Winter at the Station Transforms Detroit’s Iconic Landmark for the Holidays

The city of Detroit really shines during the holiday season. You’ll find all kinds of activities across Metro Detroit, such as ice skating at Campus Martius Park and Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village.

After a successful Winter at The Station event in 2024, which attracted almost 55,000 people, Michigan Central is hosting the holiday celebration again this year, turning it into a new tradition. Here’s everything that you need to know about the event!

Celebrate the Holidays at Winter at The Station

Winter at The Station brings festive cheer to Detroit’s historic Michigan Central in Corktown. During the event, the landmark will transform into a holiday destination filled with light displays, local shopping, food vendors, and live entertainment.

The event aims to capture the spirit of the season while celebrating the city’s creativity and community. In a statement, Michigan Central head of brand and communications Catherin Kelly said:

“Winter at The Station is a place for all to gather and celebrate. We believe that Winter at The Station will become a part of the city’s cultural identity and are working hard to ensure it becomes one of its most cherished holiday traditions.”

Parking at Michigan Central

Parking is easy with the Bagley Mobility Hub garage located at 1501 Wabash St., just a short walk from The Station, for $5 per vehicle. ADA drop-off is available at the east entrance on 15th Street, and the area is accessible by public transportation.

Everything You Need to Know About Winter at The Station

From November 14 through December 28, 2025, Detroit’s Michigan Central will once again transform into a winter wonderland for the second annual Winter at The Station.

The event is free and open to the public most days, with a few special ticketed programs sprinkled throughout the season.

Whether you’re stopping by for a cup of coffee, catching a live show, or doing some holiday shopping, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Festive Decor and Interactive Displays

Step inside the beautifully restored landmark and take in the contemporary holiday décor throughout The Station. You’ll find a show-stopping display honoring The Station’s past, along with a digital mural that comes to life with a wave of your hand.

Visitors can also explore the new Innovation Immersion Room, which highlights Michigan Central’s growing tech ecosystem. Don’t forget to stop by the selfie station to capture your perfect holiday photo, too.

Food and Drinks

Grab a coffee or donut from Yellow Light Coffee & Donuts, or treat yourself to scratch-made frozen favorites from Momento Gelato. Also, The Study Bar will be open 12–4 p.m. on Friday through Sunday.

On special event days, enjoy seasonal food, beverages, and cocktails in The Station’s Concourse, served by Cutting Edge Cuisine.

Family-Friendly Fun

Winter at The Station is designed for visitors of all ages. Families can attend Storytime at The Station, a free reading event in partnership with Henry Ford Health and the Detroit Pistons. It will feature a Pistons player and an appearance by the team’s mascot, Hooper.

Kids can also join Sammy Whammy’s felt workshops, including a cookie-decorating session on Nov. 28 and a train garland workshop on Dec. 13 — no registration required.

Free Live Music and Performances

Throughout the season, enjoy live performances curated by Detroit’s D. Cipher collective, featuring a mix of jazz, soul, electronic, and acoustic sounds.

• Nov. 15–16: Performances by Ackeem Salmon.
• Dec. 20–21: Music from Salt to Sun.
• Dec. 27–28: Closing weekend shows by Shigeto.

A Cozy Holiday Visit to Winter at the Station

Awesome Mitten writer Stefanie Caloia has the inside scoop on a quiet weekday visit to soak in the splendor of Winter at the Station:

As if Michigan Central Station wasn’t stunning enough, it is now decked out for the holiday season. Evergreens drape the interior in a yuletide robe while giant silver bulbs bubble from the glass ceiling of the concourse.

The station is home to retailer Folk and its own gift shop year-round, but now also hosts pop-up markets on weekends for your holiday shopping convenience. Also popping up this season are musical performances and family-friendly movies.

I visited on a relatively quiet weekday to find plenty of space to just hang out. The study – formerly the women’s waiting room – is handsomely furnished with a variety of chairs and tables. Some folks were working on their computers while others engaged with analog games and puzzles. I enjoyed my chai latte and donut from Yellowlight. The main waiting room – the grandest space in the building – is not open for wandering at this time, but visitors can still view all its glory.

The concourse is filled with more comfy lounging areas and kid-friendly activities. Little ones can write letters to Santa with colorful pencils and send them through a mail box that only delivers to the North Pole. Then they can watch the big screen for the train to arrive.

If you’re looking for holiday fun or coziness in Detroit, Michigan Central Station is worth a visit.

-Awesome Mitten writer Stefanie Caloia

Winter at The Station Special Events

While The Station will be open to the public and free to visit during regular hours, Monday – Sunday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., several special events will take place outside of those hours and will require tickets.

Special Events Highlights

• Nov. 14: Opening Night Celebration with live music and DJ Legendary J. Hearns (5– 10 p.m., $15 tickets).
• Nov. 28: Fridays at The Station music series featuring Drey Skonie and The kLouds Band, plus extended shopping hours (5–10 p.m., $15 tickets).
• Nov. 29: Holiday Extended Hours until 9 p.m., perfect for finding unique gifts from Detroit makers.
• Dec. 3: Eisenhower Dance Detroit: I Am Not Myself is a preview performance and discussion with Maxine Doyle ($15 tickets).
• Dec. 19:  Fridays at The Station with Urban Art Orchestra (5–10 p.m., $15 tickets).

Local Shopping and Creative Workshops

Find one-of-a-kind gifts from Detroit artisans and retailers at pop-ups throughout The Station, or browse The Shop and Neighbor x Folk for local goods. At The Shop, a gift-wrapping service will be available — free for items purchased there.

Creative workshops will also take place on select weekends:

• Nov. 8: Greeting Card Collage Workshop with Homespun and Green.
• Nov. 16: Holiday Floral Centerpiece Workshop with VidaBloomz.
• Dec. 13: Block Print Workshop for personalized wrapping paper.

A New Detroit Holiday Tradition

As the lights glow across Corktown and music fills the halls of Michigan Central, Winter at The Station is quickly becoming one of Detroit’s most beloved holiday traditions.

What started as a new experiment in 2024 has already turned into a must-visit celebration of community, creativity, and togetherness.

Whether you’re coming to shop local, enjoy live music, or simply take in the beauty of the historic station dressed for the season, Winter at The Station offers a little something for everyone.

It’s a reminder of how Detroit continues to reinvent itself — honoring its past while building a bright, connected future.

So, bundle up, bring your friends and family, and make some memories in the heart of the city this winter.