6 Things to Do This New Year’s Weekend (Dec. 31-Jan. 2)

Choose from a plethora of New Year’s Eve celebrations!
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Standard Time New Year's Eve at The Encore Theatre
Broadway stars perform Jazz-Age standards at The Encore Theatre. // Photo Courtesy of The Encore Theatre

New Year’s Eve at The Whitney

It’s that time of the year, when we pull out our sleek suits and sparkly dresses for the New Year’s Eve celebration at The Whitney. This weekend, the historic Motor City landmark will open its century-old doors to gussied up guests, who will toast the new year in the third-floor dining room and dance the night away in the second-floor ballroom. In addition to 52 rooms of pure, neo-classical charm, attendees will enjoy party favors, refreshments, and live music by Jelly and Jams. $169+. Dec. 31. The Whitney, 4421 Woodward Ave. Detroit; thewhitney.co

A Standard Time New Year’s Eve

The Encore Theatre in Ann Arbor invites everyone, regardless of vocal talent ­(or lack thereof), to celebrate New Year’s Eve by singing along to the classics. The sounds of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Ella Fitzgerald, and Rosemary Clooney will fill the auditorium, presented live, by Broadway performers Chelsea Packard and Dan Cooney. And the celebration wouldn’t be complete without performances by Encore favorites Chris Joseph, David Moan, Bryana Hall, and Tyler Driskill. $125. Dec. 31. The Encore, 7714 Ann Arbor St., Dexter theencoretheatre.org

Michigan Mitten Drop Canterbury Village
Guests enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides at the Michigan Mitten Drop. // Photo courtesy of Canterbury Village Events

Michigan Mitten Drop

The Michigan Mitten Drop is the historical Canterbury Village’s annual New Year’s Eve celebration. There will be loads of family-friendly activities, including a trivia competition, a fire show, karaoke, marshmallow roasting, and horse-drawn carriage rides. Plus, the 4 to 7 p.m. run time means kids don’t have to miss bedtime. Parents can end the night early, after seeing the 6-foot illuminated mitten drop 80 feet, to signify the start of a new year. Families can also participate in the event’s charity initiative, by donating a toy to be given to a local pediatric oncology patient. $7+. Dec. 31. Canterbury Village, 2325 Joslyn Ct., Lake Orion; michiganmittendrop.com

First Day Hike

Start your New Year’s fitness resolution off strong this Saturday, at the Maybury State Park trails, where nonprofit group Friends of Maybury State Park will host a guided hike. Everyone is welcome, including children of all ages and pets kept on a 6 foot leash. No cost. Jan 1. Maybury State Park, 20145 Beck Road, Northville; michigan.gov

Detroit Red Wings vs. Boston Bruins

Head down to Little Caesars Arena on Sunday, to watch the Detroit Red Wings play their first game of 2022, versus the Boston Bruins whom they defeated on Nov. 30. Then, mark your calendar for games against the San Jose Sharks on Tuesday and the Anaheim Ducks on Thursday. $55. Jan. 2-6. Little Caesars Arena, 2645 Woodward Ave., Detroit; ticketmaster.com

Masonic Temple Tour

Since opening in 1926, Detroit’s Masonic Temple has become a reflection of the city, hosting diverse events, from concerts and plays to graduations and even early Detroit auto shows. It is also the world’s largest Masonic building, with 1,037 rooms that contain an array of fascinating artifacts, including a rendering of the building by its architect, George D. Mason. This weekend, Detroiters will have the opportunity to engage with this piece of history through a two-and-a-half-hour tour. $25. Jan. 2. Masonic Temple, 500 Temple, Detroit; axs.com