Escape The Cold With Holiday Events!

The weather outside may be frightful, but there still is plenty to do this weekend.  In between Christmas shopping and sipping hot cocoa, check out some great holiday celebrations.  Spend a day at the Nutcracker, nativity scenes, or skating with Santa. For veterans, there is a special holiday gift from the Pistons -- free tickets! 

Let the Sugar Plum Fairy lift your holiday spirits!  It's almost Christmas, and there is still time to see the classic Nutcracker ballet.  The FOX Theatre presents Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker Sunday, December 19 at 3 p.m.  Tickets are still available for the show, ranging from $27.50-$350.00, find yours by clicking HERE

• Where: Fox Theatre 2211 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI  48201
• When: 12/19 @ 3pm
• Cost: $27.50+

Remember, teach, or discover the story of Christmas by taking a trip through Bethlehem — without leaving the warmth of your car — at the Drive Thru Nativity in Taylor.  A CD with music and narration brings life to the actors and animals alongside the lighted path. A special bonus this year is the indoor petting farm, where kids can pet and pose with their favorite animals. 

• Where: New Hope Assembly 14000 Racho Blvd
• When: 12/17–12/19 from 6:30-9:30 pm
• Cost: $5 VIP entry, $1 Petting Farm,
• Phone: 734-287-4673.

Matthaei Botanical Gardens in Ann Arbor is a magical place to celebrate the season! On Saturday, December 18, WinterFest celebrates the winter solstice and the longest night of the year. Kids can participate in a hands-on workshop where they'll create evergreen swags and hand-decorated wrapping paper in homage to the winter season.

• Where: Matthaei Botanical Gardens (1800 N. Dixboro Road)
• When: December 18 from 10am-noon
• Cost: $7.00

Have you ever wondered what Santa looks like on a pair of skates? Take the kids to the Farmington Hills Ice Arena to find out at the Skate with Santa event.  Skating times are Saturday, December 18^th from 11:30am-12:50pm and Sunday, December 19^th from 3:30pm-4:50pm.

• Where: Farmington Hills Ice Arena (35500 W 8 Mile Rd)
• When: 12/18 11:30am-12:50pm  & 12/19 3:30pm-4:50pm
• Cost: $3.50/residents,$5/non-residents, $2.50/skate rental

Take a trip through the beautiful, historical Ford House, decorated for the holidays.  Glowing candles, twinkling lights, holiday music and stories of Ford family traditions will help you recall your favorite holiday memories. 

• Where: Edsel & Eleanor Ford House (1100 Lake Shore Road, Grosse Pointe Shores)
• When: 12/16-12/18 @ 5-8pm
• Cost: $15

It's a holiday treat for the men and women who have served in the military – the Pistons are giving current and retired military personnel free tickets to the L.A. Clippers game! The first 10,000 fans at the game will receive an American flag pin provided by the Detroit Pistons. Select military members in uniform will sit courtside thanks to many Pistons season ticket holders who donated their front row, VIP tickets for this special occasion. Additionally, 100 future Marines will be officially sworn in to the U.S. Marine Corp during halftime at center court. Military members have also been asked to participate in pre-game and halftime tunnels, on-court recognitions and a post-game meet and greet with Pistons players.  Please call (248) 377-0100, or visit The Palace Box Office for tickets or more information

• Where: Palace of Auburn Hills, (6 Championship Dr)
• When: 12/17 @ 7:30 pm
• Cost: Free for veterans (with military ID), $10 200-level tickets, $30 100-level tickets

MMA Extreme Cage Fight War comes to The Palace on Saturday, December 18 at 7 p.m. The event features a wide range mixed martial arts fights, CLICK HERE to learn more!

Tickets at $35 VIP/floor seating, $25 reserved and $15 general admission are on sale now at Palacenet.com, The Palace Box Office and all Ticketmaster locations, order by phone by calling 1-800-745-3000.

• Where: Palace of Auburn Hills, (6 Championship Dr)
• When: 12/18 @ 7pm
• Cost: $15-$30

Local woodworking guilds and community groups will help Detroit-area D.I.Yers, hobbyists and woodworkers to "sharpen their skills" during informal Strolling Seminars at The Woodworking & D.I.Y Show, Friday, December 17 through Sunday, December 19 at the Gibraltar Trade Center in Taylor, Michigan.

Children will also be able to whittle a little in the Learn to Turn demonstration area sponsored by Craft Supplies. Young lumber-lovers will enjoy learning woodworking basics as they use a lathe to fashion one-of-a-kind pens to take home.

Show admission is $10 for adults and free for children under 15 years old. Admission discounts are available online.

For more information about The Woodworking & D.I.Y Show or to register for the ShowOFF Showcase, visit www.TheWoodworkingShows.com or call (800) 826-8257.   

• Where: Gibraltar Trade Center (15525 Racho Road in Taylor)
• When: 12/17 12pm-6pm, 12/18 10am-6pm, 12/19 10am-4pm
• Cost: $10 for adults, free for children under 15