Best January Detroit Events
Looking for some top January Detroit events to start the new year off right?
One of the best things about Detroit is that there is never a shortage of interesting things to do and places to explore.
We’ve put together a list of of some the top things to do in Detroit and Metro Detroit, too, to keep you busy all month. From concerts to outdoors activities, from museum exhibits and more, we’ve got something for everyone.
So grab your planners and start making your list of things to do in January in Detroit!
Best Events in Detroit in January
Winter Toyland at Beacon Park
Where: 1903 Grand River Avenue Detroit, MI
When: 1/1 – 1/16/23; 4-10 p.m.
Beacon Park is being transformed into a Downtown winter wonderland with a behind-the-scenes view of Santa’s Workshop through a “Toyland” light experience! Adults, children and families of all ages are invited to experience the magic of “Toyland,” which runs through Monday, Jan. 16, 2023!
Detroit Zoo Wild Lights
Where: 8450 W 10 Mile Rd, Royal Oak, MI 48067
When: 1/1 – 1/8/23
Millions of LED lights will illuminate the zoo, covering trees, buildings, and over 280 sculptures throughout the property, forming holiday light displays. This beautiful, bright, and unique setting is suited for anything from date night to a family-friendly outing.
Ultimate Fishing Show – Detroit
Where: Hotel Saint Regis Detroit, 3071 E Grand Blvd, Detroit, MI
When: 1/12 – 1/15/23
Decked Out Detroit: 1001 Winter Wonders
Where: 1001 Woodward Building, Detroit, MI
When: 1/13 – 1/29/23
This new attraction in downtown Detroit takes you through the North Pole. This interactive exhibit features a free indoor, winterized pathway that takes you from icy paths to stunning igloos and even a life-sized gingerbread house.
Winter Bridal Celebrations at the TCF Center
Where: TCF Center, 1 Washington Blvd, Detroit, MI 48226
When: 1/15/23
Find over 200 booths; win fantastic getaways to Playa and Couples Resorts; discover over $100,000 of free gifts, prizes, and special offers. Free Dior gift bags to the first 100 brides.
More Detroit Events in January
MLK Day at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
Where: Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
When: 1/16/23
Don’t miss this incredible annual event, commemorating the life of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. hosted by the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History and presented in partnership with Citizens Bank.
WWE Smackdown
Where: Little Caesars Arena, 2645 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI
When: 1/20/23
See your favorite WWE superstars live in action when WWE Smackdown visits Little Caesars Arena. One of the don’t-miss January events for wrestling fans.
Sesame Street Live
Where: Fox Theatre; 2211 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI
When: 1/22/23; 12 – 5 p.m.
Grab the kids and head to the grand fabulous Fox Theater to see cookie monster and the whole gang from Sesame Street up close and personal!
Last Chance to See Van Gogh In America at the DIA
Where: Detroit Institute of Arts
When: Through 1/22/23
On the 100th anniversary of its acquisition, experience 74 authentic Van Gogh works from around the world and discover the fascinating story of America’s introduction to this iconic artist, in an exhibition only at the DIA.
A full-length, illustrated catalogue with essays by the exhibition curator and Van Gogh scholars will accompany the exhibition. The Detroit Institute of Arts is the exclusive venue for this exhibition.
Nature at Night: Belle Isle Nature Center
Where: Belle Isle Nature Center,176 Lakeside Drive, Detroit, MI 48207
When: 1/23/23; 6 – 8 p.m.
Bundle up and head to the Belle Isle Nature Center for Nature At Night, a family-friendly evening walk series that is fun for the whole family.
January Detroit Events – Metro Area
Bowers School Farm Winter Park
Where: 1219 E Square Lake Rd, Bloomfield Hills, MI
When: 1/6/ – 2/6/23
Go snow tubing and explore the winter wonderland at Bowers School Farm and meet our animals, warm up at one of our cozy bonfires, indulge in a variety of comfort foods from the Farm Kitchen, shop the Farm Store for local products, enjoy special entertainment on Saturdays and more. Includes access to the outdoor ice rink for those who have their own skates.
Snowman Stoll
Where: Downtown Rochester MI
When: 1/1/23 – 1/21/23
Head to charming downtown Rochester MI and take a stroll along the shops and cafes lining the streets to see if you can spot the 12 artistically-inspired Snowmen gracing the downtown area.
Winterfest at Pier Park
Where: 350 Lake Shore Rd, Grosse Pointe Farms, MI 48236
When: 1/14/23; 12 – 4 p.m.
You’ll find a petting farm, ice carving demonstrations, ice skating, food trucks, putt putt golf and games! The Grosse Pointe Farms Public Safety Department will be onsite with the smokehouse and the new K9 Rocco will visit. Inside the festival tent, find live entertainment by Moodswitch formally known as The Boys of Summer Band.
The Detroit Boat Show
Where: Huntington Place (formerly Cobo Center); 1 Washington Blvd., Detroit, MI 48226
When: 1/14-16/23; 1/19-22/23
Making its way back to Detroit for the first time since the pandemic is the Detroit Boat Show. The Progressive Detroit Boat Show is among the top shows in the country based on size, attendance, and sales. Hundreds of boats will be on display from top dealers from around Michigan and the Great Lakes, with more than 110 brands represented and 166 new models for 2023 on display!
Celebrate Martin Luther King Day at The Henry Ford Museum
Where: 20900 Oakwood Blvd, Dearborn, MI 48124
When: 1/16/23; 9:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Celebrate the life and lasting call to action of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by offering a free day of inspiration at Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation on the 40th anniversary of Martin Luther King Day, alongside a number of featured exhibits, events and programs. Hear the words of Dr. King and let them move you today, just as they moved the nation during the 1963 March on Washington.
More Things to Do in Metro Detroit in January
Disney’s Winnie The Pooh
Where: Macomb Center for the Performing Arts; 44575 Garfield Rd, Clinton Twp, MI 48038
When: 1/20 &1/21/23; 7 p.m.
See a musical stage adaptation of Disney’s Winnie the Pooh with all of the iconic characters of the Hundred Acre Woods.
Royal Oak Beer Fest
Where: Royal Oak Farmers Market
When: 1/21/23; 7 – 10 p.m.
This event is a chance to discover and taste new brews and special limited release ciders, seltzers and a few other fun surprises. With an abundance of craft breweries to choose from – all with their individual selection of brands – guests will have no problem finding their new favorite adult beverage of choice!
Tecumseh’s Annual Ice Sculpture Festival
Where: Downtown Tecumseh
When: 1/21-22/23
Looking for a fun outdoor event for your family? The downtown will have over 50 ice sculptures for you to see. The Michigan Avian Experience will be here this year with their Great Horned Owl for everyone to see on Saturday from 1-3pm. Try your hand at the Scavenger Hunt through the participating merchants. The Chocolate/Beverage Walk through the downtown businesses is also back this year, too.
Ann Arbor Folk Festival
Where: The Ark, 316 S Main St, Ann Arbor, MI; Hill Auditorium, 825 N University Ave, Ann Arbor, MI
When: 1/27/23 at The Ark; 1/28/23 at Hill Auditorium
One of the best folk festivals in the country, the 46th Annual Ann Arbor Folk Festival features top folk artists like Ani DiFranco, St. Paul & The Broken Bones and Patty Griffin and others in two iconic venues. Be sure to take some time to check out the best things to see in Ann Arbor while you’re there!
Novi Home and Garden Show
Where: Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River Ave, Novi, MI
When: 1/27/23
Thinking about doing some putting in a new kitchen or expanding your garden space? You’ll find ideas galore at the Novi Home and Garden Show, Michigan’s largest home and garden expo.
Kid-friendly Owl Prowl at Burgess Shadbush Nature Center
Where: Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center, 4101 River Bends Drive, Shelby Township, Michigan 48316
When: 1/28/2023 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM
Enjoy a winter hike as our naturalists call wild owls. WHOOOO will call back? We will end the evening with cookies and hot chocolate as we learn about this fascinating bird of prey. Recommended for children ages 5 and older.
More Things to Do Around Detroit in January
