6 metro Detroit holiday events to get you in the spirit of the season

Christmas tree in Campus Martius.Now that Thanksgiving is done and dusted, I think it’s safe to turn our attention to Christmas and all of the annual holiday events in Detroit. There are many fantastic light festivals and other traditional holiday fare happening around metro Detroit throughout the month of December.

Whether you’re looking for a romantic date night with your special someone, a family friendly activity for all ages or a group outing with your friends—the following list has something for everyone.

Can’t seem to get in the holiday spirit? Maybe one of these will do the trick.

1. Noel Night - Over 60 venues in Midtown, including the DIA, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History and the Detroit Historical Museum, will open their doors free of charge. The festive evening includes horse-drawn carriages, entertainment and shopping. December 3rd.

2. The Big, Bright Light Show - Downtown Rochester is transformed by 1.5 million points of light. The buildings are magical in all their lighted glory—a treat for both children and adults. November 28—January 1, 2012.

3. Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village - Step back in time and enjoy a Christmas of the past with candle-lit paths, live reindeer, entertainment and fireworks. December 2-3, 9-10, 16-23 and 26-27, 2011.

4. Wayne County Lightfest 2011 - Hines Drive turns into the Midwest's longest drive-through holiday light display. Bundle the kids up and let them wear their pajamas! Through December 31st.

5. The Rink at Campus Martius - Check out Detroit's 60-foot Christmas tree and go ice skating at the rink at Campus Martius in the heart of downtown. Through December 31st.

6. Christmas at the Edsel & Eleanor Ford House - The gorgeous estate is decorated for the holidays. From Christmas Story Time to Candlelight Strolls to Nutcracker Teas—there is something for everyone. Select dates through December 23rd.

For those willing to drive further afield—and part with a bit more money—the North Pole Express looks to be a delightful experience that the little ones will love. The four-hour train ride features a stop at the "North Pole."

What holiday events in metro Detroit help you get in the spirit of the season?

Detroit Moxie's Weekend Roundup

It’s Thanksgiving weekend and there are tons of things to do in Detroit. The night before Thanksgiving is the biggest bar night of the year so start your festivities off right. Or stay away if you’re not fond of crowded bars.

Now in its 85^th year, the America’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is a Detroit tradition. Of course, our WINNING Lions always play on turkey day and this year’s match up against the Green Bay Packers will be one to watch.

The loonies bargain shoppers will be out in full force come Friday morning and will take over the malls for the rest of the weekend.

What? You know about all those things to do in Detroit this weekend? Oh. Check out the list below for other fabulous options.

Weekend Roundup

1. Majestic Theatre Thanksgiving Family Fun-Fest - Get fueled up for the parade at their breakfast buffet at this family event to benefit the homeless. November 24th.

2. A Day in Paradeland - Explore the studios where the parade floats are built. The activities include arts and crafts, entertainment and face painting. Also, I hear Santa will be there. November 26th.

3. Shop Detroit 2011 - Start your Christmas shopping and support the local community. Detroit Synergy and Inside Detroit shine a spotlight on Detroit retailers. November 26th.

4. J Chris Newberg - The hometown funnyman returns to Detroit for two shows this weekend. Originally from Birmingham, Chris was recently featured on "America's Got Talent." November 26th.

5. National Marionette Theatre's Pinocchio - The classic children's tale of a wooden puppet who strives to become a real live boy. Be sure to check out the Drop-In Workshop and make your own puppets. November 25—27.

Bonus: Free entry at Oakland County Parks on November 24 & 25

Double Bonus: Ice skating at Campus Martius and Christmas Wonderfest

Do you know of a great event going on in Metro Detroit this weekend? Add it to the comments and share it with us!

Detroit Moxie's Weekend Roundup

I know, I know. It’s much preferable to do one holiday at a time and not leapfrog one to get to the other. I mean, it’s not even Thanksgiving yet. But. There are two really cool Christmas-y events this weekend that I had to include.

Enjoy all the fabulous events in Detroit this weekend.

Weekend Roundup

1. Christmas Wonderfest - A European Christmas market in downtown Detroit? Yep! Enjoy an international marketplace, a Ferris wheel, food and a German-style beer garden. November 18—27.

2. Campus Martius Tree Lighting - Our very own tree lighting ceremony in Detroit. The ice rink opens following the ceremony. November 18th.

3. Penguins: A Photographic Expedition - The exhibit features 120 photographs of 12 different species of penguins by Grosse Pointe native J.J. L’Heureux. Through December 31st.

4. Cranbrook Art Museum - The museum reopened last week and they are celebrating with 11 days of special programming including Saarinen House Tours and children's events on November 20th. Through November 21st.

5. Detroit Derby Girls Season Opener - Catch the Detroit Pistoffs take on the D-Funk Allstars in the first bout of the season. November 19th.

Bonus: Free Third Sundays at the Detroit Historical Museum

Double Bonus: Yelp's Greatest Show on Earth! (For my fellow Yelpers.)

Do you know of a great event going on in Metro Detroit this weekend? Add it to the comments and share it with us!

Detroit Moxie's Weekend Roundup

If you are of a certain age and grew up in Michigan, chances are that you know the song “The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald” by Gordon Lightfoot.

The legend lives on from the Chippewa on down

of the big lake they called “Gitche Gumee."

The Edmund Fitzgerald sank in Lake Superior 36 years ago today, claiming 29 lives. The Dossin Great Lakes Museum on Belle Isle is honoring the sailors in special program today.

Now, what’s going on in Detroit this weekend? Check out the roundup.

Weekend Roundup

1. Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus: Barnum 200 - It's time to head under the big top as the Greatest Show on Earth is in town. November 9—13.

2. Love Letters: A Typographic Affair (Facebook link) - This exhibition features artwork that focuses on and incorporates the letterform. November 11—December 9.

3. Java Junket V Bike Ride - Take an 11 mile leisurely ride through Detroit while stopping at a few of the best coffee shops in the area. November 12th.

4. I See Detroit walking tour and photo walk - Spend 30 minutes getting tips from a professional photographer before embarking on a walking tour of Detroit. November 12th.

5. DIA Ford Free Sunday - Enjoy the beautiful Detroit Institute of Arts for FREE. Be sure to spend some time in Rivera Court—my favorite part of the museum. November 13th.

Do you know of a great event going on in Metro Detroit this weekend? Add it to the comments and share it with us!

The DIA's Inside|Out project brings art to Eastern Market

Now in its second year, the Inside|Out project from the Detroit Institute of Arts takes fine art out of the museum and into the streets. The art, 80 reproductions of masterpieces, is framed beautifully in outdoor settings in communities throughout metro Detroit.

I was excited for the installations in Eastern Market as it’s just steps away from my work. Seeing the works in a warehouse-type setting was an interesting juxtaposition. The artwork continues through the Dequindre Cut and the Detroit Riverfront.

I didn’t have time on this trip but I’m really looking forward to seeing the masterpieces set next to the green, graffiti and grit of the Dequindre Cut.

And even though they have maps that you can download of the various pieces of art, I was reminded of my Detroit Banksy treasure hunt so long ago. That treasure hunt was much more difficult because I only knew the vague whereabouts of the art. Oddly, we drove back up Van Dyke and rode right past the old cleaners that Banksy’s Diamond Girl was cut out of and destroyed in the process.

This was a much more refined treasure hunt.

Fire in a Haystack by Jules-Adolphe-Aime-Louis Breton outside of Sala Thai.

Close up of Fire in a Haystack.

The Merrymakers by Carolus-Duran framed on the Roma Cafe.

Portrait of a Collagist by Benny Andrews at Tony-Lin Produce.

Reading the Story of Oenone by Francis Millet hangs proudly on Shed #3.

Luncheon with Figures in Masquerade Dress by Jean Francois de Troy.

The Inside|Out project continues through November 30^th and 10 other communities are also a part of the project this fall. Download a map and explore art in unusual places in Detroit.