Metro Detroit's Holiday Entertainment: Crowd-Favorite Events Galore

Dec 4, 2024 at 11:32 AM
The holiday season is in full swing around the metro area, offering a plethora of entertainment options. From the classic ballet "The Nutcracker" to unique interpretations like "Humbug" and various musical performances, there's something for everyone. Let's dive into the details of these holiday happenings.

Uncover the Magic of the Holiday Season in the Metro

The Detroit Symphony Orchestra's "The Nutcracker Suite"

The Detroit Symphony Orchestra presents two distinct versions of "The Nutcracker Suite" during the holiday season. On Friday, December 6, at 10:45 a.m., 8 p.m. on Saturday, and 3 p.m. on Sunday at Orchestra Hall, 3711 Woodward Ave., Detroit. Saturday's show is available for free streaming via the "Live From Orchestra Hall" series. With Tchaikovsky's Ballet and the Duke Ellington/Billy Strayhorn rendition, it's a must-see for ballet enthusiasts. You can reach them at 313-576-5111 or dso.org.The Macomb Ballet Company also showcases "The Nutcracker" at 7 p.m. on Friday, December 6, with additional performances through Sunday at the Macomb Center, 44575 Garfield Road, Clinton Township. A special Nutcracker Tea takes place at 11 a.m. on Saturday. For more information, call 586-286-2222 or visit macombcenter.com.

The Farmington Players' "Humbug"

The Farmington Players' "Humbug" puts a fresh spin on "A Christmas Carol" starting at 8 p.m. on Friday, December 6, and running through December 21 at The Barn Theatre, 32332 W. 12 Mile Road, Farmington Hills. This unique production offers a different take on the holiday classic and is sure to delight audiences. You can get tickets at 248-553-2955 or farmingtonplayers.org.

Other Holiday Performances

Pianist Cyrus Chestnut and Friends perform Vince Guaraldi's score from "A Charlie Brown Christmas" at 8 p.m. on Friday, December 6, at Orchestra Hall, 3711 Woodward Ave., Detroit. Reach them at 313-576-5111 or dso.org.The Detroit Public Theatre's 2nd Annual Holiday Cabaret has shows through December 22 at 3960 Third St., Detroit. Call 313-974-7918 or visit detroitpublictheatre.org.Dave Boutette and Kristi Lynn Davis join forces for a special Christmas show at 8 p.m. on Friday, December 6, at the Trinity House Theatre, 38840 W. Six Mile Road, Livonia. Reach them at 734-436-6302 or trinityhousetheatre.org.Indoors and on screen, pop sensation Sabrina Carpenter streams "A Nonsense Christmas" starting at 6 p.m. on Friday, December 6, on Netflix. Guests include Chappell Roan, Tyla, Cara Delevingue, Kyle Mooney and more.The DSO offers a family-friendly "Let It Snow!" program at 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 7, at Orchestra Hall, 3711 Woodward Ave., Detroit. Call 313-576-5111 or dso.org.Noel Night, Detroit's annual holiday extravaganza, turns 50 with activities around the city's Midtown and Cultural Center from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Live music, family activities, shopping, and Santa Claus visits make it a festive event. Get all the details at noelnight.org."The Jingle Jam" presented by endprejudice features music and poetry by the Drew Keys Band, Myla Hope, Sofia Goetz, La Shaun Phoenix More, Jazmine Jamai and more at 8 p.m. on Saturday, December 7, at 20 Front Street in Lake Orion. Call 248-783-7105 or 20frontstreet.com.The Dearborn Symphony Orchestra performs its version of "The Nutcracker" at 1 and 7 p.m. on Saturday, December 7, at the Ford Community & Performing Arts Center, 15801 Michigan Ave., Dearborn. Reach them at 313-943-2354 or dearborntheater.com.Over the Rhine presents its Acoustic Christmas show at The Ark at 8 p.m. on Saturday, December 7. Located at 316 S. Main St., Ann Arbor. Call 734-761-1818 or visit theark.org.Not tired of it yet? "Nutcracker! Magical Christmas Ballet" dances into the Fox Theatre at noon, 4, and 8 p.m. on Sunday, December 8. At 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit. Call 313-471-7000 or 313Presents.com."Who Brought the Humbug?" is a family-friendly variety show with music, dancing and more at 4 p.m. on Sunday, December 8, at Music Hall Center, 250 Madison Ave., Detroit. Reach them at 313-887-8500 or musichall.org.Local country favorite Alan Turner crafts a Christmas Show edition of his Kenny Rogers tribute at 7 p.m. on Sunday, December 8, at The Roxy, 401 Walnut Blvd., Rochester. Call 248-453-5285 or theroxyrochester.com.Chicago blues-rock quartet the Empty Pockets brings its MistleTunes holiday concert our way for a 7:30 p.m. show on Sunday, December 8, at The Ark, 316 S. Main St., Ann Arbor. Call 734-761-1818 or visit theark.org.