Detroit’s Holiday Tradition Shines With 23rd Annual Detroit Tree Lighting

DETROIT – The 23rd annual Detroit Tree Lighting presented by DTE Foundation and produced by the Downtown Detroit Partnership will usher in the holiday season Friday, Nov. 20, at the award-winning Campus Martius Park. Free and open to the public, the celebration runs from 4 to 9 p.m., filling Detroit’s gathering place with more than 1 million sparkling lights, live entertainment, Olympic figure skaters, festive activities and the lighting of a towering Michigan-grown Christmas tree.

“Tree Lighting night is a moment Detroiters look forward to all year, when Downtown transforms into a holiday destination and our community comes together to celebrate the season,” said David Cowan, chief public spaces officer at the Downtown Detroit Partnership. “It’s a celebration of our city’s spirit, culture and traditions, but it’s also the starting point for weeks of activity that bring people back Downtown again and again. From skating at The Rink at Campus Martius Park to enjoying the holiday attractions, dining at local restaurants and exploring everything the season has to offer, these experiences create connections, support local businesses and deliver an important economic boost to Downtown throughout the holidays.”

The evening’s centerpiece is a 70-foot Norway spruce from Mesick in northern Michigan adorned with oversized ornaments and more than 25,000 shimmering LED lights. The celebration will culminate with Santa’s arrival and the ceremonial lighting of the tree, joined by city officials and local dignitaries. Visitors can enjoy the free festivities from the MGM Grand Detroit Main Stage or on large screens throughout Campus Martius Park and Cadillac Square.

“This tree has been part of our family for nearly 45 years, ever since my late husband and one of our children planted it as a gift to me,” said Elaine Zinger, whose family donated the tree from their property. “It holds so many wonderful memories for our family, and now it gets to become part of a special holiday memory for thousands of families in Downtown Detroit. I can’t imagine a more beautiful way to celebrate its next chapter.”

“The Detroit Tree Lighting is about more than lighting a tree for the holiday season, it’s about community,” said Rodney Cole, President, DTE Foundation and DTE Corporate Citizenship. “Every year, families and friends gather downtown to celebrate the season, enjoy our city and make memories together. That sense of connection is what makes this tradition so meaningful.”

WDIV Local 4 returns as the event’s exclusive broadcast partner, presenting a two-hour live special beginning at 7 p.m. Coverage will also be available on Local 4+ and ClickOnDetroit, with additional reporting throughout the day leading up to the celebration. 

Live Skating Spectacular and Ice Show

The evening’s signature ice show at The Rink at Campus Martius Park presented by Lexus will be headlined by Madison Chock and Evan Bates, the most decorated American ice dance team in history. The four-time Olympians are 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).

Also performing are Charlie Roost and Elijah Wilkins, juvenile pairs skaters representing the Ann Arbor Figure Skating Club who were named the club’s 2026 Competitors of the Year. Fellow club member and competitive figure skater Annabelle Wilkins will perform a solo routine. 

Figure Skating in Detroit will present a special performance introduced by Meryl Davis, the 2014 Olympic ice dance champion who helped establish the program in Detroit. Celebrating its 10^th anniversary, Figure Skating in Detroit was the first affiliate of Figure Skating in Harlem and combines figure skating, academic support and leadership development to empower girls of color.

The skating showcase will also feature performers from Arctic Figure Skating Club, Detroit Skating Club, Dream Detroit Skating Club, Figure Skating Club of Birmingham, Livonia Figure Skating Club, Motown Ice Theater, New Edge Figure Skating Club, Onyx Theatre Troupe, St. Clair Shores Figure Skating Club, Suburban Ice Rochester and U-M Collegiate Skating Team.

LIVE MUSIC and HOLIDAY Entertainment

Performing on the MGM Grand Detroit Stage is Soulidified, a four-member pop and R&B vocal group featuring Landon Boyce, Malik Heard, Shade Jenifer and Bradley Rittmann. Formed on Netflix’s “Building the Band,” the group finished in the top three of the competition and has built a following with its harmonies, original music and throwback boy-band energy. The group signed with Atlantic Records in August 2026 and released its latest single, “Man Ain’t Me,” in October.

Also taking the stage is Nashville-based country-pop trio Just Jayne, featuring singer-songwriters Taylor Edwards, Jillian Steele and Rachel Wiggins. Formed at Belmont University, the group blends three-part harmonies with contemporary country-pop storytelling. Its 2026 debut EP, “Jayne,” features songs including “White Picket Fence,” “Love A Loser” and “What’s His Name.”

Urban Art Orchestra, known as Detroit’s Orchestra, will serve as the evening’s featured band. Led by composer and saxophonist De’Sean Jones, the ensemble brings together Detroit musicians and artists for performances spanning jazz, soul, hip-hop, electronic music, dance and visual art.

Additional entertainment will showcase some of Detroit’s most celebrated cultural institutions and rising performers. The Motown Museum’s Hitsville NEXT Revue will take the stage with emerging artists from the museum’s creative and educational programs, highlighting the next generation of Detroit musical talent. Broadway in Detroit will offer a taste of Broadway with a special vocal performance from “The Great Gatsby,” the Tony Award-winning musical coming to the Fisher Theatre Nov. 17-29. Detroit Public Theatre will bring performers from its “Holiday Cabaret” variety show, offering a festive preview of its seasonal production, while Detroit Opera will showcase the city’s rich operatic talent with a special vocal performance. Adding to the holiday fun, 313 Presents will bring The Grinch for a festive singalong, and the Rackham Choir will perform.

FESTIVE CHEER BEYOND THE TREE

Beyond the stage and ice, attendees can enjoy seasonal food and beverages, holiday shopping, giveaways, photo opportunities and interactive experiences throughout Campus Martius Park and Cadillac Square during the Detroit Tree Lighting.

Food and Seasonal Beverages

Food trucks and local vendors, including Andiamo, Busta Dogs, Los Dos Amigo Tacos, Food Fun Express, Gambino Catering, Impasto, Little Bite Big Taste, Smoke Ring and Wing Snob will offer a variety of cuisines.

Beverage stations throughout the event will serve holiday favorites, including spiked hot cocoa with Baileys Irish Cream and Cutwater Espresso Martinis, along with Michelob Ultra, Brew Detroit Campin’ Beer, Blake’s Hard American Apple Cider, nonalcoholic hot cocoa and water.

Photo Opportunities and Other Activities

Visitors can take photos with Santa and watch for appearances by Detroit Lions mascot Roary and Detroit Tigers mascot Paws. 

Winter Sponsor-land will feature Downtown Detroit Partnership partners offering giveaways, merchandise and special surprises from local businesses throughout the evening. The DTE Energy Den will add to the festivities with interactive activities and giveaways, while Gloworks will sell light-up novelty items near the sponsor area to help brighten the night in downtown Detroit.

Share the Warmth of the Season

Admission to the Detroit Tree Lighting is free, but attendees are encouraged to bring new, warm, durable gloves for Mittens for Detroit. Volunteers will collect donations at event entrances to support the nonprofit’s mission of providing new mittens and gloves to children, teens and adults in Detroit and surrounding communities.

Carhartt Cares Front Row also will return, providing a special experience for beneficiaries of Detroit Goodfellows. The initiative is part of Downtown Detroit Partnership’s collaboration with Carhartt, the official outfitter of the Downtown Detroit Parks and Public Spaces team.

ARRIVE EARLY AND PLAN YOUR VISIT

Visitors are encouraged to arrive early to explore downtown’s more than 1 million sparkling lights, holiday displays, shopping and dining before the festivities. Due to anticipated attendance, organizers expect the event area to reach capacity before 7 p.m. Once capacity is reached, gates will close and remain closed for the duration of the event.

Parking and public transportation options are available near Campus Martius Park, including DDOT, SMART and FAST buses, the Detroit People Mover and QLINE. Visitors can also use ParkWhiz to explore parking options.

Winter in the Parks presented by Bank of America

While the Detroit Tree Lighting marks the start of the holiday season, the celebration continues well beyond Nov. 20. Through Downtown Detroit Partnership’s Winter in the Parks presented by Bank of America, Downtown Detroit’s public spaces will host months of skating, shipping, entertainment and seasonal experiences designed to bring people together throughout the winter.

“We know a vibrant downtown Detroit is essential for a strong, connected community, and we’re proud to help make Winter in the Parks a welcoming destination for everyone this holiday season,” said Ed Siaje, president of Bank of America Detroit. “This year metro Detroiters and visitors can come together experience all the Winter in the Parks offerings and create lasting memories while contributing to the energy and vitality of our downtown.”

The Rink at Campus Martius Park Presented by Lexus

Opening Weekend: Nov. 21-22

The Rink at Campus Martius Park presented by Lexus kicks off its 2026-27 season Nov. 21-22 with an Ugly Holiday Sweater Party presented by Michigan Lottery and Santa Skate Party presented by Bank of America. Both events feature prizes, giveaways and family-friendly festivities.

Voted the No. 1 ice skating rink in the U.S., The Rink offers a signature Detroit winter experience beneath the city’s towering Christmas tree. Programmed and managed by the Downtown Detroit Partnership, The Rink operates daily, including holidays, through March 7, 2027. Season schedules, admission prices and skate rental information are available at DowntownDetroit.org/TheRink.

Help Keep The Rink No. 1

The Rink at Campus Martius Park is once again competing for the top spot in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. Supporters can vote daily at https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/rink-campus-martius-park-detroit-michigan/ through noon Monday, Nov. 30.

MORE HOLIDAY EXPERIENCES IN DOWNTOWN DETROIT

Downtown Detroit offers a variety of ways to celebrate the holiday season, from shopping at local markets and independent retailers to dining and gathering with family and friends. Seasonal attractions, heated lounges and festive experiences throughout the parks and surrounding downtown district give residents and visitors even more reasons to explore the city, support local businesses and enjoy the holidays together.

The Shop at Campus Martius

Beginning Nov. 11, The Shop at Campus Martius will feature a refreshed selection of Detroit-inspired merchandise, locally designed apparel, gifts and exclusive collaborations celebrating the city and its public spaces. Purchases support Downtown Detroit Parks’ year-round programming and operations.

Downtown Detroit Markets and Cadillac Lodge at Cadillac Square

Open Nov. 11 through Jan. 3, 2027, the Downtown Detroit Markets will feature more than a dozen local pop-up vendors selling apparel, jewelry, home décor, toys, pet products, books, specialty foods and more. The markets are managed by the Downtown Detroit Partnership and funded by Gilbert Family Foundation and with support from Bedrock. Afterward, shoppers can visit the Cadillac Lodge, a cozy, ski lodge setting with food and drinks and board games in a warm, family-friendly atmosphere.

Downtown Detroit Small Businesses

With more than 300 small businesses, downtown Detroit offers opportunities to shop, dine and explore throughout the holiday season.

CHALET 313 Styled and Furnished by Gardner White

Opening Nov. 21, this two-story, heated lounge at Campus Martius Park offers comfortable seating, a bar and panoramic views of The Rink, Detroit’s Christmas tree and skyline. Winter Trivia returns from 6 to 8 p.m. Fridays, Jan. 15 through March 5, 2027, with free, drop-in play and prizes. This unique space made possible through generous funding from William Davidson Foundation, Michigan Economic Development Corporation, Downtown Development Authority, and Detroit Grand Prix.

Lumen Detroit

Overlooking Beacon Park’s dazzling holiday lights, Lumen Detroit offers modern cuisine and craft cocktails with indoor dining and private heated outdoor chalets for a cozy seasonal experience.

LIGHT UP BEACON PARK HOLIDAY SEASON KICKOFF

Just blocks away from Campus Martius Park, Beacon Park will launch its holiday season Saturday, Nov. 21, from 6 to 10 p.m., with “Light Up Beacon Park” and the unveiling of its winter transformation. A 20-foot Michigan-grown holiday tree will be illuminated during a 7:30 p.m. ceremony. The park will feature more than 125,000 holiday lights, photo vignettes, private chalet dining, festive décor and an all-new “Golden Holiday” themed lighting display. Visitors can also explore Beacon Park’s Design Haus, a heated, interactive space offering art, music, fitness and cultural activities for all ages through Nov. 29.

ADDITIONAL HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS

Downtown Detroit’s seasonal calendar also includes Menorah in the D on Dec. 6 and the Motor City Kwanzaa Celebration and Kinara Lighting on Dec. 26, bringing additional opportunities for the community to gather and celebrate holiday traditions.

For a complete guide to seasonal activities and events, view or download the 2026 Winter in the Parks presented by Bank of America brochure.

COMMUNITY AND CORPORATE PARTNER SUPPORT

The Downtown Detroit Partnership, a privately funded nonprofit, relies on the support of community and corporate partners to sustain programming and events across its public spaces. Rocket Companies provides year-round funding for Downtown Detroit Parks, helping ensure residents and visitors have access to welcoming public spaces and high-quality experiences in every season.

“The magic of the holiday season reflects what makes Downtown Detroit special all year, with vibrant public spaces where people can come together, connect and enjoy the best of our city,” said KimArie Yowell, chief talent officer at Rocket Companies. “We’re proud to partner with the Downtown Detroit Partnership on welcoming experiences that draw visitors, support local businesses and strengthen our community.”

The Downtown Detroit Partnership is grateful for 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, Amazon, Andiamo, Aretha Franklin Amphitheatre, Bosch, Broadway in Detroit, Bubba’s 33, Budweiser Fabiano Brothers, Carhartt, Chandon, Corewell Health, Cronus Communications, Detroit Auto Show, Detroit Free Press, Detroit Lions, The Detroit News, Detroit People Mover, Detroit Red Wings, Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Detroit Tigers, Detroit Zoo, Diversified Members Credit Union, EY, FASTSIGNS, Faygo, Fifth Third Bank, Forte Belanger, Gilbert Family Foundation, Go Great Lakes Bay, GW Home, The Henry Ford, Lake Michigan Credit Union, Live Nation, McDonald’s, McKeen and Associates, Merit, Metro Parent, MGM Grand Detroit, Michigan Humane, Michigan Lottery, Motown Museum, One Magnify, Premier Pet Supply, RAM Construction Services, Strategic Staffing Solutions, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Trent Creative, WDIV Local 4, William Davidson Foundation and Xfinity.