Noel Night returns to Midtown Detroit, WSU campus on Dec. 7
On Saturday, Dec. 7, Noel Night returns for its 50th annual winter celebration! Hosted by Midtown Detroit, Inc., the evening will feature local food, shopping, family crafts, live music, educational opportunities and much more, with nearly 100 participating businesses and vendors.
The 50th annual Noel Night returns Saturday, Dec. 7. Several Wayne State University schools, colleges and divisions are hosting events and activities across campus. Photograph by Julianne Lindsey
University activities
Starting at 3 p.m. and wrapping up at 9 p.m., several Wayne State University schools, colleges and divisions are hosting events and activities across campus.
- Winter Art & Retail Market (WARM): Located at the Welcome Center, WARM is a fun and festive pop-up holiday marketplace featuring local vendors and artists. Stop in and shop to support local small businesses (all of which are alumni of TechTown Detroit’s programming) and Wayne State students! The WARM is presented by Wayne State University and TechTown Detroit.
- Old Main: Enjoy fun and discovery at every age. Stop by Old Main to experience the culture, science and holiday cheer Wayne State has to offer.
- David J. Lowrie Geology Mineral Museum: Come tour Detroit’s only mineral museum with nearly 350 spectacular specimens!
- Elaine L. Jacob Gallery: The exhibit “Echoes from the Rust” traces the artistic lineages of the Rust Belt as it re-emerges from a time of fracture following corporate abandonment and economic decline. This group exhibition features pieces made by artists with lived experiences in Detroit and Pittsburgh, two post-industrial titans.
- Gordon L. Grosscup Museum of Anthropology: The Grosscup Museum will feature its current exhibition, “The Art of the Drink,” an exploration of objects and art forms related to the consumption of grain-based alcoholic beverages in cultures around the world.
- Wayne State University Planetarium will host four free planetarium shows.
- WDET 101.9FM Open House: Enjoy the wonder of a Midtown treasure: WDET 101.9FM Detroit Public Radio! Be a part of the WDET made-for-Detroit news, music and conversation.
- The Hilberry Gateway: Maggie Allesee Department of Theatre and Dance: Enjoy three different performances throughout the evening.
- Woodward | Warren Park: The park will be activated by Midtown Detroit Inc. with food trucks along Warren, a Noel Night info table and family activities in the park.
Event details and parking
WSU students, faculty, staff and alumni can view a detailed map of the fun and educational activities planned around campus, including performances, gallery exhibitions and more. The official Noel Night website includes a full list of vendors, event details and helpful tips for parking and transportation. Warriors enrolled in Wayne State’s parking program are encouraged to park on campus. Several university structures, including Structures 1, 6 and 8, will be open to visitors for a fee. Be sure to plan ahead and view Midtown Detroit, Inc.’s website for directions, parking and more.
Eventgoers should be prepared to navigate Midtown on foot, although the QLine will be operating and free for all attendees. MoGo bikes and DDOT and SMART buses are also free for all WSU students, staff and faculty, and will be operating with various stops throughout the festival.
Noel Night is produced by Midtown Detroit, Inc., a nonprofit community development organization that supports economic growth in Detroit's Midtown district.