Wintertime in Macomb
By Tracey Moro
As our temps get colder and our frosty mornings turn into snowy days, winter sets in. But alas, that’s no reason to sit on the couch and just read a magazine. Our Macomb County communities make it a point to keep everyone active. From ice fi shing, ice skating, ice sculptures and sledding there’s plenty to do throughout Macomb County. Over the years Macomb Now has been sharing our favorite places to go and things to do and this issue we bring you a few more options to explore during our cold winter months ahead.
BUNDLE UP FOR THE LIGHTS
The city of St. Clair Shores has made it a priority to keep their community active and socializing all year long and wintertime is no exception. In 2020, when the world was spending less time together, the city of St. Clair Shores came up with the idea of a lighted path to get folks out of the house during the holiday season where they could socialize safely. That year the Tunnel of Lights was born at Blossom Heath Park.
Events Coordinator Henry Bowman recalls how his friend Brent Skurda, who owns BBQ Daddy Food Truck and was working with Landscape Services, had created his own tunnel of lights in front of his Warren home near 12 Mile and Schoenherr years before. “He was knowledgeable on how to order the lights and put it all together. With his experience and know how, along with Landscape Services and the city staff, together we created that fi rst Tunnel of Lights at Blossom Heath Park,” said Bowman. “It was extremely successful and has been going on each year since, getting bigger and better.”
Over the years Bowman says they have added more and more lights, plus moving displays. By getting local businesses to sponsor the displays they have been able to keep the event free for all. “Weekends we have food trucks and entertainment, and on Saturdays we will have the trolley running on Jefferson to bring folks to the park to enjoy the lights and then to their favorite restaurant on the Nautical Mile.
St. Clair Shores Mayor Kip Walby agrees the event has been successful at getting residents out and it has brought visitors to the city. “Each year we see more and more from surrounding communities coming to enjoy the lights. It’s great to see and we are so happy to be able to host a free event like this. Utilizing the park space this way during the winter months is a winwin for everyone.”
The Tunnel of Lights begins offi cially December 6 and runs every evening through January 24, when the AQUA Freeze Festival event ends. Residents and non-residents are welcome free of charge. For details on the food trucks and local entertainment happening on the weekends visit the St. Clair Shores website – scsmi.net and follow them on social media.
Other lighted walks include Holiday Lights at the Farm at Wolcott Mill Metropark in Ray Township. Events include December 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 2025. Here you can stroll through the farm and enjoy traditional holiday decorations, along with thousands of sparkling lights. Visit the resident animals and take a tractor drawn wagon ride around the farm fi elds to check out the holiday light displays.
And on the south end of the county, at the Ford House, enjoy their lighted Holiday Walk Wednesdays through Sundays in December until the 21st. The entire grounds are beautifully lit and there’s even opportunities to see Santa. Register online at fordhouse.org.
And let’s not forget those Holiday Tree lightings and parades. Almost every community in Macomb has a tree lighting event and these events are the perfect opportunities for neighbors and friends to gather together, outside, and celebrate the upcoming holiday season. Check out Armada for the Armada Holly Days Christmas Parade fi lled with tons of lights. This nighttime parade starts at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 6, 2025 in downtown Armada and includes fabulous fl oats fi lled with millions of sparkling lights. The community bundles up and comes together for this family friendly event, spreading loads of holiday cheer.
Plunging Into Lake St. Clair
And for those who love the cold why not unbundle and go jump in Lake St. Clair? Three Macomb County lakeside communities hosts the ultimate winter challenge with Polar Plunges – two on the same weekend!
The Special Olympics Michigan (SOMI) and the Michigan Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) have once again partnered for the 2026 Polar Plunge season, which takes place throughout Michigan. Folks from all over Michigan will take the challenge of jumping into icy waters all to support more than 22,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities.
This year’s event will be Saturday, February 21 once again in Harrison Township at MacRay Harbor with people of all ages participating. Some jump alone, others in a group, and some choose to dress up in costumes, but all are courageous souls for braving the February temps of Lake St. Clair. And they have all set a fundraising goal to support the cause.
You don’t have to jump in the lake to really participate in the fundraising portion of the event. You can donate, volunteer, cheer on your friends, or join the after plunge party, plus there’s a Frozen 5K walk/run before the plunge. For more on this event or to register visit plungemi.org.
The New Baltimore Lions Club also holds a Polar Plunge at Walter Mary Burke Park on Sunday, Feb 22 during the New Baltimore Winterfest. For the true fearless, you could jump in on both days!
Winterfest is held in downtown New Baltimore adjacent to the Walter Mary Burke Park. The weekend includes all kinds of activities, including corn hole tournament, horse-drawn carriage rides, beer tent with beer stein-hoisting contest, tug-of-war between the police and fi re departments, live entertainment, and a chili cook off, all to support local charities.
And not to be left out, the city of St. Clair Shores hosts their Aqua Freeze Festival at the Blossom Heath Park January 23 & 24. Each year, if the weather cooperates, they add a Polar Plunge event to the long list of activities going on. Those willing to jump are invited to register ahead on the city’s website – scsmi.net. “We require Lake St. Clair to be frozen over so it’s a real Polar Plunge,” said Bowman. “We have the fi re department there and we work hard to get folks in and out quickly. If the weather is too warm that year and the lake isn’t frozen over the event is cancelled until the next year.”
The AquaFreeze event also includes ice sculptures, a putt-putt course, food trucks, beer tent, live entertainment, petting zoo and horse-drawn wagon rides.
