Best Christmas Light Shows Michigan 2025: Top Dazzling Displays to Experience

Every year, I watch families and friends pile into cars to admire Michigan’s bright holiday displays. Holiday lights transform cities and small towns into colorful, moving wonderlands.

If you’re heading to Michigan in 2025, these Christmas light shows seriously make for some unforgettable holiday memories. The sights, the music, and the old traditions all come together for something that feels special, no matter your age.

1) Northville Symphony of Lights

I checked out the Northville Symphony of Lights at Northville Christian School, about a mile west of 6 Mile and I-275. The crew sets up the show in the back parking lot.

They use 125,000 lights, all moving in sync with music you can catch on your car radio at 87.9 FM. Families get to enjoy the display for free, whether they stay in their vehicles or head outside to grab photos.

The show celebrates the birth of Christ with both contemporary and traditional Christmas music. People around here often call it one of Michigan’s top Christmas light displays.

The event runs from December 1 to New Year’s Day, every night from 6:00 to 8:30 PM. Volunteers handle all the setup and operation, which is honestly pretty impressive.

You’ll hear music from groups like the Trans-Siberian Orchestra and Disney, plus plenty of holiday classics.

Rating: 4.6 (97 reviews)
Location: 41355 Six Mile Rd, Northville, MI 48168
Contact: (248) 943-1550
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Dec 1 – Jan 1	6:00-8:30 PM	41355 Six Mile Rd, Northville, MI 48168	Free	Booking.com: Northville, MI	livonialights.com

2) Nicol’s Christmas Light Extravaganza

I make a point to visit Nicol’s Christmas Light Extravaganza every December for a home light display that’s honestly one-of-a-kind in Cass City. The whole property bursts with color and moving patterns.

They arrange the lights into shapes, effects, and holiday figures that seem to pop up everywhere. Every year, the family adds something new, so it never feels stale.

Local families roll in most evenings to check it out. Since you can drive through and see everything from your car, it’s a super easy outing.

Parking’s on-site, but it fills up fast on weekends. There’s no admission, but they do take donations to help with future displays.

If you want the best view, show up before dusk. Dates and times can change, so I always peek at the Facebook page first.

For those making it an overnight trip, Cass City hotels are just a quick search away on Booking.com.

Rating: 5 (77 reviews)
Location: 6250 Germania Rd, Cass City, MI 48475
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website Address
December (check Facebook for exact dates)	Evenings (check hours online)	6250 Germania Rd, Cass City, MI 48475	Free, donations welcome	Cass City Hotels	Facebook Page

3) Lansing Holiday Light Show

I went to the Lansing Holiday Light Show at Cottonwood Campground. This is Lansing’s only drive-through light show.

They set up huge holiday displays with plenty of lights, making it a family-friendly event. I drove along a half-mile route, with lights everywhere and music playing on my car radio.

The show runs from November 15 to December 30, 2024, starting at 5 pm on select nights. I bought tickets online, but you can also grab them at the door on some days.

Each ticket gets your car in for one night. You just drive through and soak it in.

I kept snacks in the car and enjoyed the warmth while watching the lights. Honestly, it’s a super chill way to see holiday lights—no walking required.

Rating: 3.9 (16 reviews)
Location: Lansing Holiday Light Show, 5339 N Aurelius Rd, Lansing, MI 48911
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website Address
Nov 15 – Dec 30, 2024 (select dates)	5 pm – evenings	5339 N Aurelius Rd, Lansing, MI 48911	Varies by vehicle	Hotels near Lansing Holiday Light Show	holidaylightshow.com/lansing

4) Freeland Lights

I stumbled on Freeland Lights at Hayes Park in Tittabawassee Township. This light show runs every night in December, starting at 5:30 p.m. The last show kicks off at 10 p.m.

Each show lasts about 15 minutes, and they run several times each night. The lights sync up with music, and you just tune your car radio to 93.9 FM.

Admission is free, but they encourage donations for local charities like CAN Council GLBR and Habitat for Humanity of Saginaw. You can catch the show from your car, which is nice on those freezing nights.

There’s a cool feature in the mornings from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m. I could pick songs for the light show using my phone.

They also let you choose songs every night after 9 p.m. and all day on Tuesdays. It’s fun to have some control over the playlist.

The staff suggest coming in from the north parking lot. If you want to skip the crowds, go on a weekday.

They’ve kept this event going for 19 years, and there’s always a mix of new and classic holiday songs.

Rating: 4.8 (79 reviews)
Location: 9200 Midland Rd, Freeland, MI 48623
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Dec 1 – Dec 31, 2024	5:30pm-10pm evenings; 6-8am request-only	9200 Midland Rd, Freeland, MI	Free, donations optional	Hotels in Freeland, MI	http://freelandlights.com/

5) Nite Lites

I always think Nite Lites at Michigan International Speedway is a must-see if you want a massive drive-thru Christmas light display. You drive your car along a marked route and see all sorts of light installations.

There’s a train ride option, too, which gives you a different angle on the lights. The show goes on in almost any weather, rain or snow, and even opens on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

They sell tickets per car, with higher prices for limos and buses. Make sure you check the right entrance before you go.

The train isn’t heated, so bundle up. Parking for the train is right by the main ticket booth, under a railroad crossing arch.

If you want a train ride, grab tickets online ahead of time—they do sell out. Service dogs are welcome, but leave other pets at home.

Rating: 4.1 (195 reviews)
Location: 12626 US-12, Brooklyn, MI 49230
Contact: (517) 937-6426
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Nov 21 – Jan 4	Sun-Thurs: 5:30-9pm	12626 US-12, Brooklyn, MI 49230	$35/car; $50 limo/minibus	Hotels in Brooklyn, MI	https://www.nitelitesshow.com/
	Fri-Sat: 5:30-10pm		$100/tour bus

6) Bissell Light Shows

I stopped by Bissell Light Shows in Fenwick to check out a bunch of themed displays. The event mixes classic and modern lighting styles, and you can walk or drive through the outdoor setup.

A local non-profit group puts this show together. Volunteers play a huge role in setting up and running everything, which honestly makes it feel even more community-driven.

The event is definitely family-friendly. It usually runs all through December, but I’d double-check their website for specific dates and hours before heading out.

Parking is easy to find nearby, and the show isn’t far from the main highways, so getting there from anywhere in Michigan isn’t a hassle.

If you’re traveling, I found a few hotels on booking.com in Greenville and Ionia. Bringing your own snacks or a thermos of something warm is smart, since there aren’t many amenities on-site.

Rating: 4.7 (15 reviews)
Location: 1828 Boyer Rd, Fenwick, MI 48834
Contact: (616) 951-3153
Website: Visit Website

7) Lights on Dover Drive

I made my way to Lights on Dover Drive in Grand Blanc to see a local Christmas lights display. This event pops up in a neighborhood every holiday season, and I felt the festive vibe right away.

Residents go all out with decorations, and the lights cover the whole property. People drive or walk by to soak it all in.

Families and friends cruise down Dover Drive to check out the lights, especially on weekends. Locals handle the setup and update the decorations each year, which keeps things fresh.

You don’t need tickets—it’s totally free to see. I suggest going after dark for the best effect.

Parking on nearby streets can fill up quickly on busy nights, so I got there early to skip the traffic.

Rating: 4.6 (16 reviews)
Location: 8083 Dover Dr, Grand Blanc, MI 48439
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby (Booking.com)	Website
Early December–Dec 31	Dusk–10 p.m.	8083 Dover Dr, Grand Blanc, MI 48439	Free	Browse Hotels	Facebook Group

8) Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland

I’ve checked out a lot of Christmas destinations, but Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland in Frankenmuth is on another level. This place is massive—it’s one of the biggest stores in the world focused on Christmas decorations and gifts.

You’ll find ornaments, lights, and pretty much everything you need to deck out your home for the holidays.

I always see people wandering around the showroom displays, which change with the seasons. Every section has its own theme, from ornaments to Santa suits and artificial trees.

The vibe is festive, but keep in mind it’s a real retail shop, so there’s always a bit of bustle.

The store stays open every day except for a few holidays. It gets packed between Thanksgiving and Christmas, so I usually aim for a weekday to avoid the crowds.

Parking is free, and families tend to spend a couple of hours exploring all the displays.

Rating: 4.7 (15,889 reviews)
Location: 25 Christmas Ln, Frankenmuth, MI 48734
Contact: (989) 652-9931
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where To Stay nearby	Website Address
Open year-round	Mon-Sat: 9am-9pm, Sun: 12pm-7pm	25 Christmas Ln, Frankenmuth, MI 48734	Free entry	Hotels in Frankenmuth	bronners.com

9) Dow Gardens and the Whiting Forest of Dow Gardens

When I’m craving a peaceful, nature-filled holiday outing, I head to Dow Gardens in Midland. The grounds stretch over 110 acres, with walking paths winding through all sorts of gardens and plants.

The Whiting Forest has these long canopy walkways that give you high-up views of the lights and treetops.

During the Christmas season, the staff put up light displays along the paths and near the conservatories. You can wander through at your own pace.

Some areas play music, but honestly, the highlight is just the lights and the natural setting.

This place started as a family estate and now everyone gets to enjoy it. Local groups sometimes host events or tours, which adds to the charm.

Families who want a quieter, less crowded winter activity seem to love it here.

Rating: 4.8 (3,978 reviews)
Location: Dow Gardens and the Whiting Forest of Dow Gardens
Contact: (989) 631-2677
Website: Visit Website

Dates	Times	Location Address	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
Likely late Nov–Dec	Evening hours	1809 Eastman Ave, Midland, MI	Ticket required, prices on website	Hampton Inn Midland, Holiday Inn Midland	Dow Gardens

10) Ron and Steves Christmas

I stopped by Ron and Steves Christmas in Ortonville, Michigan, during the holidays. The property was covered in Christmas lights, decorations, and themed setups.

Families and visitors come out to enjoy this local tradition close to home.

It’s easy to find near S Sashabaw Road, and directions are posted online. The outdoor walk-through setup shines after sunset, when the lights really pop.

You can explore at your own pace, which I appreciated.

There are no tickets or entry fees, and you’ll find parking close by. I’d check their social media for the latest on opening hours for the 2025 season.

Rating: 5 (48 reviews)
Location: 1460 S Sashabaw Rd, Ortonville, MI 48462
Website: Visit Website

Dates (2025)	Times	Location	Cost	Where to Stay Nearby	Website
TBA	TBA	1460 S Sashabaw Rd, Ortonville, MI 48462	Free	Nearby hotels	https://www.facebook.com/RonSteveChristmas/