Edition No. 102
Arts and Culture
Magical Holidays, a trip to Orchestra Hall and Swingin’ Into the Season are just a few events The War Memorial has in store to kick off the season at the historic Alger House and the newly opened Fred M. Alger Center!
Community and Family
Now that the holiday season is in full swing, this week we explore some seasonal events sure to get you in a festive mood.
Holiday happenings at The War Memorial!
There’s something for everyone under our tree this Christmas season at The War Memorial. Several events, along with holiday classes, are set December at the historic Alger House and the newly opened Fred M. Alger Center.
“We are looking forward to celebrating the magic of the holiday season at The War Memorial through a variety of programming for all ages,” Leah Celebi, vice president of community engagement and programming, said.
Our marquee event for children – Magical Holidays - takes place Dec. 11, beginning at 4:30 p.m. at the Alger Center. This family fun activity celebrates the magic of the holiday season with Gordon the Magician, festive treats, writing a letter to Santa Claus, and then a visit from Father Christmas. Space is limited and advance registration is required. General admission is $18 per person. Accompanying adults must also purchase a ticket. Children under 6 months of age are free.
The following week, join us as we depart from The War Memorial by coach to Orchestra Hall for “Home for the Holidays.” This daytrip on Dec. 16 includes Detroit’s favorite holiday musical tradition, the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Arrive for check-in no later than 9:30 a.m. Guests will return to The War Memorial by 1 p.m.
Celebi commented that through world-class musical performances, culinary experiences, visits with Santa, and seasonally-themed classes and workshops, everyone will be welcomed to kick off the holiday season with The War Memorial.
In the final days before Christmas, the Alger House will be “Swingin’ Into the Season” with dinner and a show, Dec. 21 starting at 6:30 p.m. The night features delicious hors d’Oeuvres strolling amid fireplaces and a culinary experience by Executive Chef Joe Paxton. It will be capped off with a performance by the Scott Gwinnel Jazz Orchestra.
Dec. 15 and Dec. 18, slots are available at 6 and 7 p.m. for Bedtime Stories with Santa at The Alger House. Dress in comfy pajamas and snuggle up with your favorite stuffed toy as Santa Claus reads some of his beloved holiday stories, share tales about life at the North Pole, and snack on his favorite holiday treat - milk and cookies!
Classes at The War Memorial include holiday cocktails with Tammy’s Tastings on Nov. 16 at 7 p.m. where folks can mix and sample a variety of cocktails that are perfect for Thanksgiving entertaining. Dec. 10, holiday youth etiquette training will focus on contemporary youth etiquette skills, with an emphasis on leadership and character building, and enhancing self-esteem. Another holiday class is Super Sparklers with The Wine Counselor on Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. In this program, adults will enjoy sparkling wine- a fun and festive addition to any occasion.
For full details on these holiday events and more, please visit warmemorial.org/holidays, or call 313.881.7511.
Noel Night, ice rinks, craft show and more kick off in local communities
Locally, a holiday art and craft bazaar is scheduled for Saturday at Parcells Middle School in Grosse Pointe Woods. The Parcells parent teacher organization has prided itself on offering the community an all-handmade holiday art and craft bazaar annually. Established in 1975, the bazaar is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the school, located at 20600 Mack Ave., Grosse Pointe Woods.
The 48th annual Noel Night is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 3, with close to 100 participating venues, including the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, College for Creative Studies, Wayne State University, Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History and Michigan Science Center, along with the area's historic churches, galleries, unique small businesses, nonprofit organizations, other arts, cultural and educational institutions, restaurants, bars and breweries, and more!
Noel Night is a cultural center-wide holiday open house that presents free activities, including holiday shopping, family craft activities, artist demonstrations and performances by local and national music, theatre, and dance groups, and other special performances. The event is free and open to the public. A full line-up of programming at www.noelnight.org.
Looking to visit some ice rinks this month? Two places we want to highlight this week are Royal Oak and Detroit, both home to ice rinks. In downtown Detroit at The Rink at Campus Martius Park, visitors can be part of award-winning holiday lighting and public spaces, along with fantastic retailers and restaurants. It is open through March 5. In Oakland County, the Rink at Royal Oak is a new attraction. Open through Feb. 19, it is located in Centennial Commons in the heart of downtown Royal Oak.
Inspired Thoughts is a collection of highly curated content that embraces the spirit and purpose of The War Memorial: arts and culture, community enrichment, leadership, and patriotism.
Derived from the notion that learning from others is the key to success, Inspired Thoughts is meant to shine a light on those making a difference in the world around them. This collection features artists, poets, writers, architects, and every thought leader in-between. Inspired Thoughts is the strongest reflection of what The War Memorial stands for, and what we aim to be.
The content featured on Inspired Thoughts is curated by War Memorial leadership — we also look forward to featuring special guest curators in the near future. If you are interested in providing content for Inspired Thoughts, please email our Communications team at dmurphy@warmemorial.org.