Plan Your Visit: 2025 Detroit Tree Lighting

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Event Details

Kick-off the holiday season at the Downtown Detroit Partnership’s (DDP) 22nd Annual Detroit Tree Lighting presented by the DTE Energy Foundation, held Friday, November 21 from 4-9 p.m. at Campus Martius Park. The Downtown Detroit Partnership (DDP) is proud to produce this beloved community tradition that launches the holiday season Downtown. You won’t want to miss the magical moments when the park comes alive with festive activities, more than one million sparkling lights, and a star-studded lineup of performances.

This year’s exciting talent includes BRELAND and others on the MGM Grand Detroit Main Stage and dazzling performances by world-renowned ice skaters including Polina Edmunds on The Rink at Campus Martius Park presented by Lexus.

For full lineups and entertainment details visit HERE

Each year, the DDP proudly produces Detroit Tree Lighting. As we prepare for an exciting day of winter festivities Downtown this Friday, we invite you to view our complete visitor guidelines, which includes details about the parking and transit options, road closures, guest code of conduct, prohibited items, and more to help you plan your visit.

 

Arriving Downtown

Several well-lit, convenient parking structures exist around Campus Martius Park. Find one that fits your route into the city, arrive early, and secure your spot. There are also parking and transit options that can make your visit more fun and environmentally friendly. Consider parking close to a QLine station and riding up to Campus Martius Park to make your entry and exit fun and easy. You might even find a new Detroit spot to visit along the way.

 

Event Capacity

To provide an enjoyable experience to all Tree Lighting attendees, we will be closing the gates once capacity is reached and they will NOT re-open. (We are expecting to reach capacity just before 7 p.m.)

 

Bringing Minors

Minors are welcome to attend the Detroit Tree Lighting from any approved public area. However, for their safety, minors ages 17 and under must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian or other responsible adult (age 21 or over) while they attend the event.

Event Map, Road Closures and More

Opening Weekend for The Rink at Campus Martius Park presented by Lexus

The fun doesn’t end on Tree Lighting night! The Rink at Campus Martius Park presented by Lexus opens for the 2025-2026 season on Saturday, Nov. 22, at 12 p.m. 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. 23, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., the fun continues with the Polar Express Skate Party presented by Metro Parent. Show off your festive cheer at our Polar Express Skate Party, where Kids and families can enjoy a magical afternoon of skating, hot cocoa, giveaways and Christmas tunes that will warm your heart! 

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 Lexus will be open seven days a week, including holidays, through March 1, 2026. Walk-up rink tickets and group rates will be available.

See you Downtown!

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