Fun things to do in southeast Michigan, from Christmas shows in Detroit and Ann Arbor Christmas events to holiday cookie

recipes and Christmas crafts for kids

Family Fun2017

HolidayIn Southeast Michigan

T is the season to be merry and – if you’re like many parents – a bit bonkers! Well, slow your hustle

and bustle a bit, and consider us your happy little helper elves. Every year, Metro Parent’s little workshop of writers cranks out sleigh-fulls of very useful information for all the good moms and dads in southeast Michigan. Want to know where Santa’s hanging out? How about neat indie toy stores for just the right surprise? Or why not cut loose at a holiday festival or stage or light show? Find loads of holiday goodies for 2017 in this guide – our gift to you.

Festivals, parades, tree lightings, fun events

Santa appearances, holiday markets, indie toy stores, mall/downtown hours

Tree farms, light fests, train rides, exhibits, displays

Jolly crafts, delectable recipes, stress relief

Nutcracker shows, festive theatrical productions, classic holiday movies

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7Wish Lists

Celebrations

Excursions

The Trimmings

Stage & Silver Screens

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Celebrations

Thanksgiving FunBefore taking the plunge into the crazy-zany-amazing holiday season, make room for a little November family bonding. Metro Parent’s got the jumpstart you need, whether it’s a fun run, gobbler-themed story time or even a “turkey bowl.”

The Big RevealIn this Milford tradition on Nov. 16, local kids “unwrap” storefronts all gussied up as gifts to kick off the shopping season.

Festival of TreesThis display has tons of professionally decorated trees, wreaths and gingerbread houses; crafts and kids activities too. Visit it at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center in Dearborn Nov. 19-22 and 24-26.

LagniappeRochester kicks off the holidays Nov. 20 and continues with the annual Festival of Trees on Nov. 17-19 and its 12th annual The Big, Bright Light Show, setting downtown aglow Nov. 21-Jan. 7.

Holly Dickens FestivalEven Scrooge (who you’ll find roaming the village’s cobblestone streets) has an old-fashioned blast at this 44th annual, which packs in a lighted parade, plays and Charles-style charm Nov. 24-26, Dec. 2-3 and 9-10.

Floats, music, dance, holiday characters and, naturally, Santa are all in store!

• Nov. 17: Holiday Lighted Parade in Northville

• Nov. 18: Macomb County Santa Parade in Mount Clemens

• Nov. 18: Wyandotte Christmas Parade

• Nov. 23: America’s Thanksgiving Parade in Detroit

• Nov. 24: Santa Claus Parade in Grosse Pointe

• Nov. 25: Santaland Parade in Garden City

• Nov. 25: Milford Christmas Parade

• Dec. 3: Hometown Christmas Parade in Rochester

Step to it! Metro Parent’s full 2017 holiday parade guide is live Nov. 13.

Lagniappe

Festivals, parades, tree lightings, fun holiday events

Holly Dickens Festival Photo by Terry L. Connell

Holiday Parades

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Holiday Extravaganza/WinterFUN FestivalFree fun is what’s up Dec. 2 at this Pontiac brouhaha with ice carving, a petting farm, live reindeer, s’mores and kids art – all topped off by a big ol’ parade.

Berkley Hometown HolidaysVintage trolley rides, anyone? This darling Berkley event dishes that Dec. 2 – and the requisite carol crooners, petting zoo, Santa, a parade, cocoa and stunning tree.

Celebrate KwanzaaOn Dec. 2, swing by the Farmington Community Library to explore this African-American holiday in this annual kid-centric event. It features family statements about Kwanzaa, storytelling by Miz Rosie Chapman, dancing and snacks.

Kerrytown KindleFestAnn Arbor’s Dec. 1 “Christkindlmarket” has German food and sweets, live music, fire pits, s’mores and a lantern parade, plus plenty of small- store shopping.

Hometown HolidaySanta lights a tree and carolers sing in Chelsea Dec. 1-3. Plus

enjoy gingerbread-house decorating, a lighted

parade, hot chocolate and more merry musts.

Holly DaysFarmington gets festive with Santa photos, holiday flicks, kids’ activities, a themed

holiday party, lighted parade and

tree lighting for sure community fun on Dec. 2.

Tree LightingsCheck out decked-out tannenbaums ready to dazzle your family at these events:

• Nov. 17: Campus Martius Park in Detroit

• Nov. 26: Kerrytown in Ann Arbor

• Nov. 29: Holiday Tree Lighting & After Glow in Macomb Township

• Dec. 1: Light Up the Night in Novi

• Dec. 6: Summit on the Park in Canton

Find more dazzling to-dos in Metro Parent’s 2017 tree lightings guide, live Nov. 13.

CelebrationsCelebrations

Hometown HolidayHoliday Extravaganza/

WinterFUN Festival

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Jingle Journey in Mount ClemensThis event pools a variety of popular spots – the Anton Art Center, Crocker House Museum and Michigan Transit Museum – for one day (Dec. 10) of family activities and fun.

Black Santa Photo ExperienceMetro Parent is teaming up with our sister magazine, BLAC Detroit, to once again bring this unique event celebrating diversity to town. Join us at Eastern Market Dec. 9-10.

Country ChristmasKick it way back to the 1850s at Ann Arbor’s Cobblestone Farm with tours, homespun kitchen treats, music and more on Dec. 3.

Noel NightMidtown Detroit’s can’t-miss blowout returns for a 45th spin on Dec. 2. Indulge in free access to 70-plus institutions (including the Michigan Science Center and lots of other museums), horse-drawn carriage rides, live music, dance, theater – and, of course, lit ice displays.

Christmas in the VillageMill Race Village in Northville is a quaint, stuck-in-time little gem, and for the holidays it turns into a Christmas Wonderland. Explore it Nov. 19.

Menorah in the DOn Dec. 12, witness the lighting of a 26-foot menorah for an eighth year running, plus family food, fun and music.

CelebrationsCelebrations

Noel Night

Menorah in the D

Black Santa Photo Experience

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New Year’s Eve for Families

Celebrate midnight way earlier at these kid-friendly Dec. 31 events:

• Rockin’ NYE in Wyandotte

• The Drop Motor City NYE Kids Zone and Kids Drop in Detroit

• DJ Skate Night and Arctic Coliseum Arena in Chelsea

• New Year’s Eve Party at Kirksey Recreation Center in Livonia

• Family-Friendly New Year’s Eve Extravaganza at Mr. Brighton

Ring in the new with Metro Parent’s 2017 New Year’s Eve guide, live Dec. 4.

Holiday Ice FestivalFabulous Ferndale throws a Dec. 9 fete with the Jolly Elf and a variety of other seasonal fun activities. Did we mention ice sculptures? Find 50-plus of them and watch the artists at work too.

Reindeer DaysGet your fill of Santa’s very best pals at the Heritage Park Petting Farm in Taylor, Dec. 9-10.

Family Holiday Fest & Mill LightingTwo words: Fruitcake bowling! This 30th annual Westland tradition, held at Nankin Mills Dec. 9, also has games like “mink luge” and “waterwheel putt putt” – plus crafts, prizes, a sing-along and visit with St. Nick.

Kwanzaa at The WrightWatch for a celebration at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History in Detroit, running Dec. 26-31.

CelebrationsCelebrations

Kwanzaa at the Wright

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Wish Lists

Be a Holiday Rebel in 2017We’re shaking things up this year, kicking our standard holiday “it list” to the curb in favor of a more alternative approach. Find kick-butt off-list gift ideas, festively funky feasting options, fresh spins on tired traditions and even ways to revamp your family visitation rounds. It’s all waiting in the December digital issue of Metro Parent, going live Nov. 29.

Santa visits, holiday markets, indie toy stores, mall/downtown hours

Mega Christmas StoresReally need a heap of holiday shopping cheer? Hit Aldridge’s Always Christmas at Canterbury Village in Lake Orion for holly-jolly decor galore. Or up the ante with a day trip to Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland in Frankenmuth – a whopping 96,000-square-foot Christmas spot including loads of personalized ornaments and gift options. (Hint: Visit the Metro Parent winter guide to Frankenmuth to make a day or two of it.)

Mall Hours/Downtown ShoppingWhether you plan well in advance or run it down to the wire, this roundup’s got you covered. The shopping center heavyweights are all here (Briarwood, Lakeside, Great Lakes Crossing, Oakland, Somerset Collection, Partridge Creek, Twelve Oaks and Westland, to name-drop a few) – plus quaint downtowns with unique boutiques speckled all around. Guide updated by Nov. 20.

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Santa Appearances

Your kids have made a list – and checked it more than twice. Better make sure Jolly Old St. Nick gets a chance to hear it! Whether it’s the mall, a downtown staple or a special meal, get connected with Claus. Our list includes:

• Regional shopping malls and centers

• Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn

• Maybury Farm in Northville

• Santa Haus in Birmingham

• The Village in downtown Grosse Pointe

• The Village of Rochester Hills

• Seasonal events and displays

• Breakfast fun with Santa (check out Metro Parent’s special roundup Nov. 13)

Quick, quick, quick: Metro Parent’s 2017 Santa guide is live Nov. 20.

Independent Toy Stores Looking for a unique kids gift? Shop local. Find signature goodies and holiday hours for one-of-a-kind toy boutiques like:

• Adventures in Toys in Birmingham

• Funky Monkey Toys in Oxford

• Genuine Toy Co. in Plymouth

• Great Lakes Hobby & Toy in Sterling Heights

• Just Imagine in Chelsea

• Mudpuddles Toy Store in Ann Arbor

• The Doll Hosptial & Toy Solider Shop in Berkley

• The Robot Garage in Birmingham, Grosse Pointe Park and Rochester Hills

• Toyology in Howell, Royal Oak and West Bloomfield

• Whistle Stop Hobby & Toy in St. Clair Shores

Discover more indie toy stores in Metro Parent’s 2017 guide, live Nov. 20.

Holiday Markets & Craft Fairs

And if you’re hankering for something a tad more homespun (or out-of-this-world one-of-a-kind), browse these treasures and trinkets. A taste:

• Nov. 18: Santa’s Craft Castle in Shelby Township

• Dec. 1-3: Detroit Urban Craft Fair in Detroit

• Dec. 1-3: Birmingham Winter Markt

• Dec. 1-2: Kris Kringle Market in Rochester

• Dec. 8-10: Northville Tinsel & Treasures

Check out Metro Parent’s roundup, live on Nov. 6.

Wish Lists

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Wild Lights at Detroit ZooSnap tix in advance for a wildly popular eye-popper that sees 6 million-plus LED lights covering this Royal Oak spot’s trees, buildings and 100 animal sculptures Nov. 18-19, 24-26, Dec. 1-3, 8-10, 15-17, 20-23 and 26-31 –and photos with Santa.

Christmas at Crossroads Holiday MagicTrek a tad north to Flint to see lights everywhere – even festooning the Huckleberry Railroad train (get tickets for a ride early!). From Santa to costumed villagers, this quaint tradition will warm your heart. 2017 dates are Nov. 24-26, Dec. 1-3, 8-10, 15-17, 21-23 and 26-30.

Wayne County Lightfest

Excursions

Christmas in the Village Storytellers, actors, singers and musicians come together to bring some of the most treasured holiday tales to life. Offers crafts, visits with Santa and cider too. Swing by Dec. 2 to catch it all.

Wayne County LightfestThis four-mile light-bedazzled drive down Hines Drive in Westland sparkles with holiday cheer in the form of 47 giant animated holiday displays. Catch opening night fireworks and festivities on Nov. 16; then enjoy for just $5 a car most evenings Nov. 17-Dec. 31 (minus Dec. 25).

La-gniappe

Tree farms, light fests, train rides, exhibits, displays

Photo by Liane Knack

Christmas Tree FarmsGet those bungee cords ready and grab a bow saw (with parental supervision!). If you’re harvesting your family’s own pine or fir in 2017, browse these u-cut destinations, all within about an hour drive of metro Detroit, including these faves:

• Addison-Oaks Christmas Tree Farm in Oakland Township

• Blake Farms Cut Your Own Christmas Tree in Armada

• Candy Cane Christmas Tree Farm in Oxford

• Middle Road Tree Farm in Highland

• Trim Pines Farm in Holly

• Westman’s Tree Farm in Dexter

Chop, chop: Metro Parent’s 2017 tree farm guide is live Nov. 13.

Wild Lights

Bright lights are in season!

See the Metro Parent 2017 guide to holiday displays and tree lightings for even more excursion-worthy sights. It goes live Nov. 13.

Photo by Mark M. Gaskill

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Excursions

Winter FantasylandLincoln Park’s enduring holiday display opens grandly on Nov. 25. Soak up this menagerie of holiday decor Wednesdays-Sundays till Dec. 24, all for the can’t-beat price of $1 a person (Santa photos are $3 or two for $5).

Heritage HolidaysFrom 1840s homestead to 1960s mod, check out a variety of neat Americana holiday displays at Wolcott Mill Metropark in Ray Township Dec. 1-2, 8-9 and 15-16, complete with a Santa visit.

Holiday Express Train RidesThe Polar Express comes to life once a year in this event hosted by Clinton Township Parks & Recreation and Michigan Transit Museum. A magical journey with

hot chocolate, cookies and caroling, it happens at three

times on Nov. 25, Dec. 9 and 16. Needless to say, get your tickets early!

Hands-On HolidaysNeed a little post- holiday pick-me-up? The Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum delivers Dec. 26-

Jan. 5 with a 10-day run of fun science activities for

kids on vacation.

The Henry FordThis giant Dearborn historic attraction offers a pair of festive faves. Santa’s Arctic Landing (Nov. 24-Dec. 24) explores early aviation

and takes you to the North Pole to visit Santa at the Henry

Ford Museum of American Innovation. Next door,

Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village (Dec. 1-3, 8-10, 15-17, 19-23 and 26-27 and 29-30) transports you to an outdoor Christmastime

of yesteryear, complete with

live music, skating, fireworks and

chestnuts roasting.

Ice Skating Rinks A spin on the ice is a true delight this time of year, whether you glide with ease or shuffle alongside the boards. Our roster of rinks covers options indoors and out:

• Arctic Coliseum Arena in Chelsea

• Arctic Edge Ice Arena in Canton

• Buhr Park Outdoor Ice Arena in Ann Arbor

• Huron-Clinton Metroparks (lakes at Kensington in Milford, Lake St. Clair in Harrison Township, Lower Huron in Belleville, Stony Creek in Shelby Township)

• Novi Ice Arena

• Suburban Ice Macomb in Macomb Township

• The Rink at Campus Martius Park in Detroit

Prep your blades of glory for Nov. 6, when the Metro Parent 2017-18 ice rink guide goes live.

The Henry Ford

Heritage Holidays

Winter Fantasyland

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The Trimmings

Holiday Food FavesWhat’s on Metro Parent’s table this time of year? Find out – and snag family recipes from our creative staff and freelancers, from a savory corn chowder to sweet French silk pie.

Frozen CraftsDo you want to draw a snowman? Three years after its release, this Disney flick just keeps warming wintery hearts – and inspiring loads of family activities. Try these.

Better-for-You CookiesGingerbread men at 100 calories a pop: Yes, Virginia, it can be done – along with healthier chocolate almond cookies, lemon sugar cookies and chocolate crinkles. Score these holiday recipes from our pals at Health Alliance Plan.

Run It Off Holidays get harried. Stomp away a bit of stress, and breathe in some crisp air, in one of the final charity/fun runs of the year. A few southeast Michigan options:

• Nov. 5: Hot Cider Hustle at Lake St. Clair Metropark in Harrison Township

• Nov. 18: Blitzen the Dotte in Wyandotte

• Nov. 19: Kona Chocolate Run in Plymouth

• Nov. 23: Try the Strategic Staffing Solutions Turkey Trot in Detroit, 12th annual Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot in Ann Arbor – or, for a change of pace, the Anti-Turkey Trot in Shelby Township.

Jolly crafts, delectable recipes, stress relief

Festive TwistersConceal candy or tiny gifts in this classic European-style craft that “pops” open to reveal the goodies inside. Start saving those paper towel or toilet paper tubes now.

Flameless MenorahWooden bulbs and discs, easy to find at your local craft store, paired with candle stencils and blue paint make the perfect fire-free candelabra to mark Hanukkah.

Christmas DinnerWe curated seven can’t-dismiss dishes from pros ’round the delectable web. Try not to drool over that sweet-potato casserole, German bread, spice-rubbed ham, a Christmas cheese ball and chocolate raspberry truffle cheese cake.

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The Trimmings

Holiday BrunchThis menu won’t divert kids from the presents – but it might come close. Dip into delish delights like baked French toast with fruit, make-ahead breakfast sausage casserole, buttery streusel coffee cake and, of course, hot chocolate.

Shrinky Dinks SnowmenThis popular plastic craft is a classic. Get directions for transforming those Shrinky Dinks into snowmen ornaments or a string of snowball garland.

Tame Holiday StressMaybe your tyke is Santa-phobic. Perhaps you’re grappling with gift choices (or volume). Or, possibly, trying to fulfill an ambitious roster of “traditions” has you beyond frazzled. Tap into these eight quick kid-centric tips, courtesy of a family therapist and advocate, to realign your sleigh a bit.

Card and Photo HolderAs the holiday cheer starts flooding your actual mailbox, make this festive craft as a snazzy way to showcase some of your favorite (or most recent) arrivals.

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Stage & Silver Screens

A Christmas CarolTalk about a community classic. For a 36th year, Meadow Brook Theatre in Rochester delivers the tale of a real Scrooge who finds the meaning of Christmas with three ghosts’ help. Runs Nov. 10-12, 17-19, 24-26 and 30- Dec. 3, 6-10, 13-17 and 19-24.

Christmas Eve on Woodward Avenue Karen Newman celebrates the holidays with her original hits and some classic tunes Dec. 8 at Dearborn’s Michael A. Guido Theatre.

Detroit Circus Ring in the New Year with

high-flying acrobatics, fire dancing, stilt walking and more on Dec. 31 in Canton.

Forever Christmas: A Warm and Wonderful Holiday RevueThe Avon Players of Rochester explore what Christmas means to different people, from tradition to humor, and bring the sights and sounds of the season to life Nov. 25-27, Dec. 2-4 and 9-10.

The Ghosts of Christmas Eve The Trans-Siberian Orchestra presents its iconic holiday tunes Dec. 23 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit.

Woodward Wonderland Mosaic Youth Theatre puts on a show that showcases everything metro Detroiters love about the Motor City at Christmastime Dec. 8-10 at the DIA Film Theatre.

A Christmas StoryThis classic story is about a young boy’s quest to get an air rifle for Christmas. See it Nov. 24-25 in Richmond or Dec. 1-3 in Canton.

Nutcracker shows, festive theatrical productions, classic holiday movies

Redford Theatre MoviesFor just about $5 a ticket, visit Detroit’s vintage movie house for these classics:

• Dec. 1: Home Alone

• Dec. 2: A Christmas Story

• Dec. 9: The Polar Express

• Dec. 17: Holiday mystery movie

• Dec. 22-23: It’s A Wonderful Life

Fabulous Fox Shows

Detroit’s opulent 1928 show house pulls out the holiday stops without fail. The Fox Theatre’s lineup of holiday stage fare is sure to get you in the spirit:

• Nov. 17-19: Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! The Musical

• Dec. 1-3: Cirque Dreams: Holidaze

• Dec. 20-24: ELF The Musical

Looking for even more theater fare?The Metro Parent 2017 guide to Nutcrackers and holiday shows is jam-packed. It goes |ive on Nov. 13.

Detroit Circus

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A Winter FantasySee the Michigan Opera Theatre Children’s Chorus’s show in Detroit Dec. 17.

Disney’s Frozen Sing Along This Disney favorite about an ice princess with magical powers hits the stage Dec. 3 as part of Michigan Theatre’s Not Just for Kids series.

TubaChristmasFor a 44th year running, loads of tuba players across the country gather to perform traditional holiday tunes. Catch shows in White Lake Nov. 27, South Lyon Dec. 4 and Detroit and Rochester Hills Dec. 16.

A Very Electric ChristmasLightwire Theatre’s spellbinding stage show returns to Music Hall in Detroit for a third year running, featuring a unique illuminated children’s story set to a variety of classic holiday songs. Catch it on Dec. 10 and 11.

A Charlie Brown Christmas Live! Follow Lucy, Linus, Snoopy and Charlie Brown as they try to save a tree and discover the reason for the season Dec. 9 at Macomb Center for the Performing Arts in Clinton Township.

Nutcracker Extravaganza

No season is complete sans the iconic Tchaikovsky ballet. Get your Sugar Plum Fairy fix at these offerings (some with special perks for kids):

• Nov. 25-26: BalletMet Cincinnati Ballet at Detroit Opera House

• Dec. 1-3: Macomb Ballet Company at Macomb Center for the Performing Arts in Clinton Township

• Dec. 9: Academy of Russian Classical Ballet at Michigan Theater in Ann Arbor

• Dec. 9-10: Ballet Chelsea at Chelsea High School Performing Arts Complex

• Dec. 17: Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker at Fox Theatre in Detroit

Get cracking: Find more Nutcrackers in Metro Parent’s 2017 holiday stage guide, out Nov. 13.

Stage & Silver Screens

A Very Electric Christmas TubaChristmas

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Central City Dance Christmas SpectacularThis Broadway-style yuletide “explosion” of a stage show, back in Canton Dec. 14-17, features 100-plus talented performers who deliver a high-spirited blend of dancing, gymnastics, singing and Santa shenanigans sure to get you pepped.

Frosty Follies“The Parade of the Wooden Soldiers” – complete with dancers who collapse like dominoes – takes the fruitcake during a stage extravaganza presented Dec. 15-16 by the Downriver Youth Performing Arts Center in Trenton.

Holiday Classics at Penn TheatrePlymouth’s retro downtown movie house delivers this quintet of family flicks:

• Dec. 1-3: It’s a Wonderful Life

• Dec. 7-8: Holiday Inn

• Dec. 9-10: Christmas In Connecticut

• Dec. 15-17: Elf

• Dec. 21-23: The Polar Express

Stage & Silver Screens

Home for the HolidaysThe Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s sparkling instrumental tradition returns Dec. 15-17.

Elf The Musical Jr. Catch a kid-performed rendition of the story of Buddy – a human, raised as an elf, on a hunt for his father in the Big Apple – Dec. 8-10 and 17-17 at the Baldwin Theatre in Royal Oak.

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You’ve run out of pages, but not hot holiday happenings. Visit

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things to do.

Keep the Festivities

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