Detroit’s 22nd Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony Set for Nov. 21 With 62-Foot Spruce and National Performers

Detroit will host its 22nd annual Tree Lighting on Friday, Nov. 21, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Campus Martius Park. A 62-foot Norway spruce, grown for more than 22 years by Scott and Mary Locklear in Mesick, Michigan, will be the centerpiece. 

The tree is being decorated with 25,000 LED lights, oversized ornaments, and a 9-foot star. The DTE Energy Foundation is presenting the event, and WDIV Local 4 will broadcast two hours starting at 7 p.m.

"I can't believe this is happening," said Scott Locklear, according to WXYZ. "I've been watching that tree grow for 22 and a half years, when it was half its size."

Multiplatinum country artist BRELAND will headline the MGM Grand Detroit Main Stage. Known for “My Truck” and collaborations with Keith Urban and Thomas Rhett, he'll be joined by pop singer-songwriter Natalie Jane, who has built a major following online. The Urban Arts Orchestra will perform, along with local groups like the Cass Tech Madrigal Choir and artists from the Detroit Opera House.

U.S. Olympic figure skater Polina Edmunds will lead the ice show at The Rink, joined by national medalists Emmanuel Savary and Khloe Felton, plus skaters from nine metro Detroit clubs. Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan will flip the switch to light the tree.

Food trucks, beverage stations, and vendors like Chick-fil-A and Carhartt will offer free sandwiches and hats. Visitors can meet Santa and mascots from Detroit's pro sports teams, and are encouraged to donate gloves to Mittens for Detroit.

"Our Detroit Tree Lighting tradition continues to captivate and entertain all who attend," said David Cowan, chief public spaces officer at the Downtown Detroit Partnership per citybiz. "At the same time, it fuels economic activity by drawing in over 100,000 visitors in one night."

Nearby, Beacon Park will host its own lighting celebration with a 20-foot tree and over 125,000 lights. The Campus Martius ice rink opens Nov. 22 and will stay open through March 1, 2026.

Organizers expect over 100,000 attendees and warn the event area will reach capacity early. Public transit options include DDOT, SMART Bus, the QLINE, and Detroit People Mover.