Sure, Michigan winters can be brutal, but there are still plenty of events that make the season worthwhile when you’re willing to brave the cold.

If you’re craving lights, snow sculptures, or just an excuse to get out of the house, The ’Gander’s Chaunie Brusie has you covered with this list of the best winter festivals in Michigan.

Plus: How are you giving back this holiday season? We want to hear from you.

P.S. Our newsletter will be taking a break on Thursday and Friday. We’ll resume our regular schedule next week.

Winter storm heading for Michigan (MLive): Mild weather kicks off the week, but a major cold front Wednesday will flip rain to snow and bring strong winds across Michigan. Northern areas from Cadillac to Petoskey could see the most accumulation, with gusts up to 45 mph making Thanksgiving travel hazardous. Lake-effect snow and mid-30s highs will stick around through the holiday weekend, with another storm possible by Sunday.

Michigan recommends homeowners test for PFAS in wells (IPR): Michigan investigators keep finding small amounts of PFAS—“forever chemicals”—in wells across the state, including Cadillac, but often can’t afford to track down the exact source. The chemicals are low-level but widespread, and testing every well statewide would cost hundreds of millions. Officials say homeowners should test their own water as they continue searching for answers.

Lions beat Giants in OT (AP): Jahmyr Gibbs powered the Detroit Lions to a 34–27 overtime win against the New York Giants with 264 yards and three touchdowns, including a 69-yard walk-off run. Detroit rallied multiple times to avoid back-to-back losses, while Jared Goff threw for 279 yards and two scores. The Lions (7–4) now host the Packers on Thanksgiving.

Immerse yourself in some holiday magic at these Michigan festivals. (Frankenmuth Convention & Visitors Bureau)

By Chaunie Brusie

Featuring snow tubing, world-renowned ice sculptures, lighted parades, and plenty of hot cocoa, here are some of the most magical winter festivals in Michigan:

1. World of Winter Festival

Downtown Grand Rapids, Mich., is home to the largest free winter festival in the US, the World of Winter Festival. The festival features seasonal light and interactive displays, unique art installations, live performances, family-friendly games, and guided walking tours. And when we see performances and light displays, we’re talking dazzling acres of breathtaking shows featuring people throwing fire around. So yeah, this festival is lit.

All events are dog- and family-friendly, and several food options, including local food trucks, will be available. Plus, you just can’t beat a festival that’s practically an entire month long. There’s practically no excuse not to stop in at least once!

2. Zehnder’s Snowfest

It’s practically a requirement if you live in Michigan to visit Frankenmuth over the holiday season. Frankenmuth is fun all year-round, of course, but during the winter months, it truly comes alive. Some of the most popular holiday activities to enjoy at Frankenmuth include horse-drawn carriage rides through the snow, eating a world-famous chicken dinner at Zehnder’s, or my personal favorite, stopping in at the Zehnder’s Snowfest.

The Snowfest is my favorite because it’s completely free to browse through the incredible snow and ice sculptures. If you’ve never been, you will be absolutely wowed by the artistry and creativity. With a 33-year history, Zehnder’s Snowfest is absolutely worth venturing out into the cold for. Plus, you can bring the whole family and catch other activities like the warming tent, petting zoo, carousel, games, and even a fireworks display.

Next month, we’ll be sending out a special edition newsletter with the theme: How to Get Involved and Give Back this Holiday Season.

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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Karel Vega with a feature story from Chaunie Brusie. It was edited by Paula Solis.

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