For 40 years, Noel Night has kicked off the holiday season in true Detroit style. The Midtown-wide open house invites the public to enjoy holiday cheer on Saturday, Dec. 1, at more than 60 venues, including Wayne State, the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History and the Detroit Historical Museum - entirely free of charge. 

Activities include horse-drawn carriage rides, holiday shopping, craft activities, and performances by more than 120 music, theatre and dance groups.

At Wayne State, Old Main will be the site of several performances as well as a boutique shopping event featuring handmade goods. At the Art Department Gallery, a winter art market will feature limited edition and one-of-a-kind items from current students.

The WSU Alumni Association will take over the Welcome Center to offer caricatures, refreshments and two performances by the Detroit Youth Concert Choir and Performing Arts Company.

The evening ends with a community sing-along on Woodward Avenue led by the Salvation Army Band - a time-honored Noel Night tradition.

Noel Night will be held from 5-9:30 p.m. A free shuttle service will run between participating venues. A map and full schedule of the evening's events is available at www.midtowndetroitinc.org/events/noel-night/noel-night.