HOLIDAY MAGIC: Upcoming festivals to brighten SE Michigan

Southwest Detroit, a community known for its rich tapestry of culture and heritage, will be home to three exciting festivals this holiday season — the 8th Annual Corktown Aglow in Corktown, the 9th Annual Southwest Holiday Fest in Mexicantown, and the “Let it Snow Festival” in North Corktown — on Saturday, Dec. 9.

Festival-goers from across metro Detroit will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the holiday spirit and experience an exciting day filled with great food, live music and entertainment, family-friendly activities, FREE shuttle
service between events, and much more.

Corktown Aglow returns with yet another exciting line-up of fun and entertainment for individuals and families to enjoy from 2 to 11 p.m. at Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation located at 1211 Trumbull St.

Activities include Christmas ornament decorating, an inflatable slide, a s’mores and hot chocolate station, and a snowman making contest. The event includes a DJ playing a mix of classic Christmas carols and modern yuletide hits, and an artisan market with merchandise from local artisans, crafters and independent makers.

Santa in the house

Event organizers will offer attendees the chance to participate in a 50/50 raffle and the opportunity to visit with Santa Claus.

To please the palate and tantalize the tastebuds, attendees can stroll through a food truck rally to order a variety of delicious food and drinks, as well as an adult beverage bar, featuring a delicious assortment of beer, wine and cocktails. A pub crawl with an ugly Christmas sweater contest will kick off at 5:30 p.m., taking participants to several exciting bars, pubs and restaurants located in Corktown.

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Cultural Crossroads for their generous contribution to the Corktown Business Association,” said Bob Roberts, Executive Board President, Corktown Business Association.

“This annual event is a festive and integral part of Corktown’s spirit. Welcoming everyone to the oldest neighborhood in the city of Detroit, our aim is to ensure that no one feels alone this holiday season. Partnering with the Detroit Police Department allows us to bring joy to children and families in our community, ensuring Christmas morning is filled with the warmth of gifts under the tree.”

Corktown Aglow is proudly presented by the Corktown Business Association.

Action-packed schedule

Event organizers of the 9th Annual Southwest Detroit Holiday Fest will once again roll out the red carpet for festival-goers, featuring an action-packed schedule of holiday activities with many paying homage to the local community’s diverse Hispanic heritage.

The Southwest Holiday Fest will be held from 3 to 8 p.m. in the Mexicantown Hubbard-Richard Neighborhood, along the Bagley St. and W. Vernor Hwy. corridor between 16th and 24th streets.

In keeping with its tradition to offer an exciting line-up of entertainment, this year’s Southwest Holiday Fest features events and attractions the whole family will enjoy.

Highlights include an ensemble performance by Living Arts, and an interactive experience with Matrix Theatre Company’s Playback Theatre Performances and Un Theatre Performance.

A special “posada” procession, a traditional Mexican Christmas celebration that reenacts the journey of Mary and Joseph seeking lodging before the birth of Jesus, will lead participants on a tour throughout
Mexicantown.

Bounce houses, face painting

Other family-friendly activities include a children’s bounce house, face painting, cookie decorating, a balloon artist, petting zoo, and piñata parties, as well as multiple opportunities to take photos with Santa.

The time and location for entertainment activities will vary.

A wide selection of delicious eats and treats also will be available at multiple locations within the festival footprint. From traditional Puerto Rican holiday meals and desserts and authentic Mexican hot chocolate to roasted marshmallows and chestnuts and even holiday sushi, the festival will offer something for everyone.

“We are so pleased to again hold this family-friendly holiday event,” said Raymond Lozano, Executive Director, Mexicantown Community Development Corporation. “It is a great example of neighborhood associations, community organizations and businesses working together to benefit Southwest Detroit.”

The 9th Annual Southwest Detroit Holiday Fest is proudly presented by: Blitzen’s on Bagley, The Ford Resource and Engagement Center (FREC), Honey Bee Market — La Colmena, Hubbard Richard Residents Association at the Gazebo, Matrix Theatre Company, Mexicantown Community Development Corporation, Plaza del Sol, Roberto Clemente Recreation Center, Southwest Detroit Business Association, The Goblin Detroit, and We the People.

Let It Snow Festival

The inaugural Let It Snow Festival will bring together the spirit of the season and the warmth of the North Corktown community, which is nestled just north of the historic Corktown neighborhood. The family-friendly festival takes place from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Pink Flamingo, an outdoor pop-up dining spot located at 2746 Vermont St.

This special event promises a magical experience for all, including a festive atmosphere filled with live music and tantalizing food and beverages. Children can participate in a variety of activities, including arts and crafts, as well as have the opportunity to take photos in a holiday photo booth.

“Our inaugural ‘Let It Snow Festival’ will bring the North Corktown neighborhood together for a holiday celebration that is much more than festive lights and carols,” said Tricia Talley, Executive Director, North Corktown Neighborhood Association. “It’s an invitation for neighbors and visitors to share in the warmth of the season and create lasting memories for many holidays to come.”

Let It Snow Festival is proudly presented by the Cultural Crossroads Council with support from the Ralph Wilson Foundation.

Free Shuttle Service

A complimentary shuttle service is available from 2 to 8 p.m., providing attendees convenient
access to all three festivals.