Capital Area Christmas Light Shows + Tree Lighting and Events 2023
Christmas time is almost here, and you can feel the excitement in Lansing.
‘Tis the season to attend fun Christmas events, go see Santa, visit a Christmas tree farm, and enjoy the many traditions in our community.
A big part of celebrating around here is the amazing Christmas light displays. In recent years, local businesses and community members have really upped their light game to spread some good cheer.
We’re not talking ordinary lights either.
We’re talking elaborate lights that move along to music, large-scale light parades, unique drive-through light shows, immersive walk-through light experiences, and beautiful tree lighting ceremonies. Lansing has shown up in a big way and you won’t want to miss it this season.
So grab your warmest boots and hot cocoa, and get ready for some unforgettable memory-making. Read on to find holiday light shows + houses and neighborhoods that are worth the drive.
Christmas Lights Displays & Events
If lights are what you’re looking for this season, Lansing and the surrounding area have you covered!
We’ve included festivities and shows from all over Greater Lansing to give you options for days when it comes to Christmas lights.
And watching little faces look at sparkling lights all aglow is a priceless experience all its own.
Pack up the fam, hit the road, and get ready for these spectacular lights that are sure to bring out the holiday spirit in us all.
Silver Bells in the City
Downtown Lansing Capitol
100 N Capitol Ave, Lansing, MI 48933
» November 17, 2023 | 5-9pm
The holiday season in Lansing kicks off with Silver Bells in the City!
Bringing together family and friends from across the state and beyond to shop, stroll the downtown streets, watch the electric light parade, and see the lighting of the state Christmas tree. FREE.
Downtown Jackson Christmas Parade
Downtown Jackson
» November 17, 2023 | 6pm
A tradition for 31 years, the Jackson Christmas Parade will feature floats, marching bands, and end with Mr. and Mrs. Claus. You can also bring your Santa letters to the parade Friday night where you can mail them to the North Pole!
Nite Lites
Michigan International Speedway
12626 US-12, Brooklyn, MI 49230
» November 17-January 7, 2023 | Select dates 5:30pm – 9p or 10p
Nite Lites is a drive-thru light display spanning 5 miles across MIS property. Two lanes of traffic allow guests to drive through 6 lighted tunnels, 15 mega trees and more than 10-miles of Christmas lights lining the 5 mile route. $35/car; $50/limo/motorhome/minibus; $100/tour bus.
Wonderland of Lights
Potter Park Zoo
1301 S Pennsylvania Ave, Lansing, MI 48912
» November 18-December 23, 2023 | 5-8pm, Various dates
Thousands of lights create extraordinary holiday lights displays at the annual Wonderland of Lights!
Stroll around the zoo during a magical Michigan winter evening and take in the twinkling light displays across the zoo while holiday music plays.
Buy tickets online or at the gate. $9 adults, $5 for kids 3-12, seniors (60+), and military. Free for kids under 3 years old.
Lansing Holiday Light Show
Lansing Cottonwood Campground
5339 Aurelius Rd, Lansing, MI 48911
» November 18-December 31, 2023 | Select dates, 5-9pm, 5-10pm, or 5-11pm
You won’t want to miss the only drive-thru light show in Lansing! Pile the whole fam in and tune the radio to enjoy this synced light and music show from the warmth of your car. The route is 0.5 mile. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door on select dates. Ticket prices TBD at this time.
Mason Holiday Lighted Parade
Downtown Mason
» November 24, 2023 | 6pm
The Mason Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting the 22nd annual Mason Holidays Celebration! You are invited to join for the tree lighting ceremony where the Citizen of the Year will give the command to light the tree. The holiday parade with its lights all aglow will arrive downtown shortly after the tree lighting.
Fantasy of Lights
123 E Washington St, Howell, MI 48843
» November 24, 2023 | 7pm
Head to downtown Howell to kick of the holiday season with a slew of events as part of the Fantasy of Lights Festival. Enjoy the sounds of choirs, pictures with Santa at 4pm, the Fantasy 5K at 6pm, and finishing with the Fantasy of Lights parade which starts off at 7pm.
Glow Owosso
Downtown Owosso
209 N Washington St, Owosso, MI 48867
» November 24, 2023 | 7pm Parade
Owosso will shine during Glow Owosso 2023. Activities include the Glow Run at 5:30pm, shopping, the Glow Parade at 7pm, visit with Santa following the parade, horse and carriage rides after the parade, and the lighting of the downtown Christmas tree.
Lighted Holiday Parade
Downtown Charlotte
Charlotte, MI 48813
» November 25, 2023 | 6pm
Shop in downtown Charlotte on November 25 for Small Business Saturday, and then at dusk get ready for a lighted holiday parade through the streets. The parade ends at the historic courthouse where the annual tree lighting will take place.
Stockbridge Festival of Lights & Light Parade
Downtown Stockbridge
» November 25, 2023 | 3:30-6pm
Join us for a magical, fun-filled afternoon! Santa’s visit, horse drawn wagon rides, tree lighting, entertainment, holiday sing along, elf stops, and light parade! Parade begins at 6pm.
Laingsburg Winterfest
Downtown Laingsburg
» November 26 – December 3, 2023 | Varying dates and activities
Monday, November 27th – Friday, December 1st – Visit beautiful downtown for discounts and sales and see the whole town lit up for the holidays! Drop your letter to Santa or the Grinch! Or hit the map of homes to see a tour of lights and vote on your favorite!
Saturday, December 2nd is the main event and everything is FREE. Visit the many businesses open downtown, kids games/crafts, face painting and ballooon animals, shop the Winter Market, compete in the pancake eating competition (all ages!), visit with Santa & Mrs. Claus, catch the Grinch downtown, hop on a Horse & Carriage ride; dance in the Silent Disco, watch some close up magic with Jeff the Magician, bid to win at the Library Silent Auction, check out the Chili Cook-Off, grab some cocoa, warm up at the bonfire, and see Santa’s Light parade! Our hallmark town comes to life for you! Make sure you wear Red for Team Santa or Green for Team Grinch!
Sunday, December 3rd, festivties will wrap up with a holiday concert with the Laingsburg Community Singers at the Congregational Church, followed by a story-reading at the Public Library, from Santa & Mrs. Claus over Facebook live.
Marshall Christmas Parade
Downtown Marshall
» November 27, 2023 | 7pm
The Marshall Christmas Parade has been a tradition for 59 years and attracts thousands of people from around the area. Each float is decorated with bright lights and holiday decorations. Wonderful music from local bands, gorgeous floats, hot cocoa from local retailers, and more! Don’t miss this parade! Stop downtown before the parade and enjoy unique shopping and take photos with our vintage holiday decorations!
The Merry Mile
Calhoun County Fairgrounds
720 Fair St, Marshall, MI 49068
» November 30-December 30, 2023 | 6-9pm, Th-Sun including Christmas Eve
Drive through the Calhoun County Fairgrounds to ooh and ahh at the lights of The Merry Mile. Don’t miss the the Special Event nights. $10/car/truck/van; $20/bus.
Night Lights Christmas Parade & Festivities
Downtown Grand Ledge, beginning at Grand Ledge Fire Department
Starts at 500 N Clinton St, Grand Ledge, MI
» December 1, 2023 | 7pm
Santa will make his appearance at the end of the parade, trading in his red sleigh for a red fire truck. Photos with Santa, letters to Santa mailbox in the plaza, get warm by the firepit in the plaza, Christmas caroling.
5pm – Grand Ledge Area District Library Gingerbread House Kits
6pm – Grand Ledge Rotary Club Chili Cookoff at the Opera House
6:30pm – Christmas Caroling in Bridge Street Plaza
6:45pm – Tree Lighting in Bridge Street Plaza
7pm – Christmas Parade Starts at the fire station and heads south on Bridge Street
Walk Thru the Lights
Hamlett Lavender Farm
10722 Stinchfield Woods Rd, Pinckney, MI 48169
» December 1 – 23, 2023 | Fri & Sat, 6-8pm
Enjoy this beautiful outdoor holiday experience with lights, fire, Santa, Mrs. Claus and Grinch photo opportunities, music, gift shop with hot cocoa available. The cost of admission is $7 per person. Purchased time entry tickets online.
Holiday Nights of Lights
Frances Park
2701 Moores River Dr, Lansing, MI 48911
» December 1-3, 8-10, 15-17, 2023| 6-9pm
Frances Park in Lansing is transformed into a winter wonderland! This FREE drive-thru light display features exciting displays and LOTS of lights
St. Johns Light Festival & Parade
Downtown St. Johns
» December 1, 2023 | 5pm
Activities kick off at 5pm with a talking tree, train rides, live nativity, face painting, chili at the UAW hall, and light up toys for sale. The parade starts at 6:30pm and after, please join community members at The Depot for the annual lighting of the tree, presentation of the key to the city, and proclamation to the Saint of the Year.
DeWitt Christmas Market, Electric Light Parade & Tree Lighting
Downtown DeWitt
» December 2, 2023 | 2-630pm
DeWitt hosts their annual Christmas Festival of Trees and Electric Light Parade. Contact Bridge Street Hair Co. to make your reservation ahead of time for Who-Hair. There will be market events, the annual running of the Santa Clauses, a Festival of Trees, crafts and other kids activities, followed by the light parade and tree lighting. PRO TIP: Stop by TIN CUP Café & Creamery for a hot cocoa flight featuring dark chocolate, chocolate caramel, S’mores, and peppermint.
Fowlerville Christmas in the Ville
Downtown Fowlerville
» December 2, 2023 | 8am-7pm; Light parade begins at 6pm.
Celebrate Christmas in the Ville all day long with a festive lineup! Enjoy a balloon flight, breakfast with St. Nick, soup lunch, cookie walk, Christmas story time, face painting, snowflake craft, a pet parade, and a Christmas movie. Afternoon delights include a scavenger hunt, pictures with the Grinch, a free book giveaway, ornament making, hay/sleigh rides, a chili dining fundraiser, a visit with Santa, and a grand parade down Grand River. Drop by anytime for a fantastic Christmas experience!
Williamston Light Parade
Downtown Williamston
» December 2, 2023 | 6pm
It’s the 26th annual Williamston Holiday Light Parade! Following the parade, Santa will light the town Christmas Tree.
Veterans Christmas Tree Lighting & Holiday Open House
Stewart Farm House/Tompkins Center Historical Society
10138 Tompkins Rd, Rives Junction, MI 49277
» December 3, 2023 | 4-7pm
Head to downtown Tompkins to sing Christmas carols, then proceed to the museum for hot chocolate and enjoy delicious cookies. They’ll host their annual Christmas Tree Lighting to celebrate the beginning of the Christmas season. Everyone is welcome! This is their annual Veteran’s Memorial Celebration. The tree is decorated with the names of Veterans from the area or any Veterans whose names they are able to get. Please email any names that you would like to have on the tree. Veterans either from current service or from any military situation.
Bath Township Holiday Tree Lighting
Bath Methodist Church/James Couzens Memorial Park
» December 5, 2023 | 6-8pm
Activities inside Bath Methodist church include decorating cookies, live music, and visits with Santa, Anna & Elsa. Tree lighting and caroling will take place between 7-8pm at James Couzens Memorial Park.
Ovid Country Christmas Light Parade
Downtown Ovid
» December 8, 2023 | 6:45pm
Immediately following the light parade, head on over to the Ovid Lions’ Hall for crafts with the Grinch. Don’t miss your opportunity to snap a photo with Santa & Mrs. Claus too! Gifts for children under 12 and cookies with milk for all.
Portland HolidayFest
Downtown Portland
» December 9, 2023 | 3:45-6:45pm
Festivities include holiday-themed window displays, snowball drop, open houses, and a light parade in Portland. Tree lighting immediately follows at Scout Park.
Leslie’s Lighted Christmas Parade
Downtown Leslie
» December 9, 2023 | 7pm
Holiday Lighted Parade in Leslie steps off from Homestead Savings Bank at 4625 Hull Road at 7pm and heads downtown. This highly anticipated event will also include a tree lighting at the Gazebo with the LHS Choir, Santa Hats while supplies last and other festivities on Main Street.
NEIGHBORHOODS + HOUSES
Lansing residents have shown up in a big way with their Christmas light displays.
And we’re not just talking lights strung on some bushes. Some of these houses are whole productions set to their own radio station with lights that “dance” along to the music.
Make sure to be courteous and respectful of neighbors when visiting neighborhood light displays. Follow traffic rules and make sure to turn off your headlights when parked.
Read on to find out which houses and neighborhoods in the Lansing area are worth the drive.
Lake Victoria Lights
Highland Hills Subdivision
6768 Highland Dr, Laingsburg, MI 48848
» November 24-January 1, 2024 | 5:30-9:30pm
This subdivision in Laingsburg brings the fun with their incredible yearly lightshow with approximately 27,000 lights. Tune your radio to 100.1FM and watch the lights flash in synchronization to the music.
Oak Street Holiday Lights
202 E Oak St, St. Johns, MI 48879
» December 2, 3, 8, 9, 15, 16, & 22, 2023 | 6:30-8:45pm
Free event for the community. All ages are welcome! NOTE: A waiver must be signed at the entrance table.
Lansing Christmas Lights
Westside Neighborhood
The Westside Neighborhood is located just west of downtown Lansing.
Moores Neighborhood
Start on Moores River Drive and zigzag your way through the beauty. As you start, there’s a big Santa waving from a three seasons room you can’t miss!
Groesbeck Neighborhood
This neighborhood is lovely. Houses are decked out including a dreidel on one of my friend’s lawns that just makes you want to smile!
Frances Park and surrounding area
Make your way across MLK toward Frances Park. This neighborhood is beautiful. Try the other side of the river as well or at least don’t forget to look at the riverfront homes.
Mar-Moor Neighborhood
Located in Waverly between Waverly road and Willow Hwy. Start on Mar-Moor and let it lead you through a winding light-delight.
Old Everett Neighborhood
We love how these beautiful older homes light up the night. Located near the Jolly and Pennsylvania Ave.
Walmar Estates
This one is a sight to see every year. Located on the northwest side of Lansing.
Granger Waste Service
16980 Wood Rd, Lansing, MI 48906
Granger has decorated their facility and it’s beautiful! If you’re around Eastwood it’s just a hop over to Wood St. and worth the drive through their parking lot.
Old Town Lansing
The light poles along are a lovely sight at night, but bonus: the stores are all decked out as well.
Downtown Lansing
Shops have decorated for the season. That combined with the big tree and annual large ornaments at the Michigan Ave/Washington roundabout loop make this a great drive-thru.
Holt Christmas Lights
5202 Runnymede Dr, Holt, MI 48842
There’s a movie/light show and runs for about a 30-minute loop. Tune to 90.3.
4545 Don St, Holt, MI 48842
The lights dance to the music at this house.
3610 Creole Way, Holt, MI 48842
Tune into 91.3
2780 Oakleaf Dr, Holt, MI 48842
Downtown Holt
Blue lights fill the trees that line the streets + check out the lights at the library and Veterans Memorial Park.
Eagle Area Christmas Lights
12551 S Grange Rd, Eagle MI
Between Eagle and Westphalia. Enjoy from 6-8pm and longer closer to Christmas.
Elsie Christmas Lights
8550 N St Clair Rd, Elsie, MI 48831
It’s a Looney Tunes Christmas with over 63,000 lights and over 50 characters! Check out this house in Clinton County. Runs Dec 1-26, 2023.
Marshall Christmas Lights
401 E Mansion St, Marshall, MI 49068
Known as the “Holiday House,” this is a spectacular holiday display.
Did we miss a great house or neighborhood? Comment below and tell us all about it. Thanks for spreading the holiday vibes, Lansing.
BEYOND LANSING
Hungry for even more Christmas and holiday lights?
Try these 10+ Michigan best drive-through Christmas lights.
Or check out these 10 walk-through Christmas light experiences in Michigan.
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Potterville Christmas Parade is Saturday , December 7 at 6pm.
Just wanted to add that the MOPS group at Redeemer Church is also a MOPS and MOMSnext group! Moms of children birth through all school age are welcome. And it’s an evening group!