Must See Holiday Light Shows in Michigan
Must See Holiday Light Shows in Michigan
The holidays are filled with many brightly lit moments, considering the love our Michigan communities share for festive lights. Whether in the Upper Peninsula or nestled into the southeast corner of the state, there are lively opportunities to get out and involved with community celebrations. Here is our curated list of the must-see holiday light shows our state offers.
Rochester 🎄
Light up your nails with Rochester, a playful glitter topper inspired by the dazzling holiday lights of Michigan’s festive town. Featuring a clear base filled with vibrant rainbow dot glitters in various sizes, this polish captures the cheerful glow and magic of the season. Perfect for layering, it brings a touch of holiday joy to any manicure.
Clear base with rainbow dot glitters in various sizes
Long-lasting and chip-resistant for everyday wear
100% vegan, cruelty-free, and toxin-free
Handmade with care in Traverse City, Michigan
Fun Fact: Rochester, Michigan, is home to the Big, Bright Light Show, where millions of twinkling lights transform downtown into a magical winter wonderland each holiday season. It’s a sight that truly captures the spirit of celebration!
Big Bright Light Show, Rochester
This is a Michigan favorite holiday tradition for many who love and appreciate the state. The Big Bright Light Show in Rochester is available to the public, free of charge, every night after 5 pm from mid-November to mid-January. This holiday light display is visible from the warmth of your car, the street-side, or a restaurant booth downtown! It is one of the most accessible light displays in lower Michigan, but don’t let that give the impression it lacks enthusiasm. Over 1 million dazzling lights come together to create this impressive community display!
Magic of Lights ✨
Bring the enchantment of twinkling lights to your nails with Magic of Lights, a dazzling gold glitter polish that sparkles like a starry night. Perfect for adding a touch of glamour and festivity, this versatile shade can be worn alone for bold brilliance or layered over your favorite polish for a subtle twinkle.
Sparkling gold glitter polish inspired by twinkling lights and starry nights
Long-lasting and chip-resistant for everyday wear
100% vegan, cruelty-free, and toxin-free
Handmade with care in Traverse City, Michigan
Fun Fact: Michigan’s numerous winter festivals and events, feature dazzling light displays that illuminate towns and parks, transforming them into magical wonderlands during the holiday season!
Holiday Stroll, Lake Orion
Canterbury Village is the hotspot for the Holiday Stroll, hosted in Lake Orion. This walking light display showcases nearly a million festive lights to admire at will, and a 7-minute light show choreographed with holiday music. Live holiday performances, caroling experiences, and other interactive opportunities line this brightly lit walking path. There is an admission fee, so plan ahead for this holiday outing.
Boss Family Christmas Display, Charlevoix
This up-north treasure comes with such a heartwarming holiday family tradition. The Boss Family Christmas Display light show has gone on for over 40 years and counting, beginning with a mother seeking to “light up” their neighborhood, writing the name of every child in the area in the display. All the years later, carried on by family, this charming display showcases the quaint yet vibrant family holiday spirit of the north!
Marquette ⚓️
Capture the essence of Michigan’s maritime charm with Marquette, a sparkling gun-metal gray nail polish inspired by the beautiful port city of Marquette, Michigan. This shimmering shade evokes the dynamic spirit of the Great Lakes, where the waters meet the rugged shores, and maritime history runs deep.
Sparkling gun-metal gray with a captivating shimmer
Long-lasting and chip-resistant for everyday wear
100% vegan, cruelty-free, and toxin-free
Handmade with care in Traverse City, Michigan
Fun Fact: Marquette, Michigan, is home to the historic Marquette Harbor Lighthouse, one of the oldest operating lighthouses on the Great Lakes, guiding ships through the waters of Lake Superior since 1866. Marquette was once home to one of the largest iron ore docks in the United States, playing a key role in transporting ore across the Great Lakes.
The Carters’ Christmas Lights, Marquette
This is an independent light and décor experience at The Carters House in the Upper Peninsula, Marquette. It is not comparable to something you would see at the Detroit Zoo, but it is awe-inspiring and well-organized. Great for all ages, with a tour guide to take the littles up close to the statues and exhibits. If you are in the Upper Peninsula, come the holiday season, it is worth stopping to see this display.
Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo, Detroit
The zoo kicks its light show off in mid-November to start the 40 nights of magical displays. This light show is extended into the first week of January for anyone who appreciates carrying the holiday festivities into the new year. Over 5 million LED lights and 280 sculptures are showcased throughout the zoo for guests to explore.
Wonderland of Lights, Lansing
This annual light show presents stunning displays throughout the zoo, neighborhoods, and participating vendors in the city of Lansing. The admission price for this walking experience is affordable, with takeaways available for children to cherish thereafter.
Winter in the City is an icy blue holographic nail polish that captures the enchanting chill of a winter's day. This stunning shade features turquoise lowlights that add depth and dimension, reminiscent of shimmering ice and frosty cityscapes.
Perfect for those who want to bring a touch of winter magic to their nails, this polish offers a captivating holographic effect that catches the light beautifully. Whether you’re dressing up for a night out or embracing everyday elegance, Winter in the City is a must-have for adding a cool, sparkling finish to your manicure.
Glenlore Trails Aurora, Commerce
Glenlore Trails is a unique experience, allowing guests of all ages to explore the illuminated forest during the holiday season. The outdoor path is only a mile long, with interactive exhibits and surprise guests along the way! This light show does have an admission fee, but it is well worth it.
Wayne County Lightfest, Westland
This drive-through light show never disappoints, with some of the loudest displays in Metro Detroit. It has an affordable admission cost to drive through and is hosted from mid-November until early December; it is best to plan ahead.
An ode to the beautiful, glittery, snow-covered winters of Northern Michigan is the Winter Wonderland glitter topper!
Contains iridescent and metallic blue, violet, silver and aqua glitters and holographic silver snowflake shape glitters! Looks great alone or applied over another shade!
Herman Holidays, Suttons Bay
This holiday light extravaganza is ideal for those seeking a more integrated experience. Street walking, guest performances with puppies and penguins, and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus make up the hands-on portion of this display.
Central Neighborhood, Traverse City
The beautiful neighborhoods of Downtown Traverse City take on a twist with this light display. Historical homes are lined with holiday lights, sleighs are out and packed with gifts, and the streets are lively. If you miss this designated display night, there are other opportunities to get in on the city’s light shows. Light displays, bike riding, new friends, and Christmas caroling are hosted on behalf of the Jubilee House’s outreach for the homeless. Norte sponsors this TC-unique event; more information can be found through their event listings.
Frankenmuth 🧑🎄
Experience the festive charm of Michigan's "Little Bavaria" with Frankenmuth, a captivating multichromatic polish that shifts between red, pink, purple, and orange in different angles and lighting. Inspired by the colorful energy of this beloved town, famous for its Christmas store and Bavarian-themed architecture, this color-shifting polish reflects the vibrant spirit of Frankenmuth.
Multi-chromatic shimmer (shifts between red, pink, purple, and orange)
Long-lasting and chip-resistant for everyday wear
100% vegan, cruelty-free, and toxin-free
Handmade with care in Traverse City, Michigan
Fun Fact: Frankenmuth, Michigan, is home to the world's largest Christmas store, Bronner’s, attracting visitors year-round to celebrate the magic of the holiday season!
Don’t let the runaround of the holidays get the best of the time spent— make sure you are self-caring this season. Whether that is going out to the light shows or simply enjoying your own, taking time to be present is the best gift we can give to ourselves this season.
For all your holiday cosmetics, self-care products, and even stocking stuffers and gifts, check out Northern Self Care & Gifts storefront, open on Saturdays in Traverse City. The 2022 Northern Nail Polish drop has some of the most dazzling hues and toppers inspired by Michigan holiday light shows, such as Magic of Lights and Rochester.