It's January, and there's a fresh slate of fun events to keep you from staying stuck indoors this season. We spoke with FOX 17's Janice Allen to get you the rundown of some popular winter events.
Frostbite Trail | Charlevoix CVB l January 10 | Noon–6 p.m.
Bundle up and savor a one-of-a-kind winter food and drink experience along the Frostbite Trail in Charlevoix on January 10 from noon to 6 p.m. This self-guided tasting tour invites visitors to explore Northern Michigan producers while enjoying thoughtfully paired bites and beverages—perfect for a cozy winter getaway in Michigan. Start your adventure by picking up a Frostbite Trail map at your first stop, then travel at your own pace between welcoming locations. Each stop features a small, crafted food bite paired with a 2-ounce pour of wine, cider, beer, or a sample cocktail. Tastings are $12 each, no reservations are required, and participation is flexible throughout the afternoon. Fan-favorite stops like BluDot Farm & Vineyard, Short’s Brewing Co., and Lost Cellars are just a few highlights offering a deliciously frosty experience—without the frostbite. Be sure to check out additional Frostbite Trail dates in February, March, and April for even more winter sipping adventures in Northern Michigan.
Chili Tour & Beer Fest | St. Joseph Today | Chili Tour: January 30 | Beer Fest: January 31
If winter has you craving comfort food, head to downtown St. Joseph for two delicious January events celebrating local flavor. On Friday, January 30, the beloved Annual Chili Tour returns, inviting visitors to sample signature chili recipes from participating downtown businesses—each hoping to earn top honors. Starting at noon, Chili Tour maps can be purchased for $5 at the St. Joseph Welcome Center on State Street. The map also serves as your voting ballot for the People’s Choice Award, while the Chili Pepper Award is judged by Southwest Michigan culinary enthusiasts. Best of all, proceeds from the event benefit the Benton Harbor Soup Kitchen, making this a feel-good winter outing in West Michigan. Keep the fun going on Saturday, January 31, with the St. Joseph Beer Fest, where craft beer lovers can toast to winter along Lake Michigan.
Fire & Ice Festival | Chateau Chantal | January 31
Celebrate winter in Northern Michigan at Chateau Chantal’s annual Fire & Ice Festival on Saturday, January 31. For more than 30 years, the winery has been crafting exceptional ice wines, and this event honors that tradition in a festive, family-friendly setting. Often called the “Nectar of the Gods,” ice wine is made from grapes left on the vine until they naturally freeze, then pressed while still frozen. The result is a beautifully concentrated wine with rich sweetness and layered notes of apricot, baked apple, and toasted caramel. The Fire & Ice Festival pairs this indulgent tasting experience with classic winter fun, including outdoor fire pits, s’mores kits, spiked hot chocolate, ice sculptures, and opportunities to snowshoe or ski through the vineyard. Add in a snowman-building contest and playful snowball fights, and it’s a memorable way to embrace winter in Michigan wine country.
Shout Out Events:
- GR Camper, Travel and RV Show, January 15 - 18
- W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary, Ducky Day, January 31
