Top Five Events In Metro Detroit This Weekend

1. Noel Night

Date & Time: Sat., Dec 2, 5:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Location: Midtown Detroit

The 45th annual Detroit Noel Night, a tradition across the metroplex for decades, brings holiday fun back to midtown Saturday with over a hundred participating institutions, 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 Symphony Orchestra, to name just a few. The Detroit Public Library will host an open house Saturday evening, and other activities at the enormously popular event include horse-drawn carriage rides, shopping for gifts made by local artists and artisans, children’s crafts and performances by over two hundred local acts including bands, theatre troupes, and dance companies. Headliners include Afro Blue, Cantus, Sidewalk Chalk, The Cactus Blossoms, Les Nubians, Etienne Charles’ Creole Christmas, The Main Squeeze, The Tartan Terrors, the Rhythm Society Orchestra with Paul King, and Thornetta Davis.

2. Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village

Date & Time: Sat., Dec 2, 6:30 pm - 10:00 pm

Location: The Henry Ford, Dearborn

Santa and actual live reindeer, sing-a-longs, horse drawn carriage rides, and every possible opportunity to buy warm treats and holiday goodies abounds at the Henry Ford. For $26 (adults) and $16.50 (children), revelers can experience Greenfield Village’s Main Street, all decked out for the holidays. Admission also gets you historical home tours and a finale featuring a magnificent fireworks display. While there are many free, wonderful Santa experiences in the area, one that provides living reindeer is unique. According to the Henry Ford, Reader’s Digest and USA Today call Holiday nights “one of the Top 10 Christmas experiences” in the country. For tickets and more information, visit Holiday Nights on the Henry Ford's website.

3. Indian Village Gala and Holiday Tour

Date & Time: Gala: Sat, Dec 2, 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Home Tours: Sun, Dec 3, 12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.

Location: Indian Village, Detroit.

Saturday, the Indian Village Women's hosts its 2017 VIP Holiday Gala. Open bar, strolling dinner and previews of the homes on Sunday’s house tour can all be yours for $100 a ticket. The fun continues Sunday, when the Indian Village Women's Garden Club stages its annual winter tour of classic houses. Set in one of the city’s most beautiful old neighborhoods, the tour includes five Indian Village houses, decorated for the holidays, and is led by a dedicated team of experienced docents. According to EventBrite: “An afterglow will be held at a surprise location at the conclusion of the tour and guests will be treated to a delicious holiday treat. Wine will be available for a nominal donation at the afterglow. The 2016 tour was a sold out event, purchase your 2017 tickets early to reserve your tour time!” Tickets for both the VIP holiday gala and the Indian Village home tour are available at EventBrite.

4. Holiday Spirits

Date & Time: Sat., Dec 2, 7:30 pm - 10:30 pm

Location: Beacon Park, Downtown Detroit, Heated Party Pavilion

Holiday Spirits, a grownups-only event for the 21+ set, shows off Christmas cocktails created by some of Detroit's best mixologists. There are also less boozy treats, courtesy of Bistro Joe’s, Mesa Tacos, Au Cochon, and Smoke Ring BBQ, among others. Live music by Cosmic Groove rounds out the night. Ticket prices vary, depending on the options you seek, but the $35 general admission ticket guarantees you 7:30pm entry, 10 Cocktail sample tickets, a keepsake photo, a commemorative glass and complimentary Coat Check. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Royal Oak Opportunity To Serve (ROOTS) Foundation. Check out the Holiday Spirits website for ticket options and more info.

5. ComedySportz Detroit

Date & Time: Sat, Dec 2, 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.

Location: ComedySportz Detroit Arena, 1100 Woodward Heights, Ferndale.

Part of a network of 25 improv theaters, ComedySportz’ take on improv matches two teams who fight it out for both laughs and points. Initially formed in the UK in 1984, ComedySportz is a little more like "Whose Line Is It Anyway" than most local improv. The theater offers concessions and free parking. Tickets for Saturday’s performance are $17 and are available through EventBrite.

Image via Greenfield Village.