Detroit, Michigan — Downtown Detroit is officially stepping into the holiday spirit as thousands gather for the 22nd Annual Detroit Tree Lighting at Campus Martius Park on Friday evening — and the weather is lining up beautifully. Comfortable temperatures, dry skies and festive energy will kick off what becomes a colder weekend across Southeast Michigan.
Ideal Conditions for Detroit’s 22nd Tree Lighting
Families heading to Campus Martius Park can expect mild and calm conditions during the celebration, which runs until 9 p.m. The event features live entertainment, ice skating, holiday vendors and the ceremonial lighting of Detroit’s massive Christmas tree.
Temperatures will start in the low-50s, gradually dipping into the low-40s by the time the crowds head home. Light winds will keep the night feeling pleasant, but coats, gloves and layers remain a good idea for an evening outdoors.
Overnight, temperatures fall sharply into the upper-20s and low-30s, especially in communities north and west of Detroit, signaling the colder stretch ahead.
Saturday: Coldest Day of the Weekend
Saturday brings a noticeable chill, making it the coldest day of the weekend. Highs will reach only the mid-40s in Metro Detroit and drop to the low-40s across northern suburbs and the Thumb region.
The good news: sunshine returns. The dry, bright conditions make Saturday a great day for hanging holiday lights, yard clean-up, or outdoor decorating.
Early risers, especially shoppers and salon-goers, should prepare for a frosty start — wind chills at sunrise will make temperatures feel several degrees colder.
Sunday: Warmer, Pleasant, and Perfect for Pre-Holiday Errands
Sunday brings a welcome warm-up with highs returning to the low-50s under partly cloudy skies. It’ll be one of the most comfortable days for last-minute holiday prep, including travel, grocery shopping, or picking up forgotten items.
Expect busy traffic around major shopping routes like Ford Road, Telegraph Road, Hall Road, Woodward Avenue, and Gratiot Avenue as Metro Detroiters prepare for Thanksgiving week.
Monday & Tuesday: Rain Returns and May Impact Travel
Monday stays dry but cloudier, with temperatures in the upper-40s to low-50s. Rain arrives late Monday night and continues into Tuesday morning, creating potential slowdowns for road travel and airport operations.
Cloud cover and wet runways could cause delays at Detroit Metro Airport (DTW) and connecting hubs in Chicago, Cleveland, and Minneapolis.
Wednesday: One of the Best Travel Days of the Week
If you’re hitting the road (or the skies), Wednesday is your friend. Conditions improve with dry, cool weather and highs in the 40s — offering one of the most reliable travel windows both regionally and nationally.
Thanksgiving: A Dry but Chilly Holiday
Thanksgiving Day will be dry for America’s Thanksgiving Parade in Downtown Detroit, but the cold will be noticeable. Morning temperatures start in the upper-20s to low-30s, with an afternoon high near 40 degrees.
Families lining Woodward Avenue for the parade should bundle up, especially young children. Wind chills will make the early hours feel even colder.
National Weather Effects on Holiday Travel
The same storm system moving through Michigan on Tuesday will stretch across the Midwest and Northeast, potentially causing delays in Chicago, Pittsburgh, Boston and New York City.
Further south, showers and thunderstorms could impact airports in Dallas, Atlanta, and Houston.
Out west, snow in the Rockies may complicate mountain travel, particularly for those returning home next Saturday and Sunday.
What are your Thanksgiving week travel or holiday plans around Metro Detroit? Are you heading to the Tree Lighting, the Parade, or staying warm at home? Drop your thoughts, plans or weather questions in the comments below!
