Michigan Christmas Trees to See

Our mitten state boasts of wonderful winters with memories to make and adventures to be had, including Michigan Christmas trees to see. We invite you to join us on a festive tour of trees – Christmas is calling you to Michigan!

To be fair, these are just a handful of towns and cities among so many in Michigan that are most definitely worth a visit this holiday season. (And we’d love to hear all about your favorites in the comments below this post!)

Lenawee County Courthouse Tree and More!

The Lenawee County Courthouse tree brings historic Christmas charm to Adrian, Michigan. With this in mind, Jim Berryman, former Adrian mayor and tree-lighting coordinator, said, “Events like this remind us that we are one, we are a community.” Please note, Adrian will flip the switch for the 2022 Lenawee County Courthouse Christmas Tree lighting Monday, November 28, at 6:30 p.m.

People standing around a brightly lit Michigan Christmas tree to see in front of the Lenawee County Courthouse in Adrian.
Lenawee County Courthouse Christmas Tree in Adrian, Michigan (photo courtesy of visitlenawee.com)

In addition, Adrian will host the Comstock Christmas Riverwalk Lighting featuring 475 trees along the River Raisin in Comstock Park. Friends, families, businesses and organizations sponsor and decorate trees that are lighted by the city. Equally important, local college students help with setup of the project each year. In short, the lighting ceremony will take place Friday, December 2, at 6:30 p.m. https://www.visitlenawee.com/events/christmas-holiday/

A multitude of lighted trees along the River Raisin in Adrian, Michigan, for the Comstock (Park) Christmas Riverwalk.
Comstock Christmas Riverwalk (photo courtesy of visitlenawee.com)

Just 30 minutes north in Brooklyn, Michigan, twinkling Christmas-light displays fill 5 miles with holiday magic. Nite Lites at the Michigan International Speedway, a drive-thru-only light show, runs from Thanksgiving Day through December 31 each year. With this in mind, the cost is $30/car Sunday through Thursday, and $35 Friday and Saturday. For guests who prefer to park and ride, the cost is $60/bench (seats 4) on the Nite Lites Express (train). However, Nite Lites tickets must be purchased in advance. Finally, hours are 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

Giant lighted candle and poinsettia silhouettes at entrance to Nite Lites drive-thru Christmas lights display at Michigan International Speedway.
Entrance to Nite Lites drive-thru display at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, Michigan (photo courtesy of visitlenawee.com)

Mackinac Island Community Christmas Tree is One of Several Michigan Christmas Trees to See

The Mackinac Island Community Christmas Tree Lighting takes place the first Friday of December each year at 5:30 p.m. (December 2, 2022). As a result, Islanders and guests begin gathering at 5 p.m. across from Star Line Dock #1 for cocoa, caroling and good cheer. Equally important, the Mackinac Island Christmas Bazaar takes place that Saturday and Sunday and benefits the Mackinac Island Medical Center and Island churches. https://www.mackinacisland.org/event-calendar/christmas-tree-lighting-2/

Michigan Christmas Tree to See on Mackinac Island with lighted Christmas tree front and center and snowmobiles lining the snow-covered street in front of businesses.
Mackinac Island Community Christmas Tree (photo credit: Sara Wright)

St. Ignace Hometown Holiday Event with Tree Lighting

Just across the Mackinac Bridge is St. Ignace in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. As part of their Hometown Holiday Event, they will light their community tree Friday, December 2, at 6 p.m. at the public marina. To continue the fun, Santa will hand out goodie bags, and Elf Troop 906 will greet guests. In addition, organizers will make hot cocoa and cookies available, and will conduct a toy raffle. Resort Photography will be taking professional photos with Santa, and holiday music will fill the air. (photos courtesy of saintignace.org and stignace.com) https://www.saintignace.org/event/st-ignace-hometown-holiday/

One of Michigan’s Christmas Trees to See is Harbor Spring’s Christmas Tree

For over 100 years, Harbor Springs has been celebrating their annual Christmas tree lighting the Saturday after Thanksgiving. In fact, the community will hold the event at 6 p.m. November 26 in 2022.

To be sure, you’ll find the tree in the center of Main Street in front of Holy Childhood Church. Following the tree lighting and carol sing, Santa will meet and greet children,. In addition, organizers invite the public to a chili dinner at Holy Childhood Church. https://www.harborspringschamber.com/events/details/christmas-tree-lighting-2022-10939

People milling around a giant lighted Christmas tree with a star on top in front of a white church.
Harbor Springs Christmas Tree Lighting (photo courtesy of Stafford’s Hospitality)

Holiday Walk (& Tree Lighting) at the Flint Cultural Center

Meanwhile, the Flint Cultural Center will host Holiday Walk 2022 Tuesday, December 6, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Organizers will light the community tree at 5:15 p.m. At that time, you will find the tree in the green space between the Flint Institute of Arts, Longway Planetarium and Flint Repertory Theatre.

In addition to the tree lighting, those in attendance can enjoy caroling, live music, visits with Santa Claus, planetarium shows, arts and crafts, and more. Those who can are also asked to bring non-perishable food, clothing, or personal care items to donate to the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan. http://flintcultural.org/holidaywalk/

Flint Community Christmas Tree (photo courtesy of Heather Kale)

Traverse City Community Christmas Tree Lighting

The Traverse City Christmas Tree Lighting takes place Saturday, November 19, at 5:30 p.m. at the intersection of Cass and E. Front Streets. However, you’re invited to arrive at 5:30 p.m. and enjoy some holiday music. Following the tree lighting, the light parade will step off and make its way down E. Front Street to Union Street. After the parade, Santa will visit with children at his house at Civic Square. https://www.traversecity.com/event-detail/downtown-traverse-city-light-parade-santas-arrival-%26-tree-lighting/13111/

Among Michigan Christmas Trees to See is the giant lighted tree with star at an intersection in downtown Traverse City.
Traverse City Community Christmas Tree (photo courtesy of downtowntc.com)

A Michigan Christmas Tree to See: Ludington

Ludington’s Aglow on the Avenue Holiday Parade kicks off festivities on Ludington Avenue Saturday, November 26, at 6 p.m. Afterward at 6:30 p.m., the community will light its Christmas tree at Legacy Plaza. Moreover, caroling, Santa visits, tree sales, and arts and crafts sales will also fill the evening. https://www.ludington.org/c-events/c-primary-events/c-aglow-on-the-avenue/

A crowd fills the streets and surrounding area in downtown Traverse City for the community Christmas tree lighting.
Ludington Community Christmas Tree Lighting (photo courtesy of Jennifer Tooman

Frankenmuth Tree Light Show Part of Frozen Fun Night

Finally, don’t miss Frozen Fun Night in Frankenmuth Friday, November 25, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Frankenmuth’s 40-ft. magical, musical tree show will premier at 6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the Frankenmuth Visitor Center. In brief, you can enjoy a full slate of activities the entire evening:

  • Local clergy will read the Christmas story from the Bible at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. by the Christmas tree.
  • What’s more, Santa will be greeting children at Fischer Hall from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Musicians will perform live music throughout town, including locations at the Visitor Center Platz, River Place Shops and Zehnder Park.
  • The new Frankenmuth Ice Rink invites skaters to enjoy time on the ice until 10 p.m. Tickets are $10; skate rentals are $3.
  • Lastly, the Frankenmuth Farmers Market Christkindlmarkt invites shoppers from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. https://www.frankenmuth.org/christmas/
Frankenmuth Ice Rink

Looking to light up your holidays? Shop Bronner’s large selection of lights.

Also be sure to include one of the Top 10 Must-See Holiday Light Festivals in Michigan in your holiday plans.

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