Yuletide Good Times
Cadillac Lodge in downtown Detroit.
By Valene Ayar
Michigan winters can be brutal. Between the cold weather, dark and early nights, and ice storms, it can be easy to fall into a seasonal depression and adopt a very mundane routine. But just because it can be that way does not mean it has to be that way. There are so many avenues to enjoy winter in Michigan with your family, and you can finally have answers to the dreaded question from the kids who are home from school this Christmas break when they ask, “What are we doing today?”
Cadillac Lodge
First and foremost, I must mention my absolute favorite. Located in the heart of downtown Detroit and full of fun activities and events for people of all ages, you would be hard-pressed to find a more comprehensive venue to enjoy this holiday season than Cadillac Lodge.
Best described as a “pop-up” venue, the Lodge is encompassed inside a large, heated tent with food, drinks, and family-friendly interactive activities that will help bring you and your loved ones closer together. At the Lodge, you can enjoy some festive holiday drinks and a bowl of Detroit style chili (among other delicious menu items) next to a roaring fire; you can even listen to live music if you’re there on a Friday or Saturday night from 6:00-9:00 p.m.
Or you can attend one of the free craft workshops on Thursdays (4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.) and Sundays (1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.). There, you and your family can make some holiday fun and spend quality time together enjoying activities you normally wouldn’t get an opportunity to do.
Also plan to visit the Arctic Zone – an iconic gingerbread house-inspired concession stand right next to The Rink at Campus Martius. Grab a bite and go for a family skate! Not much of a skater? No problem! There is also Monroe Street Midway – across from Campus Martius Park – where you can slide down the Arctic Slide, enjoy their outdoor arcade, ride the winter bumper cars, or play a round of Puck Putt. Why not take in the new interactive art there as well?
These are just a few of the many, many ways to enjoy this beautiful and interactive Detroit staple that will never leave you wondering “What should we do this winter break?”
Visit cadillaclodge.com for more information.
Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo
Until very recently, I always thought of the Detroit Zoo as being something to enjoy in the summertime. Boy, was I wrong! Their annual Wild Lights event includes nearly 500 festive displays with millions of beautiful LED lights. The lighted sculptures feature a variety of buildings, trees, flowers, and even a walk-through light tunnel! It is a beautiful experience for the whole family and is the perfect way to take in the Christmas season. Food and lights and animals – oh, my!
Local Weekend Trip
A great way to create memories that will last a lifetime is to enjoy activities as a family. Why not take a drive up to Boyne Mountain (or anywhere of your choosing) and embrace the winter season skiing and/or snowboarding? Don’t know how? Learn together as a family. This will create an even richer bonding experience as you all try something new together.
If you aren’t interested in such an “active” an outdoor activity, you can drive up to Frankenmuth – known far and wide for its Christmas experience – and enjoy everything the majestic little German town has to offer. Your kids can also enjoy an indoor water park at the local inn. This was a personal favorite for me, and a yearly tradition I have always cherished!
Canterbury Village
Last, but certainly not least, is Canterbury Village. I first visited this amazing place last January for a Harry Potter event and let me tell you – I fell head-over-heels in love with it! There are events and activities there year-round to satisfy kids (and adults) of all ages.
This December, here are just a few of the activities and events taking place: Shopopoly, Breakfast with Santa and The Grinch, Grinch Weekends, Dinosaur Wonderland, Wonderland Walkthrough, Elf Weekend, and Cookie Crawl. You can stop at any one of those words and be happy. While you are down there, don’t forget to take a family photo in front of the majestic 45 Foot Dancing Tree! Better yet, take some videos too with the kids dancing with the tree!
Conclusion
I am constantly hearing people say “there is nothing to do in Michigan!” – especially in the wintertime. Quite frankly, nothing can be further from the truth. There is PLENTY to do here. Unfortunately, though, most just are not aware of all of the beautiful ways to spend time with loved ones locally. And the Christmas Season is the PERFECT time to create memories with the family. When the kids grow up and start their lives, you will wish you had enjoyed more time together when they were younger. Now is the best time to make those memories! Merry Christmas to all of our readers! Tell us some of your favorite ways you like to celebrate this season!