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Holiday festivities officially kick off in downtown Detroit this Friday, November 16. Thousands will flock to Campus Martius Park, Beacon Park, and downtown in general to get into the holiday spirit. Here’s what you need to know before heading down there.
Where
Both Campus Martius and Beacon Park will have programming through the night. Expect to see some new light installations and decorations throughout the area. As a reminder, holiday markets are also open in Capitol Park and Cadillac Square. Food and beverages will be located along Woodward and Michigan Avenues.
When
Celebrations start at 5 p.m and continue until midnight in both parks.
Getting There
Many of the streets will be closed to traffic around Campus Martius, including Woodward south of State Street, Griswold, Congress, Bates, and Farmer.
Our 15th Annual Detroit Tree Lighting is just ONE WEEK away! As we gear up for our favorite night of the season, make sure to plan ahead while making your way Downtown with the road closures. See you next Friday, #Detroit! pic.twitter.com/gq7UQtv1kG
— Downtown Detroit Partnership (@DowntownDet) November 9, 2018
The Qline will run up to the Adelaide/Sproat stop outside of the Little Caesars Arena.
Parking will be at a premium. Consider parking a little further out and taking the People Mover to a closer stop (Financial District, Cadillac Center).
FAST buses from SMART run along Michigan, Woodward, and Gratiot into that general area (with detours for the street closures). This could be an easy option for the suburbs as many of the stops are close by. Check the schedule to find the fastest route.
A shuttle will also be running between Campus Martius and Beacon Park.
What to do
At Campus Martius, music and ice skating is on tap throughout the night. CeCe Winans, Ben Sharkey & the Woodward Horns, Nuclassica, and more will provide the music, while ice skaters Maia & Alex Shibutani, the Arctic Figure Skating Club, and clubs throughout the region will take to the rink.
The tree will be lit at around 7:30. The ice rink will be open to the public after that.
Carriage rides will also be available on this night and until December 22 from 6 p.m. to midnight.
At Beacon Park, visitors can catch the last few days of Prismatica, an international traveling art exhibit.
‘Prismatica’ Art Installation Debuts in @beaconparkdet - now through Nov. 18 | https://t.co/nHTgE7EyVt #Detroit #art pic.twitter.com/5OjLfDj14L
— Junction440 (@Junction440) November 1, 2018
A heated lodge will show the tree lighting on the big screen, and Santa will be on hand for photos. Also expect food trucks around the park, as well as food and drink in the lodge.
A new installation will light up the park with over 90,000 holiday lights.
The weather is expected to be in the 30s, but dry.