There are all kinds of holiday festivals countrywide during winter. But after the celebrations have ended, what will you do in January? Some may call Disney World the most magical place on Earth, but in January, Frankenmuth, Michigan, may have Mickey beat. From snow sculptures to ice carvings, the Frankenmuth Snowfest has entertainment and activities for the whole family. Let’s learn more!
Where Is Frankenmuth?
Frankenmuth is in the Lower Peninsula of Michigan, a little over an hour northeast of Lansing. Detroit is about 90 minutes southeast, and Saginaw Bay is roughly 30 minutes north. It’s approximately seven miles from Interstate 75, cutting through the eastern portion of Michigan.
What Is Frankenmuth Known for?
Many people know Frankenmuth as Michigan’s Little Bavaria. Frankenmuth has German festivals and cultural events throughout the year. The city’s German heritage and architecture are evident everywhere.
Enjoy a Bavarian pretzel while strolling to the Bavarian Inn Castle Shops. Wonder through the winding cobblestone streets, savor authentic German dishes like Schnitzel or Bratwurst, and relax while sipping a German lager or ale.
What Is the Frankenmuth Snowfest?
The Frankenmuth Snowfest, also Zehnder’s Snowfest since Zehnder is the host, has been a yearly event for more than 30 years. It offers everything from snow sculpting to children’s entertainment for several days in late January.
What Can You See at the Frankenmuth Snowfest?
The schedule of events at the Frankenmuth Snowfest includes snow sculpting and ice carving competitions. There’s the High School Snow Sculpting Competition, the Collegiate Alumni Ice Carving Challenge, and the 100-Block Ice Carving Exhibition, among others.
The Snowfest Photo Impressions contest is open to anyone and offers participants a chance to win prizes. On the festival’s last night, visitors enjoy the annual fireworks display, starting at 6:45 pm.
Traveler’s Tip: Ho Ho Ho! This holiday season you’ need you’ll love visiting these 10 Best Christmas Towns in Michigan to Celebrate the Holidays.
Is the Frankenmuth Snowfest Family-Friendly?
The Frankenmuth Snowfest is a perfect outing for the entire family. Children’s eyes will light up watching the various competitions. However, the sponsors and hosts haven’t forgotten to include activities for kids.
On Wednesday and Thursday, there are Children’s Snow Sculpting events at Frankenmuth Riverplace. On Friday and Saturday, there’s a Children’s Play Area open next to Frankenmuth Toy Company with a free petting zoo, pony rides, and a musical carousel. There is also entertainment and food throughout the event.
When Is Zehnder’s Snowfest?
In 2023, the Frankenmuth Snowfest will be held January 25-29. Sponsors for next year’s event include Apple Mountain, Michigan CAT, Bierlein Companies, DOW, Birch Run Premium Outlets, Miller Lite, Jim Beam, Northwood University, Pepsi, Huntington Bank, OpenAire, United Association Local Union 85, and many more.
The Snowfest is a community-sponsored event where businesses come together to provide a fantastic few days of fun and entertainment.
How Much Are Frankenmuth Snowfest Tickets?
The Frankenmuth Snowfest is free! You don’t have to pay entrance fees, but you still want to be ready to spend some money. Walking through the streets of Frankenmuth with all its cute shops and delectable smells will entice you to shop, dine, and enjoy all that this Bavarian town offers.
The only event requiring tickets is Zehnder’s 2-Piece Chicken Luncheon, featuring comedic dueling pianos on January 26. The $55 ticket includes meals, taxes, tips, and entertainment.
Where Can I Stay Near the Frankenmuth Snowfest?
If you want to stay near the action, Zehnder’s Splash Village is an excellent place to make your reservations. It’s a 2022 TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice Award winner and features 50,000 square feet of aquatic fun.
There are 178 rooms at the hotel, including 74 family suites. Zehnder’s Splash Village has a 2,000-square-foot arcade, on-site restaurant, and golf course.
If you’d rather have a more traditional stay, there are numerous hotels in Frankenmuth near Zehnder’s Snowfest activities. With the Drury Inn and Suites, the Fairfield Inn, and the Springhill Suites, there are many chain hotel accommodations available.
If you’d like to stay in a smaller, locally-owned hotel, try making reservations at the Frankenmuth Country Bed and Breakfast or the Marv Herzog Hotel. There are also many AirBnB or VRBO rentals in Frankenmuth, Michigan.
Are There Other Snow-Sculpting and Ice-Carving Competitions in the U.S.?
The International Snow Sculpture Championships occur every year in Breckenridge, Colorado. You cannot use power tools, only hand tools, and creativity. The 2023 competition will be January 23-27, with viewing from January 27 to February 1st.
Fairbanks, Alaska, also hosts the World Ice Art Championships annually. The 2023 competition will be from February 17-March 31. They also offer ice sculpting classes during the event. One huge draw for visitors is the Frozen Kids Park, a playground that sculptors constructed from ice!
Traveler’s Tip: Warm up with a pint from one of these five of the best breweries in Grand Rapids.
Make Memories at the 2023 Frankenmuth Snowfest
If you’re looking for a magical place to visit this winter, Frankenmuth, Michigan, should be on your shortlist. This town is a lovely place to visit any time of the year.
Still, during the annual Zehnder’s Snowfest, you’ll experience the beauty of Michigan and the Bavarian history of Frankenmuth. Load up the entire family and head north to the Lower Peninsula this coming January.
What will you look forward to the most during the Frankenmuth Snowfest?
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