’TIS THE SEASON
Magic of Lights’ illuminates DTE parking lot once again
It’s not even Thanksgiving yet, but it will feel like Christmas and other December holidays at the DTE Energy Music Theatre starting this weekend.
“Magic of Lights,” a drive-through attraction that drew more than 250,000 to the Independence Township venue’s parking lot last season, returns for a six-week run starting Friday, Nov. 19 and shining through Jan. 1. Hundreds of thousands of LED lights and digital animations will create scenarios such as “Prehistoric Christmas,” “Winter Wonderland,” “The Night Before Christmas,” the popular Bilzzard Tunnel and more. The show fires up at 5:30 p.m., seven days a week. Hours and tickets can be found via magicoflights. com/events/clarkston.
Other holiday festivals this weekend include:
• The Downtown Detroit Partnership and DTE Energy Foundation present the 18th annual Detroit Tree Lighting from 5 p.m.midnight on Friday, Nov. 19, at Campus Martius Park, with the “Swinging Bells” lighting installation and a full schedule of free festivities and entertainment including ice skating. Visit downtowndetroitparks. com.
• The Canterbury Village hosts a free tree lighting celebration 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 20, with entertainment, caroling, holiday shopping at boutique shops, s’mores and hot cocoa and hot cider stations set up near outdoor fire pits. A 45-foot-tall Christmas tree will be lighted at 6 p.m. The event is free, but guests are encouraged to bring boxed cereal to help stock The Village Food Pantry, which feeds area families in need.
• Downtown Rochester’s Festival of
Trees 2021, featuring trees, wreaths and centerpieces designed and donated by the community, runs 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 20, and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 21, at Rochester Community House, 816 Ludlow Ave. A cocktail preview at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 19, includes refreshments, silent auction, cash bar and chances to bid on holiday items before the event opens to the public. Proceeds benefit The Big, Bright Light Show, and tickets are $50. Visit downtownrochestermi.com.