Get Ready for the Wayne County Lightfest: A Holiday Wonderland Awaits!
If you’re looking for a magical way to kick off the holiday season, look no further than the Wayne County Lightfest in Hines Park! This annual celebration of lights returns with a dazzling array of nearly 50 animated holiday displays that will illuminate the night sky with over 100,000 twinkling lights. It’s an event that promises to bring joy and cheer to families all around!
Mark Your Calendars
The festivities will begin on Thursday, November 21, 2024, and run all the way through December 24, 2024. You can enjoy this breathtaking light display every Wednesday to Sunday from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM each evening. Remember, though, the Lightfest won’t be open on Monday and Tuesday nights. The only exceptions are the two nights before Christmas, December 23 and 24, when the Lightfest will be welcoming visitors!
Prepare for Some Holiday Fun
Because the Lightfest is so popular, especially on weekends, you might have to be a little patient as you wait to enter. Traffic can be busier than a mall parking lot during the holiday rush! But don’t let that discourage you—the view inside is worth every minute spent in line.
Entry Fees and Ticket Information
Getting in is a breeze! The admission fee is just $5 per car. You can pay this fee in cash at the entrance. However, if you like to plan ahead, you can also purchase tickets in advance at the Nankin Mills Interpretive Center located at 33175 Ann Arbor Trail in Westland. Starting from November 22, the center will be selling tickets from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM on weekdays at their walk-up window.
If you’re buying tickets at Nankin Mills, you can pay with cash, check, or a Visa/Mastercard. Those who prefer to order tickets from the comfort of their home can call (734) 261-1990 to buy tickets via credit card, and they’ll be mailed right to you!
Groups and Buses Welcome!
Planning to visit with a group? Great news! Bus groups can pre-register and pay in advance too. Just make sure you call at least a week before your visit and let them know you’re coming!
Important Access Information
As you make plans, just a heads-up that the entrance to the Lightfest is currently accessible only from the north due to some bridge work on Merriman Road. The address to put in your GPS is 7651 N. Merriman Road, about 2.5 miles south of I-96. Expect some extended wait times due to the bridge construction, but once you’re in, the wonder of the Lightfest will make every moment of anticipation worthwhile!
Tune In for Updates
For those who want to stay in the loop, you can tune your radio to AM 1640 while driving around the area. This will keep you updated on wait times, traffic conditions, and any special events happening at the Lightfest. It’s like having your own personal holiday tour guide!
Closing the Roads for Safety
When visiting, keep in mind that Hines Drive will be closed to all traffic for set-up and operations from 5:00 PM to 11:30 PM, so plan accordingly if you’re heading out to catch the light show.
So, gather your family, pack some hot cocoa, and get ready to embark on a magical journey through the sparkling streets of the Wayne County Lightfest. It’s an enchanting experience that promises to light up your holiday season!
