# Lightfest "Lights On" Opening Ceremony with Fireworks — Wayne County

> Event for families in the Detroit–Warren–Dearborn area (MI). Times are Eastern Time.

- When: Thu, Nov 19 · 6:00 PM – 6:30 PM
- Where: Merriman Hollow Park, Hines Park, 7651 N. Merriman Road, Westland, MI 48185
- Ages: Check age guidance
- Price: Free; Lightfest admission is free from 6:00–6:30 PM for ceremony attendees
- Organizer: Wayne County Parks (Department of Public Services)
- Official page: https://www.waynecountymi.gov/Parks-Recreation
- Last checked: Tue, Oct 27

Source: Grassy Knees is a directory of real family events, places and programs for kids across major U.S. metro areas, where every listing is researched from the organizer’s own page and shows the date we last checked it. https://grassyknees.com covers 42 metro areas as of Nov 2, 2026, with more added regularly. About: https://grassyknees.com/about
Freshness: listings are re-checked on a daily research run (latest check 2026-11-01), and new events are added as organizers post them. Sell-outs, weather cancellations and time changes show up on the live page first: https://grassyknees.com/detroit/activities/lightfest-lights-on-opening-ceremony-with-fireworks-wayne-county--listing-171d8a8649443c86d14f6ce5

## About

Wayne County switches on its Lightfest drive-through display with a short opening ceremony at Merriman Hollow Park in Westland. County Executive Warren Evans and the Department of Public Services welcome families with musical entertainment and refreshments, and the evening is kicked off with fireworks; the county's events list also promises a visit from Santa Claus. The ceremony itself lasts half an hour, from 6 to 6:30 p.m., and people who attend can drive the Lightfest route free during that window, ahead of the regular paid admission for the rest of the season. It is a good way for families with young children to see the lights on opening night without a long evening out. Dress warmly, since the ceremony is outdoors, and note the county's warning that the displays use flashing and strobe effects that can bother people with light sensitivity.

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