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January in Metro Detroit is a vibrant time filled with exciting events, festivals, and activities that showcase the region's dynamic culture and lively winter spirit. Whether you’re a long-time resident living in Metro Detroit or considering moving to Metro Detroit, this month offers a variety of opportunities to explore the area’s rich entertainment options. From dazzling light displays at the Detroit Zoo’s Wild Lights and the thrill of the North American International Auto Show to unique winter festivals like the Fire & Ice Festival in Royal Oak and Plymouth’s Ice Festival, there’s something for everyone. Sports enthusiasts can cheer on the Detroit Pistons and Red Wings, while music and theater lovers can enjoy top-notch performances at iconic venues like the Fox Theatre, Sound Board Theater, and Little Caesars Arena. With so much to see and do, January is the perfect time to experience all that Metro Detroit has to offer, whether you're settling in or planning your next big move.
Concerts
Comedy
theatre
Sports
Winter Festivals & Events
Main Event
Concerts
The Fillmore Detroit
2115 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
Halsey
Date: Jan 17-18, 2026
Time: 7:00 pm
Ticket: $103 - $522+
Website: Halsey
Atmosphere
Date: Jan 30, 2026
Time: 6:00 pm
Ticket: $24 - $98
Website: Atmosphere
Umphrey’s McGee
Date: Jan 31, 2026
Time: 7:00 pm
Ticket: $31 - $93
Website: Umphrey’s McGee
For a family-friendly downtown itinerary, see Things to Do in Downtown Detroit with Kids: Ultimate Family Day Out
Sound Board Theater
2901 Grand River Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
Ghostface Killah
Date: Jan 9, 2026
Time: 8:00 pm
Ticket: $54 - $172+
Website: Ghostface Killah
Ginuwine
Date: Jan 15, 2026
Time: 8:00 pm
Ticket: $59 - $182
Website: Ginuwine
KC & The Sunshine Band
Date: Jan 22, 2026
Time: 8:00 pm
Ticket: $79 - $281+
Website: KC & The Sunshine Band
Temple Theatre
201 N Washington Ave, Saginaw, MI 48607
Trampled By Turtles
Date: Jan 15, 2026
Time: 7:30 pm
Ticket: $54 - $70
Website: Trampled By Turtles
Detroit Opera House
1526 Broadway St, Detroit, MI 48226
George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic
Date: Jan 31, 2026
Time: 8:00 pm
Ticket: $63 - $237+
Website: George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic
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Comedy
Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle
310 S Troy St, Royal Oak, MI 48067
Ahren Belisle
Date: Jan 21, 2026
Time: 7:30 pm
Ticket: $31.85 - $42.15
Website: Ahren Belisle
Royal Oak Music Theatre
318 W 4th St, Royal Oak, MI 48067
Aziz Ansari: Hypothetical Tour
Date: Jan 23, 2026
Time: 9:00 pm
Ticket: $50 - $300+
Website: Aziz Ansari: Hypothetical Tour
Punchline Comedy Lounge
29555 Northwestern Hwy #312, Southfield, MI 48034
T.K. Kirkland
Date: Dec 31, 2025 - Jan 1-3, 2026
Time: 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm
Ticket: $55 - $210
Website: T.K. Kirkland
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Theatre
Fox Theatre
2211 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
STOMP
Date: Jan 23-24, 2026
Time: Fri (7:00 pm) | Sat (2:00 & 7:30 pm)
Ticket: Starts at $70
Website: STOMP
Fisher Theatre
3011 W Grand Blvd, Detroit, MI 48202
Monty Python’s SPAMALOT
Date: Jan 27 - 31, 2026
Time: Tue - Sat evening performances (7:30PM) - Sat matinee (2:00PM)
Open Caption Performance on Friday, January 30 at 7:30PM
Ticket: $35.10 - $226.98
Website: Monty Python’s SPAMALOT
Orchestra Hall
3711 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban in Concert
Date: Jan 8 - 9, 2026
Time: 7:30 pm
Ticket: $59 - $136
Website: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban in Concert
Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts
350 Madison St, Detroit, MI 48226
International Ballet Stars: Swan Lake
Date: Jan 25, 2026
Time: 7:00 pm
Ticket: $30 - $122
Website: International Ballet Stars: Swan Lake
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Sports
Lions Games Schedule
Ford Field | 2000 Brush St, Detroit, MI 48226
Detroit Lions vs Chicago Bears
Date: Jan 5, 2025
Time: TBD
Ticket: $208 - $1,076+
Website: Detroit Lions vs Chicago Bears
Red Wings Game Schedule
Little Caesars Arena | 2645 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
Detroit Red Wings vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
Date: Jan 3, 2026
Time: 12:00 pm
Ticket: $91-$525+
Website: Detroit Red Wings vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
Detroit Red Wings vs. Vancouver Canucks
Date: Jan 8, 2026
Time: 7:00 pm
Ticket: $38 - $249+
Website: Detroit Red Wings vs. Vancouver Canucks
Detroit Red Wings vs. Carolina Hurricanes
Date: Jan 12, 2026
Time: 7:00 pm
Ticket: $123 - $650+
Website: Detroit Red Wings vs. Carolina Hurricanes
Detroit Red Wings vs. San Jose Sharks
Date: Jan 16, 2026
Time: 7:00 pm
Ticket: $58 - $276+
Website: Detroit Red Wings vs. San Jose Sharks
Detroit Red Wings vs. Ottawa Senators
Date: Jan 18, 2026
Time: 5:00 pm
Ticket: $65 -$313+
Website: Detroit Red Wings vs. Ottawa Senators
Detroit Red Wings vs. Los Angeles Kings
Date: Jan 27, 2026
Time: 7:00 pm
Ticket: $44 - $234+
Website: Detroit Red Wings vs. Los Angeles Kings
Detroit Red Wings vs. Washington Capitals
Date: Jan 29, 2026
Time: 7:30 pm
Ticket: $60 $330+
Website: Detroit Red Wings vs. Washington Capitals
Detroit Red Wings vs. Colorado Avalanche
Date: Jan 31, 2026
Time: 1:00 pm
Ticket: $95 - $497+
Website: Detroit Red Wings vs. Colorado Avalanche
Pistons Game Schedule
Little Caesars Arena | 2645 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
Detroit Pistons vs. Miami Heat
Date: Jan 1, 2026
Time: 7:00 pm
Ticket: $39 - $229+
Website: Detroit Pistons vs. Miami Heat
Detroit Pistons vs. New York Knicks
Date: Jan 5, 2026
Time: 7:00 pm
Ticket: $33 - $201+
Website: Detroit Pistons vs. New York Knicks
Detroit Pistons vs. Chicago Bulls
Date: Jan 7, 2026
Time: 7:00 pm
Ticket: $26 - $152+
Website: Detroit Pistons vs. Chicago Bulls
Detroit Pistons vs. Los Angeles Clippers
Date: Jan 10, 2026
Time: 7:30 pm
Ticket: $41 - $224+
Website: Detroit Pistons vs. Los Angeles Clippers
Detroit Pistons vs. Phoenix Suns
Date: Jan 15, 2026
Time: 7:00 pm
Ticket: $20 - $200
Website: Detroit Pistons vs. Phoenix Suns
Detroit Pistons vs. Indiana Pacers
Date: Jan 17, 2026
Time: 7:30 pm
Ticket: $41 - $224+
Website: Detroit Pistons vs. Indiana Pacers
Detroit Pistons vs. Boston Celtics
Date: Jan 19, 2026
Time: 8:00 pm
Ticket: $33 - $199+
Website: Detroit Pistons vs. Boston Celtics
Detroit Pistons vs. Houston Rockets
Date: Jan 23, 2026
Time: 7:00 pm
Ticket: $42 - $249+
Website: Detroit Pistons vs. Houston Rockets
Detroit Pistons vs. Sacramento Kings
Date: Jan 25, 2026
Time: 3:00 pm
Ticket: $36 - $210+
Website: Detroit Pistons vs. Sacramento Kings
Harlem Globetrotters – The 100 Year Tour
Little Caesars Arena | 2645 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48201
Date: Jan 24, 2026
Time: 2:00 pm
Ticket: $48 - $191+
Website: Harlem Globetrotters – The 100 Year Tour
Detroit Zoo, Facebook
Winter Festivals & Events
Wild Lights at Detroit Zoo
Date: through Jan 4, 2026
Detroit Zoo | 8450 W 10 Mile Rd, Royal Oak, MI 48067
Admission: $17 - $75
Website: Wild Lights at Detroit Zoo
A January night at Wild Lights is essentially a last-chance victory lap for the holiday season, with the Detroit Zoo’s in Royal Oak pathways turning into a glowing stroll through millions of lights and immersive displays. The experience pairs classic winter comfort (yes, cocoa) with a few surprise moments, including a stop in the enchanted rainforest, so it never feels like “just another” light walk. Tickets are booked by specific dates and time slots, and pricing can shift by night and entry time, so planning ahead is part of the play.
Fire & Ice Festival
Date: RESCHEDULED for Jan 24-25, 2026
Valade Park | 2670 Atwater St, Detroit, MI 48207
Admission: Free
Website: Fire & Ice Festival
Set against the riverfront, this Winter at Valade special event leans into “medieval fun with a winter twist,” pairing oversized fires and hearty turkey legs with ice carving, vendors, and live performances throughout the weekend. The centerpiece is the Fire and Ice Tower, a 7-foot ice structure that’s lit at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, transforming into a dramatic bonfire moment that anchors the night. With daytime-to-evening hours both Saturday and Sunday, it’s designed for easy drop-ins, whether visitors are chasing glowing photo ops, warm-up-by-the-fire vibes, or a full afternoon of winter spectacle.
The Rink at Campus Martius
Date: through Mar 1, 2026
Campus Martius Park | 800 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48226
Admission: Adults $12 | Seniors $9 | Children (12 and under) $9 | Active Military & First Responders $8 | Skate rentals $6
Website: The Rink at Campus Martius
Downtown Detroit’s signature skate spot turns a simple lap around the ice into a full city-scene moment, framed by skyline views and the glow of Detroit’s Christmas Tree at the park. With daily operating hours stretching through early March, it fits easily into January plans, whether it’s a quick after-work spin or a weekend night downtown. Admission stays straightforward and family-friendly, and skate rentals keep it accessible even for last-minute plans.
For a full downtown skating game plan, see Detroit’s Winter Wonderland: A Perfect Day at The Rink and Beyond
Tecumseh Ice Sculpture Festival
Date: Jan 16 - 17, 2026
Downtown Tecumseh, Tecumseh, MI 49286
Admission: Free
Website: Tecumseh Ice Sculpture Festival
Downtown Tecumseh leans fully into winter magic for this two-day festival, where more than 45 ice sculptures turn the streets into a walkable outdoor gallery. Saturday delivers the biggest spectacle with Dueling Carvers competitions at 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m., where spectators help decide what gets carved and then vote for the winner. Live carving happens throughout the day, and a downtown scavenger hunt adds an interactive twist, with a gift card prize pack on the line for those who complete it while exploring local shops.
The Novi Home Show
Date: Jan 16 - 18, 2026
Suburban Collection Showplace | 46100 Grand River Avenue, Novi, MI 48374
Admission: Gen Ad $12 | Pre purchase online $9 plus fees | Seniors (65+) $10 | Kids (12 and under) free
Website: The Novi Home Show
With hundreds of exhibitors in one place, The Novi Home Show is positioned as a one stop stop for Southeast Michigan homeowners ready to refresh, repair, and rethink their space without bouncing between a dozen stores. The event is designed for idea hunting and decision making, with local businesses on site for real conversations, consultations, and potential hiring for upcoming projects. Discount seekers can save with online pre purchase tickets, and there is also a $5 after 5 p.m. option on Friday and Saturday for an easy late day visit. Parking is handled by the venue and charged separately, so planning ahead helps the day run smoother from arrival to exit.
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Zehnder's Snowfest, Facebook
Zehnder’s Snowfest
Date: Jan 28 - Feb 1, 2026
Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth | 730 S Main St, Frankenmuth, MI 48734
Admission: Free (some activities may have fees)
Website: Zehnder’s Snowfest
Now in its 34th year, Zehnder’s Snowfest spotlights big-league winter artistry with world-class double and single block snow sculpting, a multi-block ice carving exhibition, and multiple competitions that bring serious craftsmanship to the spotlight. Beyond the sculptures, the official feature list leans family-forward, with a warming tent, children’s activities, and a petting zoo adding reasons to linger between photo stops. The weekend energy peaks with a Saturday night fireworks display as part of the published lineup. For an extra layer of Snowfest flavor, the ABC Baking Contest kicks things off on January 28 in the warming tent, with free spectator admission and a separate registration option for participants.
Bowers Farm Winter Park Weekends
Date: Jan 9 - mAR 1, 2026
Bowers School Farm | 1219 E Square Lake Rd, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304
Admission: Free (pre-registration required for tubing)
Website: Bowers Farm Winter Park Weekends
Winter Park at Bowers School Farm turns weekend nights into a glow-filled outdoor hang, with a tubing run that operates even without snow thanks to a dedicated surface designed for all-weather sliding. Beyond the hill, the farm leans into the full winter vibe with animal visits, cozy bonfires, and a hay tower, plus a Farm Store stocked with local goods for an easy browse between warmups. The Farm Kitchen rounds it out with comfort-food staples like grilled cheese, pizza, hot dogs, donuts, cookies, s’mores, and hot cocoa, keeping the experience part adventure and part winter treat stop.
Frost Festival
Date: Jan 17–18, 2025
Downtown Rochester, Rochester, MI 48306
Admission: Free
Website: Frost Festival
Downtown Rochester’s winter festival comes in hot and icy at the same time, turning the streets into a two-day playground built around fire features, downtown energy, and plenty of reasons to linger after dark. The weekend lineup is stacked with a Taste Fest, a warming tent, ice sculptures throughout downtown, and an ice carving competition that puts the craft front and center. For families, it layers in big-ticket fun like the Snowzilla Jr. slide, the “world’s tallest” Frosty bounce house, and a synthetic skating rink that keeps the momentum going even if the weather does its usual Michigan thing. The finale is classic Rochester spectacle, with fireworks slated for Saturday night to cap the weekend on a high note.
Blake’s Bavarian Winterfest
Date: Jan 17, 2026
Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill | 17985 Armada Center Rd, Armada, MI 48005
Admission: Gen Ad $5 ($10 Gate Price) | $15 General Admission + Sauerkraut Workshop ($20 Gate Price)
Website: Blake’s Bavarian Winterfest
This winter festival brings a lively Bavarian celebration to Armada, inviting guests to lean into the theme with festive attire, hearty eats, and an all-day party atmosphere. A standout experience is the hands-on sauerkraut workshop, where participants learn the process and take home their own batch, with a note to bring a bucket or purchase one on site. Food and drink are central to the weekend, with authentic German fare like bratwurst, schnitzels, and pretzels, plus a bar pouring craft beer, Blake’s ciders, and specialty German beers. Live music, traditional Bavarian games (including stein-hoisting and best-dressed contests), and the option to pick up a commemorative stein round out a January outing that feels equal parts cozy and high energy.
Oakland Township Parks and Recreation Commission, Facebook
Oakland Township Winter Carnival
Date: Jan 24, 2026
Bear Creek Nature Park | 740 W Snell Rd, Rochester, MI 48306
Admission: Free
Website: Oakland Township Winter Carnival
Held at Bear Creek Nature Park each winter, Oakland Township’s Winter Carnival is positioned as a laid-back, family-friendly way to lean into the season without a ticket barrier. The official event details spotlight ice carving demonstrations, sled dog displays, ice skating, and live entertainment, creating a true “bundle up and wander” kind of afternoon in Rochester. Food is part of the experience too, with the township noting on-site bites as another reason to settle in and make a day of it. Since the township indicates more timing details will be added later, checking the event listing closer to the date is the best way to lock in the day’s schedule.
Plymouth Ice Festival
Date: Jan 28 - Feb 1, 2026
Downtown Plymouth | 9GCJ+3H7, Plymouth, MI 48170
Admission: Free
Website: Plymouth Ice Festival
Downtown Plymouth turns into a walkable ice gallery for the weekend, with sidewalks lined in carvings that begin as 350-pound blocks and end up as more than 60 shimmering works of art. The festival mix goes beyond photo ops, bringing in a 100-foot tubing run and family-friendly stops like the petting zoo for an easy “stay awhile” itinerary. When the cold hits, the heated Hot Spot gives visitors a place to reset between carving demonstrations, live showtimes, and other pop-up attractions spread across the downtown footprint.
Ultimate Fishing Show
Date: Jan 8 - 11, 2026
Suburban Collection Showplace | 46100 Grand River Ave, Novi, MI 48374
Admission: Adult $12 | Children (6-14) $5 | Multi-Day Ticket $18
Website: Ultimate Fishing Show
Billed as the largest pure fishing show in America, this four-day takeover packs Suburban Collection Showplace with hundreds of tackle booths, including specialty baits that are only offered at the show, plus boats and engines presented by Michigan dealers. The experience is built around action and instruction too, headlined by Lake Ultimate, a 110,000-gallon indoor lake where seminar leaders present from fully rigged boats, alongside the Hawg Trough’s fishing demos on a mobile 5,000-gallon tank. The floor expands into hands-on zones and winter-ready gear, including an Ice Fishing Village, fly casting lessons and fly tying demonstrations with the Michigan Fly Fishing Club, and a trout pond paired with fish-cleaning demonstrations and a Shore Lunch Fish Fry in Novi. Parking is $10, with online purchase available and cash-only payment on site.
Detroit 4Fest Winter Fest
Date: Jan 17, 2026
Detroit 4Fest Winter Fest Grounds | 14551 Shields Rd Suite 100, Holly, MI 48442
Admission: Registration Required
Website: Detroit 4Fest Winter Fest
Detroit WinterFest brings winter wheeling to Holly Oaks with trails, climbs, and technical terrain, plus a full festival atmosphere that mixes off-roading with food trucks, shopping, and family-friendly fun. It is built for both first-timers and seasoned drivers, with a schedule of skills-focused sessions that include beginner-friendly training, winching and recovery techniques, and guidance on vehicle setup. The vendor village is part showcase and part playground, with 4Fest promoting opportunities to check out (and even drive) the latest trucks and UTV models from major manufacturers. After dark, the event adds NightFest (included with registration) and even calls out complimentary hot chocolate as part of the day’s warm-up perks.
MARVAC RV & Camping Show
Date: Jan 28 - Feb 1, 2026
Suburban Collection Showplace | 46100 Grand River Ave, Novi, MI 48374
Admission: $7 for adults, $6 for seniors (55+), and kids 16 and under are FREE
Website: MARVAC RV & Camping Show
This longtime winter staple turns Suburban Collection Showplace into a full-scale travel daydream, with hundreds of RVs to walk through, compare, and climb inside, from folding campers to motorhomes, travel trailers, toy haulers, and fifth-wheel models. It’s designed for shoppers and planners alike, pairing the RV lineup with exhibitors focused on parts, camping accessories, and campground information, plus on-site dealer financing and RV rental availability. For anyone plotting spring and summer getaways in Novi, the event also highlights deals, giveaways, and the opportunity to pick up the 2026 Michigan RV and Campgrounds directory and other travel publications.
Detroit Auto Show, Facebook
Main Event
North American International Auto Show (The Detroit Auto Show)
Date: Jan 14 - 25, 2026
Huntington Place (Cobo Hall) | 1 Washington Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226
Admission: Adult $20 (before Dec. 1) & $25 after | Senior $12 (before Dec. 1) & $15 after | Child 3 - 12 years - $10 | Child 2 and under – Free
Website: The Detroit Auto Show
January in Metro Detroit has a signature headliner, and in 2026, the Detroit Auto Show owns the calendar as it takes over Huntington Place with a format built for movement, not just looking. The schedule stacks multiple “ways in,” from Media and Industry Days to the Charity Preview, then nine straight Public Show days that turn the show floor into an easy, come-as-you-are winter ritual downtown. What makes the experience feel modern is the show’s emphasis on immersive indoor tracks and hands-on moments, plus new additions like the Michigan Overland Adventure and the Visit Detroit Interactive Experience, designed to keep the day feeling active from entry to exit.
The 2026 theme leans into Detroit’s identity with a hometown soundtrack: the official anthem, “My Drive. My City. My Show.”, is written and performed by Detroit hip-hop artist Gmac Cash, framing the event as culture and mobility in the same room. The week’s most elevated night arrives first with The Gallery fundraiser on Tuesday, Jan. 13, showcasing over 50 ultra-luxury and performance vehicles and directing every ticket sold toward Forgotten Harvest’s work providing meals across Southeast Michigan. It also brings an art-forward flex through Levegh, a Paris-based atelier presenting handcrafted 1/8-scale automotive pieces, including an exclusive Ferrari 250 GTO model set to be auctioned during The Gallery to support Forgotten Harvest. Then the energy shifts into full-throttle mode on Racing Day, Tuesday, Jan. 20, when the Detroit Grand Prix partnership puts motorsports front and center with race cars, interactive fan moments, autograph sessions, and a “Winner’s Circle” photo setup inside Huntington Place.
For a deeper breakdown of what to expect at the show, see Detroit Auto Show 2026 Lineup: Ford, GM, Stellantis, Toyota
January is a month brimming with opportunities to experience the best of Metro Detroit’s cultural, recreational, and entertainment offerings. Whether you’re enjoying a world-class event like the North American International Auto Show, reveling in the charm of a local winter festival, or catching a thrilling Red Wings or Pistons game, there’s no shortage of excitement in the region. Living in Metro Detroit means access to a diverse array of experiences, from unique dining and shopping to lively arts and sports scenes. For those moving to Metro Detroit, January is the perfect time to discover the warmth of its communities and the richness of its attractions. No matter your interests, the winter season here promises memorable moments that showcase why Metro Detroit is such a special place to call home.
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