If your family is looking for an amazing night of holiday lights and fun, then you won’t want to miss the Wayne County Lightfest. The Wayne County Lightfest turns a four-mile stretch of Hines Park into a magical holiday drive. This year they will be displaying nearly 50 animated themed displays as well as more than 100,000 lights.
This is one of the the many amazing Holiday Events for Families in Metro Detroit
Hines Drive Holiday Lights 2023
The Wayne County Lightfest begins at Merriman Hollow Park in Westland and offers a 25-30 minute ride through the park. It is a festive treat for all audiences!
With nearly 50 animated themed displays and over 100,000 lights, the Wayne County Lightfest display has something for everyone from golfing Santa to a menorah and the trains, dinosaurs, and flamingos in between!
If you would like to take a short stop mid-way through your drive, then Perrin Park, is the perfect place. Guests can drop off a letter to Santa in the giant mailbox , visit two food trucks and also use the restroom.
Visitors can tune into AM 1640 within three to five miles of the Lightfest entrance, and receive regular updates on wait times, traffic flow, special event and event costs.
Wayne County Lightfest Entrance Location
The address for Merriman Hollow Park is 7651 N. Merriman Road, which is on Merriman between Ann Arbor Trail and Warren Avenue in Westland, 2 1/2 miles south of I-96. There is quite a bit of signage and pathways of cones leading you to any of the entrances!
Wayne County Lightfest Hours 2023
The Lightfest is open Wednesday through Sunday from 6:00 PM until 10:00 PM.
The dates for 2023 are from November 16th until December 24th.
How much does it cost to get into Wayne County Lightfest?
The cost is just $5 per car. However if you have a commcerial van, RV or limo, the cost is $20. The fee for a minibus (20+ passangers) is $25. Finally, the cost for busses with a capacacity of 40 or more is $50. It is important to note that all fees are payable in cash only.
Toy Night takes place Wednesdays, November 22, November 29 and December 13, 2023. Commercial vehicles do not qualify for free admission. Visitors can donate a new unwrapped toy in lieu of paying the entrance fee.
Pre-purchase tickets:
If you would like to re-purchse tickets, then head over to Nankin MIlls Interpretive Center in Westland Monday – Friday from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM at the walk-up window. The address for Nankin Mills is 33175 Ann Arbor Trail in Westland. Pre-paid tickets can be purchased with cash, check or Visa/Mastercard or over the phone with a credit card by calling (734) 261-1990 and tickets will be mailed to you. Please note that tickets purchased in person at the Lightfest are the same price but must be paid by CASH only.
In addition, bus groups can pre-register their busses and pay ahead of time by check, Visa/Mastercard or cash. Please call (734) 261-1990 for more information but bus pre-registration must be done at least one week ahead of time.
Visit the Santa Shelter – Closed for 2023
Please note that the SANTA SHELTER IS CLOSED FOR 2023 At the end of the 25-minute ride that averages between 10-20 mph, there is a stop where you can see the man in red and enjoy refreshments for an additional cost.
(2018 prices) The hot chocolate, popcorn, and handmade chocolate treats were all $2. Pictures with Santa are $8 for one, 2 for $15 and 3 for $20. Don’t forget to bring cash!
You can even mail a letter straight to the north pole!
Connect with Wayne County
Early Childhood Professional, “Music with Ms. Carissa,” Mama, and now blogger thanks to MDM! Carissa works as an Early Childhood Consultant for Michigan’s state-funded Preschool Program, the Great Start Readiness Program. In her spare time, she entertains children and families with live music as part of her Music with Ms. Carissa. Most importantly, she is “Jack’s Mom” and loves adventuring with her young toddler all around Metro Detroit!