11 Christmas Light Displays To See In Metro Detroit

Jolly red Santas. Dancing green Christmas trees. Snow white reindeer. The holiday season is ramping up and elaborate Christmas light displays are popping up across the country, including around metro Detroit. If you’re one of the many parents who’d rather drive your kids to the nearest Clark Griswold-esque house rather than climb onto the roof and staple 10,000 tiny lights to your house, you’re in luck.

The good folks over at ChrismasLghtFinder.com have built an easy way to see the best Christmas light displays near you. For your convenience we’ve rounded up a few of them around metro Detroit:

• Bazillion Lights
  • 29718 Robert St. Livonia

• Kate and Dave’ Static Display
  • 18111 Floral St. Livonia
• Frank’s House
  • 5103 Tyler Dr. Troy

• Twisted Christmas Lights
  • 7429 Iron Gate, Canton
• Vineyard Avenue Light Show
  • 46600 Vineyard Ave., Shelby Township
• The Kurdzeil’s Light Show
  • 45107 Courtview Trail, Novi

Of course if you’re feeling particularly adventurous, you may take a road trip to Comstock Park in Kent County, which was named the single best Christmas light display in Michigan last year by the Daily Meal. Here’s what the report had to say about the display:

“Fifth Third Ballpark in Comstock Park, Michigan, turns into the Christmas Lite Show every year. Over 1 million lights stretch out over two miles with animated displays and light tunnels, turning this display into a fun interactive activity. If you come on select nights, you can even visit Santa to tell him everything on your Christmas wish list."

If you're looking for some of the top-rated destinations for Christmas lights on a larger scale, check out these displays:

• Downtown Detroit's festive display includes Campus Martius, the Woodward Esplanade, Beacon Park and street installations.
• Downtown Rochester is aglow now through Jan. 6 for the city's annual Big, Bright Light Show. Great for holiday shopping; most stores are open until 9 p.m.
• Wild Lights is the Detroit Zoo's annual LED celebration, with more than five million lights. Don't miss the 4-D Polar Express experience either.
• Wayne County's Lightfest down Hines Drive is a staple for many metro Detroiters. This drive through experience features fun displays for $5 per car.

Many of the best Christmas light displays share familiar themes. You’ll see many illuminated snowmen, more than a couple Rudolph’s with shiny red noses and quite a few candy canes. But some take a unique spin on the holiday. In Caldwell, Idaho, event organizers create a “Winter Wonderland.” Brilliant blue, green and red lights cover trees and immerse festivalgoers in the spirit of the season. Look closely and you’ll even see Santa fishing in a stream.

You’ll also see some inspiring houses. Take last year’s “Lights on Suter” display in North Haledon, New Jersey. Each year the Tomasi family creates a light display. Last year, it was set to the tune of Llama by the band Phish. The family has also created a display based on the film "Star Wars: The Force Awakens."

The “West Chester Griswolds” in Pennsylvania have a light display have a holiday-themed display up already with more than 100,000 lights. The display, which is completely controlled by computers, features a massive Christmas tree, dozens of icicles and numerous holiday characters.

Patch national staffer Dan Hampton contributed to this report. Image via Shutterstock