As the Michigan weather gets colder, and the days get shorter, I usually lose a bit of my spunk and ambition to go do things. When the work day ends, I usually just want to snuggle under the covers in my apartment waste away the rest of my day…..but not this year.

As the holidays approach, there is still so much I’m excited about happening in Detroit – So much that I want to see, to do, and to experience, that hiding out under the covers just won’t cut it. So what kind of things am I excited about in Detroit this Holiday Season?

Let me fill you in:

  1. Ice Skating in Campus Martius – This, by far, is the number one thing to do in Detroit in the winter. The beach is gone, but an ice rink has taken its place.  And after the tree lighting event last Friday, Downtown Detroit is a winter wonderland.

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    Ice rink at Campus Martius Park

  2. Noel Night – Noel Night is a new one for me this year, but its right around the corner this December 7th. Over 75 Midtown Detroit venues are open to the public and free of charge! Activities are to include holiday shopping, horse drawn carriages, and music, theater and dance performances. Personally, I’ll be volunteering with the AIA Emerging Professionals Committee for a bit on this Noel Night, before heading out to check it all out for myself!
  3. The Nutcracker – As a ballet dancer of 10 years (in my younger days), I’ve always wanted to go to a real ballet. So what’s more appropriate or festive than the Nutcracker?!  Next Saturday, I’ll be attending the Balletmet Columbus  Nutcracker at the Detroit Opera House. I can’t wait! The Moscow Ballet will be in town for their own Nutcracker performance as well!

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    The Nutcracker at the Detroit Opera House

  4.  Elf at the Opera House While I made myself choose between Elf and the Nutcracker, (unless someone else wants to generously buy me tickets), I’m still excited this festive performance will be in Detroit this holiday season. Since its one of my favorite Christmas movies, I’m sure it will be amazing live!
  5. America’s Thanksgiving Day Parade – Thanksgiving is only a few days away, and Detroit is home to America’s Thanksgiving Days Parade. The parade will take place thanksgiving morning from along Woodward Avenue in Downtown Detroit. Unfortunately, I’ll be out of town for the holiday, but I’m so disappointed I’ll be missing this, that I’ll be sure to catch it on TV.

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    America’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in Downtown Detroit.

While I’m still no fan of the cold weather, I’m excited to experience my first winter with city living. I’m excited that parking in a structure will mean not having to scrape the snow of my car every morning. I’m excited to walk through the Fisher Building everyday – their decorations are already up, the carols are already playing, and it is currently filled with parade floats and big heads. I’m thankful to have so many amazing friends in the city with whom I get to experience the holiday season with!

Season’s Greetings from Detroit!