Dec 9, 2016: Your Arts and Culture Adventure Picks
This post is a part of a series of posts curating adventurous arts and culture experiences in Southeast Michigan. Sign up for email updates (choose “Arts & Culture Adventures” list).
‘Tis the season to be jolly and busy! I recently saw Handel’s Messiah with UMS, and now I’m completely in the holiday spirit. Make extra room in your schedule for these remaining holiday arts events in Southeast Michigan (some of which are coming up this weekend!).
Winter Art Tour 2016, Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti
December 9-11
The Winter Art Tour in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti features nine holiday art shows throughout the area. These particular events are so important because you can find one-of-a-kind gifts while supporting your local creative economy.
My favorites of the nine events are DIYpsi and the Ypsi Alloy Holiday Market and Open House. DIYpsi is the massive indie art show which takes over Riverside Arts Center in the winter, and I have never left this festival empty handed or uninspired.
And the Ypsi Alloy Holiday Market will give you the chance to explore the creative space of Ypsi Alloy and directly support their resident artists. Last year, I won a door prize, and got some amazing items. So before you do your last minute shopping on Amazon or in department stores, make time to explore what the area has to offer. More
Home Alone with the DSO
December 14
What is your favorite holiday movie? Mine is Home Alone! That is why I was so excited to find this event with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. See the movie on a hi-definition screen in Orchestra Hall as the DSO plays along with one of the most-beloved holiday soundtracks of all time.
I always shed a tear when Macaulay Culkin waves out the window to the old man. With a live world-class symphony playing along, I will surely need an extra tissue on this adventure. More
Christmas Carol’d
Now – December 11
We can all empathize with Scrooge. The stores are overcrowded, the sidewalks are icy, and the traffic is terrible. All of this makes you want to shout “Bah Humbug!” at least once a season.
EMU Theatre presents Christmas Carol’d by Joseph Zettelmaier, a Michigan-based playwright whose works have been produced around the world. This show takes a humorous spin on the traditional tale in a hilariously-re-imagined production. You can follow 
EMU Theatre on Facebook to get a behind-the-scenes look before the show. More
Moscow Ballet Great Russian Nutcracker
December 19
The Nutcracker is sure to get you into the holiday spirit with tales of Sugar Plum Fairies and armies of mice. The Moscow Ballet makes its annual visit to Detroit at the historic Fox Theatre for a family-friendly holiday evening. Tell us about the first time you saw The Nutcracker in the comments section below! More
A New Year’s Anniversary Improv Show
December 31
Last year, I spent my New Year’s Eve laughing along with the new Pointless Imrpov Theatre and Brewery. It was such a blast, and I highly recommend it. Pointless is located off the beaten path in Ann Arbor, and boasts a highly talented and energetic team of improv performers…and brewers! Pointless understands improv theatre is best accompanied by beer, and they make their own delicious craft beverages right on site. Help Pointless ring in the new year, AND celebrate their one-year anniversary, because now that 2016 is almost over…we could all use a good laugh! More
Thanks for reading! Let me know if you attend one (or more) of these events by reaching out to me on Twitter. Have a wonderful holiday season. I’ll see you in 2017.
Photos courtesy of artists and performance spaces.
Marissa Conniff is a UMS Blogging Fellow. Learn more about the blogging fellows program.
