Detroit Tree Lighting to Draw Heightened Police Security
Police will boost their presence at the free Campus Martius Park event on Friday, November 20, after a teen takeover flyer circulated online.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Seasonal Events
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The Detroit Police Department will increase its security presence at the annual Detroit Tree Lighting, a free event at Campus Martius Park scheduled for Friday, November 20, from 4 to 9 p.m. The move follows a flyer circulating online that calls for a teen takeover at the downtown celebration.
Why it matters
Some previous large teen gatherings in Detroit and metro Detroit escalated into violence, raising safety concerns for community events. Heightened security aims to keep the downtown holiday celebration safe for families attending.
Attendees aged 17 and younger must be accompanied by a parent, legal guardian, or responsible adult at least 21 years old. The number of officers assigned to the event has not been disclosed.
The players
Detroit Police Department
The municipal police agency responsible for public safety across Detroit, which is increasing its presence at the event.
Downtown Detroit Partnership
The nonprofit organization that produces the annual Detroit Tree Lighting and manages programming in downtown Detroit.
The details
Detroit's Christmas tree is already in place at Campus Martius Park, and the Downtown Detroit Partnership produces the event. Police will treat the Tree Lighting like any other large gathering, with the added focus on the teen takeover call circulating online.
Timeline
Friday, November 20, 2026, 4 to 9 p.m.: Detroit Tree Lighting at Campus Martius Park.
Seasonal Patterns
Large teen gatherings in Detroit and metro Detroit have previously escalated into violence, prompting heightened police presence at public events. The Tree Lighting security plan reflects that recurring pattern of planning around teen crowds at downtown holiday celebrations.
Families planning to attend the Tree Lighting should expect a heavier police presence on Friday evening. Minors aged 17 and younger need a parent, legal guardian, or responsible adult at least 21 years old to attend.
The takeaway
Plan early and bring the required adult chaperone if attending with teens, since the event will be more heavily policed than usual this year.
Further reading
For more holiday happenings across the region, see Seasonal Events coverage in Detroit.
Source note: This article includes information reported by CBS News.
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