Some great events going on in and around Detroit in December

The head of my home association puts this together every month. Ahhh the joys of retirement. Seriously, such an awesome list.

DETROIT LIONS -
www.detroitlions.com, 313-262-2011

Dec. 2 vs. Indianapolis Colts; 1 pm; CBS
Dec. 9 at Green Bay Packers; 8:20 pm; NBC
Dec. 16 at Arizona Cardinals; 4:05 pm; Fox
Dec. 22 vs. Atlanta Falcons; 8:30 pm; ESPN
Dec. 30 vs. Chicago Bears; 1 pm; Fox

DETROIT PISTONS - Ticketmaster

Dec. 1 at Dallas Mavericks; 9 pm
Dec. 3 vs. Cleveland Cavaliers; 7:30 pm
Dec. 5 vs. Golden State Warriors; 7:30 pm
Dec. 7 vs. Chicago Bulls; 7:30 pm
Dec. 8 at Cleveland Cavaliers; 7:30 pm
Dec. 10 at Philadelphia 76ers; 7 pm
Dec. 11 vs. Denver Nuggets; 7:30 pm
Dec. 14 at Brooklyn Nets; 7:30 pm
Dec. 15 vs. Indiana Pacers; 7:30 pm
Dec. 17 vs. L.A. Clippers; 7:30 pm
Dec. 19 at Toronto Raptors; 7 pm
Dec. 21 vs. Washington Wizards; 7 pm
Dec. 22 at Washington Wizards; 7:30 pm
Dec. 26 at Atlanta Hawks; 7:30 pm
Dec. 28 vs. Miami Heat; 7:30 pm
Dec. 30 vs. Milwaukee Bucks; 7:30 pm

MOTOR CITY CASINO HOTEL - 2901 Grand River Avenue, Detroit, www.motorcitycasino.com; 313-237-7711; Ticketmaster, 800-745-3000

Dec. 13 The Four Tops
Dec. 27 Tracy Morgan

DETROIT OPERA HOUSE -
313-237-7464; www.michiganopera.org

Dec. 1 Too Hot to Handel
Dec. 8 Superstars of Comedy
Dec. 9 A Winter Fantasy (fundraiser) with music by the Michigan Opera Theatre Children's Choruses; includes hors d'oeuvres, after-concert treats, silent auction, raffle
Dec. 18-30 How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
Jan. 19 Red, Hot & Blue; Eisenhower Dance Ensemble; 7:30 pm

CAR & MOTORCYCLE SHOWS

thru Dec. 30 Auburn Hills: Cars, Trees & Traditions exhibit; Walter P. Chrysler Museum; www.wpchryslermuseum.org

Jan. 19-27 North American International Auto Show; www.cobocenter.com

DETROIT SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
Orchestra Hall, Max M. Fisher Music Center, Detroit; www.dso.org or 313-576-5111

11/30 - 12/1 The Nutcracker
Dec. 1 Ahn Trio
Dec. 1 Al Jarreau with the DSO
Dec. 2 Brazeal Dennard Chorale
Dec. 3 WSU Mondays at the Max
Dec. 4 Nutcracker Luncheon
Dec. 4 Brahms' Clarinet Quintet
Dec. 6 Civic Jazz Live!
Dec. 6 Preservation Hall Jazz Band
Dec. 8 Once Upon a December Eve
Dec. 8-9 Romeo & Juliet
Dec. 9 Honda Power of Dreams Night
Dec. 10 WSU Mondays at the Max
Dec. 11 Mozart Flute Quartet
Dec. 12 Mix at the Max ft. Project Trio
Dec. 13-14 The Nutcracker
Dec. 15 Debby Boone
Dec. 16 Slatkin Conducts Nutcracker
Dec. 18 A Canadian Brass Christmas
Dec. 19 Kenny G
Dec. 21-23 Home for the Holidays

FOX THEATRE - Ticketmaster

Dec. 4 The Moody Blues
Dec. 5 Daughtry & 3 Doors Down
Dec. 6 Celtic Woman - A Christmas Celebration
Dec. 7 Trey Songz wsg Miguel
Dec. 12 Straight No Chaser
Dec. 13 Kenny Rogers
Dec. 14 Clay Aiken
Dec. 15 Maybach Music Group, Machine Gun Kelly, Rick Ross
Dec. 16 Mannheim Steamroller Christmas
Dec. 20 Karen Newman Holiday Show
Dec. 31 Love & Laughter with Mike Epps & KEM

QUOTE -
I cannot believe that the purpose of life is to be happy. I think the purpose of life is to be useful, to be responsible, to be compassionate. It is, above all, to matter, to count, to stand for something, to have made some difference that you lived at all. - Leo Rosten

HAPPENINGS AROUND TOWN:
Ticketmaster: 800-745-3000 or www.ticketmaster.com
Joe Louis Arena: 313-983-6606
Fox Theatre: 313-471-6611 olympiaentertainment.com
Cobo Arena: 313-983-6616
The Palace: 248-377-0100; www.palacenet.com
Masonic Temple: 313-832-2232; www.masonicdetroit.com

Dec. 1 Big Sean; The Palace; T.M.

Dec. 1 James Blood Ulmer's Memphis Blood; Music Hall Center; T.M.

Dec. 1 Breakfast with Santa & Friends; 10 am; buffet breakfast $12.95, free 3 years & under; Century Banquet Center, American Polish Century Club, 14 Mile & Maple Lane; tickets: 586-264-7990

Dec. 1 Lighted Country Christmas Parade; Armada; sarahmsu@sbcglobal.net, 586-612-1352

Dec. 1 A Sterling Christmas; 5:45-8:30 pm; free, canned/box goods accepted; wagon rides, pony rides, Santa in the Rec Center (bring your own camera), campfire, music; Dodge Park, Sterling Heights; 586-446-2700, sterling-heights.net

Dec. 1 Noel Night; 5-9:30 pm; Midtown Detroit's Cultural Center Area; free shuttle service; 313-420-6000

Dec. 1 Pontiac's Holiday Extravaganza Parade

Dec. 1 Advent Tea hosted by the women of St. Ephrem & St. Jane Frances de Chantal; 6:30 pm; St. Ephrem Activity Center, Sterling Heights; 586-264-2777

Dec. 2 Warren Concert Band & G.M. Employees' Chorus Holiday Concert; 2 pm; $10/adults, $5/grades 9-12; under grade 8 free with adult; Warren Woods Community Theatre, 13400 12 Mile, Warren; 586-709-8192

Dec. 1, 2, 8, North Pole Express train excursion from
9, 15 & 16 Owosso to "North Pole USA" at the Saginaw County Fairgrounds; 10 am and 4 pm departures; 989-399-7589 or www.michigansteamtrain.com

Dec. 1-22 Puttin' On the Glitz Holiday Walk at Meadow Brook Hall, Rochester; free visit with Santa on Dec. 1 and 15; supper with Santa on Dec. 9; Holiday Tea on Dec. 11 and 18; Ballroom Glitz on Dec. 13

Dec. 2 Simply Dickens Christmas Concert - a period-dressed quartet; 6 pm; $7/advance; Thomas Welsh Activity Center, Lake St. Clair Metropark, Harrison Twp; 810-796-3505, 586-463-4332 ext. 2

Dec. 5 Cranbrook Music Guild Chamber Series with Intersection Trio; 3 pm; Christ Church Cranbrook, 470 Church, Bloomfield Hills; tickets: www.cranbrookmusicguild.org, 248-645-0256

Dec. 6-8 Scintas Holiday Show; Andiamo Celebrity Showroom, Warren; T.M.; 586-268-3200

Dec. 7 Gary Hoey; City Theatre; T.M.

Dec. 7 Voices of Christmas performed by Lake St. Clair Symphony Orchestra with the Anchor Bay H.S. Chorale; 7:30 pm; Anchor Bay H.S. Auditorium, 6319 County Line Road, Chesterfield Twp.

Dec. 7-9 Nutcracker; Novi Civic Center, 45175 W. Ten Mile; 248-347-0456

Dec. 8 Millie Jackson; Masonic Temple; T.M.

Dec. 8 Christine Lavin, Uncle Bonsai wsg Don White; Warren Consolidated Schools Performing Arts Center, 12910 15 Mile, Sterling Heights; 586-415-5101, www.mcrest.org

Dec. 8-9 Kids Craft Weekend; noon-3; activities between 50 cents and $3 (your choice); free hot chocolate, coffee, popcorn; Santa will be visiting; Hessell's Greenhouse, 14497 23 Mile, Shelby Twp; hessellsgreenhouse.com, 586-247-4675

Dec. 9 Karen Newman Holiday Show; Andiamo Celebrity Showroom, Warren; T.M.; 586-268-3200

Dec. 9 Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings; Holiday Brass; First Presbyterian Church of Royal Oak, 529 Hendrie; 248-5502095, www.detroitchamberwinds.org

Dec. 14 Jill Jack's Holiday Show; Callahan's Music Hall, 2105 South Blvd, Auburn Hills; 248-858-9508

Dec. 15 Richard Marx; Ford Community Performing Arts Center, Dearborn; T.M.

Dec. 16 Patti Smith; Masonic Temple; 313-832-7100, www.themasonic.com

Dec. 20 The Killers / Tegan and Sara; E. Michigan University, Ypsilanti; T.M.

Dec. 21 Vince Neil, Queensryche, Great White, Slaughter; Masonic Temple; T.M.

Dec. 26 Raw Holiday Tour; Joe Louis Arena; T.M.

Dec. 26 The Harlem Globetrotters World Tour; The Palace; T.M.

HAPPENINGS AROUND TOWN - continued

Dec. 28 Jeff Dunham: Disorderly Conduct; Joe Louis Arena; T.M., OlympiaEntertainment.com

Dec. 29 Trans-Siberian Orchestra 2012; The Palace; 3 pm & 8 pm; T.M.

Dec. 31 Zac Brown Band; Joe Louis Arena; T.M.

Dec. 31 Skrillex / Boys Noize; The Palace; T.M.

DETROIT ZOO - www.detroitzoo.org; 248-541-5717

Dec. 1, 8 & 15: Breakfast with Santa; 8-10 a.m (press 9 for info)

Jan. 12-13, Wild Winter at the Detroit Zoo
Feb. 9-10 and March 9-10

MACOMB CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS - Macomb Community College, 44575 Garfield, Clinton Twp; 586-286-2222, www.MacombCenter.com

Dec. 2 An Old Fashioned Christmas featuring the Macomb Chorale and Handbell Choir
Dec. 3 Macomb Children's Chorus; 7:30 pm
Dec. 7-8 Miracle on 34th Street
Dec. 9 Scrooge presented by Warren Symphony Orchestra
Dec. 11 Holiday Brass with Detroit Chamber Winds & Strings
Dec. 13 Macomb College Jazz Band
Dec. 16 Christmas with The Detroit Concert Choir
Jan. 19 You Say Tomato, I Say Shut Up! A comedy about love and marriage

MARK RIDLEY'S COMEDY CASTLE -
269 E. Fourth, Royal Oak, 248-542-9900, www.comedycastle.com

11/29 - 12/1 Tim Homayoon with Dave Bell
Dec. 6 Nathan Macintosh with Matt McClowry - fundraiser for Royal Oak Police Assn.
Dec. 7-8 Nathan Macintosh with Matt McClowry
Dec. 13-15 J. Chris Newberg with Kevin McPeek
Dec. 20-22 David Dyer with Russ Brown
Dec. 27-29 Gary Cannon with Merridith Ernst
Dec. 31 Special New Year's Eve package with Mike Green and Ricarlo Flanagan

SUBURBAN COLLECTION SHOWPLACE - 46100 Grand River, Novi; 248-348-5600 or www.suburbancollectionshowplace.com

Dec. 1-2 Holiday Craft Extravaganza
Dec. 8-9 Great Train Expo
Dec. 22-23 Gun and Knife Show
Jan. 5-6 Novi Bridal Expo
Jan. 10-13 The Ultimate Fishing Show
Jan. 17-20 Michigan Winter Dog Classic
Jan. 25-27 Home Improvement Show

THEATRE CALENDAR:
Ticketmaster: ticketmaster.com
Fisher Theatre: 313-872-1000; www.broadwayindetroit.com
Gem & Century Theatre: 313-963-9800, www.gemdetroit.com
Meadow Brook: 248-377-3300; www.mbtheatre.com
Hillberry Theatre: 313-577-2972, www.hilberry.com
Stagecrafters Baldwin Theatre: 248-541-6430, www.stagecrafters.org

thru Dec. 2 Christmas with The Rat Pack; Fox
Theatre; 313-471-3099

thru Dec. 22 Christmas Belles; Broadway Onstage, 21517 Kelly Road, Eastpointe; 586-771-6333

thru Dec. 23 A Christmas Carol; Meadow Brook Theatre; 248-377-3300

thru Dec. 23 A Paradise of Fools; Detroit Repertory Theatre; www.detroitreptheatre.com, 313-868-1347

thru Dec. 23 Forever Plaid Presents: Plaid Tidings; Encore Musical Theatre, 3126 Broad, Dexter; 734-268-6200

thru 1/17/13 Orthello; Hilberry Theatre, 4743 Cass Ave;
Detroit, 313-577-2972, Hilberry.com

thru 2/9/13 Goodnight; Hilberry Theatre, 4743 Cass
Ave; Detroit, 313-577-2972, Hilberry.com

Dec. 6-9 Just in the Nick of Time! Stagecrafters Youth Theatre, The Baldwin Theatre, Royal Oak; 248-541-6430

Dec. 6-9 Pinocchio: Geppetto's Musical; Village Players of Birmingham, 34660 Woodward; 248-644-2075

Dec. 12 - Jersey Boys; Fisher Theatre; T.M.; 800-
Jan. 6 982-2787


REFORD THEATRE - tickets $4; 17360 Lahser Road, Detroit; 313-537-2560; http://redfordtheatre.com

11/30 - 12/1 A Christmas Story starring Peter Billingsley; Santa to visit, please bring camera
Dec. 8 Christmas Show featuring Lance Luce and The Gentlemen Songsters; bring camera for a picture with Santa
Dec. 14-15 White Christmas starring Bing Crosby
Dec. 16 The American Liberty Singers; 3 pm
Jan. 4-5 Alfred Hitchcock's Strangers On A Train


COBO CENTER: www.cobocenter.com

Dec. 1-2 Wild - The Dance Intensive; 301-870-9550
Jan. 19-27 North American International Auto Show

GIBRALTAR TRADE CENTER: gibraltartrade.com
For concealed pistol license training class, register in the market office or call Aim Straight at 586-565-1403

Mt. Clemens: 586-465-6440
11/30 - 12/2 Indian Fall Festival / Gun & Knife Show
Dec. 7-9 Arts & Crafts Show
Dec. 8 Cage Fight
Dec. 14-16 Sports Cards, Antiques & Collectibles Show
Dec. 15-16 Body & Soul Wellness Expo
Dec. 21-23 Holiday Superfest and Weekend Public Market
Dec. 28-30 Gun and Knife Show

Taylor: 734-287-2000
12/1 - 12/2 Mom to Mom Sale
Dec. 8 Arts and Crafts Show / Music Equipment Swap
Dec. 14-16 Gun and Knife Show
Dec. 21-23 Holiday Superfest
Dec. 29-30 Garage Sale Extravaganza


DOWNTOWN MOUNT CLEMENS - 586-469-4168 or www.downtownmountclemens.com

Dec. 1 John Buechel Restrospective
Dec. 1 The Marvelous Wonderettes
Dec. 1-21 Goodfellows Toy Drop-off Campaign - downtown; 586-468-7814
Dec. 1-22 All That Glitters Christmas Market; Anton Art Center
Dec. 2 Christmas at the Crocker House Museum
Dec. 2 Heritage Holiday Family Event; Anton Art Center
Dec. 4 Drop-In Family Storytimes
Dec. 5 Gourmet Garden Hour
Dec. 6 Christmas Walk
Dec. 9 Simply Dickens Christmas Tea
Dec. 11 Mr. & Mrs. Claus Arrive
Dec. 16 Victorian Christmas Tea & Tour
Dec. 18 Scrapbook Night at the Mt. Clemens Public Library
Dec. 31 Downtown New Year's Eve Gala


DETROIT INSTUTITE OF ARTS - www.dia.org

Thru Jan. 21 Faberge: The Rise & Fall


COOKIE WALKS:

Dec. 1 St. Clair Shores: Cookie Walk; 9-1; $6/lb; St. Margaret of Scotland, 21201 13 Mile

Dec. 2 Harrison Twp: Vendor Show & Cookie Walk; noon-3; $1/admission; $5/pound for cookies & candy; Harrison Twp Public Library, 38151 L'Anse Creuse; 586-329-1261

CHRISTMAS AT METROPARKS: A Metroparks vehicle entry permit is required -- $25/annually, $15 for seniors, or $5/daily; www.metroparks.com

thru Dec. 15 Heritage Holidays; 6-8 pm on Fridays & Saturdays; light show at gazebo, bonfire, holiday crafts; $1; Historic Center in Wolcott Mill Park, Ray Twp; 586-749-5997
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