Don’t let cold weather stop you from heading out and exploring the joys of Michigan. After all, our state is home to all sorts of wintertime celebrations that will keep you active throughout the snowy season. Here are nine can’t-miss winter festivals in the Great Lakes State that the whole family will enjoy in early 2019.
- Plymouth Ice Festival (Plymouth, January 11-13)
Facebook/Plymouth Ice Festival This magical festival, which takes place annually in the town of Plymouth, offers a fascinating look at the intricate world of ice sculpting. Watch a “dueling chainsaws” competition, enjoy an interactive ice playground, or take a trip down the festival’s massive tubing run. What’s not to love? Find out more about this event by clicking here.
- Grand Haven WinterFest (Grand Haven, January 24-27)
Facebook/Winterfest Partake in a fun-filled cardboard sled race, indulge in a bit of beer and wine tasting, enter the kiddos in a snow angel competition, or simply enjoy the sights and sounds of downtown Grand Haven during this exciting event. Bundle up, though - it’s cold along the shores of Lake Michigan! For more information, click here.
- Let’s Chill Winter Fest (Milan, February 1-2)
Facebook/Let’s Chill Winter Fest The small town of Milan comes to life each year with this exciting winter festival, which features everything from a wine crawl to a chili cook-off. Gather ‘round a massive bonfire in Wilson Park, partake in a few winter games, or watch impressive ice carvers practice their craft. For further details, click here.
- Fire and Ice Festival (Rochester, January 18-20)
Facebook/Fire & Ice Festival You might know Rochester as the home of the Big, Bright Light Show during the holiday season, but it also boasts plenty of charm with the arrival of its annual Fire and Ice Festival. Enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride, watch the festive fireworks, roast a few s’mores, or marvel at ice sculptures. There’s truly something for everyone at this free event. Details are available by clicking here.
- Downtown Winter Ice Festival (Sault Ste. Marie, January 25-28)
Facebook/The Sault Events Make your way to Sault Ste. Marie for this intriguing event, which features two full days of artistry and celebration. Over 50 ice sculptures will be created on the streets of the city, all of which will surely impress visitors with their intricate designs. Follow up your visit to the fest with a stroll through Sault Ste. Marie’s charming downtown area. To learn more, be sure to visit this website.
- Benzie Winterfest (Beulah, February 9)
Facebook/Benzie County Chamber Of Commerce The tiny waterfront community of Beulah offers endless charm during its annual Winterfest celebration, which truly features something for every member of the family. From frozen fish toss to a poker competition to a delightful Winterfest parade, the events here are quirky and festive. If you’re interested in finding out more about this upcoming festival, click here.
- Heikki Lunta Winterfest (Negaunee, January 18-19)
Facebook/The Upper Peninsula Luge Club Venture northward to the community of Negaunee for this one-of-a-kind winter event. The festival celebrates the outdoor-based lifestyles of its local residents, with opportunities for skiing, ice fishing, outdoor snow sports, fireworks, parades, and so much more. Details are available here.
- Caro Winter Fest (Caro, January 19-20)
Facebook/Caro Winter Fest Visitors from the the Thumb region and beyond make their way to Caro each year for this thrilling festival, which features professional snowmobile racing, chainsaw carving competitions, plenty of food and beverages, and a hometown spirit that can’t be beat. More information can be found by clicking here.
- Zehnder’s Snowfest (Frankenmuth, January 23-28)
Facebook/Zehnder’s Snowfest It’s no secret that Frankenmuth is a magical place to be during the winter months, so embrace this charm with a visit to Snowfest. Check out an impressive snow-sculpting competition, enjoy some live entertainment, marvel at professional ice carvings, or visit the petting zoo. To learn more about these and other elements of this beloved family event, click here.
Are there any other amazing winter festivals in Michigan that we should be aware of? We’d love to hear from you! Be sure to leave us a comment below with your best suggestions and favorite memories.
Facebook/Plymouth Ice Festival
This magical festival, which takes place annually in the town of Plymouth, offers a fascinating look at the intricate world of ice sculpting. Watch a “dueling chainsaws” competition, enjoy an interactive ice playground, or take a trip down the festival’s massive tubing run. What’s not to love? Find out more about this event by clicking here.
Facebook/Winterfest
Partake in a fun-filled cardboard sled race, indulge in a bit of beer and wine tasting, enter the kiddos in a snow angel competition, or simply enjoy the sights and sounds of downtown Grand Haven during this exciting event. Bundle up, though - it’s cold along the shores of Lake Michigan! For more information, click here.
Facebook/Let’s Chill Winter Fest
The small town of Milan comes to life each year with this exciting winter festival, which features everything from a wine crawl to a chili cook-off. Gather ‘round a massive bonfire in Wilson Park, partake in a few winter games, or watch impressive ice carvers practice their craft. For further details, click here.
Facebook/Fire & Ice Festival
You might know Rochester as the home of the Big, Bright Light Show during the holiday season, but it also boasts plenty of charm with the arrival of its annual Fire and Ice Festival. Enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride, watch the festive fireworks, roast a few s’mores, or marvel at ice sculptures. There’s truly something for everyone at this free event. Details are available by clicking here.
Facebook/The Sault Events
Make your way to Sault Ste. Marie for this intriguing event, which features two full days of artistry and celebration. Over 50 ice sculptures will be created on the streets of the city, all of which will surely impress visitors with their intricate designs. Follow up your visit to the fest with a stroll through Sault Ste. Marie’s charming downtown area. To learn more, be sure to visit this website.
Facebook/Benzie County Chamber Of Commerce
The tiny waterfront community of Beulah offers endless charm during its annual Winterfest celebration, which truly features something for every member of the family. From frozen fish toss to a poker competition to a delightful Winterfest parade, the events here are quirky and festive. If you’re interested in finding out more about this upcoming festival, click here.
Facebook/The Upper Peninsula Luge Club
Venture northward to the community of Negaunee for this one-of-a-kind winter event. The festival celebrates the outdoor-based lifestyles of its local residents, with opportunities for skiing, ice fishing, outdoor snow sports, fireworks, parades, and so much more. Details are available here.
Facebook/Caro Winter Fest
Visitors from the the Thumb region and beyond make their way to Caro each year for this thrilling festival, which features professional snowmobile racing, chainsaw carving competitions, plenty of food and beverages, and a hometown spirit that can’t be beat. More information can be found by clicking here.
Facebook/Zehnder’s Snowfest
It’s no secret that Frankenmuth is a magical place to be during the winter months, so embrace this charm with a visit to Snowfest. Check out an impressive snow-sculpting competition, enjoy some live entertainment, marvel at professional ice carvings, or visit the petting zoo. To learn more about these and other elements of this beloved family event, click here.
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