winter fun

Oakland County Skiing and Snowboarding at Mt. Holly

Oakland County, MI Government Leave a comment
Three skiers ride down Mt. Holly in a dark Michigan night lit up by the lights of the resort.

Mt. Holly is one of three locations to ski and snowboard in Oakland County. The resort hosts 20 trail runs, seven chairlifts, four rope tows, two SunKid Wonder Carpets, and Southeastern Michigan’s only high-speed detachable chairlift. Skiers and snowboarders of all levels can discover fun at Mt. Holly, whether you’re searching for easier trail runs to try, terrain parks to style on, or expert level slopes to race your friends. Visit “where the north begins” and stay active during this chilly time of year.

Located in Groveland Township, Mt. Holly is open from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on Saturday, and 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Sunday. Watch this quick preview of the resort before you head out:

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Fire & Ice Festival in Oakland County

Oakland County, MI Government Leave a comment

The Fire & Ice Festival in Downtown Rochester is back January 18th–20th for another year of family fun and winter festivities that you can enjoy for FREE. The three-day community celebration will be packed with events like tube sledding, ice skating, dog sled rides, cross-country skiing, ice sculptures along Main Street, fireworks on Friday and Saturday night, The Big, Bright Light Show, live music, TasteFest, and so much more!

Take a look at our video for a preview of the fun:

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The Big, Bright Light Show

Oakland County, MI Government 2 Comments
Wide shot of a decorated downtown covered in red, green, blue, and orange holiday lights.

Celebrate the joy of the holiday season in Downtown Rochester at The Big, Bright Light Show! Up and down Main Street, buildings will be covered by more than 1 million lights. This nightly, free event lights up Downtown through January 6th, 2019 from 5:00 p.m. to midnight.

Preview the dazzling lights before you go:

Since 2006, the show has become an annual tradition for thousands of people from across the region. The festivities begin each year prior to Thanksgiving during Lagniappe when the lights are turned on for the first time and the town celebrates by giving a “little something extra” to guests.

Throughout the season, spectators gather to walk through Downtown, see the many-colored lights, and shop at decorated stores. Most stores are open Monday through Saturday, until 9:00 p.m.

New this year, The Big, Bright Light Show has been extended past January 6th to illuminate every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through the Fire and Ice Festival on January 18th – 20th, giving visitors more time to enjoy the famous lights.

Blue and orange lights are draped next to a lamp post labeled "Downtown Rochester."

Learn more about The Big, Bright Light Show at Downtown Rochester’s website and follow them on Facebook and Instagram. Share your photos using #TheBigBrightLightshow and #ChristmasCity.

Follow along with Oakland County on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube using #OaklandCounty, or visit our website for news and events year-round.

Oakland County U-Cut Tree Farms

Oakland County, MI Government Leave a comment
Cute baby girl in red Scandinavian dress at the Christmas tree farm.

Oakland County is home to seven “u-cut” tree farms. Enjoy the holiday tradition of cutting your own tree whether it’s your first adventure or an annual tradition. Check out our interactive map and full list to find the best tree farm for you:

Christmas Tree Farms in Oakland County

Before you head out to find your special tree, prepare yourself with these tree farm tips:

  • Dress for the weather, and be prepared for snow.
  • Check ahead for special events such as Santa visits, hayrides, hot cocoa and cider.
  • Some farms may not accept credit or debit cards; call ahead or bring cash or checks just in case.
  • Avoid tripping or falling by watching out for hidden stumps while walking on the farm.
  • Prepare your home ahead of time to make sure your tree’s path inside is obstruction-free.
  • Read through the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)’s comprehensive list of tree and decoration safety precautions to avoid hazards to your safety and property.

For more tips visit the Michigan Christmas Tree Association website here. Stay warm and have fun!

Family stands beside a Christmas tree in a forest.

Do you have a favorite tree farm that’s missing from the list or map? Let us know via Facebook or Twitter, by contacting us at socialmedia@oakgov.com, or leaving a comment below.

Follow along with Oakland County on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube using #OaklandCounty, or visit our website for news and events year-round.

Answering the Call of the Urban Wilds

Oakland County, MI Government Leave a comment

WILDER SIDE OF OAKLAND COUNTY

“Every child should have mud pies, grasshoppers, water bugs, tadpoles, frogs, mud turtles, elderberries, wild strawberries, acorns, chestnuts, trees to climb, brooks to wade in, water-lilies, woodchucks, bats, bees, butterflies, various animals to pet, hayfields, pine-cones, rocks to roll, sand, snakes, huckleberries and hornets and any child who has been deprived of these has been deprived of the best part of education.” – Luther Burbank (1849 -1926), American botanist/agriculture pioneer  Continue reading →