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If you’re living in Michigan or considering moving to Michigan, January 2025 is the perfect time to explore the latest dining trends in Detroit. This vibrant city continues to evolve as a culinary hotspot, offering an exciting array of flavors that cater to every palate. From cozy eateries serving comfort food to sleek establishments pushing the boundaries of modern cuisine, Detroit’s dining scene is thriving this winter. Whether you’re a long-time resident or new to the area, these fresh and innovative restaurants are guaranteed to warm your soul during the chilly season while showcasing the city’s dynamic food culture.
Tahquamenon Country Sled Dog Race, Facebook
Tahquamenon Sled Dog Race
Dates: Jan 10-12, 2025
Newberry American Legion | 7964 State Highway M123, Newberry, MI 49868
Admission: Free for spectators; racer fees vary by category
Website: Tahquamenon Sled Dog Race
The Tahquamenon Sled Dog Race, a celebrated annual event since 1999, transforms Muskallonge State Park into a hub of wintry excitement. Both professional and hobbyist teams compete in exhilarating races that showcase the power and agility of sled dogs against the backdrop of Michigan’s scenic snow-covered trails. Visitors can enjoy the warmth of bonfires while savoring delicious offerings from food trucks, including barbecue and hot cocoa, making this a perfect blend of thrilling competition and cozy winter festivities.
Aqua Freeze Festival
Dates: January 25–26, 2025
Blossom Heath Park | 24800 Jefferson Ave, St. Clair Shores, MI 48080
Admission: Free
Website: Aqua Freeze Festival
The Aqua Freeze Festival in St. Clair Shores is a vibrant winter celebration featuring ice carving displays, horse-drawn wagon rides, putt-putt golf, and live music. Visitors can enjoy delicious offerings from food trucks, a lively beer tent, and a variety of family-friendly activities. Held at Blossom Heath Park, this free event is perfect for embracing the winter season with entertainment for all ages.
Fire & Ice Show
Date: January 25, 2025
Franklin Public Library Reading Garden | 32455 Franklin Road, Franklin, MI 48025
Admission: Free
Website: Fire & Ice Show
The Fire & Ice Show at Franklin Public Library is a dazzling winter event featuring live ice sculpting by Tajana from Ice Dreams Sculptures and fiery performances by Lady Xena, including fire eating, breathing, and sword acts. Guests can enjoy hot chocolate from a fully stocked tea bar while connecting with neighbors in the picturesque library reading garden. This free, family-friendly celebration is the perfect way to embrace the magic of winter.
Grand Haven Winterfest
Dates: January 23–26, 2025
Grand Haven | PO Box 204, Grand Haven, MI 49417
Admission: Free | individual event costs vary
Website: Grand Haven Winterfest
The Grand Haven Winterfest is a vibrant, multi-day celebration offering a jam-packed schedule of events for all ages and interests. Held every January, the festival includes a bonfire bash, beer and wine tasting, snow volleyball, a family dog pull, a ski and snowboard race, and even a quirky sleepwalker run. Guests can also enjoy a euchre tournament, cardboard sled races, and delicious food and drink options throughout the weekend. With so much to see and do, it’s the ultimate way to embrace Michigan’s winter spirit.
Tip Up Town USA
Dates: January 16-19, 24-25, 2025
Houghton Lake Area Tourism Bureau | 9091 W Lake City Rd, Houghton Lake, MI 48629
Admission: Free for most events | $30 for the Frosty Fingers 5K Fun Run
Website: Tip Up Town USA
Tip Up Town USA, Michigan’s iconic winter festival, offers an exciting blend of outdoor activities and community spirit in the picturesque setting of Houghton Lake. Highlights include snowmobile drag racing, an ice fishing competition, a Frosty Fingers 5K Fun Run, and the thrilling Polar Bear Dip for the bold at heart. Families can enjoy unique events like the medallion hunt, a dazzling parade, and Kids’ Day, where inclusive activities ensure fun for all. With food, live entertainment, and themed festivities like the "Diamond Jubilee" parade, Tip Up Town USA is a true winter wonderland celebration.
Winter Carnival
Date: January 25, 2025
Marsh View Park | 3100 Clarkston Road, Oakland Township, MI 48363
Admission: Free
Website: Winter Carnival
The Winter Carnival in Oakland Township is a free, all-weather celebration packed with fun activities for all ages. Guests can enjoy ice carving demonstrations, snow games, broomball, snowshoeing, and even snow snake luge. Indoor comforts include warming tents and restrooms, while outdoor adventures range from ice skating to puppet and magic shows. This family-friendly event is the perfect way to make the most of Michigan's winter wonderland.
Dryden Winterfest
Date: January 25, 2025
Seven Ponds Nature Center | 3854 Crawford Road, Dryden, MI 48428
Admission: $3 per person; pre-registration required
Website: Dryden Winterfest
Winterfest at Seven Ponds Nature Center is a family-friendly celebration of the season featuring activities like roasting hot dogs and making s'mores over a fire, ice skating, pond dipping, lawn games, and ice cutting. Guests can also participate in a snowman-building competition and enjoy interpretive outdoor walks. In case of insufficient snow or ice, alternative activities will be provided, ensuring a fun-filled day for all attendees. Don’t forget to pre-register as space is limited!
Oak Park Winterfest
Date: January 26, 2025
Oak Park Community Center | 14300 Oak Park Blvd, Oak Park, MI 48237
Admission: Free
Website: Oak Park Winterfest
The Oak Park Winterfest is a family-friendly event packed with fun activities for all ages. Guests can enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, reindeer at the petting zoo, ice carving demonstrations, s’mores, hot chocolate, and free ice skating. Hosted by the City of Oak Park and Oak Park Recreation, this annual celebration offers a festive and memorable afternoon for the whole community—all at no cost!
Pure Ludington Brrrewfest
Date: January 25, 2025
Legacy Plaza | 112 N James St, Ludington, MI 49431
Admission: $40 per person | $5 for designated drivers | Additional tokens are available for $5 (5 tokens).
Website: Pure Ludington Brrrewfest
The Pure Ludington Brrrewfest is a must-attend winter event for craft beverage enthusiasts, featuring more than 20 breweries, wineries, and distilleries from across Michigan. From unique beers and ciders to meads and wines, the festival offers an array of tastings alongside live music by DJ Adam Knudsen and food from local trucks. Held at Legacy Plaza, the event runs from 1 PM to 6 PM, with proceeds benefiting the Friends of Ludington State Park organization. Whether you’re sampling creative drinks or simply soaking in the festive atmosphere, this is an unforgettable way to enjoy Ludington in the winter.
World of Winter
Dates: January 10-March 2, 2025
Downtown Grand Rapids | 220 Front Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Admission: Free
Website: World of Winter
The World of Winter festival in Grand Rapids transforms downtown into a vibrant winter wonderland filled with free, family-friendly activities and art installations. As North America’s largest winter festival, it offers attractions like a light maze, snowman-building contests, ice sculptures, unique tours, and interactive public art displays. Events such as the "Fire and Ice" showcase, food truck rallies, and "Disco on Ice" ensure there’s always something exciting happening. Perfect for all ages, the festival highlights the beauty of embracing winter while celebrating community and creativity.
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Zehnder's Snowfest, Facebook
Zehnder’s Snowfest
Dates: January 29-February 2, 2025
Zehnder's of Frankenmuth | 730 South Main Street Frankenmuth, Michigan 48734
Admission: Free for general entry | event-specific costs may apply
Website: Zehnder’s Snowfest
Celebrating 34 years in 2025, Zehnder’s Snowfest is one of North America’s premier snow and ice sculpting festivals. Held in the charming town of Frankenmuth, the event features breathtaking large-scale sculptures created by world-class carvers in professional competitions. Visitors can enjoy a dazzling fireworks display, a petting zoo, children's activities, and a heated entertainment tent. From single-block competitions to massive team projects using 100 blocks of ice, Snowfest is a spectacle of creativity and skill, making it a can’t-miss event for families and art enthusiasts alike.
Annual Ice Sculpture Festival
Dates: January 17-18, 2025
Downtown Tecumseh | 100 East Chicago Blvd Tecumseh, MI 49286
Admission: Free
Website: Annual Ice Sculpture Festival
The Annual Ice Sculpture Festival in Tecumseh is a beloved family-friendly event that transforms the downtown area into a glistening gallery of custom ice sculptures crafted by talented local artists. Visitors can enjoy live ice-carving demonstrations, participate in an outdoor scavenger hunt, and take part in various crafts, games, and activities. With food and beverages provided by local vendors, the festival is a wonderful way to embrace the winter season and experience Tecumseh's vibrant community spirit.
Winter Blast
Date: January 31 – Sunday, February 2
Centennial Commons | 221 E 3rd St, Royal Oak, MI 48067
Admission: Free
Website: Winter Blast
Winter Blast Royal Oak is a free community event packed with exciting activities for all ages. Highlights include live music, free ice skating, ice sculptures, zip lines, and a kids' adventure zone featuring a ninja ropes course. Guests can also enjoy food trucks, a learn-to-ski/snowboard experience, and a medieval village. With free family activities and vibrant energy throughout the weekend, Winter Blast is the ultimate celebration of winter fun.
Ice Carving Show
Dates: February 1–2, 2025
Cherry Street Mall | 60 Cherry St, Mt Clemens, MI 48043
Admission: $15 donation for one, or $25 for two
Website: Ice Carving Show
The 19th Annual Ice Carving Show in Downtown Mount Clemens is a cherished late-winter tradition, showcasing stunning ice sculptures crafted by talented artists. Held in the Cherry Street Mall, the event features live displays of these frozen masterpieces, available for viewing from 12 PM to 3 PM on Saturday and 12 PM to 4 PM on Sunday. This free, family-friendly event is a perfect way to experience the beauty and creativity of winter artistry.
Michigan Tech Winter Carnival
Dates: February 5-8, 2025
Michigan Technological University | 1400 Townsend Dr, Houghton, MI 49931
Admission: Free for spectators; certain events are for registered participants only
Website: Michigan Tech Winter Carnival
The Michigan Tech Winter Carnival, celebrating over a century of tradition, is one of the most iconic winter events in the Upper Peninsula. This vibrant festival features month-long snow statue building, broomball tournaments, and unique competitions like human dog sled races, snow soccer, and ice bowling. Guests can enjoy sleigh rides, watch the coronation of the Winter Carnival Queen, and marvel at the intricate snow sculptures created by students and community members. With comedy skits, live performances, and thrilling winter sports, the carnival embodies the spirit of winter fun in Michigan’s snowy north.
Clarkston WinterFest
Date: February 8, 2025
Downtown Clarkston | 891 W Clarkston Rd, Lake Orion, MI 48362
Admission: Free
Website: Clarkston WinterFest
WinterFest in Clarkston, hosted by the Clarkston Optimists, is a free, family-friendly celebration of the winter season. Guests can enjoy ice skating, hot chocolate, s'mores by the campfire, DJ music, and fun games for kids. All families are invited to join in the festivities for a day of community and winter fun!
Michigan Ice Festival
Dates: February 12-16, 2025
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Munising, MI 49862
Admission: Event registration required | $70 per person
Website: Michigan Ice Festival
The Michigan Ice Fest, a Munising tradition for over 30 years, invites adventurers of all skill levels to experience the thrill of ice climbing along the stunning Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Participants can take part in beginner-friendly classes or advanced courses like master anchoring, all taught by world-renowned climbers. The festival also features inspiring evening presentations in a historic auditorium, showcasing stories from iconic climbers, and social gatherings to build camaraderie among attendees. Whether you're new to climbing or a seasoned pro, this winter event offers an unforgettable way to embrace Michigan’s icy beauty.
Heikki Lunta Festival
Dates: February 7-9, 2025
Downtown Negaunee, Negaunee MI 49866
Admission: Free
Website: Heikki Lunta Festival
The Heikki Lunta Festival celebrates the unique folklore of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, honoring the Scandinavian-inspired spirit of winter. This festive event brings the community together with a vibrant parade, delicious food, engaging games, and a variety of crafts and activities. Named after the legendary Heikki Lunta, the festival embraces everything cold and snowy, offering a cultural experience that can only be found in Negaunee. A must-visit for lovers of folklore and winter fun!
Hartland Winterfest
Date: February 8, 2025
Heritage Park | 12349 Highland Road, Hartland, MI 48353
Admission: Free
Website: Hartland Winterfest
Hartland Winterfest is a family-friendly celebration of the season, packed with activities for all ages. Held at Heritage Park, the event features sledding, ice skating, entertainment, and delicious food offerings. The day concludes with a spectacular fireworks show at dusk, making it the perfect way to embrace the magic of winter with loved ones.
Cold Rush
Date: February 8, 2025
Warren City Square | Warren City Square, Warren, MI 48093
Admission: Free
Website: Cold Rush
Cold Rush in Warren offers a festive day filled with winter activities for the whole family. Guests can marvel at intricate ice sculptures, warm up by bonfires, and make s’mores while enjoying the crisp winter air. Food trucks provide delicious bites, and ice skating adds an active element to the celebration. This free event is a wonderful way to embrace the winter season and create lasting memories.
Alpena Ice Fest
Dates: February 15, 2025
Downtown Alpena, Alpena, MI 49707
Admission: Free
Website: Alpena Ice Fest
The Alpena Ice Fest is a Northeast Michigan winter tradition that brings back the charm of the city’s Winter Carnival from decades past. Hosted at Mich-e-ke-wis Park, the event features dueling ice sculptors, Siberian husky sled dogs, a snow hill for sledding, and even horse-drawn wagon rides. Activities extend downtown with a fire-and-ice-themed evening, including a polar plunge to benefit the Special Olympics. Families can enjoy amateur snowman-building contests, broomball rivalries, and ice bowling, alongside warming up by bonfires with s’mores and themed cocktails. This festival is a must-see celebration of winter fun and artistry.
Petoskey Winter Weekend
Dates: February 14-16, 2025
Downtown Petoskey | 216 Park Ave, Petoskey, MI 49770
Admission: Free | $7.00 Skate Rental Fee
Website: Petoskey Winter Weekend
Petoskey’s Winter Weekend is a relaxed celebration of the season, offering visitors the chance to explore downtown amidst a stunning display of 30 intricate ice sculptures. This charming event invites guests to shop at local boutiques, enjoy special deals, and savor local wines and dinner offerings. Perfect for a leisurely winter outing, Winter Weekend combines art, shopping, and culinary treats for a delightful escape in the heart of Northern Michigan.
Traverse City Restaurant Week
Dates: February 23-March 1, 2025
Downtown Traverse City, Traverse City MI, 49684
Admission: Prix fixe menus at $25, $35, or $45 per person
Website: Traverse City Restaurant Week
Traverse City Restaurant Week offers food lovers the chance to explore the region’s culinary delights with special multi-course menus from local eateries. With options ranging from fine dining and cozy bistros to breweries and cafes, there’s something for every palate. Guests can use a free digital passport to check in at participating restaurants, earning entries for prize drawings. This annual event not only supports the local dining scene but also showcases the rich flavors and talent of Traverse City’s chefs and producers.
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Plymouth Ice Festival, Facebook
Plymouth Ice Festival
Dates: January 31-February 2, 2025
City of Plymouth Downtown Development Authority | 831 Penniman Ave, Plymouth, MI 48170
Admission: Free
Website: Plymouth Ice Festival
The Plymouth Ice Festival transforms downtown Plymouth into a glittering winter wonderland with over 65 stunning ice sculptures, ranging from intricate storefront carvings to large-scale displays in Kellogg Park. Visitors can enjoy a 100-foot tubing run, concessions from the historic Penn Theatre, and a festive atmosphere perfect for shopping and dining. Don’t miss the chance to participate in Ice Festival Bingo for a shot at exciting prizes while soaking up the charm of this magical winter event.
Benzie Winterfest
Date: February 8, 2025
Downtown Beulah | 273 S Benzie Blvd, Beulah, MI 49617
Admission: $20 per person
Website: Benzie Winterfest
The Benzie Winterfest is a lively February tradition that transforms downtown Beulah into a hub of winter excitement. Guests can enjoy unique events like the outhouse sprint race, a chili cookoff, and a frozen fish toss, alongside family-friendly activities such as hayrides, face painting, and a poker run. Fireworks and a parade round out the festivities, ensuring a fun-filled day for visitors of all ages. This welcoming celebration showcases the community’s winter spirit and is the perfect antidote to the winter blues.
Ice Breaker Festival
Dates: January 31-February 2, 2025
Chamber of Commerce | 606 Phillips St. South Haven, Mi 49090
Admission: Free | activity-specific costs may apply
Website: Ice Breaker Festival
The South Haven Ice Breaker Festival, now in its 31st year, transforms the quiet lakeside town into a vibrant winter destination. Highlights include dazzling ice sculptures, the iconic frozen fish fling, a chili cookoff, and a cardboard sled race. Guests can enjoy horse-drawn wagon rides, roast s’mores over open fires, or dance the night away at the outdoor silent disco. With pub specials, ice skating, and fun competitions like the snowsuit fashion show, this family-friendly festival offers a lively celebration of winter fun for all ages.
Winter Around The World
Dates: February 14–16, 2025
Valade Park | 2670 Atwater St, Detroit, MI 48207
Admission: Free
Website: Winter Around The World
Celebrate winter at Valade Park with a global twist during the Winter Around The World event. This festive weekend features an international food truck rally and captivating dance performances showcasing diverse styles by talented Detroit artists. A special highlight is the Lunar New Year celebration on Sunday, February 16, bringing cultural vibrancy to the riverfront. Enjoy the unique atmosphere and warm community spirit in this free, family-friendly event.
Ice Carving Festival
Date | February 22, 2025
County Farm Park | 2230 Platt Rd, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
Admission: Free
Website: Ice Carving Festival
The Ice Carving Festival at County Farm Park offers an afternoon of frosty fun for the whole family. Attendees can admire stunning ice sculptures, watch live carving demonstrations, and enjoy photo opportunities with interactive designs. The event features a petting farm, warm food and drinks from local food trucks, and a scavenger hunt for kids. With free admission and activities for all ages, it’s the perfect way to celebrate winter in Ann Arbor.
Southern Michigan Winter Beer Festival
Date: March 8, 2025
American 1 Event Center | 200 W Ganson St, Jackson, MI 49201
Admission: $40 in advance | $45 at the door | VIP tickets: $70
Website: Southern Michigan Winter Beer Festival
The Southern Michigan Winter Beer Festival in Jackson offers a perfect mix of craft beer, food, and winter fun. Featuring over 150 craft beers, ciders, and meads from more than 50 breweries, this 21+ event spans both indoor and outdoor spaces. Guests can enjoy live entertainment, ice sculpture demonstrations, corn hole games, and delicious offerings from food trucks. Outdoor fire pits create a cozy ambiance for sipping on your favorite brews and indulging in hearty bites like BBQ and brats, making it a must-attend for craft beer enthusiasts.
As January unfolds, Detroit's dining scene continues to prove why it’s a must-explore destination for food enthusiasts. Whether you're living in Michigan or moving to Michigan, the city offers an ever-evolving array of culinary experiences that reflect its rich diversity and innovative spirit. From creative twists on classic dishes to bold new concepts, Detroit’s restaurants are serving up more than meals—they're creating unforgettable experiences. Make the most of this winter season by discovering the flavors and ambiance that make dining in Detroit truly exceptional.
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