Winter at The Station
Shop. Savor. Share. Make new memories at The Station this holiday season. Enjoy a festive fusion of global winter traditions, innovative technologies, art, and live performances.
Visit us Fridays and Saturdays from November 22-December 28.
Experiences
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Winter Lights
Take in the wonder of thousands of lights illuminating Roosevelt Park and Michigan Central.
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SOLSTICE by Iregular
Created by Montreal-based Iregular, SOLSTICE illuminates the Michigan Central landscape with a captivating light and sound experience. Responding to a visitor’s movements, the installation highlights the winter solstice—the annual moment at which the path of the sun in the sky is farthest south.
With The Station’s iconic façade as backdrop, a long alley of interactive frames leads to a central rotating light: the sun. Large mirrors are placed face to face along the path, creating an infinite reflection effect.
Harnessing the open Detroit sky, SOLSTICE celebrates the passage of seasons by inviting visitors to experience the depth of this natural phenomenon. Encouraging reflection on cycles of light and darkness, SOLSTICE invites a shared moment of wonder, while reminding us of each other’s impact on our evolving future.
Founded by Daniel Iregu in 2010, Iregular creates audiovisual installations, large-scale sculptures, and interactive experiences. -
Guided Tours
Powered by Detroit History Tours, explore The Station’s history and renovation with a guided tour of the ground floor. For more information, click here.
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Music & Performances
Curated by De’Sean Jones Urban Art Orchestra Residency
The South Concourse’s modern lounge hosts a weekly lineup of the city’s celebrated music scene. Detroit composer, De’Sean Jones, is a world-renowned Billboard charting recording artist, Grammy nominated and Stellar Award-winning arranger, and a 2022 Kresge Fellow. Each weekend, Jones will curate a diverse range of music. Friday evenings feature nationally acclaimed Detroit musicians and Jones’ current project, the multi-piece ensemble Urban Art Orchestra. Saturday afternoons feature solo and duet sets, along with a holiday choral performance.
Fridays
November 22 Aint Afraid & Urban Art Orchestra
November 29 Kevin Stewart & Urban Art Orchestra
December 6 Karilú Alarcón Forshee & Urban Art Orchestra
December 13 Charity & Urban Art Orchestra
December 27 Urban Art Orchestra & Friends, Special Guests
Saturdays
November 23-December 28
Lineup features Jade Nicole, The Monalyse, Terri Shu, Ahya Simone, Kenny Watson, among other musicians.
December 21
Special holiday performance with Dr. Brandon Waddles Choir and singer and songwriter, Isis Damil. -
PLAYTEST
WINTER GARDEN
An interactive project by Rory Scott
Inaugurating PLAYTEST, a new series that explores the intersection of play, wellness, and creative innovation, artist and technologist Rory Scott presents Winter Garden, a two-part project designed to engage all ages.
Tuesday-Saturday
The first part is an augmented reality (AR) activation, accessible via smartphones during all public hours. Scott has shaped an interactive experience that transforms various spaces of The Station with inventive encounters.
Saturdays, December 21 and 28, 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
The second part is a program on Saturdays, December 21 and 28, where Scott invites the public to explore the transformative power of breathwork through art and technology. This meditative installation guides participants of all ages to focus on mindfulness while interacting with ethereal digital visuals, creating moments of introspection and connection.
Based in Detroit, Rory Scott utilizes animation, extended-reality (AR & VR) along with handcrafted means to create emotive environments. -
Food & Beverage
Savor global seasonal favorites created by Continental Catering & Events, plus coffee and donuts from Yellow Light.
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Homebound by Bre’Ann White
November 30, December 20, & December 21
10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Advance reservations required via www.allforyoudetroit.com
The tradition of the family portrait has long been a testament to the bonds that unite us. More than the capture of images, the act of a family gathering to be photographed symbolizes pride, and empowers legacy.
Conceived by renowned Detroit-based photographer Bre’Ann White, as part of her All for You Detroit initiative, Homebound creates a powerful visual archive where each family's image carries the importance of their heritage. White and local photographers Zeinab Aoude, Xavier Cuevas, Wayne Lawrence, and Justin Walter Milhouse will capture family portraits within the iconic setting of The Station. Families will receive a framed print by Unfolding Creative and digital image.
Throughout the winter, portraiture selections from Homebound, coupled with personal stories from each family, will be shared via social media. In 2025, White will also premiere an accompanying short film that documents the Homebound experience. -
me + you by Suchi Reddy
Share and see your vision for the future expressed through an acclaimed AI generated interactive sculpture in The Station’s South Concourse. Until December 28.
An interactive AI light sculpture, me + you represents the coevolution between human wisdom and technological advancement —a primary theme of the Michigan Central Art Program. Originally created by Reddymade’s founder Suchi Reddy in 2021, this new iteration of me + you is a transformative experience that responds to the distinct historical architecture of The Station’s South Concourse.
About the artist: Suchi Reddy has a long history in Detroit. She is a distinguished alumni of the School of Architecture and Community Development at the University of Detroit Mercy and was a 2023 Spirit of Detroit Mercy: Alumni Achievement Award recipient.
Learn more. -
Next Light
Friday, December 20
Celebrate the winter solstice with a dynamic evening of global culture, music, storytelling, and culinary tastings, all set within the stunning South Concourse Lounge.
Live performances feature the soulful sounds of Neena Roe, joined by Yuri Popowycz, Michael Tocco, and Caleb Sykes, followed by a captivating set of the Salar Ansari Trio with Ian Fink and Pathe Jassi.
Savor global fare from Neighbor x Folk partners’ Baobab Fare, Halcyon Patisserie, Warda Patisserie, and Walter Pat’s Bakery Cafe, and experience the Station’s seasonal decor, complemented with inspired tablescapes designed by Planterra.
Saturday, December 21
SPECIAL PERFORMANCE
Dr. Brandon Waddles Choir w/ Isis Damil + UAO
1-4pm
WORKSHOPS
Origami Ornament Workshop
Hosted by Degrees of Freedom
10am-2pm
Drop-in, as supplies last
Neighbor x Folk Programming
Halcyon Pâtisserie Bûche de Noël Workshop
12-3pm
Click here for tickets
SCREENINGS
Saturdays, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Curated films in the South Concourse.
Animated Holiday Films
Aardman Shaun the Sheep Holiday, 10 a.m.
Special holiday program of Shaun the Sheep from the Academy Award® winning animation studio, Aardman.
Feature Films, 11 a.m.
Animated feature films include the popular new release The Wild Robot (2024), the Golden Globe-nominated® fantasy adventure Rise of the Guardians (2012), and the beloved Aardman Animations’ classic, Arthur Christmas (2011).
November 23 and 30 Rise of the Guardians (2012)
December 7 and 14 The Wild Robot (2024)
December 21 and 28 Arthur Christmas (2011)
Live from Detroit: The Concert at Michigan Central
November 23, 30 & December 7, 28 at 3 p.m.
Watch the star-studded concert that celebrated the reopening of Michigan Central. Featuring performances by iconic musicians and cultural legends, including Michigan natives Diana Ross, Big Sean, Illa J, Jack White, Kierra Sheard, Theo Parrish, Slum Village, the Clark Sisters, Sky Jetta and the Detroit Symphony Orchestra.
Retail
Find unique gifts for everyone on your list at The Shop, Winter Bazaar and Neighbor x Folk.
**Michigan Central is cash free. All food and retail vendors will only accept credit/debit card payments. Cash to card machines are available onsite for your convenience.
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The Shop
Tuesdays – Saturdays, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Fridays, until 10 p.m.
Michigan Central’s official store featuring souvenirs, housewares, personal accessories, jewelry, gifts and apparel. The Shop’s merchandise captures the nostalgia, history, and memories of The Station experience and Michigan Central’s bright future.
Book Signings: Dates to be announced -
Détroit Marché
Tuesdays – Saturdays, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Fridays, until 10 p.m.
Détroit Marché is an experiential retail destination, curated by Trading Post and Gonzo World, which embraces art, culture and community to create a memorable moment. Embodying the spirit of diversity and heritage, it transforms the historic restaurant space, merging the OPEN artifact exhibition with a vibrant marketplace. The concept brings together over 25 vendors each offering curated local goods and unique gift items. -
Neighbor x Folk
Tuesdays – Saturdays, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Fridays, until 10 p.m.
Wednesdays and Saturdays will feature community-led programming focused on culinary, craft, design, and literature. Click here to make reservations.
Neighbor x Folk is located in The Station’s historic retail arcade. Brought to you by the trusted team behind Folk, Neighbor x Folk will offer giftables, consumables, home & tablewares, books, and body products with an emphasis on goods that are thoughtfully and locally made.
Tickets
Winter at The Station:
Kick-off weekend
November 22
Live music curated by De’Sean Jones of Urban Art Orchestra
Winter at The Station:
Kick-off weekend
November 23
Winter at The Station:
Black Friday
November 29
Live music curated by De’Sean Jones of Urban Art Orchestra
Winter at The Station:
Small Business Saturday
November 30
Winter at The Station:
Weekends
December 6
Live music curated by De’Sean Jones of Urban Art Orchestra
Winter at The Station:
Weekends
December 7
Winter at The Station:
Weekends
December 13
Live music curated by De’Sean Jones of Urban Art Orchestra
Winter at The Station:
Weekends
December 14
10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
2 p.m. - 5 p.m.
Winter at The Station:
Next Light
December 20
Next Light, an evening of art, music, and poetry that celebrates the longest night of the year.
Winter at The Station:
Next Light
December 21
Winter at The Station:
Final Weekend
December 27
Live music curated by De’Sean Jones of Urban Art Orchestra
Winter at The Station:
Final Weekend
December 28
Parking
Visitors are encouraged to park at Michigan Central’s Bagley Mobility Hub parking garage located at 1501 Wabash, Detroit, MI 48216. Parking at The Bagley Mobility Hub is $5 from November 22 – December 28. Pricing is subject to change for special events. EV charging is also available for purchase.
Please see our Visit page for detailed accessibility and visitor information.
Official Videotaping and Photography Consent
Michigan Central and its affiliated entities, agents, and designees will be filming, videotaping, and/or taking photographs (“Recording”) at the event sites and surrounding area. By entering The Station property, you consent to such recording, and expressly grant to Michigan Central and their respective partners, sponsors, licensees, advertisers, broadcasters, and streamers the irrevocable permission to use your name, image, likeness, voice, actions, and/or statements captured in connection with such Recording, without compensation, for any purpose whatsoever, in all media now known or hereafter created, throughout the universe, in perpetuity. All Recordings shall be the sole property of Michigan Central and by entering any 2024 Michigan Central event, you hereby release Michigan Central and all of the above listed entities and persons from any and all liability for (a) infringement of any rights arising from this Recording, or the exploitation thereof, (b) any claims based upon invasion of privacy, libel, slander, false light, right of publicity, misappropriation of name, likeness or image, or the concept known as droit morale and (c) any injury, loss, or damage, to persons or property. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, please do not enter this event.