The Ultimate 2024 Guide of January Michigan Events, Festivals and Best Things to Do in Michigan This Weekend With Kids+ 

January Michigan Events - Things to do in Michigan in Winter | By Sherry Trautman | Travel-Mi.com | Updated: March 23, 2023

The ULTIMATE SOURCE of 2024 Michigan events and fun things to do in Michigan in January! 

Grab our Boredom Zapping Ideas for places to visit in Michigan and fun things to do in Michigan in Winter!

Destinations: Detroit, Traverse City, Frankenmuth, Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Petoskey, Charlevoix, Houghton Lake, Midland, South Haven, St. Joseph, Upper Peninsula and more!  

Plan your January Michigan trip or vacation around our inspiring festivals and events! 

Yeah, I get it, it's winter.  It's cold. But so what? Explore the many festivals in Michigan this weekend and see what's happening in Michigan today!!  There are so many things to do in Michigan all winter long.

January Michigan Frequently Asked Questions:

• What is there to do in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan in the winter? What are few Upper Peninsula events? Hike to the many frozen Upper Peninsula waterfalls, go to Winter Carnival, try dog sledding and see our Upper Peninsula events below!

• Best Places to Go Michigan Ice Skating!
• Top 20 Michigan Winter Festivals!

The Ultimate January Michigan Events 2024 - Let's Travel Michigan in Winter!

Fun Michigan events, festivals and things to do in Michigan this weekend.  You will never be at a loss for what to do in Michigan! Plus we have ideas of things to do in Michigan with kids and romantic winter getaway for couples! 

• Detroit Zoo: Walk along the wild side at Detroit Zoo's Wild Lights! November 19-January 8, 2023. The Zoo is even more magical during the winter with sparkly sights and Christmas entertainment! There is fun and activities for zoo goers of all ages. See millions of LED lights twinkling in the trees, buildings, lighted tunnel, and animal figures throughout the  Zoo. Stroll through the Enchanted Trail, an immersive forest of lights and be wowed by the Polar Express 4D Theater!

• 1001 Winter Wonders - SO COOL!! 1001 Woodward Building, Detroit, MI.  November 25, 2022 - January 29, 2023,  open from 4 pm -8 pm on Fridays and 12 pm -4 pm on Saturdays and Sundays.  This new and interactive exhibit features a free indoor, winterized pathway that takes you from icy paths to stunning igloos and even a life-sized gingerbread house. Family adventures await you at the exhibit, like Santa and his secret cabin where you can drop a postcard for him in his magical mailbox. 

• The Enchanted Trail at The Highlands in Harbor Springs, MI - Snowshoe or Walk December 9, 2022 - February 26, 2023. Begins at 5:30 PM with time slots until 8:30 PM. This unique winter experience is a magical two-mile roundtrip walk along a beautifully lit winter trail through the woods, where you’ll experience the soft warm glow of lights leading you to a rustic yurt where you can cozy up around a bonfire with s’mores and warm drinks! 

• Candlelight Hike at Mt. McSauba, Charlevoix. 5-8 p.m. 9223 Mount McSauba Road, Charlevoix, MI 49720.  Every Friday evening, January 1, 2023 through February 26, 2023.  Experience the magic of snowshoeing, hiking or cross-country skiing on candle-lit trails. You set your own pace on this self-guided journey. The hike will begin at the sledding hill parking lot. One of our favorite things to do in Michigan in winter!

• Bowers School Farm Winter Park, 1219 E Square Lake Rd, Bloomfield Hills, MI.  January 6, 2023 - February 6, 2023. Enjoy ice skating, snow tubing, bonfires, comfort foods, entertainment, select animal experiences, and more! Bowers School Farm Winter Park is the ultimate Michigan winter destination!  There is a general admission fee and additional costs for snow tubing and ice skating rentals. 
  

• SISU Ski Fest, January 6-8, 2023, 30K SISU Ski Race, 15K Heikki Lunta Ski Race, 5K Hauska Hiihto Fun Ski, Depot Dash for Kids and
  Post-race party at Ironwood Theatre.

• World of Winter Festival in downtown Grand Rapids - January 6, 2023 through March 5, 2023. World of Winter is the largest winter festival in the Midwest! Experience Grand Rapids during the cold-weather season during its annual World of Winter Festival! See art, performances, play games and enjoy the downtown area.  Perfect family adventure or romantic Valentine’s Day stroll. And it's free! See our World Of Winter Map and Event Schedule!
  

• Visit the Henry Ford! See their new permanent exhibit of nearly 7,000 Hallmark ornaments called, "Miniature Moments: A Journey Through Hallmark® Keepsake Ornaments."  It's your chance to relive holiday memories while being wowed with the artistry and creativity within each lovely Keepsake ornament.

• Annual Grand Rapids Bridal Show 2023.  DeVos Place on January 6-7, 2023, Friday 5pm-9pm and Saturday 11am-5pm. This is West Michigan’s largest and longest-running bridal show, with wedding experts, gorgeous event sites, delicious samples and lots of inspiration!  Fashion Shows: Friday 7:30pm and also Saturday 1pm and 3pm.  Awesome bridal expo Michigan 2023.

• Grand Rapids Winter Artisans Market, January 7, 2023 at the Grand Rapids, MI Fulton Street Farmers Market.  There will be an array of artists and makers.

• 49th Annual Detroit Swap Meet - January 7-8, 2023, Saturday 8-5 pm and Sunday 8 am -1pm at the Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River Ave, Novi, MI

• Holland Farmers Market, January 7 & 21, 2023 inside the Holland Civic Center from 9:00 am - 1:00 pm. Shop for fresh produce, baked goods, meat, honey, maple syrup, specialty foods and so much more! 

• Wilderness Sleigh Ride and Dinner, The Treetops Resort, Gaylord, Jan 7, 2023, Jan 14, 2023, Jan 21, 2023, Jan 28, 2023, Feb 4, 2023, Feb 11, 2023, Feb 18, 2023, Feb 25, 2023, Mar 04, 2023, 5:00 pm - 9:30 pm. Reserve your space. Perfect romantic winter getaway or romantic horse drawn sleigh rides in Michigan!

• Annual Tahquamenon Country Sled Dog Race, January 7 and 8, 2023. The race attracts mushers from all over the United States, as well as Canada, South Africa and New Zealand. The race start and finish will take place at Muskallonge Lake State Park about 30 miles north of Newberry, MI.  By the way, The Tahquamenon Country Sled Dog Race announced it’s partnership with two other esteemed Upper Peninsula Races, The CopperDog 150 and The UP200, to create the SUPERIOR CROWN SLED DOG SERIES!

• Grand Rapids Camper, Travel & RV Show, January 12-15, 2023, DeVos Place | Times Vary, Biggest RV Show in the state.

• Dog Sled Rides at Second Chance Musher Rescue, Late December-March (weather dependant). They will be offering dog sled rides at Shanty Creek Resorts (1826 Schuss Mountain Ln
  Mancelona, MI). Call to schedule a ride! All options are a maximum weight of 200lbs. So many fun things to do in January!

Pure January Michigan Even | Try Michigan Dog Sledding?

What is there to do in Michigan in January?

It's time to try something new this winter!  Michigan Dog Sledding and Races: Where to Experience in Upper and Lower Peninsula! (Top Winter Things To Do!)

More Things to do in Michigan in January!

• Kalamazoo Beer (Craft Beverage) Week- January 13 - 21, 2023. This exciting week long series features tastings, dinners and interactive events.  The cool thing is, you will get a chance to meet many of the brewers. We have a blast at this January Michigan event as it is an event near me!

• Hunter Ice Festival - January 13-15, 2023 in Downtown Niles, MI.  This year's annual Niles Frigid 5k will be January 14, 2023! Come on down to downtown Niles for a run or brisk walk along the picturesque St. Joseph River. The run will be followed with cookies, and an age group awards presentation. Other activities and events throughout the weekend.

• Winterfest at Pier Park, Grosse Pointe Farms, Saturday, January 14, 2023, 12:00 pm -4:00pm. Grosse Pointe Farms Pier Park is where you'll want to be for their yearly Winterfest! Petting farm, ice carving demonstrations, ice skating, food trucks, putt putt golf, live entertainment. 

• Murder Mystery Dinner, January 14, 2023 at Henderson Castle, 6pm-9pm

• January Family Day, January 14, 2023, Krasl Art Center, St. Joseph, 11 am – 12:30 pm. 707 Lake Blvd. St. Joseph, 49085. Southwest Michigan. On the second Saturday of every month, Krasl Art Center has free artmaking activities for the whole family!

• Holland Indoor Winter Market-The Indoor Winter Market will be held in on the first & third Saturdays of January, February, March, and April, 9 am-1 pm at the Holland Civic Center Place. Over 25 vendors will be participating in the Winter Market providing fresh produce and locally-produced foods including winter and greenhouse grown produce, bread and other baked goods, sweet treats, honey and maple syrup, jams, coffee, juices, meat and seafood and more. 
  

• The Detroit Boat Show, January 14-16, 2023 and January 19-22, 2023. The Detroit Boat Show is the premier boat show in Michigan featuring hundreds of new boats, motors and accessories to see and purchase. See fishing boats, ski boats, cruisers, pontoons, inflatables, personal watercraft, kayaks, and antique boats.  One of the largest boat shows in Michigan! Awesome January Michigan event! Fee.
  

SHOW HOURS

Saturdays: 11am – 8pm
Sundays & Monday: 11am – 6pm
Thursday & Friday: 3pm – 9pm

• Winter Jam 2023, January 19, 2023, Van Andel Arena, Grand Rapids,  7pm, Pre-Show: 6:00 PM. See tons of artists! 
  

• RV Show! January 19, 2023 - January 22, 2023, Michigan State University Pavilion for Agriculture and Livestock Education, 4301 Farm Ln, Lansing, MI

• 136th Annual Ishpeming Ski Club Ski Jumping Tournament - The Ishpeming Ski Club will be hosting the 136th Annual Ski Jumping Tournament, held at the UP Nordic Ski Complex on January 20th and 21st, 2023. This event is one stop on both the regional premier Five Hills Tournament, and the U.S. Cup.  Ski jumpers from all over the U.S.A. will test their abilities to fly as far as possible with the best style. Super fun winter events in the Michigan's Upper Peninsula near Marquette!

• 2023 Fire & Ice Festival in Downtown Rochester, Michigan is packed with family fun and festivities! On January 20-21, 2023, enjoy the ice sculptures along Main Street, ice skating rink, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, fireworks, food trucks and tent, and so much more! 

My friends, if there was ever a time to sneakily hold hands with your loved one, ice skating is it!  So lace up those skates and find a Michigan Ice Skating Rink near you!  Here are Ice Skating Rinks in Detroit. 

Have You Experienced Michigan Sleigh Rides?

If you want something seriously cool to do this winter, go on a horse drawn sleigh ride!  It's fun for all ages so it's a perfect winter family activity or a romantic winter getaway for couples! 

Best Michigan Sleigh Rides - Where to Experience Horse Drawn Carriage Adventures in MI (Top Winter Things To Do!)

See a Crazy Michigan Polar Bear Plunge at Tip Up Town!

• Tip-Up Town USA-Houghton Lake, MI, January 21, 22,  28, 2023 with the theme of Hollywood on Ice! Beverage tent, fishing contest, entertainment tent, carnival rides, petting zoo, antique snowmobiles, ice slide, vendors, snowmobile drag races and a Polar Bear Plunge! Check their website for times of events. The festival is held at the southern DNR boat launch, off of M-55 near the Pines theater and Pineview Golf Course. Free parking is available at the High School and library with free shuttle service to and from Tip Up Town. Are your brave enough to jump in the lake during the Polar Bear Plunge?

• Love Winter Festivals? Grab our ULTIMATE LIST OF MICHIGAN WINTER FESTIVALS AND FUN!

• Craft Show at Kalamazoo Expo Center, January 21, 2023, 9 am – 3 pm 
  

• Kalamazoo Reptile & Exotic Pet Expo, January 21, 2023, Kalamazoo Expo Center, 10 am – 3 pm

• Tecumseh's Annual Ice Sculpture Festival, January 21-22, 2023 in Downtown Tecumseh Tecumseh, MI.  Looking for a fun outdoor event for your family? The downtown area will have over 35 ice sculptures and life size balloon sculptures adorning the sidewalks during the event. Enjoy a fun Scavenger hunt with participating merchants! So many fun things to do in January!

You know, while it's cold outside, a fun thing to do is VISIT CAT CAFES! Many of the cat cafes have fun events like Yoga with Cats, Bingo (with Cats), Board Games...with cats.  Why not spread some love and get even more in return!

• Zehnders Snowfest in Frankenmuth, MI- January 25-29, 2023, Bring the whole family to enjoy snow sculpting and ice carving competitions.  There will be a warming tent, entertainment, children's area and fireworks. This is one of our favorite January Michigan events and things to do in Michigan!

• Winterfest-Grand Haven, January 26-29, 2023.  Create and decorate a colorful cardboard sled, snow volleyball, bonfire bash, glow bowl, and world famous sled races! Park and take the shuttle. Most events are on Saturday!
  

• 2023 Chili Tour, January 27, 2023, Downtown St. Joseph, 5pm – 8pm

• Shadowfest Community Skating Party, McSauba Ice Rink Charlevoix, Thursday, January 27, 2023 from 6-8 pm, Charlevoix students are hosting an ice skating party with music, concessions, fun lights and lots of fresh air. 

• Novi Home and Garden Show - Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River Avenue, Novi, Michigan, January 27-29, 2023. Everything you need to remodel and design your home! Talk to local home improvement specialists and designers to see the latest trends. One of the best January things to do in Michigan this weekend.

• Kalkaska Winterfest - Fairgrounds Rd, Kalkaska, MI. The Dale Munford Memorial Sled Dog Race will take place January 27th, 28th, and 29th of 2023. 12:00 - 9:00 pm. They are planning an open class as well as 6 dog, 4 dog, 2 dog, Junior classes, Skijoring classes, and a weight pull! Lots of other fun family events throughout the weekend.

• Heikinpäivä - A Mid-Winter Finnish-American Festival in Michigan's Copper Country, January 28, 2023. Several events including a Finnish Costume Show, Nordic Film Series, Book Reading and Signings, workshops and more!

• Winter Fest, Coldwater, MI, Saturday, January 28, 2023, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM. This family-friendly event will include cardboard sled races, a kid's craft, inflatables, live wood-carving, a pop-up ice skating pond, and sled dog demos.

• Downtown Kalamazoo Chili Cookoff - January 28, 2023, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm. Kalamazoo State Theatre, 404 S. Burdick, Kalamazoo, MI.
  The Kalamazoo State Theatre is joining forces with Chef Andrew of WMU Dining Services to participate in the 2023 Downtown Kalamazoo Chili Cook-Off. They will be bringing a spin on brisket chili to the event. You won’t want to miss it.  

• Ann Arbor Folk Festival-Saturday, January 28, 2023 will be in Hill Auditorium as usual and Friday, January 27, 2023 will feature a special in-the-round event at The Ark. The festival is the largest annual fundraiser for The Ark, Ann Arbor’s non-profit home for folk music. Enjoy two nights of music which includes a blend of well-known and up-and-coming artists.

• Pure Ludington Brrrewfest, January 28th, 2023, Come on out to Ludington’s premier winter event to taste of the best flavors of beers, wines, ciders and meads from all around Michigan. The event runs from 1-6 pm and is held at Legacy Plaza on north James Street in Ludington. 
  

• 2023 St. Joe Winter Beer Fest - January 28, 2023, 12:00pm - 4:00pm.  Bundle up and venture outdoors for the annual St. Joe Winter Beer Fest! Craft beer novices and enthusiasts will enjoy sampling from local and regional Michigan breweries. Ages 21+ event.

• Annual International 500 Snowmobile Race, Sault Ste. Marie. LONGEST ENDURANCE RANGE IN THE WORLD!  January 29-February 4, 2023. Join thousands of drivers, sled heads, and snowmobile enthusiasts for the professional racing excitement of the annual International 500 Snowmobile Race! The I-500 is the world’s longest, fastest, toughest, and most-exciting oval race event. Support Michigan Tourism, come on out for this Michigan event this weekend!

• Dancing with the Stars Live 2023, January 30, 2023, DeVos Performance Hall, Grand Rapids, 8 pm

What is There to do in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan in the Winter?

• Annual Tahquamenon Country Sled Dog Race, January 7 and 8, 2023. The race attracts mushers from all over the United States, as well as Canada, South Africa and New Zealand. The race start and finish will take place at Muskallonge Lake State Park about 30 miles north of Newberry, MI.  By the way, The Tahquamenon Country Sled Dog Race announced it’s partnership with two other esteemed Upper Peninsula Races, The CopperDog 150 and The UP200, to create the SUPERIOR CROWN SLED DOG SERIES!

Michigan's Upper Peninsula is the perfect place to try:

• See Frozen Waterfalls!
• Snowshoeing
• Dog Sledding
• Snow Tubing
• Fat Tire Biking
• Snowmobiling

We love supporting Michigan Tourism!  Get outside as there are so many thing to do in Michigan in winter! 

Ongoing Michigan Events

• Sleigh Rides with Treetops Resorts: December, January, February and March weather dependent.  Fee. This is one of our favorite things to do in Michigan with kids! It's also perfect for a romantic winter getaway for couples! 
  

• Traverse City Indoor Famers Market- The Village at Grand Traverse Commons,(November 5, 2022 - April 29, 2023), you can stay toasty while you shop at their Indoor Farmers Market in The Mercato corridor on Saturday mornings, from 10 am-2 pm. 830 Cottageview Drive, Traverse City, Michigan.

We hope you enjoy these January Michigan events and festivals.  We hope you found lots of things to do in Michigan with your kids too.  

We would love it if you shared some of your January Michigan ideas below!

 

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So many of our Michigan towns rock all year 'round! So get out and explore them!

Event Centers in Michigan

Don't forget to check these Michigan event centers/theaters/auditoriums across Michigan for concerts, events, shows or comedy entertainment! 

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Chris and I have been tossing around ideas for Valentine's Day. Can you believe it is NEXT WEEK already!?? ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ We are actually all about the planning this year which is rare. Usually we just wing it and then we are disappointed when OUR restaurant is packed. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ One of our favorite things to do is relax with an amazing meal, drinks, atmosphere and service. So one of our go-to spots is Granite City Brewery in Detroit. It's attached to the Detroit Marriott Renaissance Hotel so you don't even have to go outside! Their beer flights are amazing!! Chris loves visiting the Renaissance hotel because it is the headquarters for General Motors and he gets inspired by their new vehicles. The GM apparel store is also there-I got a really cool Detroit shirt!! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ What are your plans?? Need inspiration?? If so, I've got a bunch of ideas for Valentine's Day including fun things to do (hockey, wine pairings or petting kitties, anyone?) and great bed and breakfasts throughout Michigan. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Check out my latest blog post linked in my bio!! Happy Valentine's Day!! XOXO -Sherry⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ .⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ #michigan #valentinesday #valentinesday2019 #valentines2019 #michiganvalentines #loveideas #couplesgoals #michiganeats #puremichigan #michiganawesome #greatfood #travelmichigan #michigantraveler #detroitfreepress #onlyinmichigan #michiganbrewery #detroit #detroiteats #onlyinmichigan #greatlakesstate #michigandrinks #blackstarfarms #datenight #dateideas #romanticgetaway #travelblogger #winetravel #kalamazoo #foodietravel #michiganfoodie

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