The new year is here, and Plymouth, Michigan, is ready to show you how to make the most of winter. This month offers the perfect mix of everyday exploration and spectacular celebrations that bring the community together.
Start Your Month Downtown
Right now is an ideal time to explore downtown Plymouth at a relaxed pace before the crowds arrive later this month. The walkable streets surrounding Kellogg Park are ready for your winter stroll. Local shops welcome you with New Year sales and cozy interiors perfect for escaping the cold.
Downtown’s shopping scene offers something for everyone. Browse Bohemian Home for distinctive clothing, home decor, and accessories. Check out Westborn Market, the full-service grocery store occupying the former downtown post office, for specialty items and fresh-baked goods.
Sun & Snow stocks outdoor gear and Plymouth merchandise for winter enthusiasts. Genuine Toy Co. carries toys for all ages, while boutiques like Bella Mia, Gigi’s Mode, and Maggie & Me feature curated women’s clothing. Basket Kreations specializes in Michigan-made gifts.
The Big Event Everyone’s Talking About
Circle January 30 through February 1 on your calendar. The 44th annual Plymouth Ice Festival is coming, and preparations are already underway for this free, family-friendly celebration.
More than 100 hand-carved ice sculptures will transform downtown into an outdoor gallery of frozen art. World-class sculptors will work on 350-pound blocks of ice, creating everything from intimate storefront displays to massive installations filling Kellogg Park. You can watch live demonstrations as artists use chainsaws and chisels to bring their visions to life.
The festival lineup includes a 300-foot zip line experience launching riders over the festival grounds. Kids and adults can enjoy over 100 feet of tubing runs. Ice Festival Bingo, presented by Thrivent, turns your festival visit into a scavenger hunt. Collect stickers at participating businesses throughout the weekend to win prizes from the Plymouth DDA.
Where to Warm Up
When you need to thaw out during the festival, head to The Hot Spot, heated by Ehlers Heating & Air Conditioning. Located directly across from Kellogg Park, this indoor space features local vendors, product demonstrations, comfortable seating areas, and plenty of warmth. It stays open during all official festival hours.
Local restaurants surrounding the park serve diverse menus year-round. Compari’s on the Park offers family recipes and award-winning brick oven pizza, voted among the top 25 pizzas in metro Detroit. The Sardine Room provides fresh coastal cuisine and craft cocktails.
Fiamma Grille features seasonal, made-from-scratch menus with small plates in a sophisticated setting. Barrio Cocina y Tequileria delivers authentic Mexican food with full bar service in a lively atmosphere. Park Place Gastropub adds weekend live music to their brunch and dinner offerings.
More to Discover This Month
The Plymouth Historical Museum stays open throughout January, welcoming visitors on Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. The museum showcases how American industry, the railroad, and the automobile transformed small-town life. Adults pay $7, students ages 6 to 17 pay $3.
The historic Penn Theatre, established in December 1941, continues screening films all month. This landmark adds to downtown’s nostalgic charm and offers an affordable entertainment option.
Art galleries, gift shops, and specialty stores remain open for browsing. The Plymouth Artwalk lets you explore outdoor murals and public art installations created by local artists throughout downtown. This self-guided tour is completely free and makes a great activity while you’re out shopping or dining.
Plan Your Visit
January 2026 in Plymouth delivers exactly what winter should be: community celebration, small town warmth, and plenty of reasons to get outside. The early part of the month gives you space to explore at your own pace. The Ice Festival on January 30 through February 1 brings the excitement and energy that make this community special.
Whether you’re planning a day trip or an extended stay, Plymouth offers a charming experience just 30 minutes from both Detroit and Ann Arbor. Dress warmly, bring your camera, and get ready to discover why Plymouth knows how to make winter wonderful.
Reserve your spot now for the Plymouth Ice Festival and experience one of Michigan’s premier winter celebrations. The countdown to frozen art and family fun has begun.
Sources: downtownplymouth.org, eventeny.com, awesomemitten.com, michigan.org, visitdetroit.com
Header Image Source: Kate Trysh on Unsplash
