The Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP) invites everyone to gather at Campus Martius Park on Friday, Nov. 22, for the 21st annual Detroit Tree Lighting presented by DTE Energy Foundation, a beloved tradition that officially ushers in the holiday season. From 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., the park will come alive with festive activities, more than one million sparkling lights across the Downtown, and a star-studded lineup of performances on ice and stage.
You’re invited to enjoy the live show from the MGM Grand Detroit Main Stage or throughout the area with big screens stationed in Campus Martius Park and Cadillac Square. The highlight of the evening will be the arrival of Santa as he lights the 66-foot Michigan-grown Norway spruce gracing the center of Detroit’s gathering place. Detroit’s Christmas Tree will be decked out with ornaments and illuminated by more than 25,000 shimmering LED multi-colored lights. This year’s tree comes from Manton, a small town in Wexford County located about 15 miles north of Cadillac in Northern Michigan.
The signature event will be marked by a stellar lineup of live entertainment, featuring nationally and locally renowned figure skating performers and entertainers. Taking center stage at the MGM Grand Detroit Main Stage are three powerhouse acts: Alex Sampson, Southern Avenue and Thornetta Davis. Sensations Keegan Messing and Linzy Fitzapatrick & Keyton Bearinger will be performing on The Rink at Campus Martius Park presented by Visit Detroit.
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 original singles, debut EP, “Blurry Vision”, and his recently released EP, “Hopeless Romantic.” He made an appearance as a contestant on Season 19 of America’s Got Talent, and 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,” multiple Blues Music Award nods and the 2024 “Band of the Year” title within reach, the band brings a unique blend of blues, soul and gospel rooted in Memphis’ rich musical legacy.
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.
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 center stage 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.
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. The Pointe Singers, a top ensemble from Grosse Pointe South High School, which showcases talented 10th to 12th graders, will also be performing. Additionally, in partnership with 313Presents, The Grinch from Dr. Suess’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical will make an appearance.
Additionally, skaters from several metro Detroit clubs will hit the ice to showcase 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.
WXYZ-TV Channel 7 will once again serve as the official broadcast partner of the annual Detroit Tree Lighting ceremony, broadcasting complete coverage during a one-hour live special, “Light Up the Season,” beginning at 7 p.m.
Those planning to attend the 21st annual Detroit Tree Lighting are encouraged to arrive early to experience holiday festivities including:
Downtown Detroit Markets at Cadillac Square
The Downtown Detroit Markets welcome residents and visitors to relish in the holiday experience by browsing and shopping locally made, one-of-a-kind gifts from a collection of curated Detroit vendors, available until Jan. 5, 2025.
Cadillac Lodge
The Cadillac Lodge returns through Jan. 5, 2025, offering a cozy, family-friendly space right next to the Downtown Detroit Markets. 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, the Lodge offers a warm and welcoming place to grab a snack, sit and sip cocktails and hot cocoa and create memories throughout the holiday season.
Food Trucks and Delicious Drink Options
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!
Hungry visitors will be able to grab-and-go from the following food trucks, offering a variety of cuisines: 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’, and Andiamo.
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 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.
Winter Sponsor-land With Light Up Fun
“Winter Sponsor-land” will feature some of your favorite businesses with giveaways, photo opportunities, swag, and other special surprises. New this year, Gloworks will be onsite, selling their fantastic 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.
Photo Ops
In addition to taking photos with Santa, Detroit Tree Lighting attendees may also spot Detroit Lions’ mascot Roary and Detroit Pistons’ mascot Hooper, who will be roaming about.
The fun doesn’t end on Tree Lighting night! The Rink at Campus Martius Park presented by Visit Detroit opens for the 2024-2025 season on Saturday, Nov. 23, kicking off with a festive Grinch Skate Party presented by 313 Presents from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. The event will feature a DJ spinning holiday favorites, an opportunity to write letters to Santa, and chances to win tickets to upcoming theater shows. As a special treat, the Grinch will make a special appearance.
That evening, from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., skaters are invited to don their best for the Ugly Holiday Sweater Party presented by Michigan Lottery, with prizes awarded for the best ugly sweater and your chance to win instant lottery tickets during the “Lucky Lottery Minute.”
On Sunday, Nov. 24, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., the fun continues with the Holiday Onesie and Family Pajama Skate Party presented by Metro Parent. Skaters of all ages are encouraged to showcase their holiday spirit on the ice in cozy pajamas or holiday onesies.
Michigan’s premier family-friendly outdoor ice rink right in the heart of Downtown offers one of the most picturesque and iconic skating experiences in the country. It continues to be a top destination for the entire region, because nothing says holidays in Downtown Detroit quite like a spin around The Rink with Detroit’s Christmas Tree providing a beautiful backdrop.
The Rink at Campus Martius Park presented by Visit Detroit will be open seven days a week, including holidays, through March 2, 2025. Walk-up rink tickets and group rates will be available. Click the button below for more info and pricing.
Check out the 2023 Detroit Tree Lighting highlight video and get excited!
