Detroit’s annual Noel Night, now celebrating its 33rd anniversary, is one of the most communal festivities of the year. Not only does this one-night event bring together people from all over southeast Michigan in celebration of the Motor City’s diversity and spirit, it’s one of the only times of the year that the Cultural Center’s institutions, historic churches and area galleries stay open late as a group.
This Saturday, Dec. 3, 5-9 p.m., the area will teem with life as thousands of people take to the streets and prowl for holiday cheer, good eats and free entertainment. It’s a neighborhood open house, and it’s definitely worth a look-see. Here are some highlights:
• The College for Creative Studies Student and Alumni Art Sale is a reliably excellent multimedia exhibition showcasing the work of new and emerging artists from one of the city’s most interesting talent pools. 5-9 p.m. Walter B. Ford II Building, 201 E. Kirby; 313-664-7400.
• The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History will host an assortment of activities: Tree Lighting Ceremony, 6 p.m.; Photos with Santa, 6:30-8:30 p.m.; Cass Tech Madrigals, 7 p.m.; DSA Dancers, 7:30 p.m.; Jazzeray, 8:15 p.m., all in the Rotunda. In the Main Theatre see the Deblon Jackson All-Stars, 6:30 p.m. Classrooms 106 and 108 will have Cookie and Ornament Decorating Workshops, 6-8 p.m. 315 E. Warren; 313-494-5800.
• The Park Shelton has horse-drawn carriage rides ($7 adults/$3 children). 5-9 p.m. 15 E. Kirby; 313-875-9500.
• The Detroit Institute of Arts also has a full docket: Photos with Santa in the Ancient Gallery, 5-9 p.m. Franci Podolsky Singer Storytelling featuring Kwanzaa and Chanukah celebration storytellers, Dining Room A, 5-9 p.m. And in Rivera Court, Mosaic Singers, 6 p.m.; Rackham Symphony Choir Madrigal Singers, 6:45 p.m.; Thornetta Davis, 8:15 p.m. 5200 Woodward Ave., 313-833-7900.
• The International Institute hosts an entire evening of holiday ethic folk music including: Sonami Wahines Kawes Polynesian Group, 5:30 p.m. and 7:35 p.m.; The Ancient Highland Scotland Dancers, 5:45 p.m.; Viyandjali East Indian Dancers, 6:15 p.m.; Sonami Wahines Kawes Polynesian Group, 6:35 p.m.; Viyandjali East Indian Dancers, 6:45 p.m.; Bosnia Youth Ensemble, 7:15 p.m.; Gwiazda Dancers, 7:45 p.m.; the Greek Band Elas, 8:30 p.m.; a Special Ethnic Dinner (there will be a charge), 4:30-9 p.m.
Visit www.ci.detroit.mi.us for schedules.
Eve Doster is the listings editor for Metro Times. Send comments to [email protected]
