Movies, Music, Plays: Holiday Entertainment in Metro D

By: Toni Cunningham | December 2, 2013
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When I was younger, the true sign of the holiday season was when the box of Christmas knickknacks came up from the basement. In said box was a VHS of Christmas specials, which I would watch, rewind and repeat. And yes, it was a VHS, not a DVD or Blu-ray.

There’s something about holiday shows during the season—whether you enjoy watching Christmas themed movies, going to see a live holiday play, or attending a festive holiday music concert, they’ll all put you in the jolliest of moods.

While you deck the halls this year, be sure to add some of these holiday shows and entertainment options to your calendar. It’s a great way to spend time with loved ones and enjoy the season!

Fox Theatre, 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit

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Cirque Dreams Holidaze features an original score and talented artists, and will make its run at the Fox Theatre on Tuesday, December 3 through Sunday, December 7. Tickets cost $34 to $39 and showtimes are as follows:

  • Tuesday, December 3 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Wednesday, December 4 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Thursday, December 5 at 7:30 p.m.
  • Friday, December 6 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
  • Saturday, December 7 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.

Yo Gabba Gabba! LIVE! Holiday Show is entertainment for the whole family! The show features dance numbers, special effects and your favorite characters. The fun begins at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, December 13 and tickets cost $26 to $46.

Detroit’s own Karen Newman will perform her “Christmas Eve on Woodward Avenue” show on Wednesday, December 18. The show will feature popular holiday songs as well as originals. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. and tickets cost $28.50 to $48.50.

Mannheim Steamroller Christmas by Chip Davis, America’s beloved holiday spectacular, will perform on Saturday, December 21. Doors to the show open at 8 p.m. and tickets cost $30 to $85.

Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker will be brought to life on Sunday, December 22. The company includes 40 dancers and there will be over 200 costume changes throughout the night! The show begins at 5 p.m. and tickets cost $28 to $122. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Children’s Hospital of Michigan Foundation, so it’s a great show for an even greater cause.

Detroit Opera House, 1526 Broadway St., Detroit

“Buddy the Elf, what’s your favorite color?” If you like Elf the movie (who doesn’t?), you’re going to love Elf the Broadway musical. It’s making a run from Tuesday, December 3 through Sunday, December 15. Tickets cost $30 to $85.

Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor

If, like me, you’re movie obsessed, you’re going to want to get over to the Michigan Theater this December. Starting on the first, they’re playing holiday classics and recent festive films all month long. Take a look at the calendar:

  • Love Actually on Monday, December 2
  • Miracle on 34th Street on Sunday, December 8
  • Bad Santa on Monday, December 9
  • Elf on Sunday, December 15
  • It’s a Wonderful Life on Sunday, December 22 

Ford Community & Performing Arts Center, 15801 Michigan Ave., Dearborn

The Dearborn Theater will host several holiday shows, including The Nutcracker (Friday, December 6 and Saturday, December 7), Dearborn Holiday Choral Festival (Saturday, December 14) and Motor City Brass Band presents “Sounds of the Season” (Sunday, December 15). Tickets for each can be purchased at the box office or online.

The Palace of Auburn Hills, 6 Championship Dr., Auburn Hills

The Trans-Siberian Orchestra will perform its rock opera “The Last Christmas Eve” on Friday, December 27. There will be two performances, one at 3 p.m. and another at 8 p.m. Tickets cost $33 to $73.

Joe Louis Arena, 19 Steve Yzerman Dr., Detroit

Who says wrestling can’t be festive? World Wrestling Entertainment’s Live Holiday Tour will hit the Joe on Saturday, December 28. The card will include WWE favorites like CM Punk, Paul Heyman, Ryback, Daniel Bryan, Randy Orton and more. The first match begins at 7:30 p.m. and tickets cost $23 to $98.

Macomb Center for the Performing Arts, 44575 Garfield Rd., Clinton Twp.

You can experience the season three ways! Tony Orlando’s Great American Christmas will fill the stage on Sunday, December 8, and tickets to the spectacular cost $43 to $58.

Holiday Brass, a performance by the Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings, will be held on Tuesday, December 10. The Fraser Singers, a chamber choir made up of students from Fraser High School, will join the Detroit Chamber on stage. Tickets cost $15 to $25.

Grammy-winning composer and violinist Mark O’Connor will perform on Sunday, December 15. O’Connor blends folk, country, jazz and classical sounds to bring his Christmas special to life. Tickets cost $20 to $58.

If you’re not in the holiday spirit after attending at least one of these films, performances or concerts, then you must be the Grinch himself. Before his heart grew three sizes that day.

Happy Holidays, and enjoy all that the season has to offer in Metro Detroit!

 

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