Light Up Downtown Day 1: Traverse City Tree Lighting
Light Up Downtown Day 1: Traverse City Tree Lighting
11/20/2026 04:00 pm - 06:30 pm
There's nothing quite like the magic of the holidays in Downtown Traverse City. The annual Light Up Downtown Celebration transforms downtown into a sparkling winter wonderland. Whether you're continuing a family tradition or experiencing it for the first time, Light Up Downtown is the perfect way to celebrate the season and enjoy everything downtown has to offer.
Double the Holiday Magic in Downtown Traverse City
When: Friday, November 20
Over the years, our cozy downtown tree lighting and light parade, hosted by the Downtown Traverse City Association (DTCA), has grown into a massive community tradition drawing nearly 20,000 spectators to Front Street. To ensure the event remains safe, comfortable, and sustainable for everyone, we're expanding our holiday kickoff into a full two-day celebration dubbed "Light Up Downtown!"
Splitting the festivities across Friday and Saturday eases sidewalk and street congestion, gives families more space to enjoy every moment, and creates double the holiday cheer for our downtown merchants and visitors alike.
Weekend Schedule at a Glance
Friday, Nov 20, 4-6:30 (Tree is lit by Santa at 6:30) | Traverse City Tree Lighting (Produced by the DTCA): Enjoy special holiday activities, treat giveaways, music and games, Santa's arrival, the official Tree Lighting, and visits to Santa's House at Cass & State Streets afterward.
- Front St will be closed from Park to Union Streets starting at 3pm through 8pm.
- Festivities run 4-6:30pm with the Tree Lighting by Santa at 6:30pm at Cass & Front. More details to come!
Saturday, Nov 21, 6:00 Parade Step Off | Traverse City Light Parade (Produced in partnership by the DTCA and the Festival Foundation): Grab a spot along Front Street to watch glowing floats, marchers, and decked-out vehicles illuminate the night.
- Front St will be closed from Park to Union Streets starting at 3pm through 8pm.
- Light Parade steps off at 6pm with an approximate run time of 1 hour, 20 minutes and runs down Front St. from Franklin to Union.
Light Up Downtown: Downtown Holiday Activities
Make the season a little sweeter (and a lot more festive!) with special holiday activities throughout Downtown Traverse City! As part of Light Up Downtown, local businesses are spreading holiday cheer with seasonal treats, special offers, and a little Grinch-inspired fun.
Explore the participating businesses below and join us in celebrating the magic of the season while supporting our downtown community!
Cookies & Cocoa Crawl
Friday, November 20 & Saturday, November 21, 2026
Sip, snack, and stroll your way through Downtown Traverse City! During Light Up Downtown weekend, participating downtown businesses will be offering a variety of sweet treats, warm beverages, and other festive surprises.
Whether you're craving a cozy cup of cocoa, a delicious holiday cookie, or something special, there's plenty of holiday cheer to discover around every corner.
Participating Businesses
Find the Grinch
Friday, November 20 – Sunday, November 29, 2026
The Grinch is hiding in Downtown Traverse City, and we need your help finding him!
From November 20 through November 29, visit participating downtown businesses and keep your eyes peeled for a hidden Grinch. Spot him inside a participating store, and you could be rewarded with a special treat, discount, or another festive surprise courtesy of that business.
It's a fun way to explore downtown, discover local favorites, and spread a little holiday cheer. After all, even the Grinch can't resist the magic of Downtown Traverse City!
Participating Businesses
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
Light Up Downtown wouldn't be possible without the generous support of our sponsors! Their contributions help bring the magic of the holiday season to Downtown Traverse City, creating memorable experiences for our community and visitors alike.
We extend a heartfelt thank you to the following businesses and organizations for helping make this year's festivities possible!
Presenting Sponsor
Gold Sponsors
Grand Traverse Band Economic Development Corporation
Silver Sponsors
The Ticker – Traverse City News and Events
The Ticker – Leelanau News and Events
MSU Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU)
Thank you for helping us light up Downtown Traverse City!
Your continued support makes it possible to celebrate the season, support our downtown businesses, and bring our community together.
Sponsor the Magic
Want to help light up Downtown? Join us as a sponsor of this two-day celebration, Light up Downtown! Connect with Director of Events & Engagement Sara Klebba to receive a sponsorship packet to check out the various partnership opportunities.
Seeking Volunteers
The Traverse City Tree Lighting on Friday, November 20, needs some helpful elves to make the magic happen! Please consider supporting your community and sign up today.