This year marked the 21st annual Detroit Tree Lighting presented by DTE Energy Foundation and produced by the Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP). The magic of the holiday season came alive on Friday, November 22 at Campus Martius Park for this highly anticipated tradition.
More than one-million sparkling lights dazzled throughout Downtown, as 115,000 attendees gathered for Detroit’s official holiday kick-off event.
Just in time for the Detroit Tree Lighting, the all-new Lexus truck pulled Santa’s sleigh helping him arrive in style.
The official holiday-themed show kicked off with three dynamic musical acts performing live from the MGM Grand Detroit Main Stage, including Alex Sampson, Southern Avenue, and Detroit’s Queen of the Blues Thornetta Davis. Guests enjoyed additional appearances by The Next Generation Funk Brothers, The Pointe Singers from Grosse Pointe High School, and The Grinch.
Between the musicians’ sets, live figure-skating performances took place on The Rink at Campus Martius Park presented by Visit Detroit, starring two-time Canadian champion, Keegan Messing; local figure-skating duo, Linzy Fitzpatrick and Keyton Bearinger, and several metro Detroit skating clubs, 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.
The crowd enjoyed the energetic performances, as they waited in anticipation for Santa to flip the switch of the 66-ft Michigan-grown Norway spruce Christmas Tree. When the moment arrived, Santa appeared on stage alongside WXYZ-TV anchors, Mike Duffy and Carolyn Clifford; Gardner White CEO, Rachel Stewart; DDP CEO, Eric B. Larson; DTE Foundation president, Rodney Cole; Katora Cole; Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan; Dr. Sonia Hassan; Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan CEO, Daniel J. Loepp; Amy Loepp; and interim Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison.
The DDP unveiled its new CHALET 313 designed by Gardner White, a stunning two-story heated lounge offering panoramic views of the Detroit skyline, ice-rink and sparkling Christmas Tree. Both WJR-AM and WXYZ-TV broadcasted live from the new glass enclosed structure, which features cash bars, cozy seating and provides a unique way to experience winter in Downtown. It is open now through March 2. CHALET 313 is made possible thanks to the generous funding partners: Michigan Economic Development Corporation Revitalization and Placemaking Program, William Davidson Foundation, Downtown Development Authority and the Grand Prixmiere.
Kicking off its three-year collaboration with the Downtown Detroit Partnership, Carhartt serves as the official outfitter for the DDP parks and public spaces team. For the first time in DDP history, Carhartt sponsored a Carhartt Cares Front Row at this year’s Detroit Tree Lighting benefitting the Detroit Goodfellows.
Additional new offerings this year included 4,000 free Chick-fil-A sandwiches for Tree Lighting attendees and beverage stations that were located throughout the event footprint. Some of the festive holiday drinks provided included: Baily’s spiked hot cocoa, Casamigos Mistletoe Margaritas, Cutwater Espresso Martinis, Cutwater Peppermint White Russian or all-season delights like Michelob Ultra, Brew Detroit Campin’ Beer and Blake’s Hard American Apple Cider. Non-alcoholic options include the Sheetz Hot Cocoa Exprezz, Faygo, water and more. Several local food truck vendors were onsite.
Tree Lighting was filled with returning holiday favorites including the holiday shopping at the Downtown Detroit Markets at Cadillac Square, guests also enjoyed the Cadillac Lodge, a cozy heated tent offering a ski-lodge atmosphere; and photo opportunities with Santa, Detroit Lions’ mascot Roary, Detroit Tigers’ mascot Paws and Detroit Pistons’ mascot Hooper and more.
The following day marked the season opening of The Rink at Campus Martius Park presented by Visit Detroit, which included themed events. Starting Nov. 29, Downtown residents and visitors were able to enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, which are available every Friday and Saturday through Dec. 28.
Additional winter events include Menorah in the D and Kwanzaa Kinara lighting, both will be held in Campus Martius Park.
A special thanks to Detroit Tree Lighting sponsors for creating a magical and memorable event.
