At this time of year, holiday events and markets are endless. So, if you want to get in the spirit or get some shopping in, there’s lots going on for you. If you’re not quite ready to think about the fact that it’s December this weekend, though, there are also tons of music and comedy shows to attend as a fun distraction. 

If you’re looking for even more to do every day of the week, visit the Metro Times events calendar, which is free to use if you have something planned that you’d like to advertise to Metro Times readers.

Magic of Lights When: Through Dec. 30. From 5:30-10 p.m. Where: Pine Knob Music Theatre, Clarkston What: A dazzling, drive-thru holiday light display Who: You and as many people you can fit in your car — one car, one price Why: ‘Tis the season Credit: Courtesy photo
Annual Potters Market When: Nov. 30-Dec. 3 Where: Southfield Pavilion What: The largest pottery sale of its kind in the country Who: Michigan and Midwest artists Why: One of Michigan’s most popular holiday events, with over 30,000 pieces of art, returns for its 46th year. Admission and parking is free. Credit: Courtesy photo
Cirque Dreams Holidaze When: Dec. 1-Dec. 3 Where: Fox Theatre What: A family-friendly holiday production Who: A varying group of performance artists Why: Get in the winter spirit with Broadway-style circus acts by a cast of holiday characters. Credit: Ian Ibbetson
Mariah Carey – Merry Christmas One And All! When: Dec. 1 at 7:30 p.m. Where: Little Caesars Arena What: AA live holiday concert Who: Mariah Carey Why: All she wants for Christmas is you. Credit: Courtesy of 313Presents
Chelsea Handler: Little Big Bitch When: Dec. 1 at 8 p.m. Where: Fisher Theatre What: A comedy show Who: Chelsea Handler Why: A stop on the actress and comedian’s current tour. Credit: Kathy Hutchins/Shutterstock
The Third Annual Krampusmrkt When: Dec. 1 from 5-9 p.m. and Dec. 5 from 1-9 p.m. Where: Ypsilanti Freighthouse What: A market of handmade holiday gifts Who: Over 50 local artists and makers Why: To celebrate the holidays and pick up gifts for Christmas Credit: Pamela Mohar
Sky Covington’s Satin Doll Revue When: Dec. 1 from 7-11 p.m. Where: Bert’s Warehouse Theatre What: A performance Who: The Preservation of Jazz Why: Songs from the greatest jazz vocalists of all time. Credit: Facebook, The Satin Doll Revue
Chance Willie & Connor Larsen LIVE When: Dec. 1 from 9-10:30 p.m. Where: Planet Ant, Hamtramck What: A comedy show Who: Chance Willie and Connor Larsen Why: Get a laugh in early in the weekend. Credit: Facebook, Planet Ant
Credit: Viola Klocko
Family Pet Photos with Santa When: Dec. 2 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Where: Detroit K-9 Pet Supplies What: A holiday event Who: Detroit K-9 Pet Supplies Why: Bring your family and your pets for free photos with Santa. Plus, meet morning show host Jay Towers. Credit: Facebook, Detroit K-9 Pet Supplies
Detroit Urban Craft Fair When: Dec. 2 from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. and Dec. 3 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Where: Masonic Temple What: An art fair Who: Local vendors Why: Over 100 vendors showcasing handcrafted designs perfect for affordable holiday shopping. Credit: Courtesy photo
Gateway Classic Cars Holiday Party When: Dec. 2 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Where: Gateway Classic Cars of Detroit, Dearborn What: A holiday party benefiting Toys for Tots. Who: Gateway Classic Cars of Detroit Why: Food, drinks, music, and collecting toys for local families. Credit: Facebook, Gateway Classic Cars of Detroit
Downriver Business Events Group’s 2023 Christmas Celebration When: Dec. 2 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Where: Brownstown Event Center What: A Christmas celebration Who: Downriver Business Events Group Why: Food, raffles, vendors, crafters, and fun. Credit: Facebook, Downriver Business Events Group
Mt. Olivet Remembrance Tree Lighting When: Dec. 2 from 4-5:30 p.m. Where: Mount Olivet Cemetery What: A tree lighting memorial Who: Local families Why: To remember and celebrate the lives of loved ones who have passed. Prayers, songs, lights, fellowship, and friendship will be offered as well as light refreshments in a warming tent. Credit: Photo via Mt. Eilliot Cemetery Association
Holiday Makers Market When: Dec. 2 from noon-5 p.m. Where: Bloodroot Herb Shop and Ziggy’s What: A holiday shopping market Who: Two Ypsilanti businesses and local artists Why: Support local this holiday season. Credit: Courtesy photo
Protomartyr When: Dec. 2 at 7 p.m. Where: Magic Stick What: An indie rock concert Who: Protomartyr with special guests Detroit noise band Wolf Eyes and Canadian punk band METZ. Why: The band has entered a new era with the addition of the Breeders’ Kelley Deal.
The 49th Annual Noel Night When: Dec. 2 from 5-10 p.m. Where: Midtown Detroit What: A city-wide open house Who: Midtown District Inc. and Detroit institutions Why: To enjoy food, music, and local shopping. Credit: Courtesy photo
Əkoostik Hookah & Flying Caterpillar When: Dec. 2 from 6 p.m.-midnight Where: Tangent Gallery What: Live music Who: Əkoostik Hookah & Flying Caterpillar Why: The band is known for its unique shows and its ability to feed off of the crowd’s energy. Credit: Facebook, Tangent Gallery
Prison Creative Arts Project 2023 Art Auction When: Dec. 2 at 6:30 p.m. Where: Michigan Union Courtyard, Ann Arbor What: A fundraiser art auction Who: The Prison Creative Arts Project (PCAP) Why: To help fundraise for the coming year’s 28th Annual Exhibition of Artists in Michigan Prisons, which brings the artwork of incarcerated artists into the public realm in order to humanize people in prison, break stereotypes, and create dialogue about mass incarceration. Credit: Courtesy photo
Intimacy: The Artistic Community of PASC When: Dec. 2-Jan. 14 Where: The Museum of Contemporary Arts Detroit (MOCAD) What: An art exhibition Who: Progressive Art Studio Collective (PASC) Why: Showcasing PASC’s growth through the last three years. Credit: Steve Neavling
The Suicide Machines When: Dec. 2 at 7 p.m. Where: Saint Andrew’s Hall What: A concert Who: The Suicide Machines Why: Celebrating 20 yeats of “A Match and Some Gasoline.” Credit: Josh Justice
Gear up for football season College football and NFL season is here, and you can either kick back at home with family to watch the game or get a ticket to catch the real deal at a University of Michigan, Michigan State, or Detroit Lions game. Credit: Joe Maroon
Hip-Prov! Benefiting The Detroit Creativity Project When: Dec 3. From 7-9 p.m. Where: Mark Ridley’s Comedy Castle, Royal Oak What: A charity fundraiser comedy show Who: Hosted by comedian Tam White with special guests Fox 2’s Lee Thomas and Alan Longstreet. Why: Proceeds provide free improv programs for Detroit youth. Credit: Facebook, Detroit Creativity Project

Have something to share?

SEND US A NEWS TIP

Layla McMurtrie is the digital editor of Detroit Metro Times. She's passionate about art, music, food, and Detroit's culture and community. Her work has been featured in the Detroit Free Press, Between...