Holiday Magic Returns for the 22nd Annual Detroit Tree Lighting Presented by DTE Energy Foundation and Produced by the Downtown Detroit Partnership

DETROIT – The 22^nd annual Detroit Tree Lighting presented by DTE Energy Foundation and produced by the Downtown Detroit Partnership, will shine brighter than ever. The beloved tradition that officially ushers in the holiday season takes place Friday, Nov. 21, at the award-winning Campus Martius Park in Downtown Detroit. From 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., the park will come alive with festive activities, more than 1 million sparkling lights and a stellar lineup of performances, both on stage and on ice.

Watch Live on WDIV Local 4

WDIV Local 4 is the exclusive broadcast partner of the annual Detroit Tree Lighting, marking a significant evolution in Downtown Detroit Partnership’s presentation of Detroit’s holiday tradition and expanding the on-air program from one hour to two, starting at 7 p.m., with full day lead-up coverage, streaming on Local 4+ and ClickOnDetroit.

“Our Detroit Tree Lighting tradition continues to captivate and entertain all who attend. It brings the community together in celebration and invites families to return throughout the winter to ice skate, shop, dine and explore Downtown,” said David Cowan, chief public spaces officer at the Downtown Detroit Partnership. “At the same time, it fuels economic activity by drawing in over 100,000 visitors in one night. It drives foot traffic that supports our local restaurants, retailers and small businesses and helps power both the downtown holiday spirit and economy.”

The public is invited to enjoy the live show from the MGM Grand Detroit Main Stage or throughout Campus Martius Park and Cadillac Square via big screens. The highlight of the evening is the arrival of Santa and lighting of the 62-foot Michigan-grown Norway spruce gracing the center of Detroit’s gathering place. This year’s tree hails from Mesick in Northern Michigan and will be decked out with larger-than-life ornaments and illuminated with more than 25,000 shimmering LED lights.

“The Detroit Tree Lighting is a tradition that marks the start of the holiday season for our city,” said Rodney Cole, President, DTE Foundation and DTE Corporate Citizenship. “Each year, this event brings a sense of excitement and anticipation as we gather to celebrate the spirit of Detroit. Lighting the tree is a moment that reminds us of the energy and resilience that define our community.”

“For 22 years we have watched the tree grow a little bigger and more beautiful,” said Scott and Mary Locklear, whose property the tree was grown and harvested. “It’s an honor to have it chosen for this year’s Detroit Tree Lighting. We’re so happy and proud to share its beauty with everyone. Happy holidays and be sure to visit Campus Martius Park to see the tree in all its shining glory.”

Musical Acts and Entertainment

Headlining the MGM Grand Detroit Stage is breakout multiplatinum country artist BRELAND, whose infectious energy and genre-blending “cross country” sound have captured fans everywhere. With hits like “My Truck,” he’s redefining modern country and has collaborated with several superstars in the industry, including Keith Urban and Thomas Rhett. In 2023, he released a rendition of “The Christmas Song” and took the stage at the Grand Ole Opry’s Christmas at the Opry special, wowing audiences with a performance of “This Christmas” and a heartfelt “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” duet with Mickey Guyton. Blending warmth, joy and genre-crossing soul, BRELAND brings fresh energy to holiday classics while honoring their timeless spirit. 

Opening the stage show is pop singer-songwriter Natalie Jane, who first captured attention through viral performances on TikTok, which quickly amassed her more than 10 million followers to date. Her emotionally raw lyrics and commanding vocals that cut through slick production quickly drew comparisons to powerhouse artists like Adele and Amy Winehouse. Signed to Capital Records, she broke through with the hit “AVA” and followed it up with “seeing you with other girls.” With 2.5 million monthly listeners on Spotify, her 2023 debut EP, “Where Am I?”, blends pop with moody, alt-R&B textures.

The Urban Arts Orchestra, the evening’s featured band, is a vibrant collective known for blending live strings, brass and rhythm with soul, hip-hop and pop. Led by De’Sean Jones, its performances highlight creative collaboration, delivering an energetic show that merges classical instruments with contemporary beats for a captivating live experience that celebrates Detroit’s vibrant musical legacy.

Other musical entertainers of note include Motown Museum’s Hitsville NEXT, a creative and educational hub nurturing the next generation of artists and entrepreneurs through programs in music, performance and business. By blending creativity, education and community, it carries Motown’s legacy forward while shaping Detroit’s future talent.

Members of the Grosse Pointe Theatre, a celebrated community theater company known for its polished, crowd-pleasing productions, will present a vocal performance of “White Christmas.” Broadway in Detroit will feature a vocalist from the revitalized new production of the legendary musical “Phantom of the Opera,” premiering at the Detroit Opera House Feb. 4-15, 2026; and the Cass Tech High School Madrigal Choir, a select chamber ensemble that is a prestigious part of the school’s renowned music program, will also perform.

Live Skating Spectacular and Ice Show

The signature event will feature a stellar lineup of live entertainment on The Rink at Campus Martius Park, headlined by U.S. Olympic figure skater Polina Edmunds. Celebrated for her elegance, athleticism and artistry, she is a four-time U.S. medalist who continues to inspire audiences with her stunning performances. Edmunds glides with effortless grace and precision, combining world-class technique and artistry in breathtaking performances that captivate from the first step on the ice.

Also appearing with special performances are Emmanuel Savary and Khloe Felton. Savary is an American figure skater and two-time U.S. national medalist known for his power, precision and expressive storytelling. A trailblazer in the sport, he continues to inspire the next generation of diverse athletes with his dynamic performances. Felton, of Kalamazoo, Michigan, is a 14-time national medalist, as well as a solo and shadow dance champion. Known for her artistry, poise and dedication, her performances showcase remarkable grace and confidence on the ice, bringing heart, precision and artistry to every routine as a rising star in figure skating.

Additionally, skaters from several metro Detroit clubs will hit the ice to showcase their skills, including those from Arctic Figure Skating Club, Detroit Skating Club, Dream Detroit Skating Academy, Figure Skating Club of Birmingham, Figure Skating in Detroit, Livonia Figure Skating, Motown Ice Theater, New Edge Figure Skating Club and St. Clair Shores Figure Skating Club.

Eat, Drink and Be Merry

Attendees can indulge in a variety of delicious offerings and festive activities throughout Campus Martius Park and Cadillac Square during the Detroit Tree Lighting. From savory bites and seasonal sips to cozy lounges and unique shopping opportunities, there’s something for everyone to enjoy while celebrating the holiday spirit in Downtown Detroit.

Food Trucks and Delicious Drink Options

Beverage stations located throughout the event footprint will offer holiday favorites such as spiked hot cocoa and Cutwater Espresso Martinis. All-season options include Michelob Ultra and Tito’s Mistletoe Mule. Non-alcoholic choices include Sheetz Hot Cocoa Exprezz and Absopure water. For every purchase of the hot cocoa, $1 will benefit Forgotten Harvest.

A variety of food trucks will serve an assortment of cuisines for hungry visitors to grab-and-go, supporting some of Detroit’s finest small business owners and entrepreneurs. Participating vendors include Andiamo, Busta Dogs, Los Dos Amigo Tacos, Food Fun Express and Impasto.

Share the Warmth of the Season with Mittens for Detroit

While admission to the Detroit Tree Lighting is free, the Downtown Detroit Partnership encourages attendees to bring a pair of warm, durable new gloves to benefit Mittens for Detroit, a local nonprofit that provides new mittens and gloves to children, teens and adults in Detroit and nearby communities. Volunteers will be collecting donations at event entrances.

Carhartt Cares Front Row

As part of a collaboration between Downtown Detroit Parks and Carhartt – the official outfitter for the Downtown Detroit Partnership Parks and Public Spaces team – the Carhartt Cares Front Row will provide a special experience for beneficiaries of the Detroit Goodfellows during the Detroit Tree Lighting.

Giveaways While Supplies Last

Carhartt will be onsite with thousands of hats to give away and Chick-fil-A will join with thousands of free sandwiches for attendees to enjoy, while supplies last.

Dining Options Downtown

Downtown Detroit boasts a wide range of dining options, from casual to fine dining and everything in between, including the award-winning Parc at Campus Martius Park and Lumen at Beacon Park. As the Detroit Tree Lighting is one of the busiest nights of the season, attendees are encouraged to make reservations early and support local restaurants.

Photo Ops

For photo opportunities, visitors can take pictures with Santa and may also spot Detroit Lions mascot Roary, Detroit Pistons mascot Hooper and Detroit Tigers Mascot Paws roaming the area. 

Winter Sponsor-land and Light Up Fun

“Winter Sponsor-land” will feature Downtown Detroit Partnership partners offering giveaways, photo ops, swag and other special surprises. Gloworks will be onsite near ‘Sponsor-land’ selling 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 their night.

LIGHT UP BEACON PARK HOLIDAY SEASON KICKOFF

Just blocks away from Campus Martius Park, Beacon Park will kick off the holiday season on Friday, Nov. 21, from 5 to 9 p.m., with “Light Up Beacon Park” and the unveiling of the park’s transformation into a winter wonderland.

Families can gather to watch the 20-foot Michigan-grown holiday tree come to life at the 6:45 p.m. tree lighting ceremony. The park’s holiday tree and winter experience offer a festive outdoor setting with more than 125,000 holiday lights, themed music, private chalet dining, picturesque décor and an all-new “Candyland” winter lighting and themed display. This glowing sweet escape features giant light features, a gingerbread house, festive figures and picture-perfect winter backdrops. On select dates following the kickoff, guests can step inside Beacon Park’s Design Haus, a heated, interactive space with art, music, fitness and cultural activities for all ages.

Know Before You Go

Guests are encouraged to arrive ahead of the annual Detroit Tree Lighting to explore more than 1 million sparkling lights, spectacular displays and festive décor, holiday shopping, dining and family-friendly activities, all within walking distance downtown. Due to high attendance, organizers anticipate the event area will reach capacity within the first few hours, after which gates will close and remain closed for the duration of the event.

Getting to the Detroit Tree Lighting

Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to experience the holiday magic downtown and witness the actual lighting of the tree. Convenient and affordable parking and transit options are available steps away from Campus Martius Park, including public transit such as DDOT, SMART Bus (plus FAST), Detroit People Mover and QLINE. Check ParkWhiz for additional parking options.

ADDITIONAL HOLIDAY OFFERINGS
Menorah in the D and Motor City Kwanzaa Kinara

Events to celebrate the lighting of a Menorah (Dec. 14) and Kwanzaa Kinara (Dec. 26) also add to Downtown Detroit’s holiday landscape.

Winter in the Parks presented by Bank of America

Now through March 2026, Winter in the Parks brings winter fun and inclusivity to Downtown Detroit’s public spaces. The program promotes community, connectivity between the parks and offers warm, welcoming spaces for residents and visitors to enjoy all season long throughout Campus Martius Park, Cadillac Square and others.

The Rink at Campus Martius Park

Opening Weekend Celebration: Nov. 22-23

The Rink at Campus Martius Park opens for the 2025-26 season on Saturday, Nov. 22, inviting skaters to glide into the spirit of the season. The weekend will feature festive-themed skate parties with prizes and giveaways on both days.

Voted the No. 1 ice skating rink in the U.S., The Rink is Michigan’s premier family-friendly outdoor rink offering one of the country’s most picturesque and iconic skating experiences. It remains 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 is programmed and managed by the Downtown Detroit Partnership and will be open daily, including holidays, through March 1, 2026. Tickets and skate rentals are available in advance at DowntownDetroit.org/TheRink.

Help Keep The Rink No. 1!

The Rink at Campus Martius Park once again is in the running to maintain its title as the Best Ice Skating Rink in the country by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. People can show their love for The Rink by voting once per day at https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/rink-campus-martius-park-detroit-michigan/ until polls close at noon Monday, Dec. 1.

CHALET 313 Styled and Furnished by Gardner White

Now in its second year, CHALET 313 returns Nov. 22 as Campus Martius Park’s two-story heated lounge and ultimate holiday retreat. This glass-enclosed space offers cozy seating, a lively bar and 360-degree views of the ice rink, Detroit’s Christmas tree and dazzling skyline. It’s the perfect spot to sip seasonal drinks, warm up and enjoy the holiday magic with family and friends.

New this year, Winter Trivia adds extra excitement to CHALET 313, making it the perfect midweek hangout. The event runs from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursdays, Jan. 8 through Feb. 18, and no registration is required. Individuals or teams can simply show up and play for a chance to win fun prizes, including tickets courtesy of 313 Presents and the Detroit Auto Show.

Downtown Detroit Markets and Cadillac Lodge at Cadillac Square

Beginning Nov. 12, 2025, through Jan. 4, 2026, residents and visitors can browse and shop at the Downtown Detroit Markets, funded by Gilbert Family Foundation and managed by the Downtown Detroit Partnership with support from Bedrock. This year’s outdoor marketplace will feature 18 local pop-up vendors offering locally made, one-of-a-kind gifts including specialty apparel, accessories, jewelry, bath products, home décor, children’s toys, pet goods, books, snacks and more. Afterward, shoppers can visit the Cadillac Lodge, a cozy, ski lodge setting with an assortment of food and drinks in a warm, family-friendly atmosphere.

Click here to view and download the 2025 Winter in the Parks presented by Bank of America brochure.

COMMUNITY AND CORPORATE PARTNER SUPPORT

The Downtown Detroit Partnership is a privately funded nonprofit organization that greatly benefits from 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, Absopure, Amazon, Andiamo, Autoliv, Bosch, Broadway in Detroit, Bubba’s 33, Carhartt, Chandon, Chick-fil-A, Corewell Health, Cronus Communications, Detroit Auto Show, Delta Airlines, Detroit Free Press, Detroit Lions, The Detroit News, Detroit Red Wings, Detroit Tigers, Detroit Zoo, Diversified Members Credit Union, EY, Fabiano Brothers, Fastsigns, Faygo, Gardner White, Gilbert Family Foundation, Great Lakes Bay Visitors Bureau, Honigman, McDonald’s, Metro Parent, MGM Grand Detroit, Michigan Lottery, Motown Museum, One Magnify, Sheetz, Strategic Staffing Solutions, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Trent Creative, William Davidson Foundation, WDIV Local 4 and Xfinity.