Winter in metro Detroit doesn't have to be a snooze fest. Instead, grab your scarf and boots, and get ready to experience the city's vibrant winter scene.
For ice skating enthusiasts, The Rink at Campus Martius Park is a must-visit destination. As voted by USA Today 10Best in 2024 and 2025 as the "No. 1 Best Ice Skating Rink" in the country, this picturesque rink offers a unique blend of fun and elegance. After lacing up your skates, warm up with a cup of hot chocolate at Chalet 313, a glass-covered heated lounge with breathtaking views of Campus Martius Park.
If you're looking for more ways to beat the chill, consider attending the Detroit Auto Show at Huntington Place. With its return to January dates after years of experimentation, this event promises an immersive experience featuring exhibits, hands-on experiences, and interactive displays beyond the showroom floor. Whether you're a gearhead or tech enthusiast, don't miss out on this must-see winter tradition.
Looking for something truly unique? Head to Fire & Ice Festival: Winter at Valade, where medieval-themed festivities await in downtown Detroit. Enjoy bonfires, turkey legs, ice carving, vendors, live performances, and more amidst the stunning backdrop of the Detroit River. Don't miss the lighting of the seven-foot Fire and Ice Tower on Saturday.
Michigan's "Little Bavaria," Frankenmuth, is also transforming into a winter wonderland with its annual Zehnder's Snowfest. This festive celebration features ice sculptures, live entertainment, a petting farm, fireworks, and more to get you in the holiday spirit.
The Plymouth Ice Festival is another not-to-be-missed event, showcasing stunning ice sculptures, a zip line, shopping, and other activities in downtown Plymouth. Meanwhile, Southfield Winter Festival offers family-friendly fun indoors and outdoors with activities like ice skating, horse-drawn carriage rides, rock climbing wall, marshmallow roasting, and more.
As the winter months continue, the City of Detroit is embracing its icy heritage with Shiver on the River, a free, family-friendly celebration of the Detroit River featuring ice carvings, live entertainment, winter birding, kids' activities, and more. On February 7, head to Belle Isle (Dossin Great Lakes Museum and Nature Center) for a fun-filled day.
If you're up for a chilly challenge, consider taking part in the Polar Plunge, where brave metro Detroiters take a dip into frigid waters to raise funds for Special Olympics Michigan. Dates vary across Wayne County, Macomb County, Washtenaw County, and Oakland County.
Valentine's Day is all about love, but this year, it's also "Pants-less." The Cupid's Undie Run is an annual charity event that encourages hundreds of participants to show off their undies (yes, you read that right!) while raising awareness for neurofibromatosis.
In the world of automotive enthusiasts, Autorama 2026 promises an epic display of custom rides at Huntington Place. Get ready for gearhead excitement with a coveted Ridler Award on the line.
Grand Rapids is hosting its largest winter festival in America – World of Winter. This event features stunning art installations, light shows, and other activities throughout downtown Grand Rapids.
Last but not least, Hamtramck Blowout is back and better than ever, with local acts taking center stage at various venues across this Detroit enclave.
Whether you're a thrill-seeker or simply looking for ways to beat the winter blues, there's something for everyone in metro Detroit. So grab your scarf, boots, and sense of adventure – it's time to ride out the rest of the snowy season in style!
For ice skating enthusiasts, The Rink at Campus Martius Park is a must-visit destination. As voted by USA Today 10Best in 2024 and 2025 as the "No. 1 Best Ice Skating Rink" in the country, this picturesque rink offers a unique blend of fun and elegance. After lacing up your skates, warm up with a cup of hot chocolate at Chalet 313, a glass-covered heated lounge with breathtaking views of Campus Martius Park.
If you're looking for more ways to beat the chill, consider attending the Detroit Auto Show at Huntington Place. With its return to January dates after years of experimentation, this event promises an immersive experience featuring exhibits, hands-on experiences, and interactive displays beyond the showroom floor. Whether you're a gearhead or tech enthusiast, don't miss out on this must-see winter tradition.
Looking for something truly unique? Head to Fire & Ice Festival: Winter at Valade, where medieval-themed festivities await in downtown Detroit. Enjoy bonfires, turkey legs, ice carving, vendors, live performances, and more amidst the stunning backdrop of the Detroit River. Don't miss the lighting of the seven-foot Fire and Ice Tower on Saturday.
Michigan's "Little Bavaria," Frankenmuth, is also transforming into a winter wonderland with its annual Zehnder's Snowfest. This festive celebration features ice sculptures, live entertainment, a petting farm, fireworks, and more to get you in the holiday spirit.
The Plymouth Ice Festival is another not-to-be-missed event, showcasing stunning ice sculptures, a zip line, shopping, and other activities in downtown Plymouth. Meanwhile, Southfield Winter Festival offers family-friendly fun indoors and outdoors with activities like ice skating, horse-drawn carriage rides, rock climbing wall, marshmallow roasting, and more.
As the winter months continue, the City of Detroit is embracing its icy heritage with Shiver on the River, a free, family-friendly celebration of the Detroit River featuring ice carvings, live entertainment, winter birding, kids' activities, and more. On February 7, head to Belle Isle (Dossin Great Lakes Museum and Nature Center) for a fun-filled day.
If you're up for a chilly challenge, consider taking part in the Polar Plunge, where brave metro Detroiters take a dip into frigid waters to raise funds for Special Olympics Michigan. Dates vary across Wayne County, Macomb County, Washtenaw County, and Oakland County.
Valentine's Day is all about love, but this year, it's also "Pants-less." The Cupid's Undie Run is an annual charity event that encourages hundreds of participants to show off their undies (yes, you read that right!) while raising awareness for neurofibromatosis.
In the world of automotive enthusiasts, Autorama 2026 promises an epic display of custom rides at Huntington Place. Get ready for gearhead excitement with a coveted Ridler Award on the line.
Grand Rapids is hosting its largest winter festival in America – World of Winter. This event features stunning art installations, light shows, and other activities throughout downtown Grand Rapids.
Last but not least, Hamtramck Blowout is back and better than ever, with local acts taking center stage at various venues across this Detroit enclave.
Whether you're a thrill-seeker or simply looking for ways to beat the winter blues, there's something for everyone in metro Detroit. So grab your scarf, boots, and sense of adventure – it's time to ride out the rest of the snowy season in style!
they have hot chocolate with breathtaking views lol what's up with all these winter festivals tho? are they gonna last all year or is it just a month long thing? i love ice skating but never tried it in the snow 
can someone explain me how to do that lol also whats up with Autorama 2026 and what's a Ridler Award 
first things first ice skating at campus martius park is a must do, i've heard the rink is amazing and that chalet 313 has the best hot chocolate ever 
. and can we talk about the fire & ice festival? medieval vibes are everything 
also, who's with me on the cupid's undie run? 
autorama 2026 is calling my name too, i'm so down for some epic custom rides 
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️ But, I'm curious, what's the deal with all these Polar Plunge events? Taking a dip into freezing waters for charity is pretty adventurous... do people really sign up for that? 
like at the Polar Plunge? also, whats up with all these winter festivals? cant they just have one big one instead of spreading it all around? and btw, undies for charity is kinda cool 
i was thinking of just hibernating but then saw all these events and now i'm like "lets get this party started" 
fire & ice festival is def on my list, love the medieval vibes 
and i heard shiver on the river is gonna be lit 
and the detroit auto show is like the ultimate car enthusiast fest 
autorama 2026 is gonna be SO epic for those custom rides 
and have u heard about the Cupid's Undie Run? it's a thing now 