Winter has arrived, bringing endless opportunities for adventure and cozy moments. Whether you're hitting the slopes for snowboarding or enjoying a warm cup of hot cocoa at one of the coziest cafes, we've got plenty of ways to keep you engaged all season long. You can scroll down for inspiration or click through to find the best winter activities and hidden gems in West Michigan.
Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Center - Portage
Celebrate Winter Break at the Air Zoo with four Family Fun Days, December 22-23 and 29-30, from 10am-2pm, packed with hands-on science, engineering, creativity, and discovery. Keep the fun going on December 31 with Countdown to Noon, featuring festive activities and a balloon drop to ring in the New Year early. Plus, return January 17 for the 5th annual Ice Cream Challenge. Science never tasted so delicious. Teams battle to scoop up support for liquid-nitrogen-frozen ice cream. Taste and vote.
Choose Lansing
Plan a weekend getaway to Michigan’s capital city - Lansing. Enjoy the season on beautiful, serene hiking trails or find thrills on Hawk Island’s tubing hill (tubes and snow provided). Too cold? Head to Zap Zone XL or High Caliber Karting entertainment centers for high-speed go-karting, axe-throwing, throw bowling, laser tag, and more. Experience Lansing’s great craft beer culture and diverse cuisine that will make your taste buds dance. When you choose Lansing, you can plan on something Greater!
Cornwells' Turkeyville USA - Marshall
Cornwell’s Dinner Theatre at Turkeyville USA is preparing to celebrate our 40th anniversary season of professional Broadway shows in Southwest Michigan. We will be kicking off the winter season with two special events. The first, A Taste of Broadway, is a foodie’s dream, featuring music and recipes inspired by Broadway’s biggest hits, after which we will celebrate America’s 250th birthday with our good friends, The Manhattan Dolls, in A Salute to America! Join us for Broadway down on the farm!
Destination Paw Paw
Paw Paw is a small village with a great sense of momentum. Its charm comes from the way it honors what came before while making room for what’s next: historic buildings keep finding new purpose, a burgeoning entertainment scene brings younger audiences, and fresh dining experiences introduce bold new flavors. This winter, we invite you to (re)discover that timeless Paw Paw spirit with a shortlist of hotspots worth cozying up to.
Fenn Valley Vineyards - Fennville
Winter is a fantastic time to visit wineries! The crowds are much smaller, allowing more time and space to enjoy Michigan wine. Fenn Valley offers reserved tastings, wine and cheese pairings, and private wine tasting parties. And if you can’t get to Fennville, the online store is open 24 hours a day. Let us bring the wine to you!
Grand Haven Main Street
Winter is here, and downtown Grand Haven is the perfect place to enjoy it. Finish up your last-minute holiday shopping with local shops, cozy stops, and one-of-a-kind finds—without worrying about the snow, thanks to our heated streets. Then keep the winter fun going by joining us downtown for Wine About Winter on January 16, 2026, and Winterfest, January 22–25, 2026. Bundle up, shop local, and make downtown your winter destination.
Ludington Area CVB
Escape to Ludington this winter for a cozy, adventure-filled getaway. Ring in the new year at the award-winning New Year’s Eve Ball Drop—live music, a countdown party, and a midnight fireworks salute in the heart of downtown Ludington. Then embrace the cool at the Pure Ludington Brrrewfest in late January, featuring craft beer, local flavors, and great company. Pair these events with charming shops, scenic trails, and inviting places to stay for a winter weekend you’ll want to make a tradition.
Maple Row Sugarhouse - Jones
Imagine you’re stuck in a tree, staring at all the maple syrup options… which one do you choose? Let us help you make the right choice at the Michigan Maple Festival, where everything is pure maple syrup. Save the date—you won’t want to miss it!
March 21-22 & 28-29, 2026
Mecosta County Visitors Bureau
Follow sparkling snowflakes to the Dragon Trail, where frosty forests glow with tranquil beauty. Wander the Muskegon River’s snowy banks along the River Walk, glide across School Section Lake, or twirl into town for cocoa, shopping, and festive bites. Whether you’re chasing adventure or cozy moments, a winter wonderland is ready to welcome you. Bundle up, breathe in the crisp air, and let Mecosta County’s winter charm sweep you into the season.
Michigan Maritime Museum - South Haven
The Michigan Maritime Museum is open the first Sundays of every month from November through April from 10 am-5 pm with FREE admission for all visitors! Guests can explore the Museum’s indoor and outdoor galleries, featuring a mix of permanent and rotating exhibits that celebrate Michigan’s rich maritime history. While at the Museum, don’t miss the chance to learn a classic sailor’s skill by practicing maritime knot tying.
Moo-Ville Creamery - Nashville
Oh Christmas Tree MOO-valanches are here for the winter! As well as Oh Christmas Tree ice cream (made with Little Debbie Christmas trees), peppermint soft serve, Egg Nog shakes, Swiss Miss ice cream, & homemade Yule logs. We have all our dairy products available, Egg Nog, a2a2 milk ($3.75 in store price for a gallon), butter, heavy cream, half & half, buttermilk, & ice cream half gallons! All MOO-ville locations are open ALL year! Nashville • Ionia • Zeeland • Eaton Rapids
Sleepy Hollow Beach Resort - South Haven
Sleepy Hollow Beach Resort is the longest-operating resort in South Haven. It offers a timeless coastal luxury experience and is the only resort that provides exclusive & direct beach access. This resort embodies the essence of a historic yet luxurious beachfront experience! The property features an Art-Deco-inspired design, an Olympic-sized heated swimming pool, tennis, pickleball & basketball courts, and a children's activity program. Experience breathtaking sunsets and make memories that will last a lifetime with your family at this fantastic resort!
St. Joseph Today
Bundle up and venture outdoors for the annual St. Joe Winter Beer Fest! We invite craft beer novices and enthusiasts to enjoy sampling from local breweries (River Saint Joe Brewery, Silver Harbor Brewing, Sister Lakes Brewing Co., Watermark Brewing, and more) and regional Michigan breweries (Bell’s Brewery, Blackrocks Brewery, Brew Detroit, Goose Island Brewery, and more). Join us in downtown St. Joseph on Saturday, January 31, from 12:00p-4:00p.
Upper Peninsula Travel and Recreation Association (UPTRA)
The Upper Peninsula is USA TODAY’s Best Destination for Snow for three straight years. See why! Discover exhilarating freedom on 3,000 miles of groomed snowmobile trails or explore quiet woods by skis, fat-tire bike, or snowshoes. Try dog-sledding or reel in tasty walleye from ice-covered bays and inland lakes. Melt away every worry in a Finnish sauna or be awestruck by frozen waterfalls and the Northern Lights. Experience winter like nowhere else
Village Suites Bay Harbor
Embrace the beauty of winter at Village Suites Bay Harbor, where cozy fireplace suites offer the perfect retreat after a day on the slopes or a quiet place to relax and unwind. Winter in our charming Village is wonderfully serene, inviting you to slow down and enjoy the season. We are conveniently located near northern Michigan’s top three ski resorts and close to delightful resort towns for easy day trips. We also offer great winter promotions throughout the season!
Visit South Haven
One of the biggest NYE Celebrations this side of Lake Michigan! Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Downtown South Haven, strung with thousands of twinkling lights, where shops and restaurants stay open late and the ice rink glows bright. Enjoy parties, outdoor entertainment, and family fun like an early beach ball drop for kids. Everything leads to our signature 1,000 Beach Ball Drop and fireworks at midnight to welcome the new year. Book your stay and wake up refreshed in 2026!
