Winter Activities in Metro Detroit

In Metro Detroit, where the winters are long and the snow can sometimes fall for days on end, a bad case of cabin fever can strike at any time. But don't let the weather get you down, because the winter season also brings some of the biggest and most creative events of their kind to the area.

Plymouth Ice Festival-

Drop by one of the area's nicest little downtowns and check out what is arguably the top ice-carving event in the United States. According to InMetroDetroit.com, it is the oldest and the largest in North America so it's definitely worth the visit. The atmosphere is relaxed and family-friendly and there are light shows and demonstrations to keep visitors entertained throughout the day. Several different teams of ice sculptors will compete each day to determine who the most creative and skilled artists are as well. Families could spend all day walking around and checking out the diverse types of sculptures and enjoying the food and downtown shops including book stores, antique stores, and restaurants in Plymouth.

Motown Winter Blast-

This event was launched in 2005 as a way to make things fun and interesting in preparation for Super Bowl tourists for the winter of 2006 and has been a huge success. Now it's back for a third year and bringing tons of activities to the table as usual for both kids and adults alike.

The most popular attraction is probably the 200-foot snow slide. Campus Martius Park, while basically an idea stolen from New York City, will be open for ice skating in the shadow of a large, beautiful Christmas tree (or Holiday tree to be politically correct).

Ice sculpting also is planned for this event as well as dog-sledding exhibitions, plenty of food donated by local restaurants, marshmallow roasting, winter craft activities for kids, and music including several live bands, singers, and other artists.

The even is scheduled to happen in early February and the list of events will be unveiled sometime in January.

Wayne County Lightfest-