January in Michigan can be a bit of a depressing time. The holidays are officially over, it’s cold and snowy, and the days are only going to get colder and snowier. Aren’t you glad I cheered you up? That’s what I’m here for!
But on a more uplifting note, there actually are plenty of fun things to do in Metro Detroit in January. You just have to put on a scarf, a hat, a pair of gloves, a parka and get in your car! Perhaps purchase a ticket, too, but you get the idea. Before seasonal depression kicks in later in the season, get yourself to one of the following shows or take part in an activity on our list of January happenings in the D:
Winter festivals are happening all month, beginning with the Plymouth Ice Festival this weekend, Friday, Jan. 9 through Sunday, Jan. 11. How can you be sad looking at an ice sculpture? Cold, sure, but sad, no. There are tons of festivals to keep your weekends occupied.
For car lovers, this is perhaps the best month of the entire year! Why, you ask? Because the North American International Auto Show begins on Monday, Jan. 12 and runs through Sunday, Jan. 25. Head to Detroit’s COBO Center to see the unveiling of the entire 2016 Chevy Volt, as well as tons of other eagerly anticipated vehicles. You can find an overview of the show here.
Pop singer Sam Smith (of “Stay with Me” and “I’m Not the Only One” fame) will perform at the Masonic Temple, 500 Temple St., Detroit, on Thursday, Jan. 22. While the show is sold out, those of you dedicated fans who missed out can surely find tickets on StubHub and eBay. You’ll have to fork over whatever is left of your holiday bonus (and then some), but you might be able to snag yourself a ticket or two.
If you’re looking for a family-friendly outing this month, tickets to Sesame Street Live at the Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit, make for a perfect outing for you and your littlest ones. What kid doesn’t love Elmo and friends? The show begins its run on Friday, Jan. 23 and goes through mid-February. Tickets cost $15 to $65.
On the flip side, if you’re looking for a fun group outing or date to take away from the outdoor chill this month, try laughing yourself silly. Actor and comedian Aziz Ansari is performing at the Masonic Temple on Sunday, Jan. 25 at 7 p.m. It promises to be “a larger than life comedy event,” so you don’t want to miss it.
If you have yet to check out the new HopCat Detroit, 4265 Woodward Ave., Detroit, consider that an item that needs checking off of your January bucket list immediately! If you head there on Wednesday, Jan. 28, you can enjoy the musical stylings of local band The Appleseed Collective in the Huma Room at 8 p.m. There’s a $5 cover charge, but you get to check out a great local folk jazz band, drink beer and, best of all, be at HopCat. What could be better? Tickets are available online in advance.
Foodies, take note that restaurant weeks don’t just happen during the spring and fall months! Ann Arbor Restaurant Week takes place Sunday, Jan. 18 through Friday, Jan. 23, and Birmingham Restaurant Week follows on Monday, Jan. 26 through Friday, Jan. 30. However, more on that later, this is just a bit of teaser information…
The month of January is prime time for ice skating! While you could go to an indoor rink, you would be doing yourself a serious disservice by not hitting the ice at Campus Martius Park’s outdoor rink. Ice skating in a crowd gives me serious anxiety (I’m no pro on skates and have an irrational fear of being ran over), but the scenery at Campus Martius pretty much neutralizes all of those fears. If there’s ever a time for ice skating in Metro Detroit, it’s now! Take advantage of the rink while you can before it closes in March. Hours and admission prices can be found on the official website above.
The year is just beginning, and there are endless opportunities for things to do in southeast Michigan this month! Get out there and have some frozen fun.