Detroit’s holiday season started in grand style on Friday, November 22, with the Downtown Detroit Partnership’s 22nd Annual Detroit Tree Lighting in Campus Martius Park, presented by DTE Energy Foundation. This year, the highly anticipated event attracted more than 120,000 visitors, wowed by the more than one million Downtown holiday lights, spectacular entertainment, and, at the center, the 62-foot Michigan-grown Norway spruce that came to life following the collective countdown with Santa. Joining Santa on stage were a number of special guests, including DDP CEO Eric B. Larson; Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan and his wife, Dr. Sonia Hassan; DDP Vice Chair Bob Riney, CEO of Henry Ford Health, and his wife, Sandy Riney, and WDIV personalities Karen Drew and Demond Fernandez.
Once again, the DDP planning team knocked it out of the park in securing the entertainment for the MGM Grand Detroit stage and the Rink at Campus Martius presented by Lexus.
Pop singer-songwriter Natalie Jane kicked off the entertainment, followed by multiplatinum breakout country artist BRELAND, who shared his infectious energy and genre-blending “cross country” sound.
Over at the Rink at Campus Martius presented by Lexus, current and future national and international figure skaters effortlessly made their way around the ice. Fans were delighted with the exceptional performance by silver Olympic medalist Polina Edmunds.
New for 2025, Detroit Tree Lighting’s exclusive broadcast partner, WDIV Local 4, aired a special two-hour program from 7 to 9 p.m., bringing the magic of live performances and festive on-stage moments straight to viewers at home. The partnership ensures everyone can experience the excitement and holiday spirit of this Detroit tradition.
The DDP is grateful for the wonderful support it receives from the City of Detroit, the Detroit Police Department, and the Detroit Fire Department, which help ensure the Detroit Tree Lighting event is a success year after year.
Finally, this event would not be possible without the generous sponsors who allow the DDP to bring our amazing community together to celebrate our city and the holidays.
Mark your calendars, the 23rd annual Detroit Tree Lighting will be on Friday, November 20, 2026.
2025 Detroit Tree Lighting Recap
