Winter in Detroit brings a cozy mix of activities for everyone. Ice skating, exploring festive markets, and sipping hot drinks at local cafes are just the beginning. As the city transforms into a winter wonderland, downtown streets glow with lights, and seasonal events fill the air with cheer.
You can enjoy the charm of Detroit’s museums, art galleries, and historic neighborhoods, all dressed up for the season. Whether you’re looking to try something new or revisit your favorite spots, this Redfin article will guide you to enjoying all the winter things to do in Detroit, MI.
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Outdoor winter activities in Detroit
When the cold sets in and snow begins to blanket the streets, Detroit transforms into a wonderland full of outdoor activities Detroit’s parks, trails, and attractions come alive with opportunities to make the most of the colder months.
Alongside building snowmen, ice skating is key to winter fun. Marco of Joy Southfield shares, “One must-visit spot during Detroit’s winter months is The Rink at Campus Martius Park and Cadillac Square located downtown. During the winter, Campus Martius Park features the iconic ice skating rink and a stunning Christmas tree, while the connecting Cadillac Square hosts holiday markets with local vendors, creating a really cool, festive atmosphere. Ice skaters can glide under the twinkling city lights, surrounded by Detroit’s vibrant skyline, while shoppers browse unique, handmade gifts at the market. It’s the perfect destination to soak in the holiday spirit, warm up with a cup of hot cocoa, and enjoy the lively energy Detroit has to offer in the winter.”
To get to these destinations, Jeremy from Mogo Detroit highlights a new way to explore Detroit. He says, “This winter, grab a MoGo bike and see all that Detroit has in store. Downtown, you’ll find Detroit’s prestigious parks, including Campus Martius, Capitol Park, and others, featuring holiday lights, ice skating, and MoGo stations for docking and unlocking! Looking for something new? Take a MoGo to Corktown and visit the shops on Michigan Avenue or the newly renovated Michigan Central Station.”
Doug Jones shares, “Michigan along the waterways is special throughout the state during every season. Winter in Detroit is no exception, and my favorite wintertime activity in Detroit is checking out the native plant gardens designed by Piet Oudolf near the Nancy Brown Peace Carillon Tower on Belle Isle. Belle Isle is located just off the coast of Detroit between the U.S. and Canada. The Douglas MacArthur Memorial Bridge connects Detroit to Belle Isle. It is a must-see and designed to be appreciated even in winter.”
For an unforgettable experience, Nova Zorokm of Friends For Animals Of Metro Detroit recommends, “Sign up to take a shelter dog out for a few hours, the entire day, or even overnight for a slumber party as part of our Doggy Day Out program! Our Doggy Day Out Program, (DDO), is a unique and rewarding opportunity for dog lovers in the community to impact shelter dogs’ lives positively. Typical outings include hiking, shopping, picnics, a treat through the drive-thru, or a movie night at home. These field trips help shelter dogs manage kennel stress, burn off energy, build trust between humans and dogs, and get more exposure to potential adopters. Plus, it’s a great excuse to get out and have fun with a canine sidekick!”
Katie, the owner and founder of CuddleBug Sleeping Consulting, recommends checking out the magical winter experience at the Detroit Zoo. Here’s what she has to say about it, “Metro Detroit is where it’s at! Whether you have children, are looking for a date night, or even just a night out with friends, here’s a winter activity for you. You should definitely head to the Detroit Zoo and see the Wild Lights! You’ll see a miraculous display of holiday lights around the zoo. You can enjoy some seasonal drinks and food, warm up with warming stations and hot cocoa, and take some festive pictures with friends and family.”
Must-see indoor attractions in Detroit
Detroit offers a variety of indoor spots to help you make the most of winter. There’s plenty to explore inside the city’s top venues including museums, cozy cafes, and exciting activities. One of Detroit’s most iconic landmarks, the Fox Theatre offers an escape from the winter cold with its stunning architecture and performances.
Throughout the winter, the Fox Theatre hosts a variety of performances, featuring musicals like “The Lion King” and “Hamilton” to concerts and family-friendly events. It’s the perfect spot for a memorable night out for groups or solo adventures.
Jodi Graves of Michigan Family Douglas writes, “Visiting John K. King Used & Rare Books in Detroit is like stepping into a literary treasure trove. With four sprawling floors of over a million books, it offers hours of fun exploring. Whether you’re searching for a rare first edition or simply want to browse the eclectic mix of genres, there’s something magical about the hunt through the vast collections. The historic warehouse setting adds to the charm, making it an adventure that’s as much about the experience as it is about the books themselves. It’s a place where time stands still, and every corner holds a new story waiting to be discovered.”
Corynn Coscia from Zingerman’s Bake House shares, “BAKE! is Zingerman’s Bakehouse’s hands-on teaching bakery, offering dozens of classes like cinn-ful cinnamon rolls, naturally leavened breads, Zingerman’s deli pot pies, and more! Join us and learn to make our beloved bread, pastries, and cakes yourself, all from scratch! When the weather gets cold, the kitchen is a great place to warm up and spend an afternoon of fun and learning with friends, family, coworkers, or your new community baking friends you’ll make in class.”
Winter eats and drinks in Detroit
When the temperature drops, Detroit’s food scene really starts to shine. The city’s restaurants, bakeries, and food trucks have plenty to offer during the winter months. Detroit’s culinary scene brings a mix of classic comfort food and exciting new flavors, perfect for refueling after a day of winter adventures.
PJ McGeary, CEO and founder of Arbor Trail Cleaning Co., shares their top pick of food choices: “As a native of Detroit and as someone who’s lived here for my whole life, I could give an endless list of recommendations. But, if I could only choose one place for new visitors to go, it would hands down be Sweetwater Tavern in downtown Detroit. This is a small yet classic restaurant that offers some of the best wings (and sauce) in town. If you do go, be sure to try the sweetwater wings’!”
For a drink away from the cold, “A must-do winter activity in Detroit is warming up at Corktown Taphouse” says Mitchell of Corktown Taphouse. “Where visitors can enjoy 76 self-pour taps featuring a mix of local and craft brews, alongside delicious comfort food and cozy vibes. Located in the heart of Corktown, the city’s oldest neighborhood, we also offer augmented reality dart lanes and duckpin bowling — perfect for group gatherings or friendly competition on a chilly winter day. Whether you’re exploring downtown or catching a game nearby, Corktown Taphouse is the ultimate spot to unwind and experience Detroit’s welcoming spirit.”
Detroit’s winter art scene
When the winter chill sets in, there’s no better way to warm up than by immersing yourself in the art of Detroit. The city is home to galleries, museums, and cultural institutions that showcase everything for art enthusiasts or casual enjoyers simply looking for a creative escape from the cold.
Anthony from Progressive Art Studio Collective says, “PASC is a studio and exhibitions program for adult artists with disabilities. We do exhibitions monthly showcasing our artist’s vibrant, vivid, and wild artworks at our PASC Detroit Gallery, inside the Lantern Building at 9301 Kercheval Ave, Suite 2, Detroit. Our gallery is open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday 12-5 pm, and by appointment. Our gallery and studio are open to the public and free to view.”
“Discovered Detroit’s vibrant art scene this winter with a visit to Detroit Institute of Arts,” says Touch of Class Cleaning Services. “Home to an impressive collection, you can explore everything from Diego Rivera’s Detroit industry murals to contemporary pieces. It’s a cultural gem that offers a warm escape from the cold and a chance to immerse yourself in world-class art.”
For a hands-on art experience, Ted Simpson of Nature’s Brush Studio who has been teaching people how to paint like Bob Ross for 7+ years invites you to stop by. He says, “Unleash your inner artist with a Certified Bob Ross Instructor. You’ll discover the Joy of Painting in relaxing 1-on-1 lessons, or in either public or private group classes. My expert guidance makes the process effortless, allowing you to create stunning works of art, even if you’ve never picked up a brush before. Whether you’re a seasoned painter or a complete beginner, you’ll leave feeling inspired and accomplished.”
