With ample space and advanced safety features, the Blazer ensures every journey is as enjoyable as the destination.
Photo courtesy of Winter Blast Royal Oak
As the cold winds blow through Metro Detroit, the area stays alive with a lineup of spectacular winter events and activities. From dazzling ice rinks to festive carnivals, there’s no shortage of ways to embrace the season (and the cold!). Here’s your guide to the most exciting upcoming winter happenings throughout Metro Detroit…
CLARK PARK
January 18
1130 Clark Street, Detroit
For a day of community-centric fun, head to Clark Park’s 13th Annual Winter Carnival & Hockey Classic. From 12 to 4 p.m. on January 18, families can enjoy free ice skating, horse-drawn carriage rides, a petting zoo, games, marshmallow roasting, and more. As evening falls, the spotlight shifts to the Charity Hockey Games with women’s hockey at 6 and the men’s game at 7:30 p.m. “Clark Park serves as the ‘town square’,” shares Event Director & COO Kate Brennan, bringing people together year-round with family-friendly events. This annual carnival is a must for families and hockey fans alike.
BLAKE’S ORCHARD & CIDER MILL
January 18
17985 Armada Center Road, Armada
Blake’s Orchard & Cider Mill is a go-to for events year-round, and this January is no exception as Blake’s is hosting their first-ever Bavarian Winterfest on the 18th. This event is set to be family-friendly, with a host of activities and delicious German food to check out, like bratwurst and schnitzel. From noon until 7 p.m., you can enjoy, “live bands featuring polka music and traditional Bavarian tunes, German brews, a sauerkraut-making workshop, and stein-hoisting competitions,” shares the Blake’s team. Admission is $5, but if you’d like to attend the sauerkraut workshop, tickets will be $15, and you’ll leave with a new skill (and ten pounds of sauerkraut!). With games, a beer & cider bar, and more, it should be a day full of fun.
WINTERFEST
January 26
14300 Oak Park Boulevard, Oak Park
Oak Park’s WinterFest is a one-day celebration filled with fun, family-friendly activities designed to embrace the season. Located at the Oak Park Community Center, this free event is a great way to spend a Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. Attendees of this annual event will be able to check out ice carving, a reindeer petting zoo, horse and carriage rides through the park, and ice skating, plus s’mores and hot chocolate to keep you warm. Inside the community center, visitors will find a variety of children’s activities, like face painting and crafts, along with available chili, hot cocoa, and more s’mores.
WINTER BLAST
January 31 – February 2
Downtown Royal Oak
Winter Blast Royal Oak returns with its signature blend of fun, music, and winter wonderland activities. This family-friendly weekend is filled with winter-themed fun for all ages, from skating at The Rink to watching ice sculptures come to life and exploring the Medieval Village. “Winter Blast Royal Oak is a highlight of the winter season, bringing together families and friends for a celebration of cold-weather fun, music, and interactive experiences,” says Jon Witz, producer of Winter Blast. Heated tents, marshmallow roasting fire pits, and a dedicated Family Zone add to the cozy, festive ambiance. Throughout the weekend, attendees will find live music by local artists, kid-friendly activities and crafts, and much more. Mark your calendars for a weekend to remember!
BOWERS SCHOOL FARM
January 4 – February 23
1219 East Square Lake Road, Bloomfield Hills
Bowers School Farm is a place to be for thrilling winter activities this season. The Winter Park is open regardless of weather, allowing you to tube down the sledding hill to your heart’s desire for almost an hour, snowy or not. Tubing tickets must be purchased online in advance, but admission is free to the farm. In the evenings, the hill is lit with festive lights, turning the farm into a magical experience. While you’re visiting, check out the various farm animals and cozy up around one of the bonfires located around the space. Grab a bite to eat from their Farm Kitchen & Store, with options ranging from pulled pork and mac and cheese to fresh donuts and hot cocoa. It’s an exciting time to experience Bowers School Farm, with fun options for the entire family.
VALADE PARK
January 10 – February 23
2670 East Atwater Street, Detroit
Valade Park transforms into a winter oasis, with weekly entertainment for the entire family. The park features themed weekends with live music, roaring bonfires, and marshmallow roasting stations beyond its weekly offerings. Seasonal food specials are available to serve comfort food and festive beverages. With its stunning riverfront views, Valade Park offers a laid-back yet vibrant way to enjoy winter in Detroit. When the weather cooperates with snow, sledding is a highlight of Winter at Valade. Each Friday brings Fireside Fridays, with karaoke, games, and food specials within the heated Valade building while curling, sledding, and more take place outside. On Sundays, Self Care takes over with free group fitness classes designed for the winter weather. January 10 through 12 will host the medieval Fire & Ice Festival with a 7-foot ice structure and a host of activities, while February 14 through 16 will have an international food truck rally and dance performances for Winter Around The World. The scenic location along the Detroit River makes it a picturesque spot to celebrate winter with family and friends.
CAMPUS MARTIUS PARK RINK
Through March 2
800 Woodward Avenue, Detroit
Located in the heart of Downtown Detroit, The Rink at Campus Martius Park is a premier, family-friendly outdoor ice rink in Metro Detroit. Offering one of the most beautiful skating experiences in the country with dazzling Downtown views and a festive atmosphere, The Rink is a must-visit winter destination, open daily through March 2nd. “The Rink at Campus Martius Park presented by Visit Detroit offers a truly unparalleled ice-skating experience, and being named the No. 1 ice skating rink in the country is a testament to its charm,” shares David Cowan, Chief Public Spaces Officer for the Downtown Detroit Partnership. “The Rink captures the magic of Downtown Detroit during the winter season. We’re proud to provide a destination that brings people together and showcases the best of our city.” Visitors can enjoy skating, special events like the Little Red Wings hockey clinics, and performances from world-class skaters at the Sk8 to Elimin8 Cancer Ice Show. To warm up, head to the two-story CHALET 313, a glass-enclosed lounge overlooking the rink, where you can snack and sip on seasonal cocktails or hot cocoa.
