The University Cultural Center Association will be producing the 37th annual Noel Night event on Dec. 5.
The UCCA is a non-profit community development organization that supports economic growth in Detroit’s Midtown district.
Woodward Avenue will be closed from Kirby Street to Farnsworth Street.
“This is an inexpensive opportunity for us to showcase what Detroit and the surrounding friends have to offer,” said Njia Kai, performing arts director.
There will be more than 50 participants this year from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Wayne State will be presenting shows in the Art Department Gallery and The Studio, which are located in the Hilberry Theatre.
“I suggest that people pick and choose the main thing they really want to see first,” Kai said. “There will be brochures available.”
Noel Night is constantly growing. Last year, more than 25,000 people showed up to enjoy themselves, and Kai is expecting to see more this year. There is free admission to all the institutions and museums.
“Food courts are set up outside and there are free refreshments throughout the venues,” Kai said.
This year, carriage rides will be available 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. in front of Park Shelton Apartments. Admission is $7 for adults and $3 for children. There will also be holiday shopping, and those who haven’t picked up a Christmas tree by that time can purchase one in front of the Old Main building.
According to Kai, there will be performances at the Detroit Public Library and the Detroit Science Center. Department Chair of Dance CompanyONE Ray Robinson is excited to be performing on stage this year.
“This show will be about the history of dance in Detroit,” Robinson said. “There will be native dancing, tap dancing, swing dance and hip-hop. Everyone will enjoy it.”
Senior Molly Ronan, 21, Wayne State accounting major, enjoyed last year’s Noel Night.
“Hopefully, I can find time to go back this year because everything was great last year,” Ronan said. “There is so much to see and do.”
All structures will be open and most lots charge $5. At the Plymouth United Church, 600 E. Warren Ave., there will be free parking.
“I suggest that people get to the event as early as 4:30 p.m. to get the free parking,” Kai said.
A tradition that everyone looks forward to at Noel Night is the Salvation Army Band Sing-A-Long of Holiday Carols. They will sing from 9 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
“The Salvation Army closes the evening and it is the most wonderful thing to see,” Kai said. “It is one of my favorite parts of the event.”
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