30+ Michigan 2025-2026 Winter Festivals You Won’t Want to Miss

If you’re looking for ice festivals, snow festivals, or other winter festivals in Michigan to experience, here are a few of the best Michigan winter festivals this weekend and all winter long, no matter what region you are in! 

Michigan is famous for a few things, with one of them being the sheer amount of ice and snow the state gets each winter! Thanks to its proximity to the Great Lakes and its northern location, the Mitten State has a unique wintery climate.

But, that doesn’t stop the locals from celebrating the season, often outside in the icy streets.

Michigan Winter Festivals in December

Royal Oak Holidays | Royal Oak

November 21 – December 21 in Downtown Royal Oak

Royal Oak Holidays offers five consecutive festive consecutive weekends filled with free holiday fun in downtown Royal Oak. This beloved seasonal celebration merges with Winter Blast to bring a wide array of activities, entertainment, and holiday cheer for the whole family.

Each of the five weekends has a different focus. It starts with Grand Opening Weekend, which includes a park lighting, carnival rides, Santa visits, ice rink opening, the Great Royal Oak Elf Hunt, and stations for roasting marshmallows.

Thrill Weekend features zip line rides, horse and wagon rides, and a life-sized Hungry Hippos game, while Shops & Sweets Weekend highlight the holiday market, live music at the holiday cabin, and a cookie crawl.

Giving + Gliding Weekend and Grinch + Games Weekend have their own special activities, including a Royal Oak Police + Fire Broomball match and ice sculptures.

Also part of the festival, Sips of the Season is a special event that’s held November 28 – December 31. Visitors can enjoy signature holiday cocktails and the chance to win prizes at participating locations.

Christmas Holiday Magic | Flint

November 28-30, December 5-7, 12-14, 17-21, 26-28 at Crossroads Village

The annual Christmas Holiday Magic event in Flint, Michigan, features a huge outdoor light display with nearly three dozen light structures. The Crossroads Village also offers a buffet meal and an art exhibition where local artists display vintage crafts for sale.

Families are welcome to come ride the Christmas train through the village for a full outdoor tour of the light displays. This event has been a tradition in Genesee for more than 30 years and is a beloved staple of the community!

Holiday Walk | Flint

December 2 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Flint Cultural Center campus

You have probably heard of holiday light walks, but Flint’s annual event leaves them all behind.

This walk-thru holiday light extravaganza spans much of the downtown area and is hosted by some of Flint’s leading arts and cultural institutions, including the Flint Institute of the Arts, the Flint Institute of Music, the Flint Repertory Theater, Longway Planetarium, and many more.

As you walk, enjoy music from past holiday pop performances by the Flint Symphony Orchestra. Here’s a quick list of the activities you can expect:

• Food trucks on East Kearsley Street
• Holiday tree lighting ceremony in Durant Plaza
• Crafts and activities for all ages
• Caroling and live performances
• Visits with Santa Claus
• Open admission to museums

Related: Unique Winter Date Ideas in Flint & Genesee County

Christmas in Ida | Ida

December 4-7 around Ida

For more than 40 years, this small Southeast Michigan town has ushered in the holiday season with a scene straight out of a postcard. This festival, bathed in nostalgia, includes the famous Parade of Lights, considered to be the granddaddy of Michigan light parades.

Here’s a list of the scheduled events:

Thursday, December 4

• Festival Opening
• Encore Concert: Twas the Night Before Christmas in Ida
• Holiday Arts on the Avenue Exhibit Opens

Friday, December 5

• Boychoir of Ann Arbor Commemorative Concert at the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church
• Holiday Arts on the Avenue Exhibit (Continues)
• The Jingle Bell Rockout! Concert in a heated outdoor theater center in Ida Township Parking Lot

Saturday, December 6

• Regional Entertainment All Day
• Christmas in Ida Country Concerts in the in a heated outdoor theater center
• Meet and Greet with Young Country Concert stars in the partners tent
• Holiday Arts on the Avenue Exhibit (Continues All Day)
• Christmas in Ida Parade of Lights

Sunday, December 7

• Ida Public School Bands Collage Concert at Ida High School

McLaren Port Huron Festival of Trees | Port Huron

December 5 from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Blue Water Convention Center

The McLaren Port Huron Festival of Trees in Port Huron takes place each November or December. This community effort often takes place in new locations around town, both indoors and out.

It features upwards of 30 beautifully decorated and themed trees that are open for the public to enjoy. Some of the trees also feature raffles with themes, such as Pet Christmas or holiday movies.

All the proceeds go towards a local charitable endeavor. For 2025, it’s for a new K-9 Security Unit to improve safety across the campus of McLaren Port Huron.

In 2024, the raised funds went toward a state-of-the-art 3-D Cone Beam CT Machine for the local hospital.

Christmas in the Village | Escanaba

December 5 & 6 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Antique Village

If you love old Christmas traditions and the feeling of classic Yuletide cheer, this festival is perfect for you. The Antique Village, as it is known, hosts an “old-fashioned” holiday event that includes all the things that make the holidays feel warm and bright.

For two days, there are decorations, lights, and Christmas carols galore, as well as bonfires and wagon rides. You will also find complementary and for-sale treats, such as hot chestnuts, cocoa, popcorn, and Christmas cookies.

Also, make sure to enter your name in the raffle for the chance to win a handmade quilt!

Watch this amazing video of Christmas in the Village in Escanaba.

January Michigan Winter Festivals

Tahquamenon Country Sled Dog Race | Newberry 

January 9-11 at Muskallonge State Park

You’ve probably read about sled dog races, but you may not have had the chance to see one happen! The annual Tahquamenon Country Sled Dog Race has been a tradition in Muskallonge State Park since 1999.

It includes both hobby and professional race teams and features plenty of races throughout the weekend. There will also be food trucks on-site so that onlookers can enjoy barbecue, hot cocoa, and other treats at the concession as they enjoy the race beside a bonfire.

A dinner is held on January 10 at 5:30 p.m. at LMAS District Health Department as well. The proceeds from the $15 ticket price will go to Newberry High School Athletes.

Additionally, there’s a silent auction during the event to raise funds to support the race and various community initiatives. It starts on January 9 in the evening and ends on January 10 at 8 p.m.

World of Winter | Grand Rapids

January 9 – March 1 in Downtown Grand Rapids

The World of Winter festival in Grand Rapids is all about helping the local community make the most of living in a cold region. To that end, the event aims to provide fun and engaging community activities that are accessible even in cold, snowy weather!

World of Winter is free for all visitors and perfect for visitors of any age. The schedule of events is quite long to include here, but you’ll find public art installations, a light maze, one-of-a-kind tours, scavenger hunts, snowman-building competitions, and more.

You may even be able to enjoy the best ice sculptures Grand Rapids offers. The events change regularly, so there is always something new and amazing going on!

Related: Looking for a 21+ winter festival in West Michigan? Don’t miss the Grand Rapids Winter Beer Festival!

Winter Wheat Music Festival | Grand Rapids

January 10 from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. at The Intersection

Winter Wheat is a premier indoor music and dancing festival rooted in the traditions of the Wheatland Music Festival. It welcomes all ages to come warm up during the winter blues with great music, dancing, and camaraderie.

Held at The Intersection in Grand Rapids, this one-day event offers nearly nine hours of live music on two stages featuring a rich mix of Cajun, Americana, Bluegrass, Latin, and Traditional music styles.

In addition to music, Winter Wheat features Cajun and Honky-Tonk dancing and food trucks, such as Patty Matters.

Advance tickets are available for $32, with door tickets priced at $40. A partnership with Bistro Bella Vita, which offers attendees with a wristband or ticket a 15% discount on a meal.

Detroit Auto Show | Detroit

January 14-25 at Huntington Place

The Detroit Auto Show, one of the world’s premier automotive events, returns to Downtown Detroit in January 2026 with a full slate of major automotive brands showcasing the latest innovations and vehicles.

Visitors can experience immersive indoor tracks, the debut of the Michigan Overland Adventure, and the Visit Detroit Interactive Experience. The show also features The Gallery, highlighting ultra-luxury vehicles.

A highlight of the event is the Charity Preview gala on Friday, January 16, headlined by international superstar Robin Thicke and guest performances by Detroit’s own Trick Trick and DJ Rimarkable.

The black-tie gala benefits six children’s charities in Southeast Michigan and has raised over $125 million since its inception in 1976.

The 2026 show also hosts the Mobility Global Forum, an executive symposium addressing the future of mobility and transportation, featuring C-level keynotes, fireside chats, and industry panels.

Annual Ice Sculpture Festival | Tecumseh

January 16 & 17 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Downtown Tecumseh

The annual Ice Sculpture Festival in Tecumseh is a family-friendly event for all ages. It features more than 45 custom ice sculptures from local artists – all of which are open for the public to enjoy!

In the meantime, visitors can enjoy plenty of crafts, games, and other activities. There will also be food and beverages from local vendors to enjoy. Saturday is the big day for the events, though:

• Live Carving Demonstrations
• Downtown Scavenger Hunt
• Dueling Carvers Competitions at the Corner of Chicago Blvd. and S. Evans Street

A map of sculpture locations and scavenger hunt details will be available closer to the event date.

Grand Haven Winterfest | Grand Haven 

January 22-25 around Grand Haven

There are so many winter Michigan events going on during the Grand Haven Winterfest, you might not have the time to enjoy them all! This annual celebration takes place in late January and features something for visitors of all ages and interests.

The three-day festival will have plenty of food and drink as you enjoy a wide variety of events, most of which are held on Saturday:

Thursday, January 22

• Glow Bowl at Mulligan’s Hollow

Friday, January 23

• Cardboard Sled Build at White Pines Middle School
• Slopestyle Competition at Mulligan’s Hollow

Saturday, January 24

• Dog Sled Demonstrations at Mulligan’s Hollow
• Cardboard Sled Race at Mulligan’s Hollow
• Euchre Tournament at Elk’s Lodge
• Kids Day at Tri-Cities YMCA
• Snow Angel Contest at Tri-Cities YMCA
• Bonfire Bash at Harborfront Parking Lot
• Freeze 4 All Snow Volleyball at Harborfront Parking Lot
• Winterfest Fireworks Finale in Downtown Grand Haven

Sunday, January 25

• Flannel and Flapjacks at Kirby House

Tip Up Town USA | Houghton Lake

January 24, 25, & 31 at Houghton Lake

Tip Up Town USA is all about competitive, fun outdoor winter events! If you love breaking a sweat out in the snow, this festival should be on your list.

Every year, the people of Houghton Lake come together for some cold weather fun, including a 5k race, tug-of-war, games, an ice fishing competition, and snowmobile drag racing.

Anyone feeling particularly brave is welcome to take part in the Polar Bear Dip in the lake. If you’d rather watch, there is plenty to enjoy from the sidelines, including food and live entertainment.

Polar Plunge | Across Michigan

January 25 – March 21 in 25+ locations

The Polar Plunge is a spirited series of fundraising events where participants bravely jump into freezing cold water to support the athletes of Special Olympics Michigan.

This statewide tradition combines fun, community spirit, and philanthropy to make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Most of the individual events have an After-Splash Bash & Awards immediately following the plunge and include lunch for the participants. Others feature pre-plunge parties, costume parades, and food available for spectators to purchase.

Zehnder’s Snowfest | Frankenmuth 

January 28 – February 1 at Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth

Zehnder’s Snowfest has become one of the most famous ice sculpting festivals – not just in Michigan, but in North America! At this Frankenmuth ice fest, you will see some of the biggest ice and snow sculptures you have ever seen — and that’s not all.

This super unique event also features a petting zoo, tons of crafts and games, and even a fireworks show. Sculpting competitions range from single-person entries to team entries that go up to 100 ice blocks in size!

There’s even an ABC Baking Competition, which features Apple Delights, Brownie Bonanza, and Cupcake Extravaganza – hence the ABC – and prizes for finalists.

Related: Don’t miss celebrating the Christmas holidays with a visit to Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland!

Ice, Wine, Beer & Blues | Marshall

January 30 & 31 in Downtown Marshall and The Franke Center for the Arts

The Ice, Wine, Beer & Blues festival is a vibrant winter celebration that combines the best of craft beverages, live entertainment, and unique winter experiences in the charming town of Marshall.

This two-day event draws visitors from across Michigan and beyond for a weekend of tasting, music, and community fun. The first night (Friday, January 30) features beer and wine tasting and live ice sculpting, and tickets cost $25 or $40 if you want a souvenir goblet.

The second night (Saturday, January 31) features a concert by Albert Cummings. Ticket prices range from $41 to $186 depending on the seats you choose and whether you want to add a tasting or a tasting with a goblet.

Plymouth Ice Festival | Plymouth

January 30 – February 1 around Downtown Plymouth

Each year, the Plymouth Ice Festival features more than 65 ice sculptures handmade by local sculptors, who provide live demonstrations. These line the streets of the town, serving as a backdrop to the rest of the festivities of the day.

There is plenty to eat and drink, including concessions next to the Penn Theatre. Enjoy shopping for gifts as well as taking part in a special game of Ice Festival Bingo, which could earn you a prize! Some other festivities you may enjoy during this event include:

• Crazy Craig Comedy Shows
• College Ice Carving Competition
• Dueling Chainsaws Competition
• Family petting zoo and pony rides
• Professional Ice Carving Competition
• Movie-watching at the Penn Theater

Ice Breaker Festival | South Haven

January 30 – February 1 around Downtown South Haven

Through much of the winter, the city of South Haven is a quiet spot. But, during the annual South Haven Ice Breaker Festival in late January to early February, it becomes a hotspot for winter celebration!

This event features everything from community competitions to great food and drink specials and ice sculptures on display. Visitors are welcome to participate in the cardboard sled race, enjoy some ice skating or curling, or hit up the shops for unique gifts.

Most famous is the one-of-a-kind frozen fish flinging competition, which needs no explanation. Some other highlights include:

• Saturday Chili Cook-Off
• S’mores roasting at bonfires
• Snowsuit Fashion Competition
• Horse-drawn wagon rides

Pure Ludington Brrrewfest | Ludington

January 31 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Legacy Plaza

Most people want to stay inside when the weather drops, but not the people of Ludington. Instead, they decide to face the Michigan winter with a drink (or many) in hand!

The annual Pure Ludington Brrrewfest puts local craft beers on spotlight, with live music and tasting menus galore.

Hosted in downtown Ludington, there is something for everyone here – from local beers, wines, and liquors to delicious food from Jamesport Brewing Company and Lakeside Wiener Wagon.

The ticket price is $30 if you buy between December 2 and January 30 or $40 if you buy on the day, and each one includes seven drink tokens and a 5-ounce commemorative tasting glass.

All of the proceeds will go toward programs, activities, and volunteer efforts organized by the Friends of the Ludington State Park.

Michigan Winter Festivals in February

Michigan Tech Winter Carnival | Houghton

February 4-7 at Michigan Technical University

The annual Michigan Tech Winter Carnival is famous in the Upper Peninsula and has been hosted for a century! Taking place in early to mid-February, the Houghton carnival is a unique celebration of the heavy snowfall Northern Michigan experiences.

Visitors have the chance to play outdoor games and see snow and ice sculptures. There are also comedy sketches and other performances put on by the students of Michigan Tech. Here’s a list of all the events to expect across the campus:

Thursday, February 5

• Statue Judging Begins
• Cross-Country Skiing
• Blue Key Presents: Winter Carnival Stage Revue Show

Friday, February 6

• Human Dog Sled Race
• Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding
• Keweenaw Alumni Winter Carnival Hockey Skybox
• Zarna Garg: Winter Carnival Comedian

Saturday, February 7

• Alumni-Student Broomball Invitational 2026
• Alumni Social + Winter Carnival Exhibit
• Tug-of-War
• MAE Winter Carnival Hockey Skybox Alumni Social

Each year has a theme for the snow statue-building competition, for which preparations start at the beginning of the year. For 2026, the theme is “Through Ice and Snow To Space We Go!” The 2025 theme was “Dragons, Knights, and Legendary Sights.” There are prizes for the best snow sculptures as well!

Perchville USA | Tawas City

February 5-8 across Tawas City and East Tawas

Perchville USA is a beloved annual winter festival in Tawas City, celebrating community spirit, family fun, and Northern Michigan’s fishing heritage.

Now in its 76th year, this iconic event draws visitors from across the region to enjoy a variety of activities, contests, and entertainment throughout the weekend.

While the festival officially starts on February 5, the Perchville Coronation Breakfast will be held on January 31 at the American Legion in East Tawas to kick off the celebration by crowning the Perchville royalty for the year.

Attendance to the breakfast requires a festival button, which is available for purchase for $10, and the proceeds go toward funding the Perchville USA’s activities and events. Some highlights include:

• “Paint a Perch” Art Contest – blank wooden perch cutouts are available ahead of time at the Tawas Bay Art Gallery
• “Chilly” Cook-Off
• Perchville Fishing Tournament
• Live entertainment and activities, such as cornhole tournaments and workshops
• Family Expo, featuring decorated booths, games, and prizes for kids

Holland on Ice | Holland

February 6 & 7 in Downtown Holland

Holland on Ice is the coolest winter event on the Lakeshore, featuring incredible ice sculpting, interactive ice games, and family-friendly fun throughout Downtown Holland.

Watch the nation’s best professional ice carvers transform over 10,000 pounds of ice into stunning large-scale sculptures live for two days. These amazing works of art remain on display throughout the weekend, weather permitting.

Visitors can enjoy interactive ice sculptures and games, such as ice thrones and tic-tac-toe, perfect for memorable photos and playful fun.

The event also includes the popular Meltdown Sale, where over 30 downtown shops and restaurants offer deep discounts and winter-themed promotions as they prepare for spring.

For fitness enthusiasts, the Holland on Ice Snowmelt 5K fun run and Kids’ Mini Dash take place Saturday morning, taking advantage of Holland’s heated sidewalks and streets that melt snow for a safe, comfortable race experience.

Additional highlights include the all-new Holland Ice Park, where visitors can skate, curl, and enjoy winter activities on a sparkling ice pond and skating ribbon.

The Downtown Holland Social District is also open throughout the event, allowing visitors 21+ to enjoy outdoor drinks while exploring the ice sculptures.

Ice Fest | St. Joseph

February 6-8 around St. Joseph

Ice Fest is an annual winter celebration sponsored by Silver Beach Pizza that transforms downtown St. Joseph into a frosty playground of art, fun, and family-friendly activities.

This magical weekend showcases professional ice carving, interactive ice sculptures, scavenger hunts, and live entertainment, drawing visitors from across the region to enjoy the winter season.

Some special highlights include a Fire & Ice Tower (Friday, February 6) and Ice Interactives and a tour by Magician John Dudley (Saturday, February 7).

Heikki Lunta Festival | Negaunee

February 6-8 in Downtown Negaunee

Heikki Lunta is a figure of folklore that you won’t find anywhere outside of Michigan. This legend was formed by the Scandinavian immigrants in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. These celebrations are totally unique to the communities here!

Heikki Lunta is considered the embodiment of winter. In his honor, the annual festival is a celebration of all things wintery and cold! There are food and games galore, as well as plenty of crafts and activities as well as a parade. Here are some of the free activities that you can expect:

Friday, February 6

• Opening Ceremony & Cauldron Lighting
• Irontown Rail Jam

Saturday, February 7

• Lugging at the UP Luge Club
• Snow Volleyball at Jackson Mine Park
• Heikki Lunta Triva at Negaunee Public Library
• Family Day with sledding, gourmet s’mores, and miniature horse rides
• Live Music at Heikki’s Warming Tent
• Snowshoe Lantern Tour of Historic Old Town
• Fireworks at Jackson Mine Park

Sunday, February 8

• Pasty Eating Contest at U.P. Brewing Co.

Michigan Ice Fest | Munising

February 11-15 around Munising

In some of the iciest spots off of Lake Superior, locals host the annual Michigan Ice Fest. This isn’t just a time to celebrate — instead, it is the chance to take part in ice climbing, a unique and exciting outdoor sport unlike any you’ve tried before.

Visitors of any skill level are welcome to participate, with classes and gear available for beginners. This festival, a Munising winter tradition for 30 years, should be a destination for anyone who loves outdoor winter sports.

However, it’s not all about the sports. Visitors at the Michigan Ice Festival can enjoy other events, such as Coffee Talks at Gallery Coffee, Climbing Crafts at East Channel Brewing Facility, Mountain Books Signing at Guides Center, and Ice Fest Street Party at East Channel Brewing.

Winter Wonderland Weekend | Petoskey

February 13-15 in Downtown Petoskey

Petoskey’s Winter Wonderland Weekend is a festive celebration of all things wintery and bright. Visitors are welcome to stroll Downtown Petoskey’s charming streets filled with ice sculptures, enjoy fun activities, sample tasty treats, and shop for deals at local boutiques.

A full schedule of events isn’t posted for 2026 yet. However, you can take a look at some highlights of Winter Wonderland Weekend 2025:

• Cupid’s Clues: Embark on a Valentine’s word hunt at local shops for a chance to win prizes.
• Winter Warmer Drink Contest: Taste and vote for your favorite cozy beverages at downtown eateries
• Sweet Treat Stroll: Indulge in delicious treats from select downtown shops on Valentine’s Day.
• Free Open Studio at Crooked Tree Arts Center: Engage in a family-friendly winter art experiment.
• Explore the Watershed Discovery Center: Participate in hands-on activities and crafts, visit with aquatic friends, and enjoy hot cocoa and cookies.
• Live Ice Carving: Watch skilled ice carvers create stunning masterpieces in Pennsylvania Park.
• Petoskey Chili Trail: Sample free chili from various downtown hotspots, each offering unique flavors.
• Winter Wagon Rides: Take a free Clydesdale-drawn wagon ride through Downtown Petoskey!

Tip: While you’re there, be sure to explore more of the best winter things to do in Petoskey!

Saginaw Outhouse Races | Saginaw

February 14 from 1 p.m. at Hoyt Park

For nearly a dozen years, competitors and spectators have made their way to Hoyt Park in Saginaw for a fun (and ahem, crappy) afternoon of racing in the bitter cold of winter for the Outhouse Races.

Teams of three to five racers build custom outhouses – complete with a roll of toilet paper and one team member riding a toilet seat inside the outhouse. Then, they push and pull their rigs around a track in a series of time trials and head-to-head races that usually see down-to-the-wire finishes.

Benzie Winterfest | Beulah

February 14 from 10 a.m. in Downtown Beulah

Michiganders know how to beat the winter blues by embracing the cold and snow. The Benzie Winterfest, hosted annually in the city of Beulah on the second Saturday in February, is the perfect example.

Every year, the community dives in with a weekend of games, crafts, competitions, and delicious food. Participate in the annual chili cookoff or enter one-of-a-kind competitions, such as the outhouse race.

The schedule of events hasn’t been officially decided for 2026, but there are activities here for visitors of all ages, so make sure to bring your kids along. Plus, the night always ends with Fireworks on Crystal Lake.

Alpena Ice Fest | Alpena

February 21 from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. in Downtown Alpena & Mich-e-kewis Park

Alpena Ice Fest, held in mid-February, is a throwback to the city’s Winter Carnival, which was held between the early 1930s and the 1960s. This free public event in Northeast Michigan provides a full day of winter fun for the entire family.

There’s something for everyone – from ice sculpting and demonstrations to food and entertainment! Watching the dueling ice sculptors from Ice Creations of Napoleon, Ohio, is one of the most interesting things to do at the festival.

Dozens of other ice sculptures, including some by local sculptors and artists, will be on display throughout the park and Downtown Alpena.

Also, there will be Siberian husky sled dogs to meet, a snow hill to sled down, prepackaged s’mores to eat by a huge bonfire, and horse-drawn wagon rides to enjoy. You can even do some ice bowling and take a selfie with the Ice Frame sculpture.

You can even get in touch with your competitive side by participating in contests such as amateur snowman and snow angel building, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, and amateur fat tire biking.

The night culminates with the Fire & Ice Downtown event, which features themed drinks and eats at the local bars, restaurants, and taprooms. The town lights up a special sculpture to commemorate the event as well.

Traverse City Restaurant Week | Traverse City 

February 22-28 around Traverse City

Every February in Traverse City, visitors get the chance to try the unique menus of local restaurants throughout the region. The participating restaurants change annually, with options such as local breweries, coffee shops, cafes, steakhouses, bistros, and fine dining.

This event still offers the chance to try some amazing new food while supporting local restaurants in Traverse City. Guests can check into participating restaurants with their event passport to be entered into drawings for prizes.

Tip: Make a weekend of it and enjoy some more of these winter things to do in Traverse City!

Michigan Nordic Fire Festival | Charlotte

February 27 – March 1 at the Eaton County Fairgrounds

Experience the warmth and excitement of the Michigan Nordic Fire Festival is a unique celebration of Nordic culture with fire-themed entertainment, artisan markets, live music in heated venues, and family-friendly activities. Here are some highlights:

• Viking combat shows
• Mead-making demonstrations
• Hands-on archery and axe and spear throwing
• Norse storytellers and reenactments
• Wack-a-Saxon, tug of war, and beard competitions

Visitors enjoy a vibrant atmosphere filled with glowing fire displays and performances, delicious food, and community spirit. Here are the hours for the key venues around the fairgrounds:

Artisan Market

• Friday, February 27: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• Saturday, February 28: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Sunday, March 1: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tyr’s Tavern

• Friday, February 27: 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
• Saturday, February 28: Noon to 11 p.m.
• Sunday, March 1: Noon to 4 p.m.

Midgard Mead Hall

• Friday, February 27: 5 p.m. to 11 p.m.
• Saturday, February 28: Noon to 11 p.m.

Trenary Outhouse Classic | Trenary

February 28 from 1:30 p.m. in Downtown Trenary

The Trenary Outhouse Classic is a uniquely American winter tradition that combines patriotism, creativity, and good-natured competition.

Participants build and race homemade outhouses on skis through snowy downtown streets, creating a fun and festive atmosphere for the whole community.

Now in its 33rd year, the event draws racers and spectators alike to enjoy the spirited races, local food vendors, and a celebration of small-town charm.

Whether you’re there to compete or cheer on the teams, the Trenary Outhouse Classic is always held on the last Saturday of February, offering a memorable day of winter fun, creativity, and community pride.

March Michigan Winter Festivals

Suds & Snow | Traverse City

March 7 from Noon to 10 p.m. at the Timber Ridge RV & Recreation Resort

Suds & Snow is the ultimate end-of-winter celebration in Northern Michigan, combining craft beverages, live music, and outdoor winter fun. More than 20 craft breweries, cideries, and distilleries participate.

Known as “The Ultimate Party in the Woods,” this festival features a scenic ½-mile hike through the backwoods of Timber Ridge Resort with multiple live music stages along the trail. The festival is themed every year, and the theme for 2026 is Detroit. For 2025, the festival had a pirate theme.

Open only to adults 21 and older, the festivities start at 1 p.m., but VIP ticket holders get one-hour early access. The main event ends at 6 p.m., but an official after party hosted by Silver Spruce Brewing Co. continues the party until 10 p.m.

Single ticket prices for Suds & Snow range from $40 to $72, and additional tickets are two for $8 if you purchase in advance or $5 each on the day.

Southern Michigan Winter Beer Festival | Jackson 

March 14 from Noon to 5 p.m. at Keeley Park (aka Jackson County Fairgrounds)

Michiganders seem to understand that, sometimes, all you need to chase away the winter blues is a good drink.

In Jackson, you can find the Southern Michigan Winter Beer Festival, a craft beer event that offers the chance to try 150 craft beers, including locally made brews and imports. If you prefer, you can sip on a variety of ciders, meads, and wines instead.

Dozens of breweries take part every year. The event spans indoor and outdoor spaces with plenty of food trucks, games, and live entertainment, including ice sculpture demonstrations. You’ll even find bonfires outside so you can enjoy a beer and a meal in the snow!

Tickets for the Southern Michigan Winter Beer Festival are $45 in advance or $50 on the day, and each one includes 10 tasting tokens and a tasting cup. Those who purchase the $80 VIP tickets get one-hour early entry, 15 tokens, a tasting mug, and a commemorative sweatshirt. Designated driver attendees only need to pay $15.

Carnival Weekend at Boyne Mountain | Boyne Falls

March 21 & 22 at Boyne Mountain Resort

Carnival Weekend at Boyne Mountain is the rowdiest, most outrageous end-of-season party in Michigan’s ski country.

This vibrant celebration welcomes spring with wild costumes, live music, and high-energy slope-side festivities, making it a must-attend event for winter enthusiasts ready to send the season off in style.

Highlights during the weekend include slopeside sessions with DJ Jenn N Juice, a costume contest, and evening parties. There’s also the Slush Cup, during which daredevils try to skim across icy water.

Visiting Winter Festivals in Michigan

No matter where you are in Michigan, there is plenty of winter fun at hand. Don’t let the winter blues get you down this year — instead, look around for the nearest festival and join your community in celebrating the ice and snow!

Looking for more Michigan winter things to do? Check out the best Michigan cross country skiing trails or grab your skates and head to one of these ice skating rinks in Michigan. Or to extend your snowy fun, explore the best Michigan winter getaways!