Why stay home this weekend when you can explore the snow-covered beauty of winter in Northern Michigan? Check out these 10 local events taking place January 5 to 8 from Traverse City to Ludington. Hosting an event? Let us know! info@mynorth.com.
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January 5-8 | Just Great Art Exhibit | Traverse City
The City Opera House of Traverse City presents “Just Great ART” for an exhibition running through January 31. The exhibition includes original paintings in oil, watercolor, pastel, gouache and acrylic. A portion of all sales benefits the City Opera House.
January 5 | Off-the-Wall Movie Night and Dinner | Alden
Off-the-Wall Movie Night begins at 7 p.m. at Helena Township Community Center. Bring a dish to share for the potluck at 6 p.m. Sign up at Alden District Library or call 231-331-4318.
January 6-7 | Comedy with Heather Jay | Traverse City
Get ready to laugh! Fifteen-year comedian and Michigan native Heather Jay will come to Traverse City Comedy Club, all the way from Los Angeles. She’s performed at clubs all over the country, and her comedy style appeals to people from all walks of life.
Photo by Otsego Resort
January 7 | Winter Wine Walk | Gaylord
Winter, wine and the great outdoors? Count us in! Join Otsego Resort for an unforgettable cross-country ski or snowshoe hike through a cedar forest ending at a roaring bonfire at the Beaver Dam. You’ll taste delicious wine and enjoy beautiful sights along the way.
January 7 | Legacy Art Park Snowshoe Series | Thompsonville
Go on a guided tour of Michigan Legacy Art Park, with snowshoe rentals from Crystal Mountain. The tours will include an introduction to using snowshoes, followed by a one-hour trek around the Art Park. Experienced snowshoers are welcome, as well! The event starts at 9:30 a.m.
January 7 | Winter Trails Day | Roscommon
Entering its 26th year, Winter Trails Day–hosted by Great Lakes Winter Trails Council at the Cross Country Ski Headquarters–invites families for a free facilities pass and cross-country ski lesson, plus a complimentary hot cocoa and hot dog cookout. Check-in is at 10 a.m. Be sure you are pre-registered. Email your name and phone number to info@crosscountryski.com, or call 800-832-2663.
January 7 | Sleigh Rides | Gaylord
Embrace the winter spirit and embark on a fairytale-like sleigh ride at Treetops Resort in Gaylord. A horse-drawn sleigh will take guests through the property’s secluded woods, before ending at Hunter’s Grille for a gourmet four-course meal.
Photo by Michigan Department of National Resources
January 7 | Lantern-Lit Hike | Ludington
Take a lantern-lit hike through woods, sand dunes, and over the Big Sable River ending at the Park Amphitheater at Ludington State Park. At the end of the hike, which runs from 6-8 p.m., a campfire will greet participants with a free cup of hot cocoa and marshmallows. Participants are encouraged but not required to bring their snowshoes or cross-country skis. No reservations are required.
January 7 | Moonlit Ski and Bike Night | Wellston
Head to Big M Cross Country Ski Area in Manistee National Forest near Wellston for a fun moonlit bike and ski night. The event starts at 7 p.m. and participants can head out independently on the trails or hang out in the lodge or at a roaring bonfire.
January 8 | Snow Days Day Pass | Traverse City
Spend a Snow Day with Delamar Traverse City! Locals and travelers alike can warm up and hunker down with the many amenities they offer onsite, such as the indoor and outdoor heated pools, sauna, hot tub, fitness center, snowshoes, fire pits with s’mores and more. Perfect for families, groups of friends, colleagues, or even Airbnb guests looking to make the most of winter. Snow Days Day Passes are available weekly Sunday through Thursday from 10 a.m.-9 p.m until the end of March.
Photo by Lindsey Mak Photography