CultureShift Events Guide: Seasonal shows, The Moth GrandSLAM and more

This weekend, we’ve got several seasonal shows to brighten up your holiday nights.

Plus, places to shop local and the thrilling conclusion of this year’s Moth storytelling series. Read on to learn more.

See a show

The DSO’s popular Home for the Holidays show is back this Friday, Dec. 15 through Sunday, Dec. 17. The Detroit Symphony Orchestra will perform holiday favorites in Orchestra Hall at six shows throughout the weekend, and seats are going fast. Tickets start at $22. For more information, visit their website.

Then, on Wednesday, Dec. 20, the DSO will present the music and the magic of The Nutcracker. The classic holiday story and Tchaikovsky’s cherished score will enchant Orchestra Hall for one night only with live narration and the talents of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Please note: this performance does not include dancers. Tickets start at $29 and the performance takes place at 7:30 p.m. For more information, visit their website.

On Saturday, Dec. 16, the Detroit Opera is bringing the musicians of the Detroit Opera Orchestra out of the pit and onto the stage. At this free community concert, guests will enjoy an evening of classical works by Mozart, Verdi, Copland and more. Registration is required and the concert starts at 7:30 p.m. For more information, visit their website.

This weekend, Broadway in Detroit presents Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical at the Fisher Theatre. This performance brings the beloved TV classic to life, featuring characters like Bumble the Abominable Snow Monster, Hermey the Elf, Yukon Cornelius and, of course, Rudolph. Children of all ages may be admitted and tickets range from $25 to $85. Performances will take place on Friday, Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 16 at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. For more information, visit their website.

Shop local

Head to Eastern Market this Sunday, Dec. 17 for their last Holiday Market of the year. Finish off your holiday shopping with Michigan-made gifts like jewelry, home decor, clothing and more. The market is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Sheds 3, 4 and 5. This event is free and open to the public. For more information, visit their website.

On Saturday, Dec. 16, The Propitious Spot in Dexter is also having a free holiday pop-up event. Vendors include Sweetest Touch Treats, Detroit Smoothie Cafe, The Shoe Loft, Chef Dre Barbecue Jazz & Soul, Chef DeeTV and Solo Sippin. The Shop Dexter Silent Night Affair will go from noon to 6 p.m. and will take place at 13200 Dexter Ave., south of Dexter and Davison. For more about this unique venue, revisit Laura Herberg’s story from this May.

Read more: Detroit building pop-up shops out of shipping containers

Get in the groove

On Friday, Dec. 15, immerse yourself in a sonic journey by Brooklyn-based twin sister DJ collective Analog Soul at Spot Lite Detroit. They’ll be joined by dej.y, DJ Etta and A K B2B with Blackmoonchild. Tickets are $22 and the show starts at 8 p.m. For more information, visit their website.

Hear true stories told live

Join us on Wednesday, Dec. 20 for the ultimate battle of wits and words: The Moth GrandSLAM at Detroit’s Senate Theater. Ten StorySLAM winners from the past year will compete for the title of Detroit GrandSLAM Champion with their unique, unexpected and magical true stories. Doors open at 7 p.m., stories begin at 8 p.m. and tickets are $40. For more information, visit our events page.