21st Annual Detroit Tree Lighting

Your holiday starts with the Detroit Tree Lighting on Friday, Nov. 22, at the award-winning Campus Martius Park produced by the Downtown Detroit Partnership and presented by DTE Energy Foundation. This free annual Detroit event to kick off the holiday season will feature stellar performances by national and local musical acts and figure skaters, holiday shopping, food trucks, unique lighting attractions across Downtown Detroit and more! 🎄 Be sure to tag us on socials while you enjoy all the festivities using: #detroittreelighting2024 #DowntownDet or #campusmartiuspark.

The Detroit tradition will center around a 66-foot Michigan-grown Norway spruce decked out with ornaments and illuminated by thousands of shimmering LED multi-colored lights – after a countdown by Santa. WXYZ-TV Channel 7 will also once again serve as the official broadcast partner of the annual Detroit Tree Lighting ceremony, offering complete coverage of the event during a one-hour live special, “Light Up the Season,” beginning at 7 pm. Those who prefer to view the show indoors or from the comfort of their own home can tune in to the one-hour special broadcast on their televisions, online and on all streaming devices.

 

TREE LIGHTING SPECIAL GUEST PERFORMANCES

Our signature annual event will again be marked by a stellar lineup of live entertainment on stage and ice including three powerhouse acts: Alex Sampson, Southern Avenue and Thornetta Davis taking center stage at the MGM Detroit Main Stage.

Alex Sampson is a dynamic vocalist and diverse creative from a small town in Canada. After gaining traction with a series of covers on TikTok, he connected with audiences through his first original single, “Stay Here.” Following that release, Sampson put out “All That We Could Have Been” and “Play Pretend,” which led to his debut EP, “Blurry Vision” and an appearance as a contestant on Season 19 of America’s Got Talent. In September 2024, he released his highly anticipated sophomore EP, “Hopeless Romantic.” To date, Sampson has earned 95 million global streams and 54 million video views.

 

 

The electrifying Memphis-based powerhouse band Southern Avenue, known for its high-voltage, roots-driven sound, has captivated audiences worldwide since their 2017 debut with Stax Records. With a Grammy nomination for “Best Contemporary Blues Album,” and multiple Blues Music Award nods, the band brings a unique blend of blues, soul and gospel rooted in Memphis’ rich musical legacy. Their familial bond enhances their emotionally charged performances, from prestigious festivals like ACL Fest and Bonnaroo to the Outlaw Music Festival, where Willie Nelson praised their energy. Fresh off that tour, they recently recorded their fourth album produced by multi-Grammy winner John Burk and recorded by Boo Mitchell, continuing to carve their path as trailblazers in contemporary blues and roots music.

 

 

Detroit’s musical legacy will shine with a performance from Thornetta Davis, the city’s very own “Queen of the Blues.” With a career spanning decades, Davis is celebrated for her formidable vocals and commanding stage presence. Over her career, she has earned 30 Detroit Music Awards and a Blues Music Award nomination, cementing her status as a beloved force in the global blues scene. When Davis takes the stage, audiences can expect a soulful experience that’s pure Detroit magic.

 

 

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. Following the 2002 documentary, “Standing in the Shadows of Motown,” surviving members toured to keep their music alive. Today, the Next Generation Funk Brothers, led by bassist Ralphe Armstrong, carry on the legacy, performing Motown classics with a new lineup of Detroit musicians. The Pointe Singers, a top ensemble from Grosse Pointe South High School, which showcases talented 10^th to 12^th graders, will also be performing. They’ve represented their community in nine European countries, with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, and in national competitions. Additionally, in partnership with 313Presents, The Grinch from Dr. Suess’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical will make an appearance.

 

 

Star-Studded International and Detroit-based talent will also graze the Ice on The Rink at Campus Martius Park presented by Visit Detroit, headlined by Keegan Messing, who began competing for Canada in the 2014-15 season after previously representing the United States. Since switching nations, he has achieved significant milestones, including a silver medal at the 2018 Canadian Championships and a 12th-place finish at his Olympic debut in PyeongChang 2018. He earned his first Grand Prix medal, a silver at Skate Canada International in 2018, and delivered career-best performances at the Four Continents and World Championships.

In 2022, Messing claimed his first national title and overcame a COVID-19 quarantine to compete at Beijing 2022, where he finished 11th. Messing, a two-time ISU Challenger Series gold medalist, has remained a standout competitor, earning multiple medals that showcase his exceptional talent and artistry.

 

 

Local talent will also take to the ice with performances by Linzy Fitzpatrick and Keyton Bearinger, an award-winning figure skating duo known for their innovative choreography and electrifying routines. Their unique blend of contemporary dance and skating has earned international acclaim and redefined creative boundaries in the sport. Hailing from Toledo and Midland, respectively, Fitzpatrick and Keyton train in Canton and are enjoying their first season representing Team USA internationally.

 

 

Skaters from several metro Detroit clubs will be showcasing 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.

 

EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY

Those planning to attend the 21^st 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!

 

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, visitors can experience a warm and welcoming place to grab a snack, sit and sip cocktails and hot cocoa and create memories throughout the holiday season.

 

Food Truck Fun

New for 2024: Warm up with spiked holiday favorites and non-alcoholic drinks from beverage stations located within the event footprint! Enjoy festive drinks including Sheetz Hot Cocoa Exprezz, Casamigos Mistletoe Margarita, Bailey’s-spiked hot cocoa, and beer from Fabiano Brothers at our three bar locations. Let’s cheers to ringing in the winter season!

An assortment of food and beverages will be available from food trucks, offering a variety of cuisines for hungry visitors to grab-and-go during the Detroit Tree Lighting. It’s also a great way to support some of Detroit’s finest small business owners and entrepreneurs in addition to trying some new, tasty delights. The food truck lineup includes:

• 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’
• Andiamo
• Gambino Catering

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 also 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. 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.

 

Photo Ops

In addition to taking photos with Santa, Detroit Tree Lighting attendees may also spot Detroit Lions’ mascot Roary Detroit Tigers’ mascot Paws and Detroit Pistons’ mascot Hooper, who will be roaming about.

 

Winter Sponsor-land With Light Up Fun

Returning this year, “Winter Sponsor-land” will feature some of your favorite businesses with giveaways, swag and other special surprises. New this year, Gloworks will be onsite selling their festive 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.

 

Jingle & Joy: Holiday Caroling

Carolers from Motor City Chorale and Grosse Pointe Theatre will be singing long-time favorite holiday tunes at all event entrances, getting attendees in the holiday spirit from entrance to exit all night long!

 

PLAN YOUR VISIT

PARKING AND TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION:

Convenient and affordable parking and transit options are available steps away from Campus Martius Park, including public transit such as DDOT, SMART Bus (plus FAST), QLINE and MoGo. For parking needs, we recommend you check ParkWhiz for additional parking options.

 

ROAD CLOSURE MAP:

EVENT MAP:

PROHIBITED ITEMS INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO: 

– Weapons / Firearms / Knives / Bats / Clubs
– Mace / Pepper Spray
– Laser Pointers / Any Similar Devices
– Fireworks / Smoke Bombs
– Audio / Visual Recording Devices (Go-Pro, Etc.)
– Missile-Like Objects that can be Thrown
– Backpacks / Hard-Sided Bags
– Aerosol Cans / Liquids over 4 Ounces
– Illegal Substances
– Any Form of Marijuana
– Pets
– Drones
– Skateboards / Hoverboards
– Whistles / Horns
– Banners / Flags / Offensive Signs
– Frisbees / Beach Balls / Balloons
– Chairs
– Poles / Selfie Sticks / Monopods / Tripods
– Professional / Commercial Cameras
– Cameras with Detachable Lenses / Lenses Longer than Four Inches
– Outside Food / Beverage
– Clothing / Garments Displaying Explicit, Profane or Derogatory Characterization
– Any / Other Items Deemed to be Dangerous by Park Security and Facility Management
– Any Item Determined by the Venue

 

GUEST CODE OF CONDUCT: 

-Guests will be treated in a consistent, professional and courteous manner by all park personnel.

-Guests will enjoy all event experiences free from disruptive behavior, including foul or abusive language and obscene gestures.

-Guests will consume alcoholic beverages in a responsible manner. Intervention with an impaired, intoxicated or underage guest will be handled in a prompt and safe manner.

-Obscene or indecent messages on signs or clothing will not be permitted.

-Guests will comply with requests from park staff regarding park operations and emergency response procedures.

-Guest may not engage in unauthorized commercial activity on the property.

 

CURFEW:

Minors are welcome to attend the Tree Lighting from any approved public area. However, for their safety, minors ages 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian or other responsible adult (age 21 or over) while they attend the event.

 

SPONSORS

The Downtown Detroit Partnership is a privately funded nonprofit organization that greatly benefits from the support of its lead sponsors DTE Foundation, DTE Beacon Park Foundation, Rocket Companies and Visit Detroit, as well as the following additional sponsors: 313 Presents, Absopure, Andiamo, Autoliv, Broadway in Detroit, Budweiser, Capital One Café, Carhartt, Chandon, Chick-fil-A, Corewell Health, Cronus Communications, Dave & Buster’s, Detroit Free Press, Detroit Regional Partnership, Diversified Members Credit Union, The Detroit News, Detroit Lions, Detroit Pistons, Detroit Red Wings, EY, Fabiano Brothers, Fastsigns, Faygo, Forte Belanger, Gardner White, The Henry Ford, JMD Building Restoration, Lexus, McDonald’s, MGM Grand Detroit, Michigan.com, Michigan Lottery, One Magnify, Sheetz, Strategic Staffing Solutions, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Trent Creative, Wana Brands, William Davidson Foundation, WXYZ Detroit and Xfinity.