8 Things to Do This Weekend (Dec. 17-19)

Enjoy heaps of holiday activities, celebrate Black art, and catch off-Broadway’s newest knockout
944
A Christmas Carol
Meadow Brook Theatre actors perform Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. // Photograph by Sean Carter Photography

A Christmas Carol

Find comfort and joy in the familiarity of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim, and a handful of ghosts have returned to Meadow Brook Theatre for the 39th annual rendition of this holiday classic. This is the final weekend of performances, until next year, so don’t wait to take part in this local tradition. $35+. Nov. 19-Dec. 23. Meadow Brook Theatre, 378 Meadow Brook Road, Rochester; ticketmaster.com

What the Constitution Means to me Heidi Schreck
Cassie Beck (right) stars alongside Heidi Schreck (left), in What the Constitution Means to Me. // Photograph by Joan Marcus

What the Constitution Means to Me

Playwright Heidi Schreck’s autobiographical new show follows its author as she competes in Constitutional debate contests across the U.S., as a teenager, hoping to pay for college with the prize money. What the Constitution Means to Me explores the impact this founding document had on the lives of four generations of women and how it will shape future Americans. Both hilarious and hopeful, the play became an off-Broadway sensation last fall and received a Tony nomination. $25+. Dec. 14-19. Fisher Theatre, 3011 E. Grand Blvd., Detroit; broadwayindetroit.com

Crossroads Ceili

Each year, local Celtic-oriented singers, instrumentalists, and dancers come together for fiddler Mick Gavin’s Crossroads Ceili. This year’s show, taking place at Ann Arbor’s The Ark, will celebrate the holidays with traditional Celtic Christmas music. $20+. Dec. 17. The Ark, 316 S. Main St., Ann Arbor; theark.org

Home for the Holidays Detroit Symphony Orchestra
Santa joins the Detroit Symphony Orchestra for a holiday concert. // Photo courtesy of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra

Home for the Holidays

The Detroit Symphony Orchestra sells out Orchestra Hall every December, for its holiday concerts. One of the region’s favorite yuletide traditions, Home for the Holidays will feature seasonal standards, vocal accompaniment by guest performer Michael Preacely, and perhaps even a visit from Santa Claus. $29+. Dec. 17-19. Orchestra Hall, 3711 Woodward Ave., Detroit; dso.org

The New Black Vanguard: Photography Between Art and Fashion

More that 100 photographs – including vibrant portraits, conceptual images, and fashion editorials – from 15 emerging Black photographers comprise the Detroit Institute of Arts’ newest exhibition. The works celebrate black creativity, while testing the boundaries between art and fashion photography and questioning popular notions of race, gender, beauty, and power. No cost. Dec. 17-April 17. Detroit Institute of Arts, 5200 Woodward Ave., Detroit; dia.org

Children’s Holiday Shopping Day

Kids can get in on the joy of giving this year, thanks to the Northville Art House’s Holiday Shopping Day. This weekend, little shoppers can browse a variety of artworks and gifts, all priced under $15. Afterward, they can enjoy cookies and hot cocoa, while preparing their pickings, at the on-site gift-wrapping station. No Cost. Dec. 18. Northville Art House, 215 W. Cady St.; Northville; northvillearthouse.org

Pack Walk

Whether you’re looking to meet a new furry friend or just get some exercise with an old one, join the pack for a Sunday stroll along the Detroit Riverfront. Participants will be accompanied by five adoptable dogs, from the Michigan Humane Society, whose adoption fees will be covered by Ferndale’s Canine to Five doggy dare care center. The walk will wrap up at Valade Park, where those who stick around will enjoy hot chocolate, s’mores, and various other festivities taking place as part of Winter at Valade. This event is free and open to all pups. Organizers just ask that participants bring leashes and clean-up baggies, as well as water, to keep your companion hydrated. No cost. Dec. 19. Valade Park, 2670 Atwater, Detroit; detroitriverfront.org

Holiday Heat

Ludacris’ first studio album, Back for the First Time, debuted at number four on the Billboard 200 chart and was eventually certified triple Platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The rapper has since cranked out well-known hits like “Rollout,” “Blueberry Yum Yum,” and “My Chick Bad.” His most recent release is the 2020 joint single “Found You,” with Chance the Rapper. Multi-platinum hip hop artist Nelly has among the top names in the genre for nearly three decades. His biggest hits include “Hot in Here,” “Country Grammar,” “Ride Wit Me,” “Just a Dream,” “Cruise,” and “Millionaire.” This weekend, the two Grammy Award-winning rap superstars will team up for 105.1 The Bounce’s Holiday Heat concert. $79+. Dec. 19. Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313presents.com