It’s DECEMBER! Are you doing a happy dance too? It’s the most wonderful time of the year, right? RIGHT. There are lots of FUN things to do this month. Check out my favorites in this month’s edition of things to do in December 2013 in southeast Michigan!
Throughout December — Holiday Classic Film Series at the Michigan Theater {Ann Arbor} — Visit the historic Michigan Theater to see holiday classics, including A Christmas Story, Miracle on 34th Street, Elf and It’s a Wonderful Life. FREE.
Weekends through Dec. 15 — Holly Dickens Festival {Holly} — Step back in time as you stroll the streets, visit the shops, pubs and eateries in quaint downtown Holly, getting caught up in the story of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. {Such an adorable downtown!} FREE.
Through December 23 — Holiday Magic Laser Light Show at Longway Planeterium {Flint} — Experience the magic of the holiday season with a little science at this holiday laser show perfect for the whole family. Featuring traditional holiday tunes from across generations to contemporary artists performing their personal favorites, this matinée laser show is guaranteed to be a hit with all ages. $5/adults, $4/seniors and kids ages 3-11.
Through December 23 — Holiday Walk at Meadow Brook Hall {Rochester} — Celebrate the season at this Great Estate all aglow with historic and holiday treasures. Reservations are not required and tickets may be purchased on site. Daily self-guided tours. {This is so GORGEOUS! Make sure to check for coupons, too!} $20/adult, $5 for children 17 and under, 2 and under free.
Through December 29 — Wonderland of Lights in Potter Park Zoo {Lansing} — Potter Park Zoo is transformed into a magical winter wonderland with thousands of holiday lights and extraordinary displays Thursdays-Sundays 5-8 p.m. Adults are $2/person, children ages 3-12 are $1 and children 3 and under are free.
Weekends through December 29 — Christmas at Crossroad Village {Flint} — Visit the Huckleberry Railroad for a festive night-time ride, vintage crafts, shops full of great gifts and of course, Santa himself. Ticket prices: Village only – adult (13 to 59) $10, senior (60+) $9, child (25 months-12 yrs.) $8. Children 24 months and under free. Village/Train – adult (13 to 59) $13, senior (60+) $12, child (25 months-12 yrs.) $10. Children 24 months and under free.
Fridays and Saturdays throughout December — Winter Fun in Campus Martius Park {Detroit} — Lace up those skates {$7 for entry and $3 for rental for adults} or hop inside a carriage for a ride around downtown {for just $5}.
SORRY, SOLD OUT! Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 22 — North Pole Express {Owosso} — At 10 a.m. & 4 p.m., climb aboard a train to the North Pole (Ashley, Michigan). This exciting journey includes hot cocoa, see Santa’s workshop, his elves, and even Santa himself. Enjoy the nostalgic ambiance of riding the American rail while viewing the winter scenery of Mid-Michigan. Wearing pajamas is suggested–just like in the movie! For more information, visit the website link or call (989) 725-9464.
December 1 — Disney’s Frozen Breakfast {Birmingham} — Visit the Uptown Palladium Theatre in downtown Birmingham for a delicious breakfast, including hot chocolate and then see Disney’s new movieFrozen. Breakfast is at 10 a.m. and the movie starts at 11 a.m. $16/person. See my review of Frozen here.
December 2-January 5 — Big Lights Bright Show {Rochester} — More than 1.5 million bulbs brighten downtown Rochester nightly. On opening night, merchants host Lagniappe, which means “something extra,” with a special appearance by Santa 6 p.m.-midnight. After that, be sure to take in the dazzling spectacle while getting a little holiday shopping done. FREE.
December 3 — Vienna Boys Choir: Christmas in Vienna {Lansing} — The Christmas season will be kicked off beautifully with the celestial voices of the Vienna Boys Choir! The Austrian youngsters will perform at Wharton Center at 7:30 p.m. Tickets range from $15 to $47.
December 3-15 — Elf The Musical {Detroit} — Visit the Detroit Opera House to see the story of Buddy from the beloved holiday movie “Elf” comes to life on stage in this family friendly musical about discovering who you really are and the joy of Christmas. Tickets range from $24-$69.
December 5 — Milford’s Christmas Open House {Milford} — Santa Claus comes to town during this annual event, which offers visitors an opportunity to enjoy strolling entertainment, special promotions at each shop and restaurant, horse-drawn carriage rides, holiday caroling and more. The evening begins at 5:45 p.m., when the jolly old man arrives on Main Street on aMilford Fire Department fire engine. Continuing through 9 p.m., Christmas Open House also serves as the perfect opportunity to score fabulous holiday deals. FREE.
December 5-8 — Christmas Wonderfest {Novi} — Come in and enjoy Detroit’s Christmas Wonderfest with over 300 stores and artists, holiday foods, family crafts and great surprises! Visit Santa at the North Pole, ride the carousel listen to 20 choirs or other live music throughout the venue. $3 for children, $6 for adults, or pay $12 for two adults and up to four children with the family pass.
December 6 — Midnight Madness {Ann Arbor} — Main Street stores will be open late and will have holiday sales. Don’t miss Santa Claus and Miss Washtenaw County roaming and entertainment on the sidewalks from 7-9 p.m. FREE.
December 6-28 — Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village {Dearborn} — Step into a Christmas card from the past. Don’t miss the most popular holiday event in the area, complete with candlelit paths, live entertainment, costumed presenters, horse-drawn wagon and Model T rides, delightful holiday shops, Santa and live reindeer, ice skating, a spectacular fireworks display and more. For information call (313)982-6001. Download a $2 off coupon for select nights, too! Adults {age 13+}: $22, children ages 5-12: $16, children 4 and under are free.
December 7-21 — Christmas at Whaley House {Flint} — Explore what it would have been like to celebrate a Victorian Christmas! Various programs at the House will explore how people in the nineteenth century celebrated the holiday season. See here for specific programs happening. Adults are $5, students are $3.
December 7 — Noel Night {Detroit} — The annual Noel Night takes place at 75 Midtown venues, including the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Michigan Science Center, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, the Detroit Historical Museum, and the Detroit Public Library, amongst many others, each opening their doors to the public FREE of charge. Activities include horse-drawn carriage rides, holiday shopping, family craft activities and performances by over 120 area music, theatre, and dance groups. FREE.
December 7 and 14 — Breakfast With Santa at the Howell Conference & Nature Center {Howell} — $8/adults, $6 for children, and 2 and under are free.
December 12 — DIY Gift Making Workshop at Ann Arbor Hands On Museum {Ann Arbor} — 6:30-7:30 p.m. Make three ice candles (perfect holiday gifts!), wrapping paper, and gift tags so that your presents are ready to be given to someone special. Tickets are $7 for members and $12 for non-members, includes workshop and admission to the Museum, and are non-refundable. Recommended for ages 8+. For more information or to purchase tickets, call the Museum at 734-995-5439.
December 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28 — Candlelight Stroll at Edsel & Eleanor Ford House {Grosse Pointe Shores} — Glowing candles and twinkling lights are the highlights of this delightful evening stroll. Guests will be welcomed with sounds of holiday music filling the grand halls. While enjoying the trees, ornaments and other trimmings, hear stories of the Ford family holiday traditions at the Estate. Tickets are $15. For information call (313) 884-4222.
December 14 & 15 — The Nutcracker, presented by the Brighton Center for the Performing Arts {Brighton} — This special performance includes Michigan’s most talented ballet students. $25/adults, $20 for seniors and children 10 and under.
December 26 — Free admission to the Michigan Science Center courtesy of Comerica Bank {Detroit} — Learn more here.
What events are you most excited about this month?
Eva @ Whole Food Mom on a Budget says
I was super excited to take my son on the North Pole Express for the first time but they are sold out of every time and date! 🙁 I guess I have to buy tickets in September? Thanks for the list of things to do – we are going to the Sloan to see the dinosaurs and light show.
Mrs. Weber says
SO good to know! I had seen one of the dates was sold out…Didn’t know it was all. Just added that, so thanks for the heads up. A September purchase may be in order 😉
That light show at Sloan sounds so cool! Have fun w/the dinos to 🙂
Jess says
I know it’s too late for this year, but Kensington has cookies & a sleigh ride with Santa that you can add to next years list! We used to go when I was younger and this year I get to take my kids 🙂 love passing fun holiday tradition shown to them!
April says
Thanks for sharing our events!
Michele says
My kids and I are psyched to see SteveSongs (aka Mr Steve from PBS Kids) at the Candy Canes & Kiddie Rock Fundraiser this Saturday at the Village Theater. We saw him last year and it was awesome.