There’s just something magical about the holiday season, isn’t there? It could be the decorations, the goodwill toward men, the scent of Christmas trees in the air, or a combination of any of the above. Maybe it’s just me, but now seems to be the time of year when heading out to a show, concert, play or movie seems extra special.
If you’re planning a holiday-themed surprise for your significant other, or want to take your whole family to a screening of your favorite classic Christmas film, allow me to help! I’ve compiled a list of some great holiday shows, concerts, plays and movies that are certain to bring a smile to the face of even Mr. Scrooge himself. Be sure to pencil these into your social calendar!
The Fisher Theatre, located at 3011 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit, hosts plenty of Broadway productions in Detroit, and starting Wednesday, Dec. 10 through the beginning of January, “Wicked” is back by popular demand!
The show tells the unknown story of the witches of Oz (from “The Wizard of Oz,” of course), and there are performances throughout the week at various times, including matinees and evening shows. Tickets range in price from $49 to $179, and the show lasts approximately two and a half hours.
The Fox Theater, 2211 Woodward Ave., Detroit, is another great theater located in the city of Detroit, with plenty of holiday magic to provide. Detroit’s own Karen Newman will perform “Christmas Eve on Woodward Avenue” on Wednesday, Dec. 3. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. and tickets cost $25 to $45.
If you like holiday hits performed with a twang, you’ll enjoy Kenny Rogers’ “Christmas & Hits Tour” on Saturday, Dec. 6. Mannheim Steamroller Christmas is a can’t-miss holiday event for the whole family, which takes place on Sunday, Dec. 7. The 30th Anniversary Tour is directed and co-produced by Chip Davis.
Cirque Dreams Holidaze has sold out three of the past five years it has performed at the Fox Theater, and certainly this year will be no different. The show, which runs Tuesday, Dec. 16 through Saturday, Dec. 20, features more than 300 costumes, 20 acts and performers from 12 plus countries.
The Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker is a one night only performance, on Sunday, Dec. 21 at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Don’t miss out on the classic holiday tradition!
The Redford Theatre, 17360 Lahser Rd., Detroit, is a great place to catch a holiday classic. The first week of December, “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” is being screened on Friday, Dec. 5 and Saturday, Dec. 6, and tickets cost just $5. It’s not really the holiday season until you join the Griswold family Christmas!
The following week, The Annual MCTOS Christmas Show will be held on Saturday, Dec. 13, featuring holiday dancers, a bell choir, and a visit from Santa Claus himself! The show begins at 8 p.m. and tickets cost $10, $5 for those ages 12 and under.
If you’re looking for a true Christmas classic, “White Christmas” fits the bill. It’s being shown on Friday, Dec. 19 and Saturday, Dec. 20.
The Michigan Theater, 603 E. Liberty St., Ann Arbor, always has a great selection of feature films, including blockbusters, indies, classics and more. The holiday season is no different! Musical geeks, get ready to let out a squeal of delight. The Michigan Theater is screening a Sing-A-Long version of “White Christmas” on Friday, Nov. 28. The show begins at 7:30 p.m. and will involve on-screen lyrics, props and more! Carolers will perform before the show from 7 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Anyone who says that “Home Alone” isn’t a holiday film isn’t anyone I want to be friends with. It obviously is! It also happens to be showing here on Sunday, Nov. 30 at 1:30 p.m. Another classic, “Elf,” will be shown on Sunday, Dec. 14 at 1:30 p.m.
The Penn Theatre, 760 Penniman Ave., Plymouth, is located in downtown Plymouth, which is a perfectly quaint and decked out area for the holidays. The Penn often does various themed coming attractions, including holiday classics!
“It’s a Wonderful Life” is the first, on Thursday, Dec. 4 through Sunday, Dec. 7. The following week, catch “Miracle on 34th Street” on Friday, Dec. 12 through Sunday, Dec. 14. If you missed out on The Redford Theatre’s screening of “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation,” now is your second chance! It’s showing here on Thursday, Dec. 18 and Friday, Dec. 19. The last in the holiday series is “The Polar Express” on Saturday, Dec. 20 and Sunday, Dec. 21.
The best part about seeing a movie at The Penn? Well, personally, I enjoy supporting a great mom and pop business, and the tickets are only $3! And as you know, that’s approximately 1/18th of the cost of a regular movie ticket these days.
It’s time to pack as many holiday movies, shows, concerts and plays into your social calendar as humanly possible over the next few weeks! ‘Tis the season to be jolly, after all.