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22nd Annual Detroit Tree Lighting
November 21 @ 4:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Free
Start your holiday season at the 22nd annual Detroit Tree Lighting on Friday, Nov. 21, at the award-winning Campus Martius Park, presented by DTE Energy Foundation and produced by the Downtown Detroit Partnership. This free celebration brings together music from national and local performers, dazzling figure skating shows, food trucks and unique lighting displays throughout Downtown Detroit. Capture and share your moments on social media using #detroittreelighting2025, #DowntownDet, or #campusmartiuspark.
At the heart of the event is a 62-foot Michigan-grown Norway spruce adorned with ornaments and illuminated by thousands of sparkling LED lights. The tree comes to life following a special countdown with Santa.
New for 2025, WDIV Local 4 is the exclusive broadcast partner for the Detroit Tree Lighting. The station will air a special two-hour program from 7 to 9 p.m., bringing the magic of live performances, breathtaking figure skating and festive on-stage moments straight to viewers at home. The broadcast ensures that everyone, near and far, can experience the excitement and holiday spirit of this Detroit tradition. Plan your visit ahead of this year’s event with our Know Before You Go Guide.
TREE LIGHTING SPECIAL GUEST PERFORMANCES
Our signature annual event will be marked by a stellar lineup of live entertainment on the stage and ice, with remarkable performances for all to enjoy.
Headlining the MGM Grand Detroit Stage, multiplatinum breakout country artist BRELAND, whose infectious energy and genre-blending “cross country” sound have captured fans everywhere. With hits like “My Truck,” he’s redefining modern country and collaborating with stars such as Keith Urban and Thomas Rhett. In 2023, he released a stunning rendition of “The Christmas Song” and took the stage at the Grand Ole Opry’s Christmas at the Opry special, wowing audiences with performances of “This Christmas” and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas”. Blending warmth, joy and genre-crossing soul, BRELAND brings fresh energy to holiday classics while honoring their timeless spirit.
Opening the show is pop singer-songwriter Natalie Jane, who first captured attention through viral performances on TikTok, which quickly amassed her more than 10 million followers to date. Signed to Capitol Records, her emotional lyrics and commanding vocals quickly drew comparisons to powerhouse artists like Adele and Amy Winehouse. With over 2.5 million monthly streams on Spotify, her 2023 debut EP, “Where Am ?,” blends pop with moody, alt-R&B textures.
Star-studded international and U.S. talent will take to The Rink at Campus Martius Park presented by Lexus, including Olympic figure skater Polina Edmunds. A U.S. national silver medalist, Edmunds is celebrated for her elegant style, technical precision and artistry on the ice. Representing Team USA at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, she has earned multiple international medals and continues to share her passion for skating as a performer, commentator and mentor, captivating audiences with her grace and dedication to the sport.
Additional featured skaters include American figure skater Emmanuel Savary, a Wilmington, Delaware native, and Khloe Felton, a 14-time national medalist from Kalamazoo, Michigan. Savary is celebrated for his athleticism, artistry and trailblazing presence in the sport, earning U.S. national medals and international recognition while inspiring future generations through his advocacy for diversity and inclusion in figure skating. Felton, a solo and shadow dance champion, is known for her grace, precision and expressive performances, bringing storytelling and artistry to the ice as one of Michigan’s emerging skating talents.
Other performances of note on the MGM Grand Detroit Stage include Urban Arts Orchestra, Motown Museum’s Hitsville NEXT, Grosse Pointe Theatre, Cass Tech High School Madrigal Choir and, in partnership with Broadway in Detroit, special guests from Phantom of the Opera.
Skaters from several metro Detroit and Detroit based skating clubs will be showcasing their skills on The Rink at Campus Martius Park, including those from Arctic Figure Skating Club, Detroit Skating Club, Dream Detroit Skating Academy, Figure Skating Club of Birmingham, Figure Skating in Detroit, Livonia Figure Skating Club, Motown Ice Theatre, New Edge Figure Skating Club and St. Clair Shores Figure Skating Club.
EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY
Those planning to attend the 22nd 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 and so much more!
Adults can enjoy a variety of beverages at our returning bars and beverage stations, including Mistletoe Mules with Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Cutwater Espresso Martinis, spiked hot cocoa and Michelob Ultra. Absopure Water will also be available for purchase, along with Sheetz Hot Cocoa Exprezz. For every purchase of hot cocoa, $1 will benefit Forgotten Harvest.
Attendees who arrive early can also grab a FREE chicken sandwich from Chick-fil-A while supplies last.
Cadillac Lodge
The Cadillac Lodge, operated by Continental, returns this season as a cozy winter retreat next to the Downtown Detroit Markets. Open through Jan. 4, 2026, it offers a warm, family-friendly atmosphere where guests can enjoy sliders, nachos, a new kids’ menu and other festive favorites, making it the perfect place to gather, relax and make memories in the comfort of a ski lodge setting.
Food Truck Fun
A variety of food trucks will line Monroe Street before and during the Detroit Tree Lighting, serving up delicious grab-and-go options from a mix of local favorites. It’s the perfect chance to enjoy great food while supporting Detroit’s small business owners and entrepreneurs. The lineup from 4 to 9 p.m. includes:
Dining Options Downtown
Downtown Detroit is also home to an impressive number of dining options, from casual to fine dining and everything in between, including the award-winning Parc at Campus Martius Park and Lumen at Beacon 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, attendees may also spot Detroit Lions’ mascot Roary, Detroit Tigers’ mascot Paws and Detroit Pistons’ mascot Hooper, who will be roaming about.
Share the Warmth with Mittens for Detroit
New this year, we are partnering with Mittens for Detroit, a local nonprofit providing new mittens and gloves to children, teens and adults in need throughout Detroit and nearby communities. While admission to the Detroit Tree Lighting is free, guests can help make winter warmer by donating new mittens or gloves at any event entrance. All donations support Mittens for Detroit’s mission to deliver comfort, care, and warmth to those facing the cold. Together, we can make this season brighter and warmer for our neighbors.
Winter Sponsor-land and Light Up Fun
Returning this year, “Winter Sponsor-land” will again showcase some of the key DDP partners with free giveaways, swag and fun surprises throughout the night for attendees. Gloworks is also back with their festive light-up novelties, brightening downtown Detroit and adding extra sparkle to the evening. Be sure to explore their offerings and light up your night!
Additionally, our friends at Carhartt will be giving away thousands of hats while supplies last for early attendees.
EVENT MAP:
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), Detroit People Mover and QLINE. For parking needs, we recommend you check ParkWhiz for additional parking options.
ROAD CLOSURE MAP:
CURFEW AND CAPACITY
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.
Due to expected high attendance and to ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment, event admission gates will close once capacity is reached. We strongly recommend arriving early to guarantee entry and secure your spot.
PROHIBITED ITEMS INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:
-Weapons / firearms / knives / bats/ clubs
-Mace/pepper spray
-Laser pointers / any similar devices
-Fireworks / smoke bombs
-Illegal substances
-Any form of marijuana
-Pets
-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
-Audio / visual recording devices (GoPro, etc.)
-Missile like objects that can be thrown
-Backpacks / hard-sided bags
-Aerosol cans / liquids over 4 ounces
-Drones
-Skateboards/hoverboards
-Whistles/horns
-Outside food/beverage
-Clothing/garments displaying explicit, profane or derogatory characterization
-Any other items deemed to be dangerous by park security and Facility management
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 responsibly consume alcoholic beverages. Intervention with an impaired, intoxicated, or underage guest will be handled promptly and safely.
-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.
-Guests may not engage in unauthorized commercial activity in the event space.
SPONSORS
The Downtown Detroit Partnership is a privately funded nonprofit organization that greatly benefits from the support of its presenting sponsors Bank of America, DTE Foundation, DTE Beacon Park Foundation, Lexus and Rocket Companies, as well as the following additional sponsors: 313 Presents, Absopure, Amazon, Andiamo, Autoliv, Bosch, Broadway in Detroit, Bubba’s 33, Carhartt, Chandon, Chick-fil-A, Corewell Health, Cronus Communications, Detroit Auto Show, Delta Airlines, Detroit Free Press, Detroit Lions, The Detroit News, Detroit Red Wings, Detroit Tigers, Detroit Zoo, Diversified Members Credit Union, EY, Fabiano Brothers, Fastsigns, Faygo, Gardner White, Gilbert Family Foundation, Great Lakes Visitor Bureau, Honigman, McDonald’s, Metro Parent, MGM Grand Detroit, Michigan Lottery, Motown Museum, One Magnify, Sheetz, Strategic Staffing Solutions, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Trent Creative, William Davidson Foundation, WDIV Local 4 and Xfinity.
