Must-Attend Winter Events in Marquette

In Marquette, 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 winter tradition in Marquette County, MI.

DECEMBER events

Holiday Lasers on the Ore Dock

Every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, November 26 - December 26 + 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 fourth edition this November and December. Scheduled for every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evening beginning on Thanksgiving and running through December 26, the light display will transform the Ore Dock with the colors of the season. Plus, there will be an additional show on NYE!

NYE Ball Drop

December 31

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

Commemorate the start of 2027 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 Events

Upper Michigan Ice Races

Every Saturday starting January 2 - March 6

Hosted by the Upper Michigan Ice Racing Association, the Upper Michigan Ice Races take place every Saturday from January to early 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.

Noquemanon Ski Marathon

January 22-23

The Noquemanon Ski Marathon is the Midwest’s premier cross-country ski event and one of the largest point-to-point ski marathons in the entire 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 EVENTS

Heikki Lunta

February 5-7

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

From Friday night's Meijer Winter Games opening and the local "Irontown Rail Jam" to annual classics like Freeze Yer Fanny Fat Bike Race, you'll find winter fun all weekend long. Between festivities, warm up at downtown restaurants and pubs.

Meijer Winter State Games

February 5-7

The Meijer State Games of Michigan are returning to the Upper Peninsula with the Marquette Winter Games! The 2027 Games include a variety of sports, including curling, figure skating, skiing, snowboarding, and more across multiple venues in the Marquette area. 

Annual Ishpeming Ski Jumping Tournament

February 13-14

See skiers soar like never before at the 140th 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. 

UP200

February 12-14

Cheer on mushers and their packs at one of the year's most anticipated events. The UP200 sled dog race is among the top 12-dog mid-distance races in the Midwest, and an Iditarod qualifier. The excitement begins at the starting line, Friday (2/12) on Washington Street in downtown Marquette, as the teams embark on their snowy 230-mile journey to Grand Marais and back.