Things To Do in Detroit This Weekend: November 21-November 23
Detroit shines with holiday cheer as cherished traditions illuminate the city.
Detroit shines with holiday cheer as cherished traditions illuminate the city. With the Detroit Tree Lighting, the twinkling drive-through delight of Wayne County's Lightfest, and the glowing wonder of Wild Lights at the Zoo, this season in Detroit is bright with joy and community. Enjoy this combination of world-class music, theater, and winter recreation for a weekend full of warmth, wonder, and celebration throughout the Motor City.
Detroit Tree Lighting
- What: Family-friendly, community tree lighting
- When: Friday, Nov. 21, 2025, from 4 to 9 p.m.
- Where: Campus Martius Park, 800 Woodward Ave., Detroit
- Cost: Free
Kick off the holiday season at Detroit's 22nd Annual Tree Lighting at Campus Martius Park. The Downtown Detroit Partnership produces, and the DTE Energy Foundation presents this beloved tradition. This free community celebration features live music, dazzling skating performances, festive food trucks, and spectacular light displays throughout downtown. The highlight is the 62-foot Michigan-grown Norway spruce that glows with thousands of LED lights, after a countdown with Santa.
Wayne County Lightfest
- What: Winter wonderland of lights
- When: Wednesday through Sunday from Thursday, Nov. 20, 2025, until Sunday, Dec. 24, 2025, from 6 to 10 p.m. (plus Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, and Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2025)
- Where: Hines Park, 7651 N. Merriman Road, Westland
- Cost: Cars $5, Commercial van/RV/limo $20, Mini-bus (20 passenger) $25, and Bus (40+ passenger) $50
The Wayne County Lightfest transforms Hines Park into a dazzling five-mile winter wonderland, featuring nearly 50 animated displays and over 100,000 sparkling lights. The drive-through experience offers festive fun for families across Metro Detroit. Visitors can tune in to local radio for updates and donate toys for free admission to Toy Nights.
Wild Lights at the Zoo
- What: Detroit Zoo sparkles with dazzling holiday magic
- When: Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, from 5 to 10:30 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025, from 5 to 9 p.m. (additional dates available through Jan. 4, 2026)
- Where: Detroit Zoo, 8450 W. 10 Mile Road, Royal Oak
- Cost: $17 to $75
Michigan First Credit Union presents the magic of Wild Lights, Detroit's brightest holiday tradition. Wild Lights illuminates the Detroit Zoo with more than 500 dazzling displays featuring millions of LED lights. This holiday event is designed for families, couples, and friends to enjoy a colorful, musical evening stroll filled with festive holiday cheer.
Other Events
Sounds of music, the spirit of the season, and performances that celebrate creativity and joy enliven Detroit this November:
- Winter at the Station: Nov. 14, 2025, through Dec. 28, 2025, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at The Station at Michigan Central, 2001 15th St., Detroit
- TINA — The Tina Turner Musical: Friday, Nov. 21, 2025, at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025, at 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. at Fisher Theatre, 3011 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit
- The Billy Joel Songbook: Friday, Nov. 21, 2025, at 10:45 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025, at 8 p.m., and Sunday, Nov. 23, 2025, at 3 p.m. at Orchestra Hall, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Max M. & Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center, 3711 Woodward Ave., Detroit
