The Grosse Pointes are about to sparkle brighter than ever this holiday season. Whether you’re a longtime resident or visiting the area, 2025 promises to deliver unforgettable light displays across all five Grosse Pointe communities. From the historic elegance of Ford House to the stunning lakeside displays along Lakeshore Drive, this winter wonderland is calling your name.
Walk Through History at Ford House’s Home for the Holidays
The crown jewel of Grosse Pointe Shores holiday celebrations returns with Home for the Holidays at Ford House. This one-mile outdoor walking experience runs Thursdays through Sundays from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., November 30 through December 21.
Picture yourself strolling through the historic estate of Edsel and Eleanor Ford, where thousands of glittering white lights transform the grounds into pure magic. The path winds through the Formal Garden, Rose Garden, and past Josephine’s Playhouse, all aglow with festive cheer. Inside the Main Residence, you’ll see Eleanor Ford’s signature understated holiday elegance on full display. Don’t miss the Christmas train circling inside the Recreation Building, and be sure to snap a photo with Santa in the original laundry room.
Tickets are $22 for adults and $12 for children, available online at fordhouse.org. The experience includes complimentary hot chocolate and live carolers performing throughout December. Pro tip: arrive no earlier than 15 minutes before your scheduled time, as the grounds will be busy with pedestrians enjoying the festivities.
The Lakeshore Drive Spectacular
What makes the Grosse Pointes truly special during the holidays is the community spirit. Drive along Lakeshore Road through the Grosse Pointes and you’ll discover why this route has become a metro Detroit tradition. The mansions lining Lake St. Clair transform into glowing showcases of creativity and holiday joy.
This isn’t your average neighborhood light tour. These waterfront properties go all out with professional displays that rival commercial installations. The reflection of lights dancing on Lake St. Clair creates an atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else in Michigan. Pack some hot cocoa, load up the family, and make an evening of it.
Your Self-Guided Light Tour Awaits
The Grosse Pointes and St. Clair Shores recently launched their inaugural Self-Guided Holiday Light Tour, and it’s gaining momentum. Local families have registered their addresses to share their spectacular displays with neighbors and visitors alike. This grassroots effort showcases the genuine community pride that makes the Grosse Pointes shine year after year.
The beauty of this tour is simple: you set your own pace, you choose your route, and you discover hidden gems throughout Grosse Pointe Park, Grosse Pointe City, Grosse Pointe Farms, Grosse Pointe Woods, and Grosse Pointe Shores. Each community brings its own character to the season.
Behind the Scenes: The Dedication That Makes It Happen
Ever wonder who’s responsible for these amazing displays? Throughout the Grosse Pointes, both professional installation companies and passionate homeowners spend countless hours creating these visual feasts. Local companies like Shine of Grosse Pointe, Alvarez Brothers Christmas Lights, and Christmas Lights Detroit work tirelessly to bring holiday visions to life.
But it’s not just the professionals. Neighbors compete in friendly fashion, volunteers string lights for community spaces, and families carry on decades-old traditions. The result? A collective effort that makes the entire region glow with holiday spirit.
Capture the Magic: Photography Tips for Your Tour
Want to take home more than memories? Here are quick tips to photograph those lights like a pro:
Shoot at twilight (about 15 minutes after sunset) when the sky is deep blue but not completely black. This magical window, called the “blue hour,” lets you capture both the lights and their surroundings. Skip the flash entirely. Use a tripod or steady surface to avoid blur when using slower shutter speeds. Adjust your ISO to 400-800 for the best balance between light sensitivity and image quality. Try different angles and get close to create that dreamy bokeh effect with blurred light circles in the background.
Your smartphone can work wonders too. Just tap to focus, adjust the exposure slider, and hold steady. The best camera is the one you have with you.
Start Planning Your Grosse Pointes Holiday Adventure
This December, the five Grosse Pointe communities are ready to fill your heart with holiday cheer. Whether you’re walking the historic grounds of Ford House, cruising the lakefront mansions, or discovering neighborhood displays, the 2025 holiday season promises memories that will last a lifetime.
Ready to experience the magic? Book your Ford House tickets now at fordhouse.org before they sell out. Map your self-guided tour through the neighborhoods. Bundle up, grab your camera, and prepare to be dazzled by the Grosse Pointes’ holiday lights in all their glory. This is Michigan’s holiday season at its finest.
Sources: fordhouse.org, metroparent.com, grossepointenews.com
Header Image Source: metroparent.com
