Detroit Tree Lighting at Campus Martius: What You Need to Know

(Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)

The annual Detroit Tree Lighting ceremony is back. This year's event will take place Friday (Nov. 19) at Campus Martius Park in downtown Detroit and mark the event's 18th year.

Activities planned include the Downtown Detroit Markets and Cadillac Lodge in Cadillac Square, plus the new 1001 Winter Wonders on Woodward Avenue.

When?

The event runs from 5 p.m. until midnight on Friday, Nov. 19. If you want to catch the tree lighting, the 65-foot Norway spruce from Michigan will be lit right after 7 p.m.

Things to do

Some events include a skating performance by Olympic and U.S. national champion figure skater Ashley Wagner, plus musical performances by Thornetta Davis, Ryn Neal, and "The Voice" winner Cam Anthony. Attendees will also find horse-drawn carriage rides, shopping, visits from Santa, ice skating, hot chocolate giveaways, food trucks and more.

Find parking information here.

COVID-19 guidelines

Masks are encouraged and will be provided. The event is outdoors. COVID-19 vaccines will also be available. As always, if you feel like you might be sick, stay home.

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Anne EricksonWriter

Anne Erickson started her radio career shortly after graduating from Michigan State University and has worked on-air in Detroit, Flint, Toledo, Lansing and beyond. As someone who absolutely loves rock, metal and alt music, she instantly fell in love with radio and hasn’t looked back. When she’s not working, Anne makes her own music with her band, Upon Wings, and she also loves cheering on her favorite Detroit and Michigan sports teams, especially Lions and MSU football. Anne is also an award-winning journalist, and her byline has run in a variety of national publications. You can also hear her weekends on WRIF.