Train Rides
November 26-28
December 3-5, 10-12, 17-19, 21-23, 26 and 28-30
4:00pm-9:00pm
Christmas Dinner Buffet – Seating Starts at 5:30pm & 6:00pm select weekdays
and 5:00pm & 5:30pm select weekends. Reservations suggested. Walk-ins accepted, based on availability.
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
Drive Thru Christmas Lights Nights are just $10 per carload. Pay at the gate when you arrive. Cash or Credit accepted. No buses please. All ticket sales end at 8:30pm.
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.
Drive Through Christmas Lights in Marshall
720 Fair St, Marshall, MI 49068
Last updated in 2021
Christmas Light Show Details
The Merry Mile 2021 is back!! Bigger and better than ever! More lights, more to see and enjoy, and lots of ooohs and ahhhs at this Drive Thru Christmas Lights Display.
Merry Mile Tree Lighting
November 23 @ 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Merry Mile – Santa Saturdays
Merry Mile Drive Thru Christmas Lights
December 2021
Wednesdays - Sundays
5:30 - 9:30 pm
Ticket Pricing
$10 per car/truck/van; $20 per bus (larger groups w/15+ people)
Purchase at the Fair Office
Drive Through Christmas Lights in Rochester
Downtown, Rochester, MI 48306
Last updated in 2021
Christmas Light Show Details
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.
The display will be lit every evening (5 pm - Midnight) November 22, 2021 through January 3, 2022. Most stores are open Monday - Saturday, until 9 pm.
BIG, BRIGHT BONUS
The first ever Downtown Rochester Cookie Stroll is happening on Saturday, December 4th!
Ticket Pricing
Free!
Drive Through Christmas Lights in Comstock Park
4500 W River Dr NE, Comstock Park, MI Comstock Park
Last updated in 2021
Christmas Light Show Details
A mile-long drive thru the Fifth Third Ballpark with light exhibits. Admission is charged per vehicle.
You can ride the Memory Lane train for an extra fee. They also have a Winter Wonder Walk in November.
West Michigan's largest Christmas Lite Show at LMCU Ballpark, Comstock Park (near Grand Rapids.)
Ticket Pricing
Open November 24, 2021 through January 1, 2021
Sunday-Thursday // 5:30 - 9:00 P.M.
Friday-Saturday // 5:30 - 10:00 P.M.
Tickets start at $28
Drive Through Christmas Lights in Holly
12600 Dixie Highway, Holly, MI 48442
Last updated in 2021
Christmas Light Show Details
**Please note - these are Walk thru Christmas Lights**
Hollydazzle: A Renaissance Christmas, presented by the Michigan Renaissance Festival is Michigan’s newest must-see experience for families to celebrate a magical night of dazzling lights, joyful sounds, spectacular sights, and much, much more.
HollyDazzle is a magical three-quarter mile outdoor trail featuring more than a dozen lighted Christmas scenes including Santa Claus, Sledding Penguins and Candy Land Castle in a magical winter wonderland walk through at the Renaissance Village.
Tickets will be sold for specific days and arrival times. Open Rain, Snow or Shine! Free Parking! Tickets are limited to only 100 people per time slot.
Runs Nov 26 - Dec 31, 2021, from 5:30 PM - 10:30 PM.
Ticket Pricing
Adult $22
Child $8
4 and under FREE
Map of Drive Through Christmas Lights in Michigan
Take note of the “Last Updated” detail on each listing. There are several Drive Thru Light Shows that have yet to release info for 2021. We will update those listings as information becomes available.
Find Drive Through Christmas Lights Near Me
We’re big fans of the barn, corn and tractor since it’s a little different. Renting a cabin is an excellent idea for bringing the family together.