20 Things to Do This Weekend (Dec. 20-22)

A Cirque holiday performance, The Muppet鈥檚 Christmas Carol, and more fun things to do this weekend in metro Detroit.
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鈥橳was the Night Before ... by Cirque du Soleil at the Fox Theatre, Dec. 20-31. // Photograph by Kyle Flubacker/MSG Entertainment

Do the holidays have you feeling stressed? Put a pause on your prep this weekend and enjoy a fun event coming to metro Detroit instead. Here, find details on some of our favorite upcoming happenings including a high-flying Cirque holiday show, The Muppet鈥檚 Christmas Carol, several outdoor light displays, and much more.

Taylor Winterfest 5K & Stroll

Join in the Taylor Winterfest with a stroll through Heritage Park, or by participating in the Goodfellows 5K run/walk. Make a reservation in advance to take a stroll by carolers and characters, check out the Holiday Barn, snap a photo with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and more.听A parade and tree lighting, too.听Goodfellows 5K Dec. 7. Winterfest strollDec. 19-23. Heritage Park, Taylor;听.听听

Spending Christmas with Alicia Witt

The multitalented performer first gained recognition as a child actor when she was cast in the David Lynch films Dune and Twin Peaks. Although acting put her on the map (Witt has starred in nine Hallmark Christmas movies and played a lead role in this year鈥檚 smash-hit horror film Longlegs), the star is also a wickedly talented pianist and singer-songwriter. Hear Witt鈥檚 spin on classic Christmas songs as well as her own original works when she performs an intimate show at The Ark.听Dec. 20. $30+. The Ark,;.

Santa Pub Crawl

Join thousands in dressing up in festive outfits and spreading some Holiday Cheer around Downtown Wyandotte. Shuttle buses will hit several bars in the area, offering festive drinks and activities such as Face Painting, Beard Glittering, Christmas Karaoke and more. Join the costume contest for the funniest costume, best group costume, and best couple costume. This event is 21+ only.听Dec. 20. Fees apply. District听142,;听.

The Muppet Christmas Carol

Join Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, and more of your favorite puppet pals from The Muppets as they retell the holiday classic about a Scrooge who is visited by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future who show him the error of his self-serving ways and teach him the true meaning of Christmas. Dec. 20-21. $49+. Max M. and Marjorie S. Fisher Music Center, ; .

鈥楾was the Night Before 鈥 by Cirque du Soleil

Featuring jaw-dropping acrobatics, dazzling special effects, and a colorful cast of lovable characters, this mesmerizing Christmas show by the world-famous Montreal-based entertainment company Cirque du Soleil is a festive treat for family members of all ages. The story follows Isabella, a bored young girl who rediscovers the Christmas spirit when she finds herself immersed in a topsy-turvy version of the classic Christmas poem 鈥淎 Visit from St. Nicholas.鈥澨Dec. 20-31. $36.50+. Fox Theatre,;.

Holiday Brunch at Book Tower Detroit

Anthology Events, located on the 13th floor of Detroit鈥檚 Book Tower, is celebrating the holidays with a buffet brunch, holiday photo ops, a complimentary glass of champagne or mocktail, and more. Seatings are available at 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 1:30 p.m. Dec. 21. $16-$79. Book Tower, ; .

Wild 鈥楴 Out Live: The Final Lap

Nick Cannon brings this stage show, which blends comedy and hip-hop, to Detroit. Expect performances by Nick Cannon along with Michael Blackson, Rip Michaels, DJ D-Wrek, Charlie Clips, Soulja Boy, Kash Doll, Skilla baby, and more. Special guests for the evening are Claressa Shields and Flavor Flav. Dec. 22. $50+. Little Caesars Arena, ; .

Home for the Holidays at Ford House

This beloved annual event in Grosse Pointe Shores invites visitors to explore the historic former residence of Edsel and Eleanor Ford in all its holiday splendor. Marvel at stunning lights and de虂cor as you embark on a 1-mile walk through the estate鈥檚 willow trees and formal gardens before enjoying a self-guided tour of the main residence. Every ticket includes complimentary hot chocolate and a photo op with Santa.听Now-Dec. 22. $14 for children ages 1-12 and $28 for adults. Ford House,听;听.

Holiday Stroll at Canterbury Village

Lake Orion鈥檚 historic landmark transforms into a winter wonderland for this annual holiday experience. Take in glittering Christmas trees, hilarious snowmen, choreographed light shows, professional carolers, and a beautiful nativity scene while interacting with beloved holiday characters and snapping plenty of photos. The stroll concludes at the C-Pub patio, where guests can cozy up with a hot drink or a snack.听Dec. 1-23. $15+. Canterbury Village,听;听.

Holiday Walk at Meadow Brook Hall

Discover the beauty of the Meadow Brook Hall estate in all its yuletide glory on this self- guided indoor tour. The historic 110-room mansion will be decked out in more than 50 glittering Christmas trees and hundreds of twinkling lights beside roaring fireplaces. Book your visit on a Saturday for a chance to meet the head elf himself in the hall鈥檚 stunning dining room.听Now-Dec. 23. $8.50 for children ages 3-10 and $21 for adults. Meadow Brook Hall,听;听.听

Wayne County Lightfest

The annual听Wayne County Lightfest听drive-thru display occupies four miles of Hines Park and features nearly 50 animated displays made up of more than 100,000 lights. The event runs 6-10 p.m. on select days. Enter the display on Merriman Road between Ann Arbor Trail and Warren Ave.听Wednesday-Sunday Now-Dec. 24, closed Monday and Tuesday. Tickets start at $5 (cash only) per vehicle.听Hines Park,听;听.听

Glenlore Trails: Aurora

Michigan鈥檚 largest and longest illuminated walk-thru forest is back for its fifth year this winter with the return of Aurora. Traverse a one-mile-long trail through the forest to see spectacular light displays, participate in interactive games, enjoy seasonal music, and more.听Now-Dec. 29. $15-$25. Glenlore Trails,听;听.听

Winter Wonder Lights at Meadow Brook Hall

The sprawling outdoor grounds of this National Historic Landmark estate offer an ideal canvas for its unique, immersive light displays. Festive music and roaring bonfires help set a jolly tone. Visitors will also find selfie stations, specialty beverages, and plenty of surprises along the self-guided tour.听Dec. 1-30. $13+. Meadow Brook Hall,听;听.

2024 Festival of Trees

Visit Mill Race Village during the month of December to see the village covered in festive lighted trees and holiday decorations. All trees are decorated by businesses, families, and groups from around the area. All trees will be on display until January 1.听Now-Jan. 3. No cost for admission. Mill Race Village,;.

The Art of Dining: Food Culture in the Islamic World

The听Art of Dining听offers an exploration of food culture in the Islamic world that features a wide variety of materials 鈥 dishware and cookbooks in addition to paintings from the Middle East and South and Central Asia 鈥 ranging from antiquity to the present day.听Now-Jan. 5. Free for residents of Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne Counties, $8-$20 for nonresidents. Detroit Institute of Arts,听;听.

MI Bright Lights

Home to the famous haunted house and escape room, The Iconic Eloise Asylum听is branching out with an immersive drive-through holiday light show, which features a synchronized pixel light display and dozens of holiday tunes, so that guests can experience Eloise like never before.听Now-Jan. 5. General admission is $20 Monday-Thursday, $30听Friday-Sunday. Eloise Asylum,听;听.听听

Wild Lights

The Detroit Zoo, and all the animals that live there, are celebrating the holidays with more than 30 nights of light displays that feature millions of twinkling LED lights adorning the zoo鈥檚 buildings, trees, and sculptures. This year welcomes new enhanced experiences within the display including the Field of Light, Underwater Trail, Enchanted Trail, and an environmental art exhibit.听Plus, the return of the wishing tree and听The Polar Express听4D movie.听Select nights Now-Jan. 5. $17-$70 online, $26-$75 at the door. The Detroit Zoo,听;听.听听

Columbia Street Winter Wonderland

The District Detroit is transforming Columbia Street into a pedestrian-only, Candy-Land-themed wonderland that includes shopping and dining opportunities.听Now-Jan. 5. No cost for admission. Columbia Street area, Detroit;听.听

Downtown Detroit Markets

This year鈥檚 market returned on Nov. 7 with more than a dozen small businesses and local vendors. Whether the loved ones on your list want clothing and fashion accessories, pet gear, beauty products, food, or games, this market has it all.听Now-Jan. 5. Downtown Detroit Markets, Cadillac Square, Detroit;听.听听

Bangladeshi Diaspora Exhibit

This first-ever exhibit exploring metro Detroit鈥檚 Bangladeshi American community includes artifacts, textiles, folk art, and even contributions from area students.Now-May 11. No cost for admission, donations appreciated. Hamtramck Historical Museum,听;听.听

This post is updated weekly.