Family Fun in Southeast Michigan in December 2014 {Ann Arbor, Detroit, Flint and Lansing}

Do you hear what I hear? It’s December!

A few weeks ago I shared a post about 25+ Christmas events happening around SE Michigan, so today’s post is focused on everything else that’s happening in the month of December, which of course, includes a TON more holiday-related events. So many fun things going on…Plan some fun today!

Photo taken at the Big Bright Light Show in downtown Rochester. Such an incredible event!

FAMILY FUN IN SOUTHEAST MICHIGAN IN DECEMBER 2014

December 4 — Christmas Open House {Milford} — This seasonal event brings strolling entertainment, horse-drawn carriage rides, holiday caroling, special promotions and deals at downtown stores and restaurants as well as a highly anticipated visit with Santa Claus in Center Street Mall. 6-9 p.m. FREE.

December 4-6 — A Christmas Carol the Musical at the Village Theater at Cherry Hill in Canton {Canton} — The classic tale of Ebenezer Scrooge is brought to life in musical form on the stage. $22/ticket.

December 4-7 — Rock ‘n’ Roll Santa at the Village Theater at Cherry Hill in Canton {Canton} — It is the late 1950’s in Santa’s workshop. Like most teenagers of this era, the reindeer are all about rock and roll! When the North Pole finds itself in ‘debt’ – it’s Blitzen’s fault… the deer organize a rock and roll band – but need a famous lead singer… guess who takes the job? $12/ticket.

December 4-7 — It’s a Wonderful Life at the Penn Theatre {Plymouth} — An angel helps a businessman discover that his life is wonderful by showing him what things would’ve been like without him. Show times are Thursday: 7 p.m., Friday-Saturday: 7 and 9:25 p.m. and Sunday: 4 and 7 p.m. Cost is $3.

December 5 — Light Up The Night {Novi} — Visit Novi for live reindeer, marshmallow roasting, Santa, ice sculptures and more from 6-9 p.m. FREE.

December 5 — Cranbrook Institute of Science {Bloomfield Hills} — Visit this gem for FREE after 5 p.m. on the first Friday of the month courtesy of the MASCO Corporation Foundation.

December 5-7 — Snow Queen at Ann Arbor Civic Theatre {Ann Arbor} — An original spin on the Hans Christian Andersen story, performed by youth. Recommended for ages 4+. Show times are Friday: 7:30 p.m., Saturday: 1 and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday: 1 and 3 p.m. $8/adults, $5/child.

December 5-21 — Flint Youth Theatre presents Pinocchio {Flint} — The classic tale is brought to life on stage with youth. Advance tickets are $12/child, $14/seniors/veterans/teens and $16/adult.

December 6 — Junie B. Jones presented by Not Just For Kids {Ann Arbor} — This storybook girl lives out her tales on stage from such favorites as First Grader (at Last!), Boss of Lunch and One-Man Band. Recommended for age 5+. Show is at 1:30 p.m. $10-$12 for tickets.

December 6 — Holiday Extravaganza Parade {Pontiac} — Enjoy an ice carving competition, petting farm, live reindeer, s’mores, face painting and more. The parade steps off at 11 a.m. FREE.

December 6 — Breakfast with Santa at the Howell Nature Center {Howell} — Visit the nature center for a pancake breakfast complete with a visit from Santa who will have a special gift for each child. $8/adults, $6/children, 2 and under are free. 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. time slots. Call to register in advance. {We LOVE this event!}

December 6 — Kids Workshop at The Home Depot {Nationwide} — Make a holiday yard stake {so cute}! This hands-on workshop is designed for children ages 5 – 12. All kids get to keep their craft, receive a certificate of achievement, a Workshop Apron, and a commemorative pin while supplies last. Register online in advance. FREE.

December 6 — Hometown Holidays {Berkley} — Visit downtown Berkley for vintage trolley rides, carolers, a petting zoo, and more. Additionally, the Holiday Lights Parade will kick-off at 5:30 p.m. FREE.

December 6 — Cool Yule {South Lyon} — Groups across South Lyon come together to offer free/low-cost family friendly activities and to support local charities. From the Christmas in the Country Craft Show to the Cool Yule Lighted Parade and tree lighting ceremony, this event is sure to offer something for everyone.

December 6 — Snow Queen & Princess Tea {Farmington} — Join a meet and greet with the Snow Queen and her sister Princess. Activities include glamour kits, snowman game, singing and dancing, balloon animals, face painting and pictures with characters. Your little one will be enchanted by this fairy tale tea. Children are encouraged to dress in their fairy tale finest! Space is limited, so register in advance. Tickets are $25/child.  Accompanying adults are free.

December 6 — Holly Days and Light Up the Grand Parade {Farmington} — Various activities happening throughout the city including face painting, sand art, balloon animals, story time with Mrs. Claus, free visit with Santa, free movies and more. Light Up the Grand parade will kick-off at 5 p.m. FREE.

December 6 — The Giving Christmas {Troy} — Troy Historic Village presents “The Giving Christmas” from 1-3 p.m. Visitors will tour the decorated historic buildings and enjoy hot mulled cider and Christmas cookies. Children may visit Santa, make a craft to take home, and print a postcard in the turn-of-the-century Print Shop. Carols performed by local singers and played on the harp and guitar. Price: $6 adults, $4 seniors, free for kids 12 and under. No registration necessary.

December 6-7 — Rapunzel! Rapunzel! A Very Hairy Fairy Tale at the Farmington Hills Costick Center {Farmington Hills} — On the edge of glory, the evil Lady Za Za determines to rule the kingdom by keeping the beautiful Princess Rapunzel trapped in a tower in the deep, dark, dank, dismal, dreary forest. In this hilarious musical adventure, Princess Rapunzel may indeed find a way to escape the tower and take her rightful place as the ruler of the kingdom. Tickets are $10.

December 7 — Rochester Hometown Parade {Rochester} — The Rochester Hometown Christmas Parade is the largest Christmas parade in Michigan with an average 3,000 parade participants. Expect to see community organizations, floats, units of marchers, drill teams, marching bands, clowns, equestrian groups, fire trucks and Michigan dignitaries.

December 8 — Macy’s 2nd Mondays at The Henry Ford Museum {Dearborn} — Introduce your preschool children to the wonders of The Henry Ford — all before nap time {10 a.m. – noon}. Storytelling, live entertainment and dozens of hands-on activities related to some of the museum’s most memorable artifacts. December’s theme is Celebrate the Holidays and will take place in The Henry Ford Museum. Free for kids, adults can get 25 percent off their tickets with this coupon!

December 9-15 — Bedtime Stories with Santa {Grosse Pointe Farms} — Dressed in comfy PJs, gathered around the festive holiday tree, children will hear Santa read classic stories of the Christmas season. Milk and cookies add to this cozy experience. Recommended for ages 4+. $12/child.

December 11-14 — Stagecrafters presents The Neverending Story {Royal Oak} — Told with all the thrills of a classic adventure, lead character Bastian becomes so immersed in his reading that he is magically transported into The Neverending Story. The young hero discovers courage and strength inside himself to save the world from destruction. Performed by youth, ages 8-18. Only children ages 3+ will be permitted. Advance ticket prices are $8/child, $12/adult.

December 12 — Gingerbread House Decorating {Grosse Pointe Farms} — Students in this class will receive a Wilton gingerbread house that is assembled and ready to decorate. Chef Pam will provide instruction, suggestions and ideas on how to decorate the house, along with a variety of icings and candies. Ages 6+ only. Cost is $33.

December 13 — Lowe’s Build & Grow Clinic {Nationwide} – Bring your child to Lowe’s to make a holiday train engine! Register online in advance. FREE.

December 14, 22 and 23 — Ice Skate with Santa at Kensington Valley Ice House {Brighton} — Bring a full-size toiletry item and get a free skate rental! Admission is $5. Photos with Santa are $3.

December 14 — FREE admission to the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History {Detroit} – The Charles H. Wright Museum of African-American History opens its doors for FREE, thanks to Charter One Bank.

December 14 — Family-Friendly Film at the State Theater – Elf {Ann Arbor} – Part of the Toyota Family-Friendly Film Series. 1:30 p.m. FREE.

December 16-20 — Cirque Dream Holidaze {Detroit} — Get the scoop on this spectacular show in this earlier post of mine.

December 16-21 — Annie at The Wharton Center {East Lansing} — Leapin’ Lizards! The world’s best-loved musical returns! Directed by original lyricist and director Martin Charnin, this production of Annie will be a brand-new incarnation of the iconic original. Tickets start at $34.

December 20 — Holiday Beast Bash at the Great Lakes Zoological Society {Ann Arbor} — Take a photo with Santa, his elf and maybe a python or two! Enjoy holiday food, crafts, caroling and dancing. Bring a photo of your pet from home and have a reading done by animal communicator Judy Ramsey, too. $8/adults, $5.50 for seniors/children, ages 2 and under are free.

December 20 — Skate & Lunch with Santa Rollers and Strollers {Shelby Township} — Visit The New Rick Family Skating Center for the beginner skater ages 7 and under. Parents are welcome to skate or walk on floor or push strollers on floor. Session includes skate rental, hot dog, snack and drink. Santa will make his appearance and take picture with the children. Push Toys and ride-on toys are welcome. $7/person.

December 20 — Bounce with Santa at Bounce Gymnastics {Hartland} — This special preschool playtime will include a visit from Santa and candy canes. Bring your camera — there will be a picture spot. $7/child.

What events did I miss? Please share them in the comments below! I hope you all have a magical holiday season!