Explore: Meadow Brook Hall’s Holiday Walk & Winter Wonder Lights

(Susan Bowyer, Dec. 8, 2022)

Rochester, MI – I was so lucky to enjoy the beautiful display of lights and trees of Meadow Brook Hall’s Holiday Walk and Winter Wonder Lights.

As you walk up to Meadow Brook Hall, the driveway is decorated with colorful lights.  You will follow a path into the garden that circles the Garage.  This path is decoratively lit with colorful lights, and you can hear the sounds of holiday music as you stroll along.  Ascending from this garden path you arrive at the front of Meadow Brook, to an awe-inspiring scene. Here Winter Wonder Lights are dancing to the sounds of the music!  What a magnificent display.

You will be wowed by the majesty of Meadow Brook Hall glowing in the distance.   As you stand there and admire the lights and the hall, there are warming areas that have bars that you can put your hands on to warm up.   The light show continues behind the hall where there are many more trees and shapes that are light up.  There is a hall of lights that leads to a semi-circle of stain glass images that are glowing, as their lightscape changes.  Watch for the shadow of a horse that runs through the light display.  This a fun walk for all ages.  During these cool winter nights, when darkness settles in early, come and see this incredible light show.

Lights outside the hall are incredible and festive, but inside the hall the Holiday Walk decorations are even more inspiring!  Meadow Brook Hall was built in the late 1920s and is now a National Historic landmark. This 110-room mansion has the most elaborate carved wood and stone walls.  During the Holiday season each room is beautifully decorated with a special tree and garland. When you enter into the great hall the large fireplace is burning brightly and the garland surrounding is stunning.

Each room has a Christmas tree decorated to match.  There are garlands and led candles placed to make you feel the joy of what it was like to live here  in the early  1900s. Don’t miss the Christmas tree decorated with bows or the one with the doggy ornaments.  All the Christmas trees are beautifully decorated, and you will be inspired to take home some ideas for your own Christmas tree.   As you walk out to the back yard you will find  a warming tent outside that also has marshmallows you can roast!   Food and drinks are available to buy if you have worked up an appetite.

Allow about 90 minutes for each of these great tours.  They are separate tickets for each, but it is worth doing both at the same time.  The best time to come see the Winter Wonder lights is in the evening.

After you have completed the tours there is one last amazing thing to do,  GO to the GIFT SHOP!! So many great items, from beautiful stocking-stuffers to unique gifts.  Meadow Brook Hall is a jewel located on the Oakland University Campus, at 350 Estate Drive in Rochester, Michigan. I highly recommend you come out and enjoy this National Treasure.   Make some great holiday memories and maybe start a new annual tradition.

The display runs through the end of December.  Learn more about Winter Wonder Lights at https://meadowbrookhall.org/wonderlights/.

Dr. Susan Bowyer is a Rochester Hills City Councilperson and Oakland University professor. 

For other places to explore in Oakland County and beyond check out the Oakland County Times EXPLORE! Section!