Now that January is here this month is all about setting the tone for the rest of 2024 and while Detroit is filled with things to do all the time, we narrowed down a list of 15 things you should aim to do before the end of the month!
1. Check out Monroe Street Midway’s winter festivities before it ends
If you’re looking for family-friendly fun in Downtown Detroit then you’ll want to check out Monroe Street Midway across from Campus Martius Park before it closes on January 7th! With entry into the midway area and a lot of the activities inside being free, this place is perfect for the family to enjoy!
2. Go ice skating at one of the Detroit area’s outdoor rinks
One of the easiest outdoor activities to get into the spirit of the holidays and embrace Winter is to go ice skating outdoors! While there are a coupleoutdoor ice skating rinks around Detroit that you can visit this winter, few outdoor ice skating places can match the ambiance of the Campus Martius Ice Rink, which gives you an incredible scenic view of Detroit’s downtown skyline and the Detroit Holiday Tree.
3. Sip on drinks and play a board game at Cadillac Lodge
Located right next to the Downtown Detroit Holiday Tree next to Campus Martius Park and open until the 21st of January, Cadillac Lodge is without a doubt the most iconic holiday pop-up in Detroit every winter. If you haven’t had a chance to visit it yet, we highly suggest you go before they close for the year!
4. Cheer on some of Detroit’s professional sports teams!
While the Pistons have had a historically bad so far, breaking the NBA in-season record for the longest losing streak with 28 straight losses, our Lions have also made history with their first divisional title in several decades! Plus, the Red Wings have been one of the most-watched teams in the NHL this season, making their home games at LCA one of the best sports atmospheres you can experience this January.
5. Go snow tubing at Hawk Island in Lansing
This incredibly fun Winter event is one of our favorite things to do with friends and family, no matter what age you are it’s hard not to have fun when you speed down a 600-foot snowy slide built specifically for snow-tubing! Additionally, when you’re done playing in the snow or just want to take a break, you can get a hot chocolate or s’mores from their snack bar and warm up sitting by one of the outdoor fires set up nearby.
Location: Hawk Island Park, 1601 E. Cavanaugh Rd., Lansing, MI 48910
6. Experience a Candlelight Concert
With multiple options for Candlelight Concert formats, with tributes to your favorite artists today to performances of iconic classical compositions, there’s something for everyone! These experiences are unique, intimate, and romantic, making it the perfect occasion to take a loved one.
- Candlelight: A Tribute to Taylor Swift – Jan 12th
- Candlelight: A Tribute to Adele – Jan 12th
- Candlelight: A Tribute to Beyoncé – Jan 18th
- Candlelight: Featuring Vivaldi’s Four Seasons & More – Jan 20th
- Candlelight: A Tribute to Coldplay – Jan 25th
7. Explore the bars of Greektown with a digital scavenger-hunt-themed bar crawl
Only operating until January 15th, this modern digital spin on the conventional bar crawl experience makes for a unique memorable event for you and your friends to participate in!
8. Go to the movie theater and see a film in luxury
Fortunately, you can get discounted tickets for movie tickets to movies that are being shown at Regal Cinemas theaters and AMC theatres! With these discounted ticket prices you can also purchase discounted refreshments and snacks for you to enjoy during the film.
9. See one of your favorite artists or comedians live!
- Chris Tucker – January 12 at Fox Theatre
- Madonna – Jan 15th at Little Caesars Arena
- 42 Dugg – Jan 19th at Little Caesars Arena
10. Experience Cirque Du Soleil Crystal at Little Ceasars Arena
This on-ice performance is truly a one-of-a-kind experience that will leave you and whoever you decide to go with in awe of the incredible feats these performers can accomplish. The show is only in town for a very short period, just four days between January 4th and 7th, so be sure you get your tickets ASAP before it sells out!
11. Light Up at Beacon Park
This free-to-attend event is the perfect family fun plan will only be going until January 16th, so if you haven’t had a chance to visit the light display or partake in the interactive photo ops, then you may want to plan your visit soon!
12. Celebrate MLK Day
Whether you go on a trip to the Wright Museum of African American History or just decide to support some of Detroit’s local black-owned and operated businesses, you can celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in whatever way that you like the most.
13. See Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo
The holiday lights are still shining and will continue to shine each evening until January 10th at the Detroit Zoo! If you haven’t had a chance to visit the Detroit Zoo for this unique light show yet, then we definitely recommend that you book a visit soon as it’s an incredible experience that is perfect for the whole family.
14. Attend the Detroit Fairytale Ball
The Detroit Fairytime Ball is the perfect opportunity for anyone looking for an excuse to dress up and role-play as an iconic story-time princess or a magical fairy. The event, which will take place on January 27th in Dearborn, is perfect for the whole family with little ones even encouraged to dress up as their favorite princesses to partake in the festivities.
15. Shop at the “streetwear” pop-up at The Detroit Foundation Hotel
In a temporary pop-up shop that is presented by a collaboration between The Detroit Foundation Hotel and a variety of “streetwear” brands and designers, there is going to be a speaker experience and of course a unique marketplace for new fashion items and accessories. The pop-up experience takes place on January 26th from 7 pm to 10 pm, but make sure you use the link above to reserve a spot before it fills up!