DETROIT – Detroit’s annual tree lighting event returns tomorrow, Nov. 21, 2025, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., bringing festive cheer to downtown’s Campus Martius Park.
As thousands prepare to celebrate the start of the holiday season, here’s everything you need to know to enjoy the event safely and smoothly:
Recommended Videos
Road closures
To accommodate the festivities, several major downtown streets closed beginning Wednesday, Nov. 19 at 6 a.m.
These roads are scheduled to reopen on Saturday, Nov. 22 at 6 a.m.
The streets affected by closures include:
- Michigan Avenue between Woodward and Griswold
- Fort Street between Woodward and Griswold
- Woodward Avenue (northbound and southbound) at State/Gratiot
- Woodward Avenue (northbound and southbound) at Congress
- Woodward Avenue (northbound and southbound) at Larned (Friday, Nov. 21 only)
- Monroe Street between Woodward Avenue and Farmer Street
- Cadillac Square (eastbound and westbound) between Woodward Avenue and Bates Street
Prohibited items
To help keep the event safe and fun for everyone, guests are required to follow a code of conduct, and some items are not allowed, including:
- Weapons, firearms, knives, bats, clubs
- Mace, pepper spray
- Laser pointers or similar devices
- Fireworks, smoke bombs
- Illegal substances, marijuana
- Pets
- Offensive banners, flags, signs
- Frisbees, beach balls, balloons
- Chairs, poles, selfie sticks, tripods
- Professional or commercial cameras, detachable lenses over 4″
- Audio/visual recording devices like GoPros
- Missile-like objects that can be thrown
- Backpacks, hard-sided bags
- Aerosol cans/liquids over 4 oz.
- Drones, skateboards, hoverboards
- Whistles, horns
- Outside food or beverages
- Clothing with explicit or derogatory messages
- Any items deemed dangerous by security or venue management
With road closures in place and a full schedule of activities, visitors are encouraged to plan their trip carefully.
Use public transit options like the QLINE when possible, and arrive early to enjoy all the holiday festivities.