I did my best to put together a variety of in person and virtual events for winter fun! I organzied the list by date of the event and by Classes/Events, Ongoing Events, and Other Winter Fun Activities. I hope you find something here for you and maybe even discover something new!
January Classes & Events
Charcuterie Board & Ferments: Cooking with Cocktails
Online Event (May need to pick up supplies)
Virtual class with the option to order a Meal Kit from the Pink Flamingo (check delivery zones).
Tues, Jan 12 @ 6pm
Class: $29.99
Learn how to perfect your charcuterie board, including how to make fermented vegetables!
View this post on Instagram
Virtual Tour: Amsterdam & the Netherlands
Online Event
Tues, Jan 12 @ 5pm EST
Free!
Event By Girl Travel Tours
If you’re missing travel the way I am missing travel, this would be the perfect event for you! Amsterdam and the Netherlands are at the top of my list for where to travel to next!
Khom Fai – Virtual Cocktail Class
Online Event (Will need to pick up supplies)
Thurs, Jan 14 from 7-9pm
“We’ll provide all the ingredients along with our crispy wontons and cream cheese dip. Zoom with Isaiah as he teaches you bartendng techniques, a little history, and some cocktail creation theory. Virtual cocktail class packages must be picked up between 4 and 6pm the day of the event. Must be 21+.”
Cocktails: Classic Whiskey Sour, French 75, & Pinapple Daiquiri
Suggested bartending tools: Cocktail Shaker, strainer, spoon, toothpick
Ticket Price: $45
Downtown Rochester Snowglow + Downtown Lights
In Person Event
Fri, Jan 15 – Sat, Jan 16
(The Bright Light Show will still be on and are staying on through Jan 31!)
I haven’t seen any times or any other details posted yet.
“Enjoy Christmas-themed ice sculptures, ice carving demonstrations, an ice carving competition, shopping and of course, The Big, Bright Light Show!”
St. Clair Shores Aqua Freeze Festival
Blossom Heath Beach House
Sat Jan 16, Noon-9pm
Sun Jan 17, Noon-6pm
Food Trucks:
Jan 16: Island Noodle, Senors, Lil Bros Burgers, The Little Donut Factory,
Jan 17: BBQ Daddy, The Lobster Food Truck, The Little Donut Factory
Horse Drawn Wagon Rides, Petting Zoo, Craft Beer Tent, Music, Games (Ice Cornhole & Putt Putt Golf), Hot Chocolate, Fire Pit, & ICE SCULPTURES!
(The Tunnel of Lights at Blossom Heath runs through Jan 17!)
Virtual Tour: Florence and Tuscany
Online Event
Wed, Jan 20 @ 5pm EST
Free!
Event by Girl Travel Tours
I feel like these tours are a great way to preview a place to see if you’d be interested in traveling there! I have been to Florence and Tuscany, and they are two of my favorite places. (I liked Florence better than Rome!)
In Person Event
St. Clair Riverview Plaza
Thurs, Jan 21 – Sun, Jan 24
Times Vary By Day
Free!
*Please note: This event is located in St. Clair County…not St. Clair Shores*
“Live ice carvings at local businesses, food and drink offerings, eclectic vendors, live entertainment, store specials, fun competitions, and more!”
January In Person Market
(You can always order online too, but they only do in person shopping once/month.)
Almont
Jan 22-24, from 10am-4pm
VIP Night: Wed, Jan 20 from 5-7:30pm
Chic goods for your home and life!
View this post on Instagram
Pilates & Brunch: Cooking with Cocktails
Online Event
Sat, Jan 23 from 10:30am-12pm
“Cooking with Cocktails has partnered with Christina Johnson a classically trained & certified Pilates Instructor. She will be doing a 25 minute Pilates session with you followed by Chef Meiko from Pink Flamingo teaching you to make delicious quiche lorraine with bacon, gruyere, leeks. You will also learn to make the quiche crust from scratch!”
In Person Event
Downtown Port Huron
Sat, Jan 23 @ 10am
Free!
Snowmen in the City, scavenger hunts, and more! (Family Friendly Event)
Cooking with Cocktails: Battling Inflammation with a Healthy Diet
Online Event
(There are a wide variety of classes listed on the website. I couldn’t list them all here, but please check out the site if you’re interested!)
Sun, Jan 24 @ 11am
“Are you or someone you know battling with an inflammatory disease, auto immune disease, or multiple sclerosis? Or do you just want to learn some tips for eating delicious and HEALTHY foods? Learn more about the low food map diet and a few delicious recipes including chilli, stir fry, and chocolate dipped berries during this class.”
Zehnder’s Snowfest 2020: Snow and Ice Exhibit
In Person or Online Event
Jan 29 – Jan 31
“Zehnder’s Snowfest is host to one of the top snow sculpting events in North America. Enjoy snow sculptures, ice carvings and family entertainment! Although Snowfest will be different this year, visitors may still enjoy a limited number of larger-than-life snow sculptures and beautifully detailed ice carvings. This year’s event will not include entertainment, Warming Tent or fireworks but we encourage guests to view the snow and ice sculptures throughout downtown Frankenmuth.”
If you do decide to go in person, I have heard that Prost has the best charcuterie boards! I would definitely stop by for one 😉
There is also a food truck called The Cheese Trap that looks supper yummy!
View this post on Instagram
On Going Events
Detroit River Front: Valade Park
Winter Hours: Friday 5-9PM, Saturday 12-9PM, Sunday 12-7PM
Open Every Weekend w/Giant Fires, Marshmallow Roasters, Winter Hot Drinks, Winter Games, Sledding Hill, Synthetic Ice Curling, and more! Check out Bob’s Barge for drinks, Smokey G’s BBQ, & Geisha Girl Sushi for take out style food too!
Special Events:
Jan 15-17: Live Music, Fire & Ice Tower
Jan 29-31: Ice Carving Festival
Winter on the River Front runs through Feb 28, 2021
In Person Event
Located in Commerce Twp.
Half Mile Wooded Trail Filled with Light Installations & Sensory Elements.
General Admission (Ages 13+) is $20
The trail takes about 30-45 mins to walk.
Ticket are available now through Jan 10 (Current at time of publishing)
I am unsure if they will open up more dates past Jan 10.
View this post on Instagram
Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes Exhibit
In Person
The Henry Ford in Dearborn
Now – Jan 31, 2021
It is recommended to purchase your ticket ahead of time.
From the site: “An exhibition for the hero in all of us. From comics to film, Marvel: Universe of Super Heroes features more than 300 artifacts, including some of Marvel’s most iconic and sought-after pages, costumes and props. Spectacular artifacts thrill both avid collectors and casual fans, while immersive set pieces, soundscapes and interactive elements bring the Marvel Universe to life in Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation.”
General Admission is $35 for non-members
While you’re in the area, stop by The Heights Meat Market & Grill for some lunch or dinner on their heated patio. They also have HCBs!
Not all igloos are created equal! Some are fancy with high food and beverage minimums while others have none! Check out my list of 40+ options to find one that works best for you 🙂 All the info is there including information on how to book, links, phone numbers, etc.
I have a running list of over 60 places offering heated patio or heated tent dining in the Metro Detroit area. I do my best to keep it updated, but sometimes things change quickly. Some places require reservations, but there are many that do not! I hope you will find something that works for you.
Other Winter Activity Ideas
Reservation Only (Click the link above.)
$10/person to reserve a lane (for a limited time only!)
2 Hours, 6 people/lane
The bar is open too! There is no drinking inside the building, but you can enjoy your drink on the heated outdoor patio!
Lanes and balls (lol) cleaned after each party
Masks must be worn at all times inside the building
Free Play Pinball Arcade (Fraser)
I went here for a few hours on NYE. Masks are required. There are giant hand sanitizer dispensers everywhere. You pay $15 for a wristband and you get UNLIMITED PLAY all day. There is a discount for larger groups.
Top Golf is open! Yes, there is social distancing. Yes, you have to wear a mask.
All game play is half priced on Tuesdays!
DEC Workers and Teachers receive a 10% discount through April 30, 2021.
While you’re in the area: Check out the heated patios at MBTB Tasting Room or Blue Skies Brewery!
Blake’s Ice Skating (Armada)
The ice here is synthetic, so be aware of that before you go (if that makes a difference to you).
Runs through March 28th, 2021
They have 30 rotating taps featuring their beer and hard cider at their Orchard Square Tap!
Hours:
Thurs-Fri: 1pm-7pm
Sat-Sun: 11am-7pm
Phone 586.784.5343
Tickets must be purchased online (for a 50 minute skating pass): $10/person (please arrive at least 15 minutes early). No refunds.
Skate rental is $5/person. If you need to rent skates, make sure you are there 20 minutes early. (You can bring your own skates too!)
Dodge Park Ice Skating (Sterling Heights)
Make sure you make a reservation online ahead of time.
75 person limit per time block
For the full details: Click Here
Fees:
Sterling Heights Residents: Free only with valid ID.
Non Sterling Heights Residents: $5 per person.
Skate Rentals: $4
Skate Sharpening: $5
Twist At Home Kits!
Get your kit and paint at home. It won’t be exactly the same as a class, but it would be a fun option until we can be in person again!
They offer tons of unique crafting classes (including making chunky knit blankets)!
Check them out, and see if there is something you might want to do 🙂
Skiing & Snowboarding
Don’t forget that Mt. Holly and Pine Knob are open too!
More info on Mt. Holly HERE
More info on Pine Knob HERE
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