It may be “Cold in the D” but there is plenty to do. Let’s bundle up and enjoy the season with some of my favorite places to visit during winter throughout the Metro Detroit area!
Click event titles to be forwarded to more information!
Skate the Rink at Campus Martius, Detroit
November 18, 2017 – March 4, 2018
The premier family-friendly outdoor skating rink in Michigan. Open seven days a week and holidays. Check website for specific hours. Adults $8 | Child (12 & Under) $7 | Seniors (65 & Older) $7. Skate Rental is also available. Campus Martius is also surrounded by great shopping, Starbucks and beautiful holiday decor. It’s a must do!
Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo, Royal Oak
Nov. 18–19 and 24–26; Dec. 1–3, 8–10, 15–23 and 26–31
Experience the magic of the Detroit Zoo in winter as you take in the holiday lights, the sights and enjoy entertainment and activities for all ages. More than 5 million LED lights illuminate trees, buildings and animal sculptures throughout the front of the zoo. Purchase advance tickets as this event sells out quickly.
Rochester’s Big Bright Light Show
Brighten your holidays in Downtown Rochester with The Big, Bright Light Show! The buildings in downtown Rochester will be covered with more than 1 million points of glimmering holiday light. Have dinner downtown, take a stroll through the shops or a drive down Mainstreet to see the lights!
Friday Night Carriage Rides are offered in Downtown Rochester from 6:00 – 9:00 pm December 1,8,15,22. Rides will be stationed at the corner of E. Fourth & Main Street. Carriage Rides are free and given at a first come, first serve basis. No advanced reservations are accepted.
Holiday Nights at Greenfield Village, Dearborn
December 1-3, 8-10, 15-17, 19-23, 26-27 and 29-30 / 6:30-10:00pm
Mingle with merrymakers amid the smells of roasting chestnuts and warm bonfires: the sounds of carolers, fiddlers and sleigh bells: and other yuletide activity. Every lantern-lit path takes you to a new winter wonder to discover. Strap on a pair of ice skates, send a shout-out to Santa and his magnificent reindeer, find your reflection in a handcrafted ornament and nestle into a horse-drawn wagon for a sing-along through Greenfield Village. Purchase advance tickets as this event sells out quickly.
Kris Kringle Market, Rochester
Friday, December 1 / 4-10 pm
Saturday, December 2 / Noon-10 pm
The Downtown Rochester Kris Kringle Market was inspired by the 700-year old tradition of the open-air Christmas markets throughout Europe. The event will feature one-of-a-kind shopping, specialty foods, fresh greens & wreaths and handcrafted gifts for the holiday. The event will be located on W. Fourth Street (between Walnut & Main). Visit their website for the entertainment schedule, visits from Santa & more.
Plymouth Ice Festival
January 8 / 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Experience the magic of downtown Plymouth with your entire family at the annual Plymouth Ice Festival. Visitors will find numerous events for the whole family including dueling chainsaw competitions and interactive ice carvings at the Ice Playground.
Hours:
Friday, January 8th – 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Saturday, January 9th – 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Sunday, January 10th – 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Fire & Ice Festival, Downtown Rochester
January 22-24 / 5:00pm
Head to downtown Rochester for fireworks, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, dog sled rides, ice skating, ice sculptures and more. Admission is free.
Meridian Winter Blast, Detroit
Feb. 12-14
Grab your ice skates and get ready for a weekend of fun at the Meridian Winter Blast in downtown Detroit’s Campus Martius Park. The event includes ice skating, snowshoeing, an ice garden, dogsled exhibitions and other family activities.
Visitors most donate one of the following to gain admission:
- Three canned food items
- One children’s book
- or $2 that will be donated directly to Matrix Human Services to help those in need
What are you looking forward to doing this winter with your friends and family? Let me know in the comments!
xo
Jessica
Such great ideas!! Love them!☃️❄️🎄
Thank you for sharing all these great ideas! No one understands a Michigan winter until they’ve survived one. I am looking forward for these activities come winter.