November 22 - December 28

Winter at The Station — A Season to Remember

This past winter, Michigan Central transformed into a vibrant seasonal destination, welcoming Detroiters and visitors alike to gather, shop, savor, and create lasting memories. Winter at The Station fused global winter traditions with cutting-edge technologies to deliver an unforgettable series of festive experiences across six magical weekends, from November 22 through December 28.

Event Highlights

Winter Lights
Roosevelt Park and Michigan Central were brilliantly illuminated with thousands of sparkling lights, enchanting visitors of all ages and bringing the heart of Detroit to life in the darkest season.

SOLSTICE by Iregular
Montreal-based studio Iregular captivated guests with SOLSTICE, a mesmerizing light and sound experience projected onto the exterior of Michigan Central. Inspired by planetary motion and solar cycles, the interactive piece responded to visitors’ movements, creating a truly one-of-a-kind immersive encounter.

Guided Tours
Powered by Detroit History Tours, guests explored the storied past and remarkable renovation of Michigan Central with guided tours of the grand ground floor — a favorite for history buffs and architecture lovers alike.

Music & Performances
Curated by Grammy-nominated Detroit composer De’Sean Jones, the winter music program featured performances from nationally acclaimed local artists and the Urban Art Orchestra, filling The Station with a powerful blend of sound and soul.

PLAYTEST AR Experiences
Detroit creative technologist Rory Scott debuted an interactive augmented reality experience throughout The Station, combining tech and art in ways that engaged both children and adults. His Breathwork Garden offered a meditative, visually immersive AR experience on December 14 and 28.

Youth Activities & Film Screenings
Free 3D printing workshops, music sessions with De’Sean Jones and his collaborators, and festive short films delighted young guests and families every weekend.

Food & Beverage
Guests warmed up with global seasonal favorites at our signature food stand and enjoyed treats like coffee and donuts from Yellow Light.

Homebound by Bre’Ann White
The Grand Hall was the setting for powerful portrait sessions curated by acclaimed Detroit photographer Bre’Ann White. The Homebound series featured images of local families taken by White and guest artists, preserving powerful legacies within the iconic architecture of The Station. Families received framed prints and digital images, with select portraits and stories shared on social media.

me + you by Suchi Reddy
Visitors interacted with me + you, an AI-powered light sculpture that interpreted and expressed each participant’s vision for the future. Installed in the South Concourse, the installation was a fitting reflection of the intersection between human experience and emerging technology.

Next Light – Winter Solstice Celebration
On Friday, December 20, Michigan Central hosted Next Light, a spectacular celebration of the winter solstice. The evening blended music, storytelling, art, and cuisine in a joyful gathering that emphasized renewal and community.

Presented in partnership with Detroit PAL.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for Winter at The Station. We look forward to welcoming you back next season!