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FEATURED STORIES:
Local officials to gather for Christmas toy drive
WARREN — Warren Treasurer Lorie Barnwell and other city and county elected officials will partner with the Salvation Army for the Warren toy drive to collect new, unwrapped toys at 6 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5, at the MRCC Banquet Center. (Read more)
Roseville Holiday Lights on Wheels Parade drives into town Dec. 7
ROSEVILLE — The city will be merry and bright Dec. 7 when the Roseville Neighborhood Watch Group holds its fifth annual Roseville Holiday Lights on Wheels Parade. (Read more)
Ferndale, Berkley holding events to celebrate holiday season
FERNDALE/BERKLEY — Ferndale and Berkley each will be hosting Santa Claus in their respective cities next month. (Read more)
Jingle Mingle to bring holiday cheer
ST. CLAIR SHORES — On Dec. 7, the St. Clair Shores 9-Mack Merchants Association will again host the downtown Jingle Mingle filled with holiday cheer and fun activities.. (Read more)
Downtown events help spread holiday cheer this December
ROCHESTER — Downtown Rochester is making spirits bright with a number of holiday events to complement the city’s popular Big, Bright Light Show. (Read more)
Holiday spirit takes over Glenlore Trails
COMMERCE TOWNSHIP — Glenlore Trails in Commerce Township has undergone a transformation and is now filled with the holiday spirit. The annual “Aurora Winter Wonderland” interactive light show opened Nov. 15 and will be open on Thursday and Friday nights through Dec. 29. (Read more)
There’s no business like holiday show business
METRO DETROIT — Banish the “bah humbugs!” with seasonal songs, dances and tales as holiday shows make their way to stages in metro Detroit. (Read more)
Holly Days to return to downtown Farmington
FARMINGTON — This year has been one of celebration for Farmington, as it is the city’s 200th year of existence. (Read more)
UPCOMING EVENTS:
Dec. 2
Tree lighting ceremony: 6 p.m., Memorial Park near Pleasant Ridge City Hall, 23925 Woodward Ave.
Dec. 3
Christmas concert: Featuring Rochester Community Chorus, Rochester Community Concert Band and Choral Union of Rochester Christian University, 7:30 p.m., Avondale High School, 2800 Waukegan St. in Auburn Hills, facebook.com/friendsofrochestercommunitychorus
Tree lighting: Also Santa visit, performances by Southfield A&T High School Marching Band and University High School Dance Team, petting zoo, ice carving demonstrations, take-and-make crafts, and cookies and hot cocoa, 6-8 p.m., Southfield Municipal Campus, 26000 Evergreen Road, cityofsouthfield.com
Holiday Market: Handmade hats, scarves, shawls and more created by Chicks with Sticks, 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Bloomfield Township Senior Services, 4315 Andover Road, (248) 723-3500
Royal Oak Children's Choir Winter Concert: 7-8 p.m., First Congregational Church of Royal Oak, 1314 Northwood Blvd., Facebook
Dec. 4
Grand Marshal Gala: Event honoring Rochester Area Hometown Christmas Parade grand marshal Greg Kampe (Oakland University men’s basketball head coach), also networking, dinner, cash bar and Santa visit, 6-9 p.m., Great Oaks Country Club, 777 Great Oaks Blvd. in Rochester, registration required, rrc-mi.com
Sensory-friendly holiday concert: Featuring musicians from Detroit Symphony Orchestra, 6 p.m. (doors at 5:30 p.m.), The Community House, 380 S. Bates St. in Birmingham, communityhouse.com/holiday-concert-registration
Live Nativity: See Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, three wisemen and live animals, 5:45-6:45 p.m., St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, 23000 Gratiot Ave. in Eastpointe, (586) 777-6300
Holiday Card-Making & Cosmos: Also make gift tags and enjoy treats, led by watercolor teacher, for ages 21 and older, 5:30 p.m.-8 p.m., Troy Historic Village, 60 W. Wattles Road, troyhistoricvillage.org/programs/holiday-card-making-cosmos
Tree lighting: Also live music, Santa and Mrs. Claus, food and crafts, 6:30 p.m., Eastpointe City Hall, 23200 Gratiot Ave.
Holiday Market: Also seasonal music, wagon rides, s’mores, gift basket drawing and more, 3-7 p.m., plus photos with live reindeer, 3:30-6:30 p.m., Oakland County Farmers Market, 2350 Pontiac Lake Road in Waterford, oakgov.com/community/oakland-county-parks
Dec. 5
Holiday Magic Marketplace: More than 60 crafters expected, 4-9 p.m., Royal Oak Farmers Market, 316 E. 11 Mile Road, (248) 246-3276
Warren Toy Drive: Bring new, unwrapped toys or donate cash or checks to support Salvation Army, appetizers and cash bar available, 6 p.m., MRCC Banquet Hall, 23401 Mound Road, (586) 754-7400
Read more: Local officials to gather for Christmas toy drive
Toys for Tots Christmas Party: Hosted by Angie’s Toy Chest, includes dinner, open bar, silent auction and raffles, Santa visit and live entertainment, 6 p.m.-midnight, Penna’s of Sterling, 38400 Van Dyke Ave. in Sterling Heights, angiestoychest.org
Ornament making: Create decorated bulb with vinyl cut on Cricut machine, 6 p.m., St. Clair Shores Public Library, 22500 11 Mile Road, registration required, scslibrary.org
Christmas Workshop: Take-and-make crafts, popcorn and cotton candy, juggler and balloon artist, raffles, and photo opportunities, 4-8 p.m., Roseville Public Library, 29777 Gratiot Ave., (586) 445-5407
Tree lighting: 6 p.m., also singalong at 7 p.m., plus Santa visit, hayrides, s’mores station, and meet Batman and Princess Tiana, Roseville City Hall Plaza, 29777 Gratiot Ave.
Holiday variety show: Performance by OPC 650 Players, also luncheon and dessert, noon-2 p.m., OPC Social & Activity Center, 650 Letica Drive in Rochester, (248) 659-1029
Dec. 5-7
Gifts & Greens Market: Fundraiser for Rochester Garden Club with all proceeds assisting community, 5-8 p.m. Dec. 5, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 6 and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 7, Abiding Presence Lutheran Church, 1550 Walton Blvd. in Rochester Hills, rochestergardenclub.org
Dec. 5-8
‘A Wonderful Life’: Presented Farmington Hills Youth Theatre, 7 p.m. Dec. 5-6, and 1 and 6 p.m. Dec. 7-8, The Hawk - Farmington Hills Community Center, 29995 W. 12 Mile Road, thehawktheatre.com
Dec. 6
Holiday concert: Performance by Troy Community Chorus, 8-9 p.m., Athens High School, 4333 John R Road in Troy, troycommunitychorus.com
Holiday concert: Performances by Royal Oak Symphony Orchestra, Harmony United Chorus and more, 8 p.m., Royal Oak Middle School, 709 N. Washington Ave., royaloakorchestra.org
Christmas concert: Hear Vivaldi’s “Gloria” and seasonal anthems performed by Symphonia Chorale, 7:30 p.m., Bethel Church of the Nazarene, 51850 North Ave. in Macomb Township, symphoniachorale.weebly.com
Holiday concert: Performance by Motor City Chorale, 7:30 p.m., Hope United Church, 35127 Garfield Road in Clinton Township, motorcitychorale.com
Holiday Brass: Performance by Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings with choirs from Rochester, Stoney Creek and Rochester Adams high schools, 7-9 p.m., Christ Church Cranbrook, 470 Church Road in Bloomfield Hills, detroitchamberwinds.org
Tree lighting: Also caroling, Santa visit, crafts, music, reindeer, giveaways and more, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Macomb Township Hall, 54111 Broughton Road, macomb-mi.gov/475/holiday-tree-lighting-afterglow
Tree lighting: Also visits by Santa and Mrs. Claus, hot cocoa, horse-drawn carriage rides and more, 7 p.m., Chesterfield Township Municipal Offices, 47275 Sugarbush Road, chesterfieldtwp.org/calendar.aspx
Tree lighting: Also visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus, petting zoo, reading of “Twas the Night Before Christmas,” performances by St. Clair Shores Community Chorus and Casali School of Dance, hot cocoa, doughnuts and hot dogs, arts and crafts, and more, 6-8 p.m., St. Clair Shores City Hall, 11 Mile Road, facebook.com/st.clairshoresparksandrecreation
Tree lighting: Also performances by Troy High School drumline and Athens High School choirs, hot cocoa and doughnuts, and Santa visit, 6:30-8 p.m., Troy City Hall, 500 W. Big Beaver Road, troymi.gov
Shelby Township Christmas Aglow: Tree lighting and drone show, live animal experience (includes rides on “Christmas Unicorns”), holiday stage show with Utica High School choir, bonfires, horse-drawn wagons, Santa and Mrs. Claus visits, balloon artists, strolling magician, crafts, book shopping, hot cocoa and more, 6 p.m., Shelby Township Civic Center, 52700 Van Dyke Ave., shelbytwp.org/christmas
Dec. 6-7
Kris Kringle Market: Open-air event featuring 35-plus vendors, live music and caroling, warming tent with hot-spice wine, beer and food, child-size gingerbread houses for play, Santa visit and s’mores station, 4-10 p.m. Dec. 6 and noon-10 p.m. Dec. 7, West Fourth Street between Main Street and Walnut Boulevard in downtown Rochester, www.downtownrochestermi.com/kris-kringle-market
Read more: Downtown events help spread holiday cheer this December
Dec. 6-8
‘The Nutcracker’: Performance by Macomb Ballet Company, 7 p.m. Dec. 6, 1 and 7 p.m. Dec. 7, and noon and 5 p.m. Dec. 8, Macomb Center for the Performing Arts on Macomb Community College - Center Campus, 44575 Garfield Road in Clinton Township, macombcenter.com
Winter Markt: Features artist and vendor displays, European cuisine, holiday lights, ice sculptures, live entertainment, Santa House, Kinderhaus children’s activity area and warming stations, 4-9 p.m. Dec. 6, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Dec. 7 and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 8, also tree lighting at 6 p.m. Dec. 6, Snow Queen and Frozen Princess appearances from 12:30-3:30 p.m. Dec. 7, and horse-drawn carriage rides from 2-8 p.m. Dec. 7 and 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 8, Shain Park, 270 W. Merrill St. in Birmingham, allinbirmingham.com/visitors/wintermarkt
Dec. 6 & 13
Advent concerts: Noon, St. Paul’s United Methodist Church, 620 Romeo St. in Rochester, stpaulsrochester.org/index.php/harmony-in-the-hills
Dec. 7
'The Nutcracker' Tea: Treats from Land of Sweets, lunch, storytime, craft, and photos and autographs with Clara, the Sugar Plum Fairy and more, 11 a.m., Lorenzo Cultural Center on Macomb Community College - Center Campus, 44575 Garfield Road in Clinton Township, lorenzoculturalcenter.com
Holiday Homes Tour: Presented by Mount Clemens Historical Commission, visit five decorated historic houses in city, 2-hour tours depart every 30 minutes from 1-4:30 p.m., meet at Crocker House Museum & Gardens, 15 Union St., Eventbrite
Santa visits: Also crafts, letter writing, s’mores and more, 1-1:15 p.m. at Wilson Park, 1:30-1:50 p.m. at Geary Park and 2 p.m. at Schiffer Park, all in Ferndale
Read more: Ferndale, Berkley holding events to celebrate holiday season
Holiday Lights on Wheels Parade: See decorated vehicles from front lawns and sidewalks in Roseville, 5:30 p.m., find route map at https://bit.ly/2024HLOWParadeRoute, register to participate at https://forms.gle/DVTaeajUtckHtiE48
Read more: Roseville Holiday Lights on Wheels Parade drives into town Dec. 7
Christmas Aglow: Santa visit, seasonal music, holiday lights trail and refreshments, 6 p.m., Clinton Township Civic Center, 40700 Romeo Plank Road, free but nonperishable food donations appreciated, clintontownship.com/237/christmas-aglow
A Sterling Christmas: Tree lighting, holiday music with caroling, Santa visit, petting farm and pony rides, horse-drawn wagon and train rides, ice skating (weather permitting), warming fires, refreshments and more, 5:30-8:30 p.m., Dodge Park, 40620 Utica Road in Sterling Heights, sterlingheights.gov/1654/sterling-christmas
Christmas in Fraser: Includes ice sculpture demonstration, fire entertainers, petting zoo, Santa visit, food, hot cocoa and s’mores, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Fraser City Hall, 33000 Garfield Road, (586) 293-3100 (ext. 205)
Holiday Lights Parade and tree lighting: Parade at 5:30 p.m., starts at 12 Mile Road and Cummings Avenue and ends at gazebo at Berkley City Hall, then tree lighting ceremony
Read more: Ferndale, Berkley holding events to celebrate holiday season
Tree lighting: Also parade, live holiday music, Santa photos, hot cocoa, ice skating, wagon rides and more, 5-8 p.m., Warren City Square outside City Hall, 1 City Square, facebook.com/cityofwarren
Light Up Shrine: Includes choir performances, tree lighting and food, 5:30-8 p.m., National Shrine of the Little Flower Basilica, 2100 W. 12 Mile Road in Royal Oak, also cookie decorating, games, crafts, Nativity ornament decorating, face painting, Santa photos and more at Shrine Catholic Grade School, 1621 Linwood Ave., plus donate toiletries to Angels’ Place, (248) 541-4122
Cookie walk: 9-11:30 a.m., St. Margaret of Scotland, 21201 E. 13 Mile Road in St. Clair Shores, (586) 293-2240
Cookie walk: Hosted by and benefitting Friends of Harrison Township Public Library, noon-3 p.m., 38255 L’Anse Creuse (Suite A), htlibrary.org/events
Royal Oak Cookie Crawl: Visit 18 local businesses, noon to 4 p.m., receive cookie tin and pass while starting at Royal Oak Public Library, 222 E. 11 Mile Road, tickets and list of participants on Eventbrite
Holly Days: Downtown Farmington events include Greens, Gifts, and Giving Market and holiday train rides (10 a.m.-4 p.m., Riley Park, 33113 Grand River Ave.), Santa visits (noon-1:30 p.m.) and stories and crafts with Mrs. Claus (1-4 p.m., Essential Family Chiropractic, 23334 Farmington Road), Santa photos (2-4:30 p.m., Farmington Garage, 33014 Grand River Ave.), Light Up the Grand Parade (5:30 p.m., Grand River Avenue), and tree lighting (following parade, Governor Warner Mansion, 33805 Grand River Ave.), downtownfarmington.org
Read more: Holly Days to return to downtown Farmington
Craft show: Also music by LCN bands, food and beverages, raffle baskets, 50-50 and more, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., L’Anse Creuse High School-North, 23700 21 Mile Road in Macomb Township, lcnbands.com/craft-shows
Christmas Countdown: Free family breakfast and craft for ages 3-11, 10-11:30 a.m., Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 28000 New Market Road in Farmington Hills, RSVP to (248) 553-3380 or ed.kaiser@aol.com
Breakfast with Santa: Also crafts, holiday movie, raffle and more, 9 a.m.-noon, Oak Arbor Church and School, 495 Oak Arbor Circle West in Rochester, Eventbrite
Family Christmas Party: See Santa and exotic zoo animals, noon, Lutheran Fraternities of America #57, 16140 Aurora Ave. in Eastpointe, (586) 779-2810
A Visit with Santa & Mrs. Claus: Bring wish list and camera, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm, 1005 Van Hoosen Road, registration required, rochesterhills.org/musprograms
Christmas on the Frontier: Find games, activities, traditions and reenactors circa 1850s-1890s, also music, dancing and carols with Too Happy Voyageurs, 1-5 p.m., plus visit Father Christmas and take photo against rustic cabin backdrop, 2-4 p.m., Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center, 4101 River Bends Drive in Shelby Township, shelbytwp.org/christmas
Jingle Mingle: Holiday-themed activities at downtown St. Clair Shores businesses, noon-6 p.m., Greater Mack Avenue from Nine Mile Road to Nine Mack Drive and Cavalier Drive intersection
Read more: Jingle Mingle to bring holiday cheer
Polar Party: Ice skating, bounce houses, open gym and swim, snacks, games, art and crafts, and more, 5-8 p.m., Troy Community Center, 3179 Livernois Road, and Stine Park, 241 Town Center Drive, free and no registration required, rec.troymi.gov/polarparty
Dec. 7-8
Cocoa and Crafts with Santa: 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Troy Historic Village, 60 W. Wattles Road, troyhistoricvillage.org/programs/cocoa-and-crafts-with-santa
‘The Nutcracker’: Presented by Eisenhower Dance Detroit Youth Ensemble, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Dec. 7, and 2 p.m. Dec. 8, also Sugar Plum Fairy Tea Party for ages 3-12, 4 p.m. Dec. 7 and 12:30 p.m. Dec. 8, Seligman Performing Arts Center, 22305 W. 13 Mile Road in Beverly Hills, eisenhowerdance.org/nutcracker
Dec. 8
Reindeer Classic 1-Mile Dash: Inaugural event, 1:30 p.m., start and finish on Main Street before Rochester Area Hometown Christmas Parade, raceroster.com
Rochester Area Hometown Christmas Parade: Features more than 100 floats, marching bands, community groups, and Santa and Mrs. Claus, 1.5-mile route along Rochester Road, 2 p.m., rrc-mi.com/christmas-parade
Breakfast with Santa: Presented by Birmingham Youth Assistance, includes full-sit down breakfast and personal visit with Santa, also animal balloons, clown, craft goodie bag and Seaholm High School Symphony Ensemble performance, 9 and 11:30 a.m., The Townsend Hotel, 100 Townsend St. in Birmingham, birminghamyouthassistance.org/event-details-registration/breakfast-with-santa-4
Breakfast with Santa: Also photos and gift, plus cookie decorating with Mrs. Claus, 10 a.m.-noon, Hamlin Pub, 55076 Van Dyke Ave. in Shelby Township, RSVP at (586) 786-9350
Holiday concert: Performance by Grosse Pointe Community Chorus, 3 p.m., St. Clare of Montefalco Church, Whittier Road and Mack Avenue in Grosse Pointe Park, grossepointecommunitychorus.org
Holiday concert: Performance by Warren Concert Band and Motor City Chorale, 3 p.m., Warren Woods Middle School, 13400 12 Mile Road, tickets (cash and check only) at door, warrenconcertband.com, motorcitychorale.com
Rochester Community Christmas Concert: Featuring numerous local choirs and bands, 7:30 p.m., St. Andrew Catholic Church, 1234 Inglewood Ave. in Rochester, facebook.com/rochestercommunitychristmasconcert
Christmas concert: Featuring The Gosbells Handbell Choir, 3 p.m., Utica United Methodist Church, 8650 Canal Road in Sterling Heights, (586) 731-7667
Christmas concert: Hear Vivaldi’s “Gloria” and seasonal anthems performed by Symphonia Chorale, 3 p.m., Romeo United Methodist Church, 280 Main St., symphoniachorale.weebly.com
Christmas concert: Performance by Grosse Pointe Symphony Orchestra, 7-9 p.m., Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church, 467 Fairford Road in Grosse Pointe Woods, gpsymphony.org
Pictures with Santa: 1:30-3:30 p.m., Premier Pet Supply, 2848 W. Maple Road in Troy, (248) 677-0154
Pictures with Santa: 4:30-6:30 p.m., Premier Pet Supply, 31215 Southfield Road in Beverly Hills, (248) 647-4310
Cookie walk: Also bake sale, giftware available and raffle, benefits Corner Shower and Laundry, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Temple Beth El, 7400 Telegraph Road in Bloomfield Township, nonprofit accepting new socks and underwear for men, new or gently used winter coats, sweatshirts and hoodies, hats and gloves, new toothbrushes and toothpaste, spray deodorant, laundry detergent and bleach, and monetary donations, cornershowerandlaundry.com/cookie-walk-orders
Chanu-Con!: Hanukkah festival featuring candle making, bounce house, yoga, storytime, tzedakah box craft, vendors selling holiday gifts, kosher food, live music, magic, Israeli art sale, 50-50 and more, 1-5 p.m., Congregation Beth Shalom, 14601 Lincoln St. in Oak Park, free but donations appreciated, bit.ly/chanucon2024
Macomb Township Santa Cruise Parade: See lighted vehicles starting at Tilch and Hall roads and ending at Battanwood Drive and 23 Mile Road, 5:30 p.m., full route map at facebook.com/macombtwpparksandrec
Living Nativity and Marketplace: Also hot beverages and cookies, 7-8:30 p.m., Spirit of Christ Lutheran Church, 749 W. 14 Mile Road in Clawson, (248) 435-8025
Dec. 8 & 12
Bedtime Stories with Santa: Also tales of North Pole, plus milk and cookies, kids encouraged to dress in PJs and bring stuffed toy, blanket and wish lists, adults bring cameras, 4-8 p.m. Dec. 8 and 12, sensory-friendly session at 2:30 p.m. Dec. 8, Alger House at The War Memorial, 32 Lake Shore Drive, warmemorial.org/eventcalendar11/bedtime-stories-with-santa
Dec. 11
Winter Wonderland Ball: Holiday cookies, snacks and drinks, dancing, and photos on red carpet, for kids in grades 1-5, 6-8 p.m., Rochester Avon Recreation Authority, 500 E. Second St., rararecreation.org
Christmas concert: Performance by The Belgian American Association Band, 7 p.m., St. Lucy Church, 23401 E. Jefferson Ave. in St. Clair Shores, donations appreciated, belgianband.org/home/upcoming-events
Dec. 12
Pancakes & PJs: Dinner cooked by Rochester firefighters, Santa visit, kids craft and holiday-themed photos, proceeds benefit The Big, Bright Light Show, 5-8 p.m., Rochester Fire Department, 277 E. Second St., register at www.downtownrochestermi.com/pancakes-pjs
Read more: Downtown events help spread holiday cheer this December
Dinner & Dancing with Santa: 6 p.m., Cherry Creek Golf Club and Banquet Center, 52000 Cherry Creek Drive in Shelby Township, (586) 731-0300
Holiday concert: Featuring organist Jason Branham, The Birmingham Musicale Choral Ensemble and The Birmingham String Ensemble, 1 p.m., University Presbyterian Church, 1385 S. Adams Road in Rochester Hills, thebirminghammusicale.org
Holiday variety show: Performance by OPC 650 Players, also luncheon and dessert, noon-2 p.m., OPC Social & Activity Center, 650 Letica Drive in Rochester, (248) 659-1029
Dec. 13
Milk & Cookies with Santa: Also photos, activities and meet The Grinch, 4-8 p.m., Rochester Avon Recreation Authority, 500 E. Second St., rararecreation.org
‘My Favorite Things’: Performance by Rochester Symphony Orchestra, 8 p.m., St. Paul’s Methodist Church, 620 Romeo Road in Rochester, rochestersymphony.com/event/my-favorite-things
Meet actors from ‘A Christmas Story’: Q&A with Zack Ward (Scut Farkus) and Yano Anaya (Grover Dill) at 8 p.m. and screening at 8:30 p.m., also VIP meet-and-greet with photo opportunities and autographs from 4-7:30 p.m., Emagine Rochester Hills, 200 Barclay Circle in Rochester Hills, emagine-entertainment.com
Holiday concert: Performance by Motor City Chorale, 7:30 p.m., Cross Lutheran Church, 35851 Utica Road in Clinton Township, motorcitychorale.com
Dec. 13-14
Holiday concerts: Featuring The Farmington Chorus, 8 p.m. Dec. 13 and 4 p.m. Dec. 14, The Hawk - Farmington Hills Community Center, 29995 W. 12 Mile Road, thehawktheatre.com, farmingtonchorus.com
Victorian Christmas: See costumed reenactors play games, decorate, exchange gifts and more circa 1850s-60s, also carols, crafts, hot cider and cocoa, and shopping in general store, 6-8 p.m. Dec. 13, and 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and 5-8 p.m. Dec. 14, Troy Historic Village, 60 W. Wattles Road, troyhistoricvillage.org/programs/victorian-christmas
Dec. 13-15
‘Babes in Toyland - The Musical’: Performance by Junior Actors of Ridgedale, 7 p.m. Dec. 13, 3 and 7 p.m. Dec. 14, and 3 p.m. Dec. 15, Ridgedale Players, 205 W. Long Lake Road in Troy, ridgedaleplayers.com
Holiday Novi Pet Expo: Includes rescues and adoptable pets, 2-8 p.m. Dec. 13, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Dec. 14 and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Dec. 15, Suburban Collection Showplace, 46100 Grand River Ave. in Novi, suburbancollectionshowplace.com/upcoming-events
Dec. 14
'Christmas in the Air': Broadway-style song and dance revue featuring festive storylines and holiday classics, 7:30 p.m., Macomb Center for the Performing Arts on Macomb Community College - Center Campus, 44575 Garfield Road in Clinton Township, macombcenter.com
Winter concert: Hear holiday favorites performed by Lakeshore Ukulele Strummers, 3 p.m., Harrison Township Public Library, 38255 L’Anse Creuse (Suite A), registration encouraged, htlibrary.org/events
Christmas concert: Performance by Metropolitan Detroit Chorale, 3 p.m., Fraser High School, 34270 Garfield Road, metropolitandetroitchorale.org
Holiday Brass: Performance by Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings with Ann Arbor Pioneer High School choir, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., St. Matthew’s & St. Joseph’s Episcopal Church, 8850 Woodward Ave. in Detroit, detroitchamberwinds.org
Santa visit: Crafts, snacks and photos, 1-3 p.m., Hazel Park District Library, 123 E. Nine Mile Road, (248) 546-4095
Cookie walk: Also quilt raffle, 9:30-10:30 a.m., King of kings Lutheran Church, 47500 Schoenherr Road in Shelby Township, (586) 566-8660
Cookie walk: Presented by United Women in Faith, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. (or until sold out), Trinity United Methodist Church, 18303 Common Road in Roseville, (586) 776-8828, rosevilletrinity@gmail.com
Cookie walk: 9 a.m.-noon (or until sold out), Christ Lutheran Church, 12500 Canal Road in Sterling Heights, fundraiser supports outreach ministries, (586) 731-1113
'Claws Christmas Caper': Murder-mystery dinner presented by Heart of the Hills Players, 6 p.m. (show at 7 p.m.), Amazing Grace Lutheran Church, 29860 Dequindre Road in Warren, holiday attire encouraged, reserve seats by Dec. 10 at hohplayers.org/tickets
Santa photos: Also holiday refreshements and festive activities, plus Kris Kringle arrives on fire truck, 1-4 p.m., Royal Oak Historical Society and Museum, 1411 Webster Road, royaloakhistoricalsociety.org
Tree lighting: Also special guest from Reptarium and LegaSea Aquarium, photos with Santa and “A Nightmare Before Christmas” characters, fireworks, live music and dancing, and “Stuff an Ambulance” to benefit Toys for Tots, 7 p.m., Memorial Park next to Utica Public Library, 7530 Auburn Road, cityofutica.org
Christmas cantata: Performance by First Baptist Church Choir, refreshments after, 7 p.m., First Baptist Church of Warren, 31707 Seventh St., (586) 943-0573
Christmas Cookie Mart: Also other treats, 10 a.m.-noon, Grosse Pointe United Methodist Church, 211 Moross Road in Grosse Pointe Farms, kbyland@aol.com
Dec. 14-15
Holiday Art & Cookie Sale: 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Dec. 14 and 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Dec. 15, Beacon Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 4230 Livernois Road in Troy, beaconcongregation.org
Dec. 15
'Bach to the Holiday Movies': Performance by Macomb Symphony Orchestra, 3 p.m., Macomb Center for the Performing Arts on Macomb Community College - Center Campus, 44575 Garfield Road in Clinton Township, macombcenter.com
‘The Snowman’: Watch animated version of book and see performance by Farmington Concert Band, all families receive one free copy of book, 3 p.m., North Farmington High School, 32900 W. 13 Mile Road in Farmington Hills, fcbmusic.org, thesnowman.com
'Once Upon A December Eve': Holiday concert featuring Alice McAllister Tillman, Dewayne McAllister, Peter McAllister and Willie McAllister Jr., 7 p.m., The Hawk - Farmington Hills Community Center, 29995 W. 12 Mile Road, thehawktheatre.com
Christmas concert: Performance by Detroit Concert Choir, 3:30 p.m., Sweetest Heart of Mary Church, 4440 Russell St. in Detroit, Eventbrite
Holiday concert: Presented by Royal Oak Concert Band and Woodward Avenue Jazz Orchestra with guest Madrigal Chorale, also Santa visit, 3 p.m., Royal Oak Middle School, 709 N. Washington Ave., royaloakconcertband.org
Holiday concert: Presented by Ferndale Community Concert Band and M-1 Jazz Collective, also baked goods and holiday treats for sale, 3 p.m., Ferndale High School, 881 Pinecrest Drive, fcconcertband.org
Holiday concert: Performance by Motor City Chorale, 3 p.m., Holy Innocents St. Barnabas, 26000 Ridgemont St. in Roseville, motorcitychorale.com
Holiday concert: Performance by Birmingham Concert Band, 3-4:30 p.m., Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, 1800 W. Maple Road in Birmingham, birminghamconcertband.com
Baroque holiday music: Performance by The Sebastians, 4-5:30 p.m., Seligman Performing Arts Center, 22305 W. 13 Mile Road in Beverly Hills, chambermusicdetroit.org/2024-25/sebastians
Breakfast with Santa: See Kris Kringle arrive by helicopter, also create craft, share wish list and make hot cocoa, 9:30 a.m. and noon, The War Memorial, 32 Lake Shore Drive, RSVP at warmemorial.org/eventcalendar11/breakfast-with-santa
Cookie walk: Also candy available, noon-3 p.m., Grace Episcopal Church, 115 S. Main St. in Mount Clemens, (586) 465-4573
Breakfast with the Victorians: Join reenactors for dishes, chats and entertainment circa 1850s-60s, also explore Victorian Christmas Village, 10-11:30 a.m., Troy Historic Village, 60 W. Wattles Road, registration required, troyhistoricvillage.org/programs/breakfast-with-the-victorians
Old-fashioned holiday celebration: Open house featuring Santa and Mrs. Claus, live music, and traditional decorations, 1-4 p.m., The Orson Starr House, 3123 N. Main St. in Royal Oak, facebook.com/orsonstarrhouse
Holiday Home Tour: See six decorated houses in Rochester, Rochester Hills and Oakland Township, noon-5 p.m., get map and tickets at Rochester Hills Public Library, 500 Olde Towne Road, or online at rhpl.org/friends-of-rhpl/#friends-events
Dec. 17
'How Did Our Grandparents Celebrate Christmas During WWII?': Presented by Roseville Historical and Genealogical Society, 6-7:30 p.m., Roseville Public Library, 29777 Gratiot Ave., rosevillelibrary.org
Holiday concert: Hear traditional Christmas songs and harp solos, 7 p.m., Holy Spirit Lutheran Church, 4800 Orchard Lake Road in West Bloomfield, facebook.com/spiritdrivenchurch
Dec. 18
Christmas Sing-A-Long: 11 a.m., Shelby Township Senior Center, 14975 21 Mile Road, seniors@shelbytwp.org
Dec. 19
Winter Solstice Celebration: Self-guided half-mile walk along lantern-lit trail, view darkest night of year with Oakland Astronomy Club, glowing craft and ice carving, marshmallow toasting, and more, 5-8 p.m., Recreation Activities Center, 4640 Walnut Lake Road in West Bloomfield, wbparks.org/event/winter-solstice
Dec. 20
Holiday concert: Performance by Motor City Chorale, 7:30 p.m., First Congregational Church of Rochester, 1315 N. Pine St., motorcitychorale.com
Dec. 21
'Holiday Hits Then & Now': Performance by PRISM Chorus, 8 p.m., Macomb Center for the Performing Arts on Macomb Community College - Center Campus, 44575 Garfield Road in Clinton Township, macombcenter.com
Old-Fashioned Christmas: Take wagon to all buildings for theater groups, live music, crafts, snacks and more, noon-4 p.m., Rochester Hills Museum at Van Hoosen Farm, 1005 Van Hoosen Road, rochesterhills.org/musprograms
Winter Solstice Hike & Bonfire: Also crafts, hot cocoa and presentation about longest/darkest night of year, 6:30 p.m., Burgess-Shadbush Nature Center, 4101 River Bends Drive in Shelby Township, registration encouraged, shelbytwp.org/christmas
Winter Solstice Celebration: Includes crafts and activities focusing on light and dark, hear medieval Christmas carols and wassails, gaze into night sky with observatory telescope, try seasonal snacks and specialty drinks, and more, 1-7 p.m. at Cranbrook Institute of Science and 1-5 p.m. at Cranbrook Art Museum, 39221 Woodward Ave. in Bloomfield Hills, also create lantern for evening parade at 6 p.m., science.cranbrook.edu/explore/programs/events
Dec. 22
Christmas concert: Performance by Detroit Concert Choir, 3-4:30 p.m., Macomb Center for the Performing Arts on Macomb Community College - Center Campus, 44575 Garfield Road in Clinton Township, macombcenter.com, detroitconcertchoir.org/events/concert-season/christmas-dec-2024
Holiday concert: Performance by Motor City Chorale, 3 p.m., St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church, 375 Lothrop Road in Grosse Pointe Farms, motorcitychorale.com
Dec. 25
Menorah in the D celebration: Includes lighting of 26-foot steel-and-glass structure, honoring of community lamplighters, strolling entertainment, soup and cider, photos with Dreidel Man and dancing dreidels, crafts, games and more, 5 p.m., Cadillac Square and Woodward Avenue in Detroit, menorahinthed.com
Dec. 31
New Year’s Eve Skate: Dress as wizards or superheroes, also themed scavenger hunt and hot cocoa, 7:30-9:30 p.m., ball drops at 9 p.m. and after event at midnight, Riley Park Ice Rink, 33113 Grand River Ave. in Farmington, facebook.com/rileyparkicerink
Ongoing
The Big, Bright Light Show: See downtown Rochester buildings illuminated, 5 p.m.-midnight until Jan. 19, www.downtownrochestermi.com/the-big-bright-light-show
Wild Lights: Millions of lights, 500-plus displays, interactive wishing tree, seasonal drinks, food and treats, warming stations with live entertainment, and more, select dates and times until Jan. 5, Detroit Zoo, 8450 W. 10 Mile Road in Royal Oak, dzoo.org/wildlights
Holidays at Meadow Brook: Holiday Walk on select dates until Dec. 23, Winter Wonder Lights on select dates until Dec. 30, Starlight Stroll 7-10 p.m. Dec. 4, and Santa Saturdays 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 7, 14 and 21, Meadow Brook Hall, 350 Estate Drive in Rochester, meadowbrookhall.org/holidays
Home for the Holidays: Take 1-mile lighted walk around property and visit Santa, also explore decorations inside, plus complimentary hot cocoa, entry every half hour from 5:30-8:30 p.m. Dec. 6-22, Edsel and Eleanor Ford House, 1100 Lake Shore Road in Grosse Pointe Shores, fordhouse.org/events
Aurora: Take mile walk through forest of holiday lights and sounds, also use magic wand to unlock hidden surprises, takes approximately one hour to complete, Thursday-Sunday evenings until Dec. 29, Glenlore Trails, 3860 Newtown Road in Commerce Township, glenloretrails.com
Read more: Holiday spirit takes over Glenlore Trails
Holiday Market: Features nearly 100 Michigan artisans, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sundays, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Thursdays until Dec. 22, Anton Art Center, 125 Macomb Place in Mount Clemens, theartcenter.org/holiday-market
‘A Christmas Carol’: Select times and dates until Dec. 22, Meadow Brook Theatre on campus of Oakland University, 378 Meadow Brook Road in Rochester, mbtheatre.com/a-christmas-carol-24-25
‘Humbug’: Modern-day take on “A Christmas Carol” with female lead as Eleanor Scrooge, 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays Dec. 6-8, 13-15 and 19-21, also 2 p.m. Dec. 14, Farmington Players Barn, 32332 W. 12 Mile Road in Farmington Hills, facebook.com/TheFarmingtonPlayers
‘The E(Xmas)ist’: 8 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Mondays and 3 p.m. Sundays Dec. 6-22, Ringwald Theatre at Affirmations LGBTQIA+ Community Center, 290 W. Nine Mile Road in Ferndale, theringwald.com
‘Miracle on 34th Street’: Performance by Warren Civic Theatre, 7 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays Dec. 13-15 and 20-22, Owen Jax Community Center, 8207 E. Nine Mile Road in Warren, warrencivic.org
Santa photos: Select times until Dec. 24 (except Thanksgiving), also bring dogs Dec. 2-8, Cabin at the Creek at The Mall at Partridge Creek, 17420 Hall Road in Clinton Township, reservations encouraged for people and required for pets, shoppartridgecreek.com
Santa photos: 10 a.m.-7:55 p.m. Mondays-Saturdays and noon-5:55 p.m. Sundays until Dec. 23, Somerset Collection, 2800 W. Big Beaver Road in Troy, thesomersetcollection.com
Santa visits: Also stories with special readers, bring own cameras, 9 a.m.-noon Dec. 7, 14 and 21, rear space of The Spice and Tea Exchange, 17037 Kercheval Ave. in Grosse Pointe, thevillagegrossepointe.org
Santa visits: Take own photos at Santa’s Snug and drop off wish lists in Magical Mailbox, weekends through mid-December, then daily Dec. 19-24, Festival Park at The Village of Rochester Hills, 104 N. Adams Road, free and walk-up only, see times and special dates with reindeer at Fountain Park at thevorh.com/events
Ice skating: Noon-9 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, noon-10 p.m. Fridays, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturdays and 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sundays, Dodge Park Ice Rink at Farmers Market Pavilion, 40620 Utica Road in Sterling Heights, (586) 446-2711 (weather hotline), sterlingheights.gov/1650/dodge-park-ice-rink
Ice skating: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sundays, noon-9 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays, noon-11 p.m. Fridays and 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Saturdays until Dec. 31, then new hours in 2025, The Rink at Royal Oak in Centennial Commons, 221 E. Third St., therinkatroyaloak.com
Ice skating: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sundays-Thursdays and 11 a.m.-midnight Fridays-Saturdays until Jan. 5, then new hours until March 2, also holiday hours noon-10 p.m. Dec. 25 and 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Jan. 1, The Rink at Campus Martius Park, 800 Woodward Ave. in Detroit, downtowndetroit.org/experience-downtown/things-to-do/the-rink
Royal Oak Holiday’s Horse & Wagon Rides: 5-9 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays until Dec. 21, pick up/drop off on Third Street across from Lockharts BBQ, royaloakholidays.com/horse-wagon-rides
Tunnel of Lights: 5-9 p.m. Dec. 7-Jan. 26, also food trucks and entertainment Dec. 7, 13-14 and 19-21, plus cookies and hot cocoa Dec. 7-8, 12-15 and 19-23, Blossom Heath Park, 24800 Jefferson Ave. in St. Clair Shores, facebook.com/st.clairshoresparksandrecreation