This is the first time, ever, at least in my recent memory, that the Elmwood Cemetery allowed people to visit the cemetery after dark. But, this wasn't just any old opportunity, no, this was to be a LIGHT SHOW! With it being the first year of this event, we had no idea what to expect (I went with my sister Dana and our friend Bryan).


We started out at the entrance to the cemetery, where they offered hors d’oeuvres and drinks as part of the event (being gluten and dairy free I didn't expect to partake!). Dark was descending, so we followed the pathway of lights. This was the beginning of the path, which led towards the pond and mausoleum.

Night scene of trees lit with purple lights casting long shadows across the pathway at Elmwood Cemetery in Detroit, Michigan.
Historic chapel at Elmwood Cemetery in Detroit, Michigan bathed in colorful blue and purple lighting effects at night.

As we looked back, we could see the scene around the pond looking quite otherworldly. Loved those fuschia trees!

Trees bathed in pink and purple light creates an ethereal atmosphere along a waterfront path at the Elmwood cemetery in Detroit, Michigan.

The mausoleum had a light show projected onto the exterior walls. There was food, drinks and seating in this area as well.

Illuminated mausoleum slideshow with purple and white lighting creating a dramatic nighttime atmosphere at Elmwood Cemetery in Detroit.

A mausoleum entrance laced in orange and purple light.

Mausoleum at the Elmwood cemetery in Detroit Michigan with vibrant purple and red LED lights creating a futuristic ambiance.

We continued to follow the path, that led us to the Elmwood cemetery chapel. I cannot tell you how excited I was to see that it's doors were open for this event! I've been by this chapel many times in previous years, always wondering what it was like inside. Well, tonight I got to find out! From the entrance you could hear the sweet melodies of a cello and violin. When we entered we saw two women who were responsible for the wonderful music. We sat in the pews and listened for awhile.

Historic chapel entrance at Elmwood Cemetery in Detroit Michigan illuminated with blue and purple lights highlighting stained glass windows.

But then, it was time to take more photos of the chapel! Here are a couple of other perspectives of the beautiful light.

The chapel at Elmwood Cemetery in Detroit illuminated with colorful purple and blue lights at night during the Elmwood Alight event in 2025.
The Elmwood Cemetery chapel lit with colorful lights creating a magical nighttime atmosphere during the Elmwood Alight event in 2025.

But then, it was time to move onwards down the path. We followed the path and found other gravesites and mausoleums lit up.

Stone mausoleum exterior dramatically lit with green and pink accent lighting at night at the Elmwood Cemetery in Detroit, Michigan.

It seemed like it was over too soon! As we made our way back to towards the entrance, we ran into the event coordinator. She asked us what we thought of the first-ever Elmwood light event. We told her we loved it and hoped very much that it will happen again next year. That is definitely a possibility, with plans to make it even larger. For being the first year, and having no expectations, I was completely impressed with it. If it happens next year, I will DEFINITELY be going! I hope this series of images convinces you to as well!


Here was the last image I took of the entrance as we left.

The entrance to the Elmwood Cemetery in Detroit illuminated with vibrant pink and blue lights against a night sky.

Thank you for coming along on my photographic journey into the Elmwood cemetery! I hope to be making another photo story in 2026 when they hold the event again.

Urban skyline panorama featuring modern skyscrapers and office buildings of Detroit, Michigan.