8 Michigan holiday destinations enjoy with friends, family
While it's not exactly beach weather, it's looking like a white Christmas with plenty of fun — inside and out.
From Frankenmuth to Campus Martius, there are a ton of holiday activities for families, friends, and couples.
Here is a guide:
Christmas in Detroit
Campus Martius Park
A Detroit classic. Campus Martius is one of the only places in downtown Detroit where you can go ice skating. They offer a full winter wonderland experience, right down to its dazzling, 65-foot Christmas tree.
Prices:
Tickets must be sold onsite at the park and are offered on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Adult admission: $12
Children's admission: $9
Active military: $8
First responder: $8
Seniors (59+): $9
Skate Rental: $6
Dates and times:
The Rink at Campus Martius Park presented by Visit Detroit is open seven days a week.
Nov. 18 through Dec. 11
Sunday-Thurday : 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Friday: 11 a.m.- midnight
Saturday: 10 a.m. - midnight
Dec. 12 through Jan.1
Monday-Thursday: 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Friday: 11 a.m. - midnight
Saturday: 10 a.m. - midnight
Sunday: 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Holiday Hours
Christmas Day: Noon - 10 p.m.
New Year's Eve: 11 a.m. - midnight
Jan. 2- March 5
Monday, Wednesday and Thursday: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Tuesday: 11 a.m.- 6 p.m.
Friday: 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Saturday: 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Sunday: Noon- 8 p.m.
800 Woodward Ave, Detroit
Monroe Street Midway Winter Wonderland
Offers a giant arctic slide, bumper cars, puck-putt, and an indoor arcade. There also will be food and Santa sightings from Nov.18 to Dec. 22 on Thursdays and Fridays from 4-8 p.m. On Saturday and Sunday, there are Santa sightings from noon to 4 p.m.
Prices:
Entry: Free
Artic Slide: Free
Puck-putt: Free
Indoor arcade: Prices vary
Winter bumper cars: $5
Dates and times:
Nov.11 - Jan. 29
32 Monroe St., Detroit
Downtown Detroit Holiday Markets and Cadillac Lodge
Cadillac Square is filled with winter holiday shops selling everything from clothing to charcuterie boards.
Dates and times:
Nov.10 through Jan.1
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Thursday: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Friday: 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Saturday: 11 a.m.- 11 p.m.
Sunday: 11 a.m.- 8 p.m.
Special dates:
Dec.20: 8 a.m.- 2 p.m.
Dec. 21: 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Dec. 24: 11 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Dec. 25: Closed
Dec. 31: 11 a.m.- 10 p.m.
Jan. 1: 11 a.m.- 8 p.m.
Cadillac Square, Detroit
Christmas in Metro Detroit
Detroit Zoo Wild Lights
Visit the zoo this year for an evening of holiday lights. The event, which runs from Nov. 19 to Jan. 8, features food, live entertainment, theater shows, and more for many to enjoy.
Tickets: $17 to $65 per person
General admission: $17- 24
Dates and times:
Time varies for some dates.
Dec. 9-10: 5 - 10:30 p.m.
Dec.11: 5-9 p.m.
Dec.14-15: 5-9 p.m.
Dec. 16-23: 5 - 10:30 p.m.
Dec. 26-31: 5-9 p.m.
Jan. 2-8: 5- 9 p.m.
8450 W. 10 Mile Road, Royal, Oak
Downtown Rochester
Shopping, dining, and more along downtown Rochester Hills, which features more than a million holiday lights. The Big, Bright Light Show runs through Jan. 21.
Caroling in the City is the next event coming up on Dec. 11, friends and families can gather in the downtown area for an evening of choirs, caroling, an ugly sweater contest, and more. The event is from 5-8 p.m.
Downtown Rochester Hills, Rochester Hills
Greenfield Village
Holiday Nights is a program offered by the Greenfield Village for an evening of carousel rides, ice skating, Model T rides, horse-drawn rides, and enjoying the world of Greenfield Village.
Ticket prices for members:
General admission (12+): $29.75Senior (62+): $27Youth (5-11): $22.50Children ( Under 5): Free
Ticket prices for the public:
General admission (12+): $35
Senior (62+): $31.50
Youth (5-11): $26.25
Children ( Under 5): Free
There are also additional ticket packages for dining with Santa and other dining options at restaurants in Greenfield Village.
Dates and times :
Dec. 9-11
Dec. 15-23
Dec. 26-28
6:30 - 10 p.m.
Member exclusive preshow entry at 6 p.m.
20900 Oakwood Boulevard, Dearborn
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Frankenmuth Christmas Experience
The head honcho of Christmas in Michigan aka Michigan's Little Bavaria. Frankenmuth offers everything you could think of for a good holiday destination. They have horse-drawn carriage rides, a Christmas store, ice rink, and that's just a few things that are happening in Frankenmuth for Christmas.
Frankenmuth also offers the Bavarian Inn Lodge, which is one the largest Bavarian-themed resorts in the U.S. In the future, it also will be home to the largest water park in Michigan.
635 South Main Street, Frankenmuth,
Traverse City Wineries
Traverse City offers a variety of wineries for a holiday trip.
2 Lads Winery : 16985 Smokey Hollow Road, Traverse City
Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail : Multiple locations
Chateau Chantel Winery and Inn: 15900 Rue de Vin, Traverse City
Grand Traverse Bay Loop : Multiple locations
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: 8 Michigan holiday destinations to visit with friends, family