Welcome to Downtown Detroit
Home of the #1 Public Square
and #1 Ice Rink in the U.S.

Wintertime Safety Tips

By Mike Bruggeman After more than four decades of working as a law enforcement and security professional in the public and private sectors, safety measures have become like second nature. […]

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About the DDP

The Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP) strengthens and supports Downtown Detroit through strategic initiatives and programs. DDP convenes business, philanthropic, and government partners to create a vibrant and resilient urban core for Detroit and the region.

The DDP is a nonprofit that does not receive operating funding from the City of Detroit. Every park, program, and free public event the DDP delivers is made possible through individual donations, corporate grants, and corporate sponsorships. If you'd like to help advance DDP's efforts to creating a vibrant Downtown Detroit that is clean, safe, and welcoming for all, consider making a donation.

Downtown Detroit Fast Facts

8.7 Million

2025 Total Visitors

35.7 Million

2025 Total Visits

Does not include workers or residents

Explore Downtown Detroit

Downtown Detroit is a vibrant and welcoming community that boasts a number of beautiful public spaces that supports great walking and biking experiences and cultivates a vibrant retail and restaurant community.

The DDP believes that small businesses are the heartbeat of our city. From award-winning restaurants to the 100+ year old legacy clothing shop, there is something for everyone. Navigate using DDP's Downtown Business Directory!

Downtown Detroit has several different transportation options to get around. Find out what option works best for you. From public transit and biking to parking options and scooters.

Engage with the DDP

The DDP is a member-based nonprofit committed to creating a vibrant and world-class urban core in Detroit that is clean, safe, and welcoming.

Become a corporate sponsor and join leading businesses in supporting the DDP’s mission to strengthen and support efforts to create a more sustainable, equitable, and vibrant urban core.

Along with the nearly 2,000 events produced annually in Downtown Parks + Public Spaces, DDP also hosts annual Signature Events that convenes key leaders and stakeholders.

Enjoy Downtown Parks

Each season, the Downtown Detroit Parks come alive with a number of unique features — including beautiful landscaping, flowing fountains, historical monuments, flourishing gardens, winter activations, comfortable seating, innovative dining options, and activities that appeal to every age and background.

News & Insights

DDP Thought Leadership

DDP leadership offers best practices and insights.

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Small Business: The Heartbeat of Our City 

October 29, 2026

Small Business: The Heartbeat of Our City 

Downtown Detroit’s shops, restaurants, and services give our city its energy and its character. Long-standing local staples sit alongside bold new ventures, and together they create jobs, attract investment, and . . .

What to Consider as We Consider the Future of the RenCen

October 13, 2026

What to Consider as We Consider the Future of the RenCen

For me, the debate over the future of the Renaissance Center is deeply personal. Nearly 30 years ago, I had the privilege of being the lead development officer for the . . .

Partnership, Detroit’s Enduring Practice

September 24, 2026

Partnership, Detroit’s Enduring Practice

The Partnership Mindset: Detroit Leads the Way Some cities are just now discovering the value of collaboration, pushed there by shrinking budgets and growing needs. Detroit already works this way . . .

A Stellar Downtown Summer – The Data Tells the Story

September 10, 2026

A Stellar Downtown Summer – The Data Tells the Story

The recent headline in Crain’s Detroit Business’ Morning 10 was big news: “Metro Detroit hotel occupancy growth outpaces the nation’s largest cities.” In the article, Reporter Kirk Pinho cites recent . . .

The Art of Public Space

August 27, 2026

The Art of Public Space

The Art of Public Space By Laura Dean, Director of Parks and Public Spaces The Downtown Detroit Partnership is recognized for creating and caring for award-winning parks and public spaces that . . .

Detroit in Motion: The People, Partnerships and Ideas Shaping Our Future

August 20, 2026

Detroit in Motion: The People, Partnerships and Ideas Shaping Our Future

DDP CEO Eric B. Larson recently guest hosted 760 WJR’s Focus with Paul W. Smith, and the theme of the show was “Detroit in Motion: The People, Partnerships and Ideas Shaping . . .

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We are on Instagram
🎄✨ We’re excited to share that we’re participating in @GardnerWhite's Twinkle Town Parade of Trees once again!

This year’s participation was inspired by our CEO, Eric Larson, whose enthusiasm for bringing people together and supporting our community helped spark the idea.

This festive holiday tradition brings together local businesses and community leaders to create beautifully decorated Christmas trees, all while shining a light on the incredible nonprofits making a difference throughout Metro Detroit.

We’re thrilled to be part of the magic again this year and can’t wait to share our tree with you!

Take a sneak peek at our tree and details on how you can show your support will be coming soon. Every vote helps make a difference! ❤️

#TwinkleTown | #GardnerWhite | #DowntownDET| #Detroit | #DetroitCommunity | #GivingBack | #Holidays
The countdown to the holidays is on! 🎄 Detroit’s Christmas Tree, presented by @DTE_Foundation, has made its way to Campus Martius Park delivered by @Amazon!

Now, crews are getting the 70-foot Norway spruce ready for its holiday debut, adding more than 25,000 sparkling lights and putting the finishing touches in place for the 23rd annual Detroit Tree Lighting on Nov. 20. Presented by @DTE_Foundation, produced by the Downtown Detroit Partnership and broadcast exclusively on @Local4News, this beloved Downtown tradition is one you won’t want to miss.

The celebration will feature performances on the @MGMgranddetroit stage and on The Rink at Campus Martius Park presented by Lexus, including two-time Olympic team event gold medalists and ice dance stars @MadisonChock and EvanBates, Netflix’s Building the Band breakout group @Soulidified, rising country-pop trio @JustJayne, plus more special guests!

Join us at Campus Martius Park on Nov. 20 as we light up Downtown and celebrate the start of the holiday season. Find event details and the full holiday lineup at the link in our bio.

#DowntownDET | #DetroitTreeLighting2026 | #DetroitTreeLighting | #DowntownDetroit | #Amazon | #PrimeDelivery | #DTEFoundation | #DetroitChristmasTree
Detroit’s Christmas Tree is officially on the move! 🎄🚚

This towering 70-foot Norway spruce has been harvested in Mesick, Michigan, and is making its way to Downtown Detroit, delivered by @Amazon! The tree sponsored by @DTE_foundation, is headed to Campus Martius Park to get ready for the 23rd annual Detroit Tree Lighting presented by the DTE Foundation on Nov. 20.

Keep an eye out along Woodward Avenue on Wednesday, Nov. 4, as the tree rolls into town escorted by an Amazon electric delivery van! Celebrate its arrival at Campus Martius Park from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Watch as the tree is raised into place, enjoy a performance by the Detroit School of Arts Marching Band and take home a FREE Carhartt beanie while supplies last. 🎶

Tree Arrival details at our link in bio.

#DowntownDET | #DetroitTreeLighting2026 | #DowntownDetroit | #Amazon | #PrimeDelivery | #DTEFoundation | #DetroitChristmasTree | #DetroitTreeLighting
Happy Halloween from all of us at the Downtown Detroit Partnership! 🎃🖤
Comments Box SVG iconsUsed for the like, share, comment, and reaction icons

🎄✨ We’re excited to share that we’re participating in Gardner White Furniture's Twinkle Town Parade of Trees once again!

This year’s participation was inspired by our CEO, Eric Larson, whose enthusiasm for bringing people together and supporting our community helped spark the idea.

This festive holiday tradition brings together local businesses and community leaders to create beautifully decorated Christmas trees, all while shining a light on the incredible nonprofits making a difference throughout Metro Detroit.

We’re thrilled to be part of the magic again this year and can’t wait to share our tree with you!

Take a sneak peek at our tree and details on how you can show your support will be coming soon. Every vote helps make a difference! ❤️

#TwinkleTown | #GardnerWhite | #DowntownDET| #Detroit | #DetroitCommunity | #GivingBack | #Holidays
...

DETROIT TREE LIGHTIN

DETROIT TREE LIGHTING ICE TALENT PREVIEW! 🎄 ⛸️
The Rink at Campus Martius Park presented by Lexus will feature a star-studded lineup of skating talent for the 23rd annual Detroit Tree Lighting presented by DTE Foundation, including:

⛸️ Madison Chock & Evan Bates – The most decorated American ice dance team in history, Chock and Bates are four-time Olympians, two-time Olympic team event gold medalists (2022 and 2026), 2026 Olympic silver medalists in ice dance and three-time consecutive world champions (2023-25).

⛸️ #ElijahWilkins and #CharlieRoost – Juvenile pairs skaters representing the Ann Arbor Figure Skating Club, the duo was named the club’s 2026 Competitors of the Year.

⛸️ Figure Skating in Detroit– Featuring a special performance introduced by #meryledavis, the 2014 Olympic ice dance champion who helped establish the Detroit-based program. The organization combines figure skating, academic support and leadership development to empower girls of color.

🧊 Plus, local skating clubs and performance groups will showcase the region’s skating talent, bringing together skaters of all ages and skill levels for a celebration of Detroit’s skating community!

🎄 We look forward to welcoming you to this FREE annual tradition on Nov. 20 from 4-9 p.m. Explore more about this years event here: https://downtowndetroit.org/event/…

#DetroitTreeLighting2026 | #DowntownDetroit | #HolidaysInTheD | #DowntownDET | #CampusMartiusPark | #holidayfun | #figureskating | #Lexus | #TheRink | #BestRink | #TreeLighting
...

The countdown to the holidays is on! 🎄 Detroit’s Christmas Tree, presented by DTE Foundation, has made its way to Campus Martius Park, delivered by Amazon.com!

Now, crews are getting the 70-foot Norway spruce ready for its holiday debut, adding more than 25,000 sparkling lights and putting the finishing touches in place for the 23rd annual Detroit Tree Lighting on Nov. 20. Presented by DTE Foundation, produced by the Downtown Detroit Partnership and broadcast exclusively on WDIV Local 4 / ClickOnDetroit, this beloved Downtown tradition is one you won’t want to miss.

The celebration will feature performances on the MGM Grand Detroit stage and on The Rink at Campus Martius Park, presented by Lexus, including two-time Olympic team event gold medalists and ice dance stars Madison Chock & Evan Bates, Netflix’s Building the Band breakout group Soulidified, rising country-pop trio Just Jayne, plus more special guests!

Join us at Campus Martius Park on Nov. 20 as we light up Downtown and celebrate the start of the holiday season. Find event details and the full holiday lineup at the link in our bio.

#DowntownDET | #DetroitTreeLighting2026 | #DetroitTreeLighting | #DowntownDetroit | #Amazon | #PrimeDelivery | #DTEFoundation | #DetroitChristmasTree
...

Detroit’s Christmas Tree is officially on the move! 🎄🚚

This towering 70-foot Norway spruce has been harvested in Mesick, Michigan, and is making its way to Downtown Detroit, delivered by Amazon.com! The tree, sponsored by DTE Foundation, is headed to Campus Martius Park to get ready for the 23rd annual Detroit Tree Lighting presented by the DTE Foundation on Nov. 20.

Keep an eye out along Woodward Avenue on Wednesday, Nov. 4, as the tree rolls into town escorted by an Amazon electric delivery van! Celebrate its arrival at Campus Martius Park from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Watch as the tree is raised into place, enjoy a performance by the Detroit School of Arts Marching Band and take home a FREE Carhartt beanie while supplies last. 🎶

Tree Arrival Details: https://downtowndetroit.org/event/…

#DowntownDET | #DetroitTreeLighting2026 | #DowntownDetroit | #Amazon | #PrimeDelivery | #DTEFoundation | #DetroitChristmasTree | #DetroitTreeLighting
...

⛸️ Vote early. V

⛸️ Vote early. Vote daily. Let’s keep The Rink at Campus Martius Park presented by Lexus #1 in the nation! 🏆

For the third year, The Rink is in the running for USA TODAY’s Best Ice Skating Rink, and we need your help to bring home the top spot again! From festive winter moments to skating with Downtown Detroit as your backdrop, there’s a reason The Rink is a favorite holiday tradition. ❤️

🗳️ Cast your vote once a day through Nov. 30 at 11:59 a.m. and spread the word to your friends and family. Every vote counts!

🔗 Vote here: https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/…

#DowntownDET | #CampusMartiusPark | #USAToday | #USAToday10Best | #TheRink | #IceSkating | #BestRink | USA TODAY 10Best
...

Happy Halloween from

Happy Halloween from all of us at the Downtown Detroit Partnership! 🎃🖤 ...

This past Saturday w

This past Saturday was one for the books! 🐾🎃 Thanks to everyone who joined us for the 13th annual Howl-O-Ween Costume Party presented by Strategic Staffing Solutions and supported by Premier Pet Supply and Michigan Humane at Grand Circus Dog Park! From creative costumes to plenty of Halloween fun, we loved celebrating with you and your pups. Scroll through to see some of this year’s costume contest winners. 🐶

#DowntownDET | #GrandCircusPark | #HowlOWeen | #Halloween | #DowntownParks | #DogCostumeContest
...

🎄 ONE WEEK UNTIL

🎄 ONE WEEK UNTIL TREE ARRIVAL!

Detroit’s Michigan-Grown Christmas Tree delivered by Amazon.com, is making its way to Campus Martius Park from Northern Michigan, and you’re invited to be part of the excitement as the towering Norway Spruce is lifted into place!

Join us Wednesday, Nov. 4, for a special Tree Arrival program on Woodward Avenue near Monroe Street. Watch the tree being raised, enjoy a performance by the Detroit School of Arts Marching Band and take home a FREE Carhartt Beanie while supplies last.

📅 Wednesday, Nov. 4
⏰ 11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
📍 Woodward Avenue near Monroe Street

Come see this beloved Detroit holiday tradition up close as we prepare for the 23rd Annual Detroit Tree Lighting presented by DTE Foundation on Friday, Nov. 20. 🎄

Planning to join us? Scroll through for important event details, including upcoming road closures!
https://downtowndetroit.org/event/…

#DowntownDET | #DetroitTreeLighting2026 | #DowntownDetroit | #Amazon | #PrimeDelivery | #DTEFoundation | #DetroitChristmasTree | #DetroitTreeLighting #TreeArrival
...

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Vote The Rink at
Campus Martius Park!

For the third year, The Rink at Campus Martius Park presented by Lexus is in the running for USA Today’s Best Ice Skating Rink in the country. Known for dazzling Downtown views and a festive atmosphere, The Rink is a must-visit Downtown winter destination, which the DDP is proud to program and manage.

Thank you for voting and helping us skate to the top! ⛸️