Must-Attend Winter Events in Marquette

As you probably already know, in the U.P., we don't just face winter—we embrace it. This is why so many of our favorite annual events take place from December through February. From holiday festivities to extreme outdoor activities, find your new wintertime tradition in Marquette, MI.

DECEMBER

Holiday Lasers on the Ore Dock

Every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, December 1 - December 30 + NYE!

We're lighting up the Ore Dock for the holidays AGAIN!

Back by popular demand, Holiday Lasers on the Ore Dock will return for its second edition this November and December. Scheduled for every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evening beginning late November and running through December 31, the light display will transform the Ore Dock with the colors of the season.

Holiday Market

2024 DATES TBD

Shop like a local this holiday season at the first annual Holiday Market! Find products from local farmers, growers, food producers, and artisans to make the perfect holiday gifts. From 10 AM-2 PM every Saturday, December 2nd through 16th, inside the Marquette Commons.

NYE Ball Drop

December 31

Make this New Year’s Eve a night to remember—ring in the new year with locals and visitors alike at the NYE Ball Drop in Marquette.

Commemorate the start of 2023 with a live countdown, music, laser lights, and dancing from 11 PM to 1 AM on Washington Street in the heart of downtown Marquette. 

JANUARY

Upper Michigan Ice Races

2025 DATES TBD

Hosted by the Upper Michigan Ice Racing Association, the Upper Michigan Ice Races take place every Saturday from early January to mid-March at Forsyth Township Ball Park in Gwinn, MI. Cheer on the racers as they complete laps on an icy loop on rigged motorcycles and quads while competing for the best times.

137th Annual Ishpeming Ski Jumping Tournament

2025 DATES TBD

See skiers soar like never before at the 137th Annual Ishpeming Ski Jumping Tournament. Local and international skiers meet in Negaunee at the Suicide Ski Bowl to compete for the greatest distance.

Watch in awe as they launch off a 90-meter ski jump displaying their courage and technique while tailgating around some of the biggest bonfires you’ve probably ever seen. 

Noquemanon Ski Marathon

2025 DATES TBD

The Noquemanon Ski Marathon is not only the Midwest’s premier cross-country ski event but also one of the largest point-to-point ski marathons in the country.

Whether you sign up for the 12k or 50k, you’re in for a journey that’s as scenic as it is epic, skiing some of the freshest and finest trails in the Upper Peninsula.

FEBRUARY

Heikki Lunta

2025 DATES TBD

Celebrate all things SISU and snow at the Heikki Lunta festival in historic downtown Negaunee.

Heikki Lunta returns this winter with the exhilarating "Irontown Rail Jam" and more special annual classics! Whether you spectate or participate, the ski and snowboard competition kicks off Friday evening on Rail Street.

Duck into local restaurants and pubs to fuel up and warm up between the weekend’s events. 

Meijer Winter State Games

2025 DATES TBD

The Meijer State Games of Michigan is returning to the Upper Peninsula with the Marquette Winter Games! The 2024 Games include a variety of sports in multiple venues across the Marquette area. 

UP200

2025 DATES TBD

Cheer on mushers and their packs at one of the most anticipated events of the year. The UP200 sled dog race is among the top 12-dog mid-distance races in the Midwest, as well as an Iditarod qualifier.

The excitement begins at the starting line, Friday (2/16) on Washington Street in downtown Marquette, as the teams embark on their snowy 230-mile journey to Grand Marais and back. Then Sunday morning, show your support as the teams return to cross the finish line in Mattson Lower Harbor Park.

Polar Roll

2025 DATES TBD

The Polar Roll is the ultimate winter adventure race. Although the 15 and 30-mile mass start options sold out on the opening day of registration you can still sign up for the Polar Roll EX-pedition, where you can ride 15-30 miles or tackle the 30 or 60-mile duathlons—on your own time until March 15.

Looking for something on the lighter side? Check out the snowshoe sampler featuring three short 2-5 mile loops.