Guide to Winter in Detroit

Downtown Detroit is a real-life Wonderland these days and you don’t want to miss it!

For exact hours and details of programming in all Downtown Detroit Parks, including Beacon Park, please flip through the winter brochure.

The Rink @ Campus Martius Park
Located in the heart of Downtown, The Rink is the centerpiece of Detroit’s Gathering Place this winter season. The Rink is open every day including Christmas and New Year’s Eve, weather permitting. Prices: Skate rental is $4; Admission is $8 for adults and $7 for Seniors (59+) and Children (12 & under). Broomball leagues start January 8 through February 26.

Rinkside Dining & Drinks
Enjoy a fine dining experience at Parc that with 270-degree views of Campus Martius Park and Downtown Detroit. The menu includes traditional midwestern comfort foods and seasonally-inspired cocktails. Detroit’s favorite shipping container bar has transformed for the holiday season as Winter Fountain, where you can grab a quick cocktail or bite to eat and enjoy views of the city and Christmas tree with friends. For family-friendly concessions, stop into the Arctic Zone for hot chocolate and s’mores supplies.

Cadillac Square Lodge
New this year, the Cadillac Square Lodge offers a cozy, heated spot to enjoy Michigan beers and wine with stunning views of Detroit’s Christmas Tree and skyline. Exquisitely decorated with inviting oversized leather couches and rustic accents, this heated tent is sure to be a hub of activity this winter.
Hours: Wednesday & Thursday 4p to 10pm; Friday & Satday 4pm to midnight; Sunday 12pm to 5pm. 

Cadillac Square + Capitol Park Markets 
Shoppers have a festive place to support local small business owners in metro Detroit. From November 17 – January 7, stop by the Holiday Market in Cadillac Square and Capitol Park for a variety of items, from clothing and jewelry to yoga classes and toboggans. The Market is closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

Christmas Tree Farm at Capitol Park
Detroit’s newest Christmas tree lot opens November 17. Pick up a tree and decorations for the holidays and grab a bite to eat from Eatori Market, which will be located in the park throughout the season.

Downtown Street Eats
Food trucks are returning to Downtown Detroit for the winter season. Find a variety of food trucks in Cadillac Square, Spirit of Detroit, and The Woodward Esplanade until March 4 and in Beacon Park until January 28.

Horse-drawn Carriage Rides
Take a ride through Downtown Detroit’s beautifully decorated streets on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays until December 30. Tickets are available for purchase at Cadillac Square – $10 per person and $40 for a private group ride. Carriage rides will be closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

Spirit Plaza
Spirit Plaza transports visitors into a winter wonderland filled with light, games and fun. Igloo-style huts beckon guests inside to enjoy a variety of activities, including foosball, pingpong, and card games. An “Ice Cube” maze delights children, who wind their way through the colorful structure within this whimsical oasis in the heart of the city. Spirit Plaza is the place to find local made treats for the child in us all. Food artisans have curated a one-of-a-kind selection of treats including hand made marshmallows, and s’more making kits.

Skillman Library
Bring your kids to the Skillman Library for make-and-take crafts from Arts and Scraps, movie nights from Vault of Midnight, a “children’s only” shop on Saturdays and more.

The Esplanade
Indulge the kids and your inner child as you stroll this wondrous path, winding its way between Spirit Plaza and Campus Martius. Dozens of natural willow arches, aglow in lights illuminate this walkway, while topiary penguins greet guests and set the stage for that perfect photo op!

For details in where to PARK and enjoy all of these activities, click here!

Visit WINTERINDETROIT.COM for more details on the variety of activities, displays and events surrounding the many things to do this winter in Detroit!

SHARE THIS: