Experience Holiday Magic with Christmas Lights and Displays in Southwest Michigan
There is something captivating about Christmas lights: thousands of little lightbulbs gather together to wrap a tree, spin around a banister or encircle a wreath.
Whether pure white or a rainbow of colors, their little twinkles can light up the night sky and fascinate children and adults alike.
Driving around to look at lights is a favorite Christmas event in our family.
Not long after Thanksgiving, the requests for evening pajama drives in search of the biggest or brightest displays escalate as December 25 draws near.
Whether you have your favorites or are looking to start your own tradition, we have the top spots for Christmas displays in Southwest Michigan.
cover image: River Lights of Wonder
In this article
• Christmas Displays
• Kalamazoo Lights Driving Route
• Portage Lights Driving Route
• Map
Christmas Displays near Kalamazoo
Get ready to pack up the kids, warm up the cocoa, and watch those tiny lightbulbs make some big magic this Christmas.
As always, it is best to verify hours of operation and any costs before heading out.
Bronson Park in Downtown Kalamazoo will be lit up for the season starting Nov 29, 2024 at approximately 6:00 PM at the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony.
Everyone in the community is invited to celebrate the holiday season and the diverse traditions that make it so special.
Be sure to take a stroll down Candy Cane Lane during your visit.
Everyone in the community is invited to celebrate the holiday season and the diverse traditions that make it so special.
Be sure to take a stroll down Candy Cane Lane during your visit.
SCHEDULE
Bronson Park is lit for the season starting Nov 29, 2024.
Bronson Park is lit for the season starting Nov 29, 2024.
TREE LIGHTING:
Nov 29, 2024, Festivities 5 PM - 7 PM, Tree Lighting at Approximately 6:00 PM
Take a stroll along Celery Flats Historical Area in Portage, and find yourself surrounded by giant holiday greeting cards, decorated trees and decorations.
Be sure to bring your letters for Santa: there's a mailbox in the pavillion.
PS: Be sure to find the KZOOKIDS decorated tree!
Be sure to bring your letters for Santa: there's a mailbox in the pavillion.
PS: Be sure to find the KZOOKIDS decorated tree!
SCHEDULE
Celery Flats is lit for the season starting Dec 7, 2024.
Celery Flats is lit for the season starting Dec 7, 2024.
TREE LIGHTING:
Dec 7, 2024 at 6:00 PM
A tradition since 1965, more than 40 houses display large, plywood Christmas Cards in their front yards in Westwood.
Christmas Card Lane is located on Lauderdale Drive, off W Main Street, between Kendall Avenue and Coolidge Avenue.
Christmas Card Lane is located on Lauderdale Drive, off W Main Street, between Kendall Avenue and Coolidge Avenue.
SCHEDULE
Cards and lights start appearing around the second week of December and disappear just after the new year.
Lights are lit from dusk until 11:30 PM.
Cards and lights start appearing around the second week of December and disappear just after the new year.
Lights are lit from dusk until 11:30 PM.
Crane Orchards is opening its orchard for a magical holiday drive-through light show.
With a mile of lit winter wonderland, experience the orchard like never before and enjoy holiday magic from the comfort of your car.
With a mile of lit winter wonderland, experience the orchard like never before and enjoy holiday magic from the comfort of your car.
SCHEDULE
Nov 29 - Dec 29, 2024
Wednesday - Thursday: 6-8 PM
Friday - Saturday: 6-10 PM
Sunday: 6-8 PM
Closed Monday + Tuesday
Nov 29 - Dec 29, 2024
Wednesday - Thursday: 6-8 PM
Friday - Saturday: 6-10 PM
Sunday: 6-8 PM
Closed Monday + Tuesday
TICKETS
Vehicles 8 passenger capacity & under: $20
Vehicles 9 capacity or more: $25
* No busses, RVs, commercial vehicles, limos, semi-trucks, or vehicles towing trailers permitted.
* Vehicles must be under 9.5' tall and less than 24' long to enter.
Vehicles 8 passenger capacity & under: $20
Vehicles 9 capacity or more: $25
* No busses, RVs, commercial vehicles, limos, semi-trucks, or vehicles towing trailers permitted.
* Vehicles must be under 9.5' tall and less than 24' long to enter.
Travel downtown to see the streets decked out for the holidays.
Welcome to Gingerbread Wonderland in Kalamazoo! Find decorated windows and other themed decor downtown.
Pictured: Pop City Popcorn's 2023 Window (artist: Amy L Geischen)
Pictured: Pop City Popcorn's 2023 Window (artist: Amy L Geischen)
The residence is a must-see with 235 blow-ups arranged along paths for easy viewing.
Decorations are weather-dependent, so check their Facebook page before you head over.
Visitors are allowed on the grounds but must stay on the lighted paths for safety (MANY cords that are tripping hazards).
Decorations are weather-dependent, so check their Facebook page before you head over.
Visitors are allowed on the grounds but must stay on the lighted paths for safety (MANY cords that are tripping hazards).
SCHEDULE
Estimated Opening Day: Nov 28, 2024 (Possibly Sooner!)
• 5:30 PM - 10:00 PM (Sunday - Thursday)
• 5:30 PM - 11:00 PM (Friday + Saturday)
Estimated Opening Day: Nov 28, 2024 (Possibly Sooner!)
• 5:30 PM - 10:00 PM (Sunday - Thursday)
• 5:30 PM - 11:00 PM (Friday + Saturday)
Worth the Drive- LIGHTS at Fernwood is an incredible experience!
"LIGHTS at Fernwood will be back in the garden for the 2024 holiday season, illuminating evenings with a professionally designed light show. This enchanting experience will include light tunnels, cozy fire pits, a winter craft station, nature-inspired light sculptures, a full-sized LiteBrite, festive music, and more!" -Fernwood Botanical Garden
"LIGHTS at Fernwood will be back in the garden for the 2024 holiday season, illuminating evenings with a professionally designed light show. This enchanting experience will include light tunnels, cozy fire pits, a winter craft station, nature-inspired light sculptures, a full-sized LiteBrite, festive music, and more!" -Fernwood Botanical Garden
SCHEDULE
Nov 29, 2024 - Jan 4, 2025
Ticket Times for Entry: 6 PM, 7 PM, 8 PM
Tickets are timed in 60-minute increments to stagger visitor parking for the best experience.
LIGHTS will be closed on Mondays, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.
Nov 29, 2024 - Jan 4, 2025
Ticket Times for Entry: 6 PM, 7 PM, 8 PM
Tickets are timed in 60-minute increments to stagger visitor parking for the best experience.
LIGHTS will be closed on Mondays, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day.
TICKETS
Tues, Wed, Thurs: Adults $10-$13, Youth (3-12 yrs) $5, Children (2 yrs & under) FREE
Fri, Sat, Sun: Adults $12-$16, Youth (3-12 yrs) $8, Children (2 yrs & under) FREE
Tues, Wed, Thurs: Adults $10-$13, Youth (3-12 yrs) $5, Children (2 yrs & under) FREE
Fri, Sat, Sun: Adults $12-$16, Youth (3-12 yrs) $8, Children (2 yrs & under) FREE
🎫 Buy Tickets
Tune to 93.1 on your radio to enjoy this light show on Rockingham Street in Kalamazoo.
The show runs 7 days/week; the owners ask that you dim your headlights and do not block any driveways while enjoying the show.
The light show consists of 1,608 rgb computer-controlled lights (pixels). The big Christmas tree, called a "mega tree," is 10ft tall and has 800 lights.
The show runs 7 days/week; the owners ask that you dim your headlights and do not block any driveways while enjoying the show.
The light show consists of 1,608 rgb computer-controlled lights (pixels). The big Christmas tree, called a "mega tree," is 10ft tall and has 800 lights.
SCHEDULE
Start Date: To be announced for 2024 (typically, early December)
Everyday, 6PM - 10PM
Start Date: To be announced for 2024 (typically, early December)
Everyday, 6PM - 10PM
Portage City Hall and the Portage District Library illuminate for the season with light-up characters and decorated trees.
SCHEDULE
Portage City Center is lit for the season starting Dec 7, 2024.
Portage City Center is lit for the season starting Dec 7, 2024.
TREE LIGHTING:
Dec 7, 2024 at 6:00 PM
Tour the Reindeer Ranch, learn about reindeer, where they come from, and what makes them so special.
Enjoy a cup of hot cocoa and fire while enjoying the Christmas lights all around on your walk.
Includes rustic, all-natural-lighted trail walk in the woods behind the reindeer pens (not wheelchair or stroller friendly!)
Be sure to check out our gift shop too.
Enjoy a cup of hot cocoa and fire while enjoying the Christmas lights all around on your walk.
Includes rustic, all-natural-lighted trail walk in the woods behind the reindeer pens (not wheelchair or stroller friendly!)
Be sure to check out our gift shop too.
SCHEDULE
Reindeer Ranch Tours with Lighted Walk
• Opening Nov 23- By appointment only, Reservations available online or call 269-491-8507
Reindeer Tours with Lighted Walk + Santa (Weekends Only)
• Beginning Nov 29- By appointment only, Reservations available online or call 269-491-8507
Reindeer Ranch Tours with Lighted Walk
• Opening Nov 23- By appointment only, Reservations available online or call 269-491-8507
Reindeer Tours with Lighted Walk + Santa (Weekends Only)
• Beginning Nov 29- By appointment only, Reservations available online or call 269-491-8507
TICKETS
Tickets must be purchased in advance online.
• $15/person (Ages 2 and older)
Tickets must be purchased in advance online.
• $15/person (Ages 2 and older)
🎫 Buy Tickets
River Lights of Wonder is a fun and free event for the entire family. Drive through the light show next to the river and see the story of Christmas as you enjoy some hot chocolate.
The show runs Fridays and Saturdays throughout December PLUS on Christmas Eve. Fridays and Christmas Eve feature outdoor activities only; Saturday offers indoor and outdoor.
River Lights of Wonder is FREE to visit.
The show runs Fridays and Saturdays throughout December PLUS on Christmas Eve. Fridays and Christmas Eve feature outdoor activities only; Saturday offers indoor and outdoor.
River Lights of Wonder is FREE to visit.
SCHEDULE
5:45 PM - 8:30 PM, Fridays + Saturdays
Friday Dates
Dec 1, 8, 15, 22
(outdoor activities)
Saturday Dates
Dec 2, 9, 16, 23
(indoor + outdoor activities)
Christmas Eve
(outdoor activities)
5:45 PM - 8:30 PM, Fridays + Saturdays
Friday Dates
Dec 1, 8, 15, 22
(outdoor activities)
Saturday Dates
Dec 2, 9, 16, 23
(indoor + outdoor activities)
Christmas Eve
(outdoor activities)
Drop off a note to Santa and receive a message back from this house in Scotts, located near the HolidayHouse 5777 inflatables.
Tip: Santa's Mailbox is not waterproof so be sure to drop off your letters in a plastic bag and include a self-addressed, stamped envelope.
Tip: Santa's Mailbox is not waterproof so be sure to drop off your letters in a plastic bag and include a self-addressed, stamped envelope.
SCHEDULE
Santa's mailbox start date to be announced for 2024 (typically, around Thanksgiving)
Santa's mailbox start date to be announced for 2024 (typically, around Thanksgiving)
Holiday light display in Mattawan, featuring 15+ Christmas songs! Located in the Silvergrass neighborhood.
NEW for 2023: The Grinch! Visitors are invited to take a photo with the famous Dr. Seuss character.
NEW for 2023: The Grinch! Visitors are invited to take a photo with the famous Dr. Seuss character.
SCHEDULE
Light show starts on November 11, 2023
Sunday - Thursday: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Friday - Saturday: 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Light show starts on November 11, 2023
Sunday - Thursday: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Friday - Saturday: 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Light up the Bluff will transform Lake Bluff Park into a winter wonderland (featuring 1 million holiday lights) from Dec 6, 2024 - Feb 14, 2025.
The lights will remain on through Valentine’s Day in Michigan’s Most Romantic City.
For more information, call (269) 983 5541.
The lights will remain on through Valentine’s Day in Michigan’s Most Romantic City.
For more information, call (269) 983 5541.
SCHEDULE
Dec 6, 2024 - Feb 14, 2025
• 5:30 AM - 8:30 AM
• 5:30 PM - Midnight
Dec 6, 2024 - Feb 14, 2025
• 5:30 AM - 8:30 AM
• 5:30 PM - Midnight
TREE LIGHTING:
Dec 6, 2024 at 6:00 PM
For 26 years, this Christmas Lite Show has captivated families with two miles of animated displays with its Drive-Through Lights and Memory Lane Train!
SCHEDULE
Nov 2024 - Dec 2024
Drive Through Lights
• Sunday - Thursday: 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM
• Friday - Saturday: 5:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Memory Lane Train
• Sunday - Thursday: 5:30 / 6:30 / 7:30 PM
• Friday - Saturday: 5:30 / 6:30 / 7:30 / 8:30 / 9:30 PM
Nov 2024 - Dec 2024
Drive Through Lights
• Sunday - Thursday: 5:30 PM - 9:00 PM
• Friday - Saturday: 5:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Memory Lane Train
• Sunday - Thursday: 5:30 / 6:30 / 7:30 PM
• Friday - Saturday: 5:30 / 6:30 / 7:30 / 8:30 / 9:30 PM
TICKETS
Drive Through Lights
• $30 per family vehicle (car/SUV/minivan) if purchased online
• Purchase Tickets Online or at Ticket Window
• Ticket window purchases on-site incur an additional $5 fee
**Lite Show Tickets that are purchased are good for one-time use on any date between Nov 2024 – Dec 2024**
Memory Lane Train
• $35 per bench seat, which seats 2 adults (small children may sit on laps for free)
• Purchase Tickets Online Only (No Ticket Window purchases)
Drive Through Lights
• $30 per family vehicle (car/SUV/minivan) if purchased online
• Purchase Tickets Online or at Ticket Window
• Ticket window purchases on-site incur an additional $5 fee
**Lite Show Tickets that are purchased are good for one-time use on any date between Nov 2024 – Dec 2024**
Memory Lane Train
• $35 per bench seat, which seats 2 adults (small children may sit on laps for free)
• Purchase Tickets Online Only (No Ticket Window purchases)
🎫 Buy Tickets
Drive through lights at Calhoun County Fairgrounds.
Special events include Live Nativity and Santa visits on select days.
Special events include Live Nativity and Santa visits on select days.
SCHEDULE
Nov 5 - Dec 29, 2024
• Thursdays through Sundays: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Special Events
• Eggnog Jog: TBA (registration required)
• Santa Visits: TBA
• Live Nativity: TBA
Nov 5 - Dec 29, 2024
• Thursdays through Sundays: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Special Events
• Eggnog Jog: TBA (registration required)
• Santa Visits: TBA
• Live Nativity: TBA
TICKETS
$10/Car
$20/Bus
**Purchase at ticket booth. Both cash and card are accepted**
$10/Car
$20/Bus
**Purchase at ticket booth. Both cash and card are accepted**
The Walk Through the Lights event takes your family through a colorful experience where you walk through multiple greenhouses all decked out with different Christmas themes.
Lights are best viewed when the sun begins setting, but the experience is open during the daytime if that works better for your schedule. On an overcast day, you can see them all inside the greenhouses.
Plan on 25-45 minutes for walk through the lights. If you are also scheduled to visit Santa, plan your trip accordingly.
Be sure to stop in the market after your experience and grab some delicious donuts, fresh cider, shop the amazing gift item selection, and much more!
Lights are best viewed when the sun begins setting, but the experience is open during the daytime if that works better for your schedule. On an overcast day, you can see them all inside the greenhouses.
Plan on 25-45 minutes for walk through the lights. If you are also scheduled to visit Santa, plan your trip accordingly.
Be sure to stop in the market after your experience and grab some delicious donuts, fresh cider, shop the amazing gift item selection, and much more!
SCHEDULE
2024 Dates
Starting Nov 30, 2024
2024 Dates
Starting Nov 30, 2024
TICKETS
Pre-purchase your tickets online to guarantee entry.
Tickets go on sale starting Nov 17 at 8:00 AM.
Pre-purchase your tickets online to guarantee entry.
Tickets go on sale starting Nov 17 at 8:00 AM.
🎫 Buy Tickets
Winter Wonderland at the Gilmore Car Museum returns for its 4th year!
• 1 mile drive through lights
• "Dashing Through the Snow" family rides through the lights in vintage cars
• Giant maze of holiday inflatables
• Hot chocolate, adult drinks, food & sweets
• Santa visits
• 1960s fresh Christmas tree and wreath lot
• Outdoor artwork exhibits from legendary automotive illustrators
• 1 mile drive through lights
• "Dashing Through the Snow" family rides through the lights in vintage cars
• Giant maze of holiday inflatables
• Hot chocolate, adult drinks, food & sweets
• Santa visits
• 1960s fresh Christmas tree and wreath lot
• Outdoor artwork exhibits from legendary automotive illustrators
SCHEDULE
Dec 5, 2024 - Dec 29, 2024
• Thursday - Sunday: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Additional open dates:
• Monday, Dec 23
Dec 5, 2024 - Dec 29, 2024
• Thursday - Sunday: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Additional open dates:
• Monday, Dec 23
TICKETS
Tickets are NOT date-specific. You may use your ticket on any day between Dec 5, 2024 - Dec 29, 2024.
Online:
• Adult (18+) - $22
• Youth (5 - 17) - $14
• Child (4 & under) - FREE
Tickets are NOT date-specific. You may use your ticket on any day between Dec 5, 2024 - Dec 29, 2024.
Online:
• Adult (18+) - $22
• Youth (5 - 17) - $14
• Child (4 & under) - FREE
🎫 Buy Tickets
Driving Route: Kalamazoo Christmas Lights
images: Kalamazoo Downtown Partnership, Rocket Fizz, Cherri’s Chocol’art, Pop City Popcorn
Ready to go for a ride? We’ve put together a driving route for Kalamazoo to maximize your Christmas lights experience.
In addition to displays, we’ve included some stops for treats and photo ops along the way:
1. Santa Statue
2. Santa’s Workshop (Radisson)
3. Cherri’s Chocol’art (hot cocoa, Monster Shakes)
4. Rocket Fizz (candy, pop)
5. Pop City Popcorn (popcorn, local treats)
6. Bronson Park + Candy Cane Lane
7. Ride Holly Jolly Trolley
8. Christmas Card Lane
Driving Route: Portage Christmas Lights
images: Water Street Coffee, Chocolatea, Y’OPA, Main Street Pub
Ready to explore lights in Portage? We have some suggestions here too:
1. Y’OPA Frozen Yogurt (frozen yogurt, coffee, hot cocoa)
2. Water Street Coffee (coffee, hot cocoa, treats)
3. Portage City Hall
4. Portage District Library
5. Chocolatea (tea, Boba tea, coffee, hot cocoa, treats)
6. Celery Flats
7. Main Street Pub (dinner)
REASON FOR THE SEASON,,at 213,Dawnlee Ave,, Portage