The University Cultural Center will be transformed into a venue of holiday sights and sounds for the 26th annual Noel Night from 5-9:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5.
Visitors can enjoy an "open house" at more than 20 institutions, which will feature carolers, choirs, hand bell ringers, live theatre, dance, hands-on art, carriage rides and special programs.
The programs include a holiday laser show at the Detroit Science Center, performances by the Children's Ballet Theatre at the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Detroit Concert Choir Cabaret Singers, and ensembles from the Detroit Symphony Civic Orchestra.
Since no holiday event is complete without Santa, he will be present, holding court at the Detroit Institute of Arts.
Holiday shopping opportunities will be available at museum gift shops and at the annual arts and crafts sales offered by students and faculty at Wayne State and the Center for Creative Studies.
Dinners will be offered at the First Congregational Church, Detroit Institute of Arts, Scarab Club, and International Institute and other locations. Outdoor vendors will be on Woodward throughout the evening.
A tree-lighting ceremony is scheduled for 6 p.m. in front of the Detroit Public Library. After Noel Night the tree will be planted within the University Cultural Center. The American Axle and Manufacturing sponsors the activity that adds substantial-sized trees to the area's landscape.
An 8:30-9:30 p.m. sing-along with the Salvation Army Band on Woodward will conclude the evening. Hundreds come every year to be a part of this longstanding tradition.
Parking is available in the Cultural Center and Science Center lots on John R., the underground garage off Woodward at Farnsworth and the Rackham parking garage on Warren just east of Woodward. Free shuttles will run in selected routes throughout the evening.
Noel Night activities will take place in the area bounded by Ferry on the north, Forest on the south, Brush on the east and Cass on the west.
The University Cultural Center Association, (UCCA), and the Detroit Science Center sponsor the 26th annual Noel Night. For more information call the UCCA office at (313) 577-5088.