December Doings: Local Destinations and Happenings

Whether you want to create new memories, need a moment away from the hustle and bustle of whatever holiday you celebrate or want to give back to the community, December 2024 has a lot to offer. Many of these activities are not free and do require registration so please plan accordingly.

A Season of Giving

While it is always a great time to help each other out in our community, the winter holidays are a particularly prominent time of giving and there is just something special about helping others in December. Take a look at these opportunities and see how you can help.

• Did you know you can write a letter to Santa? USPS Operation Santa provides an address for children to send their thoughts and wishes to the North Pole. Once the letters are published, you can “adopt a letter” to respond to and send gifts on Santa’s behalf.
• If you have new or gently used clothing, consider donating them to the VA Winter Clothing Drive for homeless veterans. There are several drop off locations that have partnered with the Plymouth-Canton chapter of Vietnam Veterans of America to collect donations.
• Volunteer Michigan provides opportunities for you to help out in your local community. The website allows you to search by location and causes, so you can volunteer for the things that matter to you.
• Donations are always welcome for the Summit Personal Care Pantry. They need items that you might take for granted, such as shampoo and conditioner, deodorant, razors, lip balm, toilet paper, and toothbrushes. They also need baby supplies like diapers and wipes. If you want to donate, there is a box in the Summit lobby. Donations are accepted during open hours. For more information, contact the Summit on the Park at 734-394-5460.
• The Canton Cares Fund provides financial support for Canton Township-sponsored programs assisting seniors, veterans, youth and the disabled. It also assists Canton residents following a natural disaster, mass casualty or significant personal loss. Finally, it provides programs recognizing heroic or "above-and-beyond the call-of-duty" acts of Township employees. You can donate to this fund or any of the dozens of other local funds here.
  

Culture and Art

Many cultures have grand celebrations in December. It's a great time to get out into the community and learn about your neighbors. There are also many beautiful pieces of art on display.  

• The Art of Dining: Food Culture in the Islamic World at the Detroit Institute of Arts
  Visit the Detroit Institute of Arts' special exhibit to learn more about the rich history of food in Islamic culture. It features 230 works from the Middle East, Egypt, Central and South Asia and beyond. December 1, 2024 to January 5, 2025.
• Gallery Exhibit: Kevin McCown and Heritage Elementary
  Kevin McCown is a local art teacher at Heritage Elementary. He is the featured artist for the Village Theater Gallery for December. December 5, 2024 to January 5, 2025.
• Spotlight Players Presents: Who Killed Ebenezer Scrooge?
  This family favorite tale of a miser's Christmas haunting and redemption is a musical with a twist. Scrooge's visitations by the Christmas ghosts are interrupted when it is discovered he has been murdered—but who did it? Tickets required. December 6 to December 8, 2024.
• Christmas in the Village
  Village Arts Factory is transforming into a Winter Wonderland and bustling Christmas Market. Enjoy a delicious meal from a variety of food trucks and festival vendors, browse the beautiful art and gifts for sale from local artisans and craftsmen, listen to the sweet sounds of carolers and live musicians, take pictures with Santa Claus, decorate holiday cookies with your kids, delight in the live animal petting zoo, and sip hot cocoa as you stroll the balsam-scented greens market. December 7, 2024 at 3:00 PM.
• Friday the 13^th Holiday Movie Night
  Sure, it's the holidays, but it's also Friday the 13th. First, enjoy a family-friendly showing of Disney's classic The Nightmare Before Christmas. Then, once the kids are nestled and snug in their beds, find out if you've really been naughty or nice with the modern cult classic Krampus. December 13, 2024 at 6:30 PM (Nightmare Before Christmas) and 9:00 PM (Krampus).
• Winter Solstice Celebration in Oakland County
  The winter solstice is the first official day of winter. Many times, around the world, there are festivities for the change of seasons, such as this year’s celebration on December 19, 2024 from 5:00-8:00 PM.
• Holiday Pops Concert
  If you are looking to enjoy music, the Ann Arbor Symphony Orchestra will host a festive concert featuring plenty of holiday hits on December 21, 2024 at 7:00 PM. 
• Aaron Radatz 2024 Holiday Magic Show
  The Las Vegas headliner and award-winning magician returns to the Village Theater for a family holiday tradition filled with magic and illusion. Along with his show-stopping wife, April, they will dazzle the audience with a nonstop array of wonder. December 23, 2024 at 7:00 PM.
  
• In addition to featuring the Spotlight Players and Aaron Radatz, the Cherry Hill Village Theater has several other holiday-themed shows, including the 20th Anniversary Edition of the Christmas Broadway Spectacular and the Canton Concert Band Christmas Concert. You can buy your tickets through the box office.     
• The Henry Ford Museum provides an opportunity to learn about various ways different communities celebrate during this time of year. These events include: 
  • A modern performance of the classic Christmastime favorite, The Nutcracker.
  • A winter solstice and astronomy lesson.
  • A fun, educational program on Hanukkah.
  • An afternoon of Kwanzaa storytelling.
  • A “Noon Year’s Eve Party” with fun crafts and storytime.

Wellness

Yeah, we know that December is often a cheat month for people, but what if you cheated on your cheat month with some physical and mental stimulation? We've included classes in this category because learning something new is a great way to boost your mental health.

• Cherry Hill Quilters
  Join fellow stitchers in creating with this casual group. Quilters can piece and quilt by hand or with a machine; the important thing is being together and sharing skills. This is a year-round group with an annual fee. Ages 16+, December 4 and 7, 2024 at 10:00 AM.
• Drop-in Billiards
  Bring a friend or meet someone new with a game of billiards at the Summit on the Park. Cues can be provided or you can bring your own. Registration at Club 55+ is required. Ages 55+, Mondays through Fridays from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

Outdoor Fun

Do you like outdoor winter activities and adventure? If it's a snowy December, check out the best places to sled in metro Detroit.  There are also many ice skating options in the area, as well as places you can go on a winter hike.

Lights, Trees and Family Fun

Enjoy beautiful lights and adorned trees at these various locations:

• Holidays in Heritage Park offers a scenic walk for families.
• Winter Wonderland Walk and Parade
  Kick off the holiday season in Heritage Park with a lighted trip around the pond. The event features tons of winter fun, entertainment and refreshments available for purchase. It is free to attend and open to all ages. December 5, 2024 at 5:00 PM.
• The Wayne County Light Fest provides a drive-through light show for a small fee per car.
• Take a walk through Kellogg Park to see the adorned Plymouth Walk of Trees.
• While many animal friends are turned in for the evening, you can see more amazing lights at the Detroit Zoo Wild Lights. Save money this season and use your Canton Public Library card to access discounted tickets on admission. 
• Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village
  Mingle with merrymakers amid the smells of roasting chestnuts and warming bonfires and the sounds of carolers, fiddlers and bustling yuletide activity at Holiday Nights in Greenfield Village. Check it out from 6:30-10:00 PM on weekends in December 2024.
• Christmas in Plymouth & Mistletoe Market
  Candy Cane Corner, horse-drawn carriage rides, trolley tours, characters, an LED light tunnel, and a holiday market? This weekend event has something for everyone. December 12, 2024 at 4:00 PM to December 14, 2024 at 6:00 PM.
  

Gifts and Shopping

During this time, you can also get some holiday shopping done at a nearby Christmas market or local holiday craft fair. If you're looking for something with a personal touch, try a homemade project on Creativebug and browse dozens of cozy craft ideas that will make a perfect heartfelt gift for your loved one.

Too Much Holiday Hype?

While we hope you are excited about the hype of the holidays, know that there are resources available if you experience the winter blues. Sometimes, curling up with a good book or watching a movie is the best way to destress during this very busy time.