Wild Lights at the Detroit Zoo
Millions of LED lights illuminate trees, buildings, and hundreds of animal-inspired sculptures at the Detroit Zoo’s annual holiday celebration. Although the majority of the event takes place outside, guests can enjoy s’mores, hot cocoa, adult beverages, and even live entertainment inside the cozy Wild Lights Lodge. Perfect for all ages, Wild Lights is known to sell out — so grab tickets early. Go to the website for exact dates. Select dates Nov. 23-Jan. 5. $17+. Detroit Zoo, 8450 W. 10 Mile Road, Royal Oak; wildlights.detroitzoo.org.
Home for the Holidays at Ford House
This beloved annual event in Grosse Pointe Shores invites visitors to explore the historic former residence of Edsel and Eleanor Ford in all its holiday splendor. Marvel at stunning lights and décor as you embark on a 1-mile walk through the estate’s willow trees and formal gardens before enjoying a self-guided tour of the main residence. Every ticket includes complimentary hot chocolate and a photo op with Santa. Nov. 30-Dec. 22. $14 for children ages 1-12 and $28 for adults. Ford House, 1100 Lake Shore Road, Grosse Pointe Shores; fordhouse.org.
Holiday Stroll at Canterbury Village
Lake Orion’s historic landmark transforms into a winter wonderland for this annual holiday experience. Take in glittering Christmas trees, hilarious snowmen, choreographed light shows, professional carolers, and a beautiful nativity scene while interacting with beloved holiday characters and snapping plenty of photos. The stroll concludes at the C-Pub patio, where guests can cozy up with a hot drink or a snack. Dec. 1-23. $15+. Canterbury Village, 2359 Joslyn Court, Orion Township; canterburyvillage.com.
Holiday Walk at Meadow Brook Hall
Discover the beauty of the Meadow Brook Hall estate in all its yuletide glory on this self-guided indoor tour. The historic 110-room mansion will be decked out in more than 50 glittering Christmas trees and hundreds of twinkling lights beside roaring fireplaces. Book your visit on a Saturday for a chance to meet the head elf himself in the hall’s stunning dining room. Dec. 1-23. $8.50 for children ages 3-10 and $21 for adults. Meadow Brook Hall, 350 Estate Drive, Rochester; meadowbrookhall.org.
Winter Wonder Lights at Meadow Brook Hall
The sprawling outdoor grounds of this National Historic Landmark estate offer an ideal canvas for its unique, immersive light displays. Festive music and roaring bonfires help set a jolly tone. Visitors will also find selfie stations, specialty beverages, and plenty of surprises along the self-guided tour. Dec. 1-30. $13+. Meadow Brook Hall, 350 Estate Drive, Rochester; meadowbrookhall.org.
Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village
The more than 80 acres of Greenfield Village are decked out in twinkling lights, toasty bonfires, and old-fashioned holiday fun for this annual after-hours celebration. Guests are invited to shop for handmade gifts on Main Street, go for a ride in a historic Model T car, or even grab supper with Santa Claus (advance reservations are required). Each night ends with a dazzling fireworks display. Go to the website for exact dates. Various dates Dec. 5-28. $36+. Greenfield Village, 20900 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn; thehenryford.org.
A Charlie Brown Christmas: Cyrus Chestnut and Friends
Jazz pianist Cyrus Chestnut will make a stop at Detroit’s Orchestra Hall for a performance of Vince Guaraldi’s classic score from A Charlie Brown Christmas. Regarded as one of the best jazz pianists of his generation, Chestnut has a unique style that blends the playfulness of swing and bop, the soul of gospel music, and the technical mastery of a classically trained virtuoso. Dec. 6. $31.50+. Orchestra Hall, Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center, 3711 Woodward Ave., Detroit; dso.org.
Kris Kringle Market
Set amid Rochester’s perfectly decorated downtown district, this European-style alfresco market has been a holiday tradition for more than 15 years. Shop for holiday gifts from more than 35 local vendors while enjoying live music, warm spiced wine, and snacks from the Rochester Corner Bar. There’s plenty for kids to enjoy, too — including photo ops with Santa, a s’more toasting station, and a gingerbread play village. Dec. 6-7. No cost. Downtown Rochester area; downtownrochestermi.com.
Ellington & The Nutcracker
Hear two dramatically different versions of Tchaikovsky’s classic Christmas ballet: the beloved original as well as jazz great Duke Ellington’s swinging interpretation. Arranged by Grammy-nominated composer Carlos Simon and featuring a guest solo by internationally acclaimed violinist Ray Chen, the show is an ideal holiday treat. Dec. 6-8. $20+. Orchestra Hall, Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center, 3711 Woodward Ave., Detroit; dso.org.
An Acoustic Christmas with Over the Rhine
Husband-and-wife duo Linford Detweiler and Karin Bergquist have performed folk music together as Over the Rhine for more than 30 years. Every holiday season, they tour the Midwest to play what they affectionately refer to as their “wintry mix” — a bill of original carols that speak to the full range of emotions felt during the holiday season, including joy, wonder, loss, and even sadness. Dec. 7. $30. The Ark, 316 S. Main St., Ann Arbor; theark.org.
Noel Night
Midtown Detroit’s restaurants, galleries, and performance venues open their doors to spread complimentary Christmas cheer on this annual night of fun. Stroll the bustling cultural district to find live holiday music performances, interactive experiences, pop-up gift markets, food trucks, and opportunities to meet Santa. A free shuttle bus service is available. Dec. 7. No cost. Midtown, Detroit; noelnight.org.
Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet
The iconic holiday ballet is infused with new choreography, extravagant costumes, and daring acrobatics in this immersive production. Expect an all-star cast of world-class dancers, stunningly colorful sets, and incredibly detailed marionettes. Three showtimes are available. Dec. 8. $31+. Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313presents.com.
Who Brought the Humbug?
Step into the most fabulous ugly Christmas sweater party ever, where each guest can sing, swing, and dance, at this boisterous musical celebration. Live musicians and talented dancers invite the audience to participate in games, dance-offs, and sing-alongs with Rudolph, Frosty, Santa, and even the Grinch. The high-energy show is suitable for all ages. Dec. 8. $15+. Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts, 350 Madison St., Detroit; musichall.org.
O Christmas Tea: A British Comedy
U.K. comedic darlings James and Jamesy will bring this clever, Christmas-tinged take on the classic British panto to Ann Arbor this month. Hilarity ensues when the duo’s annual holiday party is ruined by a literal flood of tea, sending them on a whimsical, wildly funny holiday journey that reminds them what Christmas is all about. Dec. 10. $37+. Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor; marquee-arts.org.
Brett Eldredge
Best known for country hits like “Don’t Ya” and “Beat of the Music,” the singer-songwriter will celebrate the release of his third Christmas album, Merry Christmas (Welcome to the Family), on his upcoming Glow tour. Inspired by treasured holiday memories with his own family, Eldredge’s original carols combine earnest balladry with boisterous big-band orchestration and warm, heartfelt vocals. R&B and soul newcomer Stacey Ryan will kick off the show. Dec. 10. $39.50+. Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313presents.com.
An Evening with Gregory Porter
The Grammy Award-winning jazz vocalist released his first-ever Christmas album, Christmas Wish, as an homage both to the holiday season and to some of his musical heroes, including Stevie Wonder, Ella Fitzgerald, Marvin Gaye, and Nat King Cole. Hear classics like “Silent Night” and “Little Drummer Boy” as well as original carols like “Everything’s Not Lost” when the living legend makes a stop at the Detroit Opera House. Dec. 12. $64+. Detroit Opera House, 1526 Broadway St., Detroit; broadwayindetroit.com.
Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis
Celebrating more than 35 years of Christmas shows, Mannheim Steamroller founder Chip Davis brings his sprawling neoclassical music ensemble to Detroit’s Fox Theatre. Known for a sound that combines classical influence with new-age inspiration and rock ’n’ roll sounds, the troupe has sold more than 41 million albums worldwide, making Mannheim Steamroller the best-selling Christmas music artist of all time. Dec. 13. $25+. Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313presents.com.
Hudson’s Holiday Events at the Detroit Historical Museum
Enjoy historical talks and a screening of the PBS documentary Holidays at Hudson’s — following either dinner (Dec. 13) or brunch (Dec. 14) prepared from Hudson’s original recipes, sourced from the Detroit Historical Society collection. Dec. 13-14. $75+. Detroit Historical Museum, 5401 Woodward Ave., Detroit; detroithistorical.org.
Detroit Symphony Orchestra’s Home for the Holidays
Celebrate the season with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra at this annual pops concert. Boasting a program of family-favorite holiday classics, the two-hour concert is perfect for all ages — it even features an appearance by Santa Claus. Six showtimes are available. Dec. 13-15. $29+. Orchestra Hall, Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center, 3711 Woodward Ave., Detroit; dso.org.
Amadeus
Hailing from Romania, this electric string quartet captured the ears and hearts of fans worldwide on their YouTube channel, where they’ve racked up more than 200 million views of their genre-bending performances. The ensemble will breathe new life into classic Christmas carols when it performs at Detroit’s Music Hall this month. Dec. 14. $53+. Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts, 350 Madison St., Detroit; musichall.org.
Dave Koz and Friends Christmas Tour
Enjoy smooth, contemporary interpretations of holiday carols like “The First Noel” and “Let It Snow” when the Grammy Award-nominated saxophonist stops at Detroit’s Music Hall during his 27th annual holiday tour. Koz will be joined by a stage full of special guests, including singer and guitarist Jonathan Butler, multi-instrumentalist Vincent Ingala, vocalist Rebecca Jade, and guitarist Adam Hawley. Dec. 15. $55. Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts, 350 Madison St., Detroit; musichall.org.
Redford Theatre Christmas Concert with Organist Tony O’Brien
Talented organist Tony O’Brien has spent more than 35 years playing the Redford Theatre’s historic Barton pipe organ — he started his tenure at just 15 years old. Join him for a program of holiday favorites, featuring special guests and an audience sing-along, followed by a screening of the short silent holiday comedy Big Business. O’Brien will perform a live organ accompaniment as the film plays out on the theater’s screen. Dec. 15. $15. Redford Theatre, 17360 Lahser Rd., Detroit; redfordtheatre.com.
Spending Christmas with Alicia Witt
The multitalented performer first gained recognition as a child actor when she was cast in the David Lynch films Dune and Twin Peaks. Although acting put her on the map (Witt has starred in nine Hallmark Christmas movies and played a lead role in this year’s smash-hit horror film Longlegs), the star is also a wickedly talented pianist and singer-songwriter. Hear Witt’s spin on classic Christmas songs as well as her own original works when she performs an intimate show at The Ark. Dec. 20. $30+. The Ark, 316 S. Main St., Ann Arbor; theark.org.
‘Twas the Night Before … by Cirque du Soleil
Featuring jaw-dropping acrobatics, dazzling special effects, and a colorful cast of lovable characters, this mesmerizing Christmas show by the world-famous Montreal-based entertainment company Cirque du Soleil is a festive treat for family members of all ages. The story follows Isabella, a bored young girl who rediscovers the Christmas spirit when she finds herself immersed in a topsy-turvy version of the classic Christmas poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas.” Dec. 20-31. $36.50+. Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313presents.com.
Snow Queen
Based on the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale of the same name, this new holiday ballet by the world-renowned Ukrainian Grand Kyiv Ballet company tells the story of a handsome but cold man named Kai who is lured into a trap by the spell of an icy queen. Only his beloved Gerda can set him free, but to do so, she must embark on a fraught journey through the forest. Along the way, she dances with fairies, trolls, and even snowmen while lush arrangements of classical favorites accompany each scene. Dec. 26. $50+. Music Hall Center for the Performing Arts, 350 Madison St., Detroit; musichall.org.
Trans-Siberian Orchestra
The symphonic rock band made a name for itself with its metal-infused takes on classic Christmas tunes, including “Carol of the Bells” and “O Holy Night.” More of a rock opera than a mere concert, this year’s production utilizes pyrotechnic effects, laser light shows, and a high-energy set list to tell the story of a lonely and regretful businessman who finds his way back to estranged family on Christmas Eve. Two showtimes are available. Dec. 28. $59+. Little Caesars Arena, 2645 Woodward Ave., Detroit; 313presents.com.
This story originally appeared in the December 2024 issue of Hour Detroit magazine. To read more, pick up a copy of Hour Detroit at a local retail outlet. Our digital edition will be available on Dec. 9.
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