Michigan Travel and Events

January 6th, 2026

The legendary Harlem Globetrotters are bringing their high-energy basketball show to Little Caesars Arena in Detroit on January 24 at 2:00 PM, as part of their special 100 Year Tour celebrating a century of unforgettable sports entertainment. Expect amazing trick shots, comedy, and interactive fun for all ages.

Tickets & Parking

Tickets are on sale now through official ticketing platforms and the Little Caesars Arena box office. Prices vary by seating section, and mobile entry is standard, so be sure to download tickets before arriving.

Parking is available in nearby garages and surface lots surrounding the arena, with event parking typically ranging from $20–$35. Arriving early or reserving parking in advance is recommended.

About the Team & Venue

Founded in 1926, the Harlem Globetrotters are world-famous for combining elite basketball skills with humor and crowd interaction. Little Caesars Arena, located in downtown Detroit, is a premier sports and entertainment venue surrounded by restaurants, bars, and downtown attractions in The District Detroit.

Where: Little Caesars Arena, Detroit
When: January 24 at 2:00 PM

Check the official venue website for the latest ticket availability and event details here: https://www.harlemglobetrotters.com/world-tour/schedule/little-caesars-arena/

January 5, 2026

The Detroit Auto Show returns to downtown Detroit this January, bringing the global automotive spotlight back to the Motor City. Held at Huntington Place, the show is one of the most anticipated winter events in Michigan, featuring cutting-edge vehicles, electric car technology, interactive exhibits, and family-friendly experiences.

Whether you’re a lifelong car enthusiast or planning a winter city getaway, here’s everything you need to know before you go.

Detroit Auto Show 2026 Dates & Location

The 2026 Detroit Auto Show runs January 17–25, 2026, with daily public show hours from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (closing at 7:00 p.m. on the final day).

Location:
Huntington Place
1 Washington Blvd, Detroit, MI
Located along the Detroit Riverwalk in the heart of downtown

Admission & Ticket Prices

Tickets can be purchased online in advance or at the door. Public admission costs are listed before any taxes or fees are added.

• Adults: $25
• Seniors (65+): $15
• Children (ages 3–12): $10
• Children 2 and under: Free
• Family Pass: Available for added savings

Special events, including the Charity Preview Gala and industry days, are ticketed separately.

To see all ticket options and to buy your Auto Show tickets, go here: https://detroitautoshow.com/buy-tickets/

Parking & Transportation

Parking is available in on-site garages and nearby downtown parking structures, all within walking distance of Huntington Place.

Parking tips:

Reserve parking in advance using apps like SpotHero or ParkDetroit

Metered street parking is available throughout downtown

The Detroit People Mover and QLINE streetcar provide convenient access to Huntington Place from popular downtown areas

Food & Drinks at the Auto Show

Outside food and beverages are not permitted inside the venue, but food and drink vendors are available on-site throughout the show. Options typically include quick bites, snacks, and beverages for purchase during public hours.

For a full dining experience, downtown Detroit offers an excellent restaurant scene just steps from the show.

Where to Stay Near the Detroit Auto Show

Staying downtown puts you within walking distance of the auto show, dining, and major attractions.

Top nearby hotels:

• Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center, for riverfront views and connected walkways
• The Westin Book Cadillac Detroit, for historic luxury near Campus Martius
• Aloft Detroit at the David Whitney, for modern style with downtown energy
• DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Fort Shelby, for spacious rooms and central location

Booking early is recommended, as hotels fill quickly during auto show week.

Best Restaurants Near Huntington Place

Make the most of your visit with these popular nearby dining spots:

• Joe Muer Seafood, for upscale seafood with river views
• Prime + Proper, for high-end steakhouse for a memorable night out
• Texas de Brazil, for brazilian steakhouse and perfect for groups
• Buddy’s Pizza (Downtown), for Detroit-style pizza classic
• Lafayette Coney Island, for iconic Detroit comfort food

Many restaurants offer pre-show and late-night dining options during auto show week.

Why Visit the Detroit Auto Show?

The Detroit Auto Show blends automotive innovation with interactive fun, making it one of the top things to do in Detroit in January. From concept cars and electric vehicle test tracks to immersive displays and family-friendly attractions, it’s a must-see winter event that showcases Detroit’s automotive legacy and future.

Planning tip: 

Pair your visit with the Detroit Riverwalk, Campus Martius, or a Red Wings or Pistons game for a full weekend getaway.

January 4th, 2026

The Frankenmuth Covered Wooden Bridge, also known as the Holz Brücke, is one of the town’s most recognizable attractions and a highlight of any visit to Michigan’s “Little Bavaria.” Spanning the Cass River, the bridge connects downtown Frankenmuth with the Bavarian Inn Lodge and River Place Shops.

Although it looks historic, the bridge was built in 1980 to celebrate Frankenmuth’s German heritage and improve access across the river. Constructed using traditional timber-framing techniques, it stretches 239 feet, making it one of the largest covered wooden bridges in Michigan. Today, it serves cars, pedestrians, and cyclists while remaining a favorite photo spot year-round.

Safety tips for visiting:
• Walk carefully, as wooden planks can be uneven or slippery in rain or snow
• Use either of the two pedestrian walkways and stay alert to vehicle traffic
• Wear sturdy shoes, especially in winter
• Step away from the two lane traffic areas when taking photos

Whether you’re exploring Frankenmuth for the first time or returning for a weekend getaway, the covered bridge is a classic sight that blends history, scenery, and Bavarian charm.

January 3, 2026

Zehnder’s Snowfest returns to Frankenmuth this month, offering one of Michigan’s most popular winter festivals and an ideal reason to plan a seasonal getaway. Held in the heart of Michigan’s Little Bavaria, the festival combines winter art, outdoor activities, and the town’s well-known Bavarian charm.

This year's festival runs from January 28th to February 1st. Visitors can expect a lively yet approachable winter atmosphere, with snow and ice displays throughout downtown Frankenmuth, family-friendly events, and easy access to shops, restaurants, and attractions.

What to Expect at Zehnder’s Snowfest

Zehnder’s Snowfest highlights winter creativity and community spirit. Snow and ice sculptures anchor the event, encouraging visitors to explore downtown on foot while enjoying seasonal displays. The festival is designed for all ages, making it a strong option for couples, families, and weekend travelers.

Beyond the festival itself, Frankenmuth’s walkable downtown, riverfront views, and iconic Bavarian dining round out the experience, allowing visitors to combine outdoor winter activities with warm indoor escapes.

Suggested Weekend Itinerary

Friday: Arrival and Downtown Dining

Arrive in Frankenmuth in the evening and check into your hotel or lodge. Enjoy dinner at one of the town’s Bavarian-style restaurants, then take a short walk through downtown to see early evening winter displays.

Saturday: Festival Day

Start your morning with breakfast downtown before heading to Zehnder’s Fest events. Spend time viewing snow and ice sculptures and participating in scheduled activities. In the afternoon, browse Frankenmuth’s specialty shops, bakeries, and gift stores along Main Street. Warm up with coffee or hot chocolate before returning outside for more festival exploration. Enjoy the evening's fireworks display before warming up with a delicious dinner. Finish your day by relaxing back at your lodging.

Sunday: Brunch and Departure

Enjoy a relaxed brunch before revisiting favorite downtown spots or exploring nearby attractions such as the riverfront or covered bridge. Winter travel in Frankenmuth allows for a slower pace and easy sightseeing before heading home.

Why Visit Frankenmuth in Winter?

Winter is one of the best times to experience Frankenmuth’s charm. Zehnder’s Snowfest showcases the town’s seasonal character, scenic snow-covered streets, and a festive yet relaxed atmosphere. It’s an excellent choice for travelers seeking a short Michigan winter getaway.

Zehnder’s Fest Information and Event Details

For the most up-to-date event schedules, accommodations, and festival details, visit the official Zehnder’s Fest website:
https://www.zehnders.com/snowfest/

Planning ahead is recommended, especially for weekend stays during festival dates.

January 2, 2026

January is often perceived as a quiet month for travel in Michigan, yet it offers some of the state’s most striking seasonal experiences. Snow-covered shorelines, frozen waterfalls, and historic towns take on a slower, more contemplative character after the holiday crowds depart. For travelers willing to embrace winter conditions, Michigan provides a diverse range of destinations well suited for short January escapes.

From lakeside towns in the north to historic villages and winter resorts, weekend travel during this time of year emphasizes atmosphere, scenery, and accessibility rather than packed itineraries. These destinations highlight how Michigan’s winter landscape becomes an asset rather than an obstacle.

Traverse City: A Northern City in Its Quiet Season

In January, Traverse City reveals a subdued side that contrasts sharply with its summer reputation. The city’s proximity to Grand Traverse Bay creates a dramatic winter backdrop, with ice formations along the shoreline and snow blanketing nearby vineyards. Many wineries and restaurants remain open year-round, allowing visitors to enjoy the region’s culinary reputation without long waits or crowded tasting rooms.

Outdoor recreation continues through the winter months, particularly cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on maintained trails just outside the city. Indoors, Traverse City’s restaurants and cafes provide a warm counterpoint to the cold, offering an experience centered on comfort, food, and scenery rather than seasonal events.

Mackinac Island: History and Solitude in Winter

Few Michigan destinations change as dramatically with the seasons as Mackinac Island. In January, the absence of summer tourism transforms the island into a place of near solitude. Horse-drawn transportation is minimal, many businesses close for the season, and the pace slows considerably.

This quiet period allows visitors to experience the island’s historic architecture and natural landscapes without distraction. Snow-covered paths are used for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, while views of the frozen Straits of Mackinac emphasize the island’s isolation and historical significance. Winter travel here requires advance planning due to limited ferry service, but the reward is an experience unavailable during any other time of year.

The Upper Peninsula: Winter at Its Most Dramatic

The Upper Peninsula is perhaps Michigan’s most defining winter destination. January brings consistent snowfall, creating ideal conditions for snowmobiling, skiing, and ice fishing. The region’s natural features are particularly striking in winter, especially along Lake Superior, where frozen waterfalls and ice formations dominate the landscape.

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore becomes a focal point during this season, as cliffs and rock formations are encased in ice. Small towns throughout the U.P. remain active despite the cold, offering lodging, dining, and guided winter activities. Travel distances can be longer in winter, but the sense of scale and remoteness is central to the experience.

Frankenmuth: An Accessible Winter Village

Frankenmuth offers a different approach to January travel, emphasizing indoor attractions and walkable charm. The town’s Bavarian-inspired architecture is especially picturesque under snow, and its year-round attractions make it reliable regardless of weather conditions.

Shops, restaurants, and specialty stores remain open throughout the winter, allowing visitors to explore at a relaxed pace. Frankenmuth is well suited for short weekend trips, particularly for travelers seeking a low-effort destination that balances winter scenery with warm, indoor experiences.

Northern Michigan Ski Resorts: Purpose-Built Winter Travel

Resorts such as Boyne Mountain and Boyne Highlands are designed for winter conditions, making them natural January destinations. By midwinter, snow coverage is well established, and slopes tend to be less crowded than during peak holiday periods.

In addition to skiing and snowboarding, these resorts often include spas, indoor pools, and other amenities that extend the appeal beyond outdoor recreation. The result is a contained weekend experience where weather becomes part of the appeal rather than a limitation.

Practical Packing Considerations for January Travel

Successful winter travel in Michigan depends largely on preparation. Layered clothing allows travelers to adjust to temperature changes between outdoor activities and heated interiors. Waterproof boots with strong traction are essential, particularly in northern regions where snow and ice persist throughout the month.

Travelers should also be prepared for variable road conditions. Carrying a small winter travel kit—including a blanket, flashlight, and phone charger—adds an extra margin of safety, especially when traveling outside major metropolitan areas.

A Different Perspective on Michigan Travel

January reveals a side of Michigan that is often overlooked: quieter, more reflective, and defined by its natural winter environment. Weekend travel during this season favors scenic observation, local dining, and outdoor experiences shaped by snow and ice. For those willing to plan carefully and travel deliberately, January weekends in Michigan offer a distinctive and rewarding alternative to traditional seasonal travel.