Winter in metro Detroit doesn't have to be a dull, hibernation-inducing season. Instead, the city transforms into a winter wonderland with numerous festive events and activities that will get you out of your cozy home and into the cold.
One of the top spots to visit is The Rink at Campus Martius Park, which was named the "No. 1 Best Ice Skating Rink" in the country by USA Today in 2024 and 2025. Open seven days a week through March, you can enjoy ice skating, hot chocolate in a glass-covered heated lounge, and take in the picturesque views of Campus Martius Park.
For car enthusiasts, the Detroit Auto Show is a must-visit event that features immersive exhibits, hands-on experiences, and interactive displays. This year's show took place at Huntington Place and included family-friendly attractions and opportunities to get up close with the latest cars shaping the future.
If you're looking for something more medieval-themed, the Fire & Ice Festival: Winter at Valade is an event not to be missed. The festival features bonfires, ice carving, vendors, live performances, and a seven-foot ice structure lit in a massive bonfire. The event takes place on January 24 and 25 at Robert C. Valade Park.
Michigan's "Little Bavaria" comes alive with its long-running Zehnder’s Snowfest. Festivities include ice and snow sculptures, live entertainment, a petting farm, fireworks, children’s activities, and more. The event takes place from January 28 to February 1 at Zehnder's of Frankenmuth.
Other events worth checking out include the Plymouth Ice Festival, which features ice sculptures, a zip line, shopping, and more; the Southfield Winter Festival, with family-friendly fun indoors and outdoors; Shiver on the River, a free winter celebration with ice carvings, a family magic show, and kids' activities; Lake Orion Ice Fest, featuring ice sculptures, live carving demonstrations, and a scavenger hunt; Berkley Winterfest, an outdoor winter celebration with ice skating, s'mores, games, and more; and Rouge Park Winterfest, with sledding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hot chocolate, and bonfires.
If you're feeling brave, take part in the Polar Plunge to raise funds for Special Olympics Michigan. The event takes place on January 14, 21, 22, and 28 at various locations throughout metro Detroit.
Winter in metro Detroit is full of excitement and activities that will get your adrenaline pumping, even in the cold weather. Whether you're a fan of ice skating, car shows, or medieval-themed festivals, there's something for everyone to enjoy this winter season.
One of the top spots to visit is The Rink at Campus Martius Park, which was named the "No. 1 Best Ice Skating Rink" in the country by USA Today in 2024 and 2025. Open seven days a week through March, you can enjoy ice skating, hot chocolate in a glass-covered heated lounge, and take in the picturesque views of Campus Martius Park.
For car enthusiasts, the Detroit Auto Show is a must-visit event that features immersive exhibits, hands-on experiences, and interactive displays. This year's show took place at Huntington Place and included family-friendly attractions and opportunities to get up close with the latest cars shaping the future.
If you're looking for something more medieval-themed, the Fire & Ice Festival: Winter at Valade is an event not to be missed. The festival features bonfires, ice carving, vendors, live performances, and a seven-foot ice structure lit in a massive bonfire. The event takes place on January 24 and 25 at Robert C. Valade Park.
Michigan's "Little Bavaria" comes alive with its long-running Zehnder’s Snowfest. Festivities include ice and snow sculptures, live entertainment, a petting farm, fireworks, children’s activities, and more. The event takes place from January 28 to February 1 at Zehnder's of Frankenmuth.
Other events worth checking out include the Plymouth Ice Festival, which features ice sculptures, a zip line, shopping, and more; the Southfield Winter Festival, with family-friendly fun indoors and outdoors; Shiver on the River, a free winter celebration with ice carvings, a family magic show, and kids' activities; Lake Orion Ice Fest, featuring ice sculptures, live carving demonstrations, and a scavenger hunt; Berkley Winterfest, an outdoor winter celebration with ice skating, s'mores, games, and more; and Rouge Park Winterfest, with sledding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hot chocolate, and bonfires.
If you're feeling brave, take part in the Polar Plunge to raise funds for Special Olympics Michigan. The event takes place on January 14, 21, 22, and 28 at various locations throughout metro Detroit.
Winter in metro Detroit is full of excitement and activities that will get your adrenaline pumping, even in the cold weather. Whether you're a fan of ice skating, car shows, or medieval-themed festivals, there's something for everyone to enjoy this winter season.
. I think it's awesome that they have all these events and activities lined up. The Rink at Campus Martius Park sounds like a great place to get out of the house and enjoy some ice skating, especially with hot chocolate in hand 
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And the fact that some of these events are free makes it even more accessible to everyone.
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! Who needs snow days when you've got The Rink at Campus Martius Park? I mean, it's basically a winter wonderland 
right in the middle of the city. And for car enthusiasts, the Detroit Auto Show was like a dream come true 
. I also love how they're bringing back the Fire & Ice Festival: Winter at Valade - who wouldn't want to see bonfires and ice sculptures? It's like a winter wonderland meets medieval fantasy 
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And if you're feeling brave, the Polar Plunge is a great way to raise funds for Special Olympics Michigan. I just wish they had more events for gamers and bookworms... maybe a winter festival with virtual reality experiences or author readings? That would be lit! 
Shiver on the River sounds like a solid alternative tho, free ice carvings and family magic show? 
. And can we talk about the Detroit Auto Show? It's like a dream come true for car enthusiasts 
! But honestly, what really gets me is the Fire & Ice Festival: Winter at Valade - it sounds like a medieval-themed fantasy come true 
! I'm also low-key hoping to take part in the Polar Plunge, it's for a great cause and I wanna see how brave I can be 
... but I'm glad someone posted about these awesome events! Winter in Detroit sounds like so much fun! I've always loved the ice skating at Campus Martius Park, and now I know why it's ranked #1 
. And omg, a 7ft ice structure lit by a massive bonfire?! That sounds EPIC 
and dont even get me started on the ice sculptures they had this huge dragon that looked like it was straight out of a fairy tale 
also i tried to join the polar plunge but my friend convinced me to stay warm instead lol now im thinking about getting my own ice skates and hitting up the rink at campus martius park 
I mean, sure some people might say it's cold and stuff, but I think that's part of the charm. There are so many rad events happening this year that'll get you out of the house and enjoying the fresh air (or at least, as fresh as Michigan air gets 
! I mean, who needs to stay cooped up when you can have all these awesome events and activities to get you out and having fun? 
I'm also loving the fact that there's something for everyone - from car enthusiasts to families with kids. It's like, the perfect excuse to get out and enjoy the winter weather.