We all know it’s going to be another cold and dark Michigan winter, so why not get out to experience some fun Metro Detroit winter festivals and events? Here are a few of the larger events around town to keep you busy.
Big Bright Light Show – credit Rochester DDA Facebook
Metro Detroit Winter Festivals and Events November/December
Rochester Big, Bright Light Show
Each and every building on Rochester’s Main Street gets covered in Christmas lights to celebrate the Holiday season. This amazing display light sup the downtown every night from 5pm until midnight. While you can drive through, the best way to take in everything is to park and wander. Stores and restaurants are typically open until 9pm.
Dates: November 19, 2018 through January 6, 2019
Cost: Free
Website: www.downtownrochestermi.com/
Greenfield Village Holiday Nights
Step back in time to experience what Christmas was like in the Victorian era and early 20th Century. Enjoy ice skating, carolers, craft demonstrations around the Village. Eagle Tavern and Dinner with Santa packages are also available.
Dates: November 30, December 1-2, 7-9, 13-16, 18-23 and 26-27, 2018
Cost: $21 to $28. Member discounts available.
Website: www.thehenryford.org/
Wayne County LightFest
This amazing Christmas light display in Westland is celebrating its 25th year. Load up the kids and drive through along 4 miles of Hines Drive where you’ll find dozens of animated displays and millions of lights. There’s even a photo op with Santa for $8.
Dates: Nightly November 15 through December 31, 2018
Cost: $5 per vehicle
Website: www.waynecounty.com/
Detroit Zoo Wild Lights
More than 5 million lights set the Detroit Zoo aglow for the Holidays. Some indoor animal habitats are open as well as the carousel. Skating on an ice rink composed of a special plastic material is also available for an extra fee.
Dates: November 17-18, 23-25, 30 and December 1-2, 7-9, 14-16, 20-23, 26-31, 2018
Cost: $11-17 plus parking. Check website for time slots and discounts.
Website: detroitzoo.org
Belle Isle Holiday Stroll
Spend an winter evening on Belle Isle to kick off the Holiday season. The Belle Isle Aquarium, Conservatory, Boat House, Nature Center, and Dossin Great Lakes Museum are open and decorated for this special event. Look for crafts and fun activities in each location. Maybe you’ll even bump into Santa along the way.
Dates: December 14, 2018 5:00pm to 8:00pm
Cost: Free
Website: www.belleisleconservancy.org
Corktown Aglow
Celebrate the season in Detroit’s oldest neighborhood with this one day event featuring plenty of free events for adults and families. Marshmallow roasting, Corktown historical info, Christmas tree lighting, and then Santa and his reindeer show up. Check the website for the latest venue and event listings.
Dates: December 8, 2018
Cost: Free
Website: corktownaglow.com
Meadowbrook Hall Holiday Walk
Meadowbrook Hall, former home of Matilda Dodge Wilson, is decorated for the Holidays. Take a self-guided tour of the historic mansion to learn about life of the upper class in the early-mid 20th century. The grounds are open on certain nights where guests can enjoy carolers while strolling’ hot drinks and s’mores are available for purchase.
Dates: November 23 through December 23, 2018
Cost: Range from free to $20, see website
Website: meadowbrookhall.org/tours/holiday-walk-tours/
Edsel Ford House Holiday Belles Tour
Step back in time at the Edsel & Eleanor Ford mansion in Grosse Pointe Shores this Holiday season. “The Ford House will be authentically decorated as it was during the holiday receptions Mrs. Ford hosted to honor her granddaughters from 1959 through the ‘60s.”
Dates: Most Wednesdays through Sundays November 23-January 6, 2019
Cost: Range from free to $12, see website
Website: www.fordhouse.org/event/12052018/holiday-belles-house-tours
Metro Detroit Winter Festivals and Events January/February
Rochester Fire & Ice Festival
For those who love outdoor activities in the winter, check out the Fire & Ice Festival. Activities include carriage rides, a 5k race, sledding, and snow shoeing. In addition to Rochester’s many restaurants, food trucks and tasting tents of on hand. Several ice sculptures are located throughout the downtown.
Dates: January 18-20, 2019
Cost: Most activities are free
Website: www.downtownrochestermi.com/
Plymouth Ice Festival
Get out and enjoy the freezing weather with a stroll around downtown Plymouth to see all of the amazing ice sculptures. Animals, games, characters, and more are expertly carved from solid blocks of ice. While the festival is only one weekend, the ice carvings stay around for a while afterwards.
Dates: January 11-13, 2019
Cost: Free
Website: www.facebook.com/plymouthicefestival/
Detroit Winter Blast
Expanding to four weekends this year, the Winter Blast is centered around Campus Martius Park and Cadillac Square. The festival features ice sculptures, marshmallow roasting, ice skating, food trucks, and fun family events. Live music, street performers, and other events make each weekend unique.
Dates: Jan 19 – Jan 21, Jan 25-27, Feb 8-10 and Feb 15 – 17, 2019
Cost: Free
Website: www.winterblast.com
