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 photo: Christmas Lite Show

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 25, 2022 at 5:00 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 25, 2022.
Bronson Park is lit for the season starting Nov 25, 2022.
TREE LIGHTING:
Nov 25, 2022 at 5:00 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 KZOO Kids decorated tree!
Be sure to bring your letters for Santa: there's a mailbox in the pavillion.
PS: Be sure to find the KZOO Kids decorated tree!
SCHEDULE
Celery Flats is lit for the season starting Dec 3, 2022.
Celery Flats is lit for the season starting Dec 3, 2022.
TREE LIGHTING:
Dec 3, 2022 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.
The residence is a must-see with over 185 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
Nov 24, 2022 - Jan 1, 2023
• 5:30 PM - 10:00 PM (Sunday - Thursday)
• 5:30 PM - 11:00 PM (Friday + Saturday)
Nov 24, 2022 - Jan 1, 2023
• 5:30 PM - 10:00 PM (Sunday - Thursday)
• 5:30 PM - 11:00 PM (Friday + Saturday)
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
Everyday, 6PM - 10PM
Everyday, 6PM - 10PM
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
• Dec 8 - 23, 2022 (Thursdays & Fridays)
• Dec 26, 2022 - Jan 8, 2023 (Daily)
Reindeer Tours with Lighted Walk + Santa (Weekends Only)
• Nov 26 - Dec 18, 2022
Reindeer Ranch Tours with Lighted Walk
• Dec 8 - 23, 2022 (Thursdays & Fridays)
• Dec 26, 2022 - Jan 8, 2023 (Daily)
Reindeer Tours with Lighted Walk + Santa (Weekends Only)
• Nov 26 - Dec 18, 2022
TICKETS
Tickets must be purchased in advance online.
Reindeer Ranch Tours with Lighted Walk
Reindeer Tours with Lighted Walk + Santa (Weekends Only)
• $15/person (Ages 2 and older)
Weekday Tours (excludes lighted walk; no Santa)
• $10/person (Ages 2 and older)
Tickets must be purchased in advance online.
Reindeer Ranch Tours with Lighted Walk
Reindeer Tours with Lighted Walk + Santa (Weekends Only)
• $15/person (Ages 2 and older)
Weekday Tours (excludes lighted walk; no Santa)
• $10/person (Ages 2 and older)
🎫 Buy Tickets
Be prepared to be filled with wonder and hope at the light display located in Three Rivers, MI.
Celebrating our 5th year anniversary! Immerse yourself in Christmas, as the St. Joseph's river comes alive with Christmas lights, music, and the story of Christmas narration.
Shining hope and light into Southwest Michigan’s winter darkness, this Christmas event has become a much-loved tradition.
River Lights of Wonder is FREE to visit.
Celebrating our 5th year anniversary! Immerse yourself in Christmas, as the St. Joseph's river comes alive with Christmas lights, music, and the story of Christmas narration.
Shining hope and light into Southwest Michigan’s winter darkness, this Christmas event has become a much-loved tradition.
River Lights of Wonder is FREE to visit.
SCHEDULE
6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Nov 26 & Dec 24, 2022
(drive-through experience )
Dec 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 2022
(full experience)
6:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Nov 26 & Dec 24, 2022
(drive-through experience )
Dec 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23, 2022
(full experience)
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 is up and running as as of Nov 21, 2022.
Santa's mailbox is up and running as as of Nov 21, 2022.
Light up the Bluff will transform Lake Bluff Park into a winter wonderland (featuring 1 million holiday lights) from Dec 2, 2022 - Feb 14, 2023.
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 2, 2022 - Feb 14, 2023
• 5:30 AM - 8:30 AM
• 5:30 PM - Midnight
Dec 2, 2022 - Feb 14, 2023
• 5:30 AM - 8:30 AM
• 5:30 PM - Midnight
TREE LIGHTING:
Dec 2, 2022 at 6:00 PM
For 25 years, this Christmas Lite Show has captivated families with two miles of animated displays with its Drive-Through Lights and Memory Lane Train!
2022 SPECIAL EVENTS
Enjoy the Christmas Magic up close by walking or riding through the lights. Each of these events occurs just one night each in November.
• Winter Wonder Walk (Nov 12, 2022)
• Reindeer Bike Ride (Nov 13, 2022)
2022 SPECIAL EVENTS
Enjoy the Christmas Magic up close by walking or riding through the lights. Each of these events occurs just one night each in November.
• Winter Wonder Walk (Nov 12, 2022)
• Reindeer Bike Ride (Nov 13, 2022)
SCHEDULE
Nov 23, 2022 - Dec 31, 2022
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 23, 2022 - Dec 31, 2022
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 (see website for RVs, buses, and other vehicle pricing)
• Purchase Tickets Online or at Ticket Window
**Lite Show Tickets that are purchased are good for one-time use on any date between Nov 23, 2022 – Dec 31, 2022**
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 (see website for RVs, buses, and other vehicle pricing)
• Purchase Tickets Online or at Ticket Window
**Lite Show Tickets that are purchased are good for one-time use on any date between Nov 23, 2022 – Dec 31, 2022**
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
SCHEDULE
Sneak Peek: Nov 28, 2022
Dec 1 - 30, 2022
• Wednesdays through Sundays: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Special Events
• Eggnog Jog: Dec 7 (registration required)
• Santa Visits: Dec 10,17,23
• Live Nativity: Dec 9,10
Sneak Peek: Nov 28, 2022
Dec 1 - 30, 2022
• Wednesdays through Sundays: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Special Events
• Eggnog Jog: Dec 7 (registration required)
• Santa Visits: Dec 10,17,23
• Live Nativity: Dec 9,10
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
Nov 26-27, 2022
Dec 1-4, 7-11, 14-18, 2022
Nov 26-27, 2022
Dec 1-4, 7-11, 14-18, 2022
TICKETS
Pre-purchase your tickets online to guarantee entry.
Pre-purchase your tickets online to guarantee entry.
🎫 Buy Tickets
Winter Wonderland at the Gilmore Car Museum returns for its 2nd year with an expanded drive-through and walk-through nighttime holiday lights experience:
• 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
Nov 25, 2002 - Dec 30, 2022
• Thursday - Sunday: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Additional open dates:
• Tuesday, Dec 13
• Monday, Dec 19
• Tuesday, Dec 20
• Wednesday, Dec 21
Nov 25, 2002 - Dec 30, 2022
• Thursday - Sunday: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Additional open dates:
• Tuesday, Dec 13
• Monday, Dec 19
• Tuesday, Dec 20
• Wednesday, Dec 21
TICKETS
Tickets are NOT date-specific. You may use your ticket on any day between Nov 25, 2022 - Dec 30, 2022.
At Door:
• Adult (18+) - $20
• Youth (5 - 17) - $12
• Child (4 & under) - FREE
Online:
• Adult (18+) - $17.50
• Youth (5 - 17) - $9.50
• Child (4 & under) - FREE
Tickets are NOT date-specific. You may use your ticket on any day between Nov 25, 2022 - Dec 30, 2022.
At Door:
• Adult (18+) - $20
• Youth (5 - 17) - $12
• Child (4 & under) - FREE
Online:
• Adult (18+) - $17.50
• Youth (5 - 17) - $9.50
• 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)

Map
Here’s where you can find the full list of SWMI Christmas displays in one place.
find Christmas lights near me
REASON FOR THE SEASON,,at 213,Dawnlee Ave,, Portage