Weekend Planner: Events Highlight Magic of Christmas

There is plenty to do to get into the Christmas spirit, starPlanning to attend  tonight? The ceremony will take place at 7 p.m. outside the Royal Oak Farmers Market and it's sure to be a sight.

But that's not all in store. Inside the market, check out the festivities at the Holiday Magic Marketplace. In fact, check out all Royal Oak has to offer this weekend to celebrate the holidays. There's plenty to choose from.

• When: 4-8 p.m. Thursday
• Where:
• Why go: Do a little Christmas shopping before, during or after the city flips the switch on the city's grand Christmas tree. Enjoy caroling by and special performances by the Royal Oak Salvation Army Band and the Royal Oak Children's Choir. More than 60 unique local crafters and vendors will be on hand featuring antiques, collectibles, crafts and many downtown merchant booths.  and will provide free hot dogs, hot chocolate, coffee and candy canes at 6:15 p.m. Participants will be invited to visit with Santa after the tree lighting.
• What else: For additional information call (248) 246-3276.

• When: 8 p.m. Friday
• Where:
• Cost: $35
• Why go: See what's bugging comedian Adam Carolla now during a hilarious standup show at Royal Oak Music Theatre.
• What else: Buy tickets for this all-ages show here.

• When: 8-10 a.m. Saturday and Dec. 10 and Dec. 17.
• Where:
• Cost: $30 for ages 15 and older, $25 for ages 14 and younger, $25 for Detroit Zoological Society members ($20 for children of members). Cost includes zoo admission and parking. Tickets must be purchased for all children regardless of age as seating is limited.
• Why go: Breakfast with Santa will take place in the zoo’s Wildlife Interpretive Gallery. The jolly old elf himself will visit with guests and every good little girl and boy will receive a holiday gift. The family event will feature costumed characters, arts and crafts and holiday movies in the Wildlife Interpretive Gallery Theater. Photos with Santa will be available at an additional cost.
• What else: Advance reservations are necessary by calling (248) 541-5717 (press 3).

• When: 2-7 p.m. Sunday
• Where:
• Cost: $5
• Why go: Help raise funds and collect toys for Gilda's Club. Event includes food/beverages (cash bar), raffles, 50/50, silent auction and entertainment.
• What else: There is a $5 entry or bring a new, unwrapped toy. Call (248) 821-6081 for more information.

• When: Starting at 6:30 p.m. Saturday
• Where:
• Cost: $100
• Why go: Join an all-star cast for the event, which includes free drink samples, hors d'oeuvres, silent auction and more. The event is hosted by , home of Drag Queen Bingo. The fun begins at 6:30 p.m. with hors d'oeuvres, free samples of Hard Luck Candy Vodka and a silent auction to benefit Mittens For Detroit and the Ruth Ellis Center. The show starts at 8 p.m. and includes Saugatuck's September Murphy, Orlando's Trixie Deluxxe, Chicago's Lauren Jacobs, Toledo's Hershae Chocolattae and Michigan's first National Entertainer of the Year title holder Spacee Kadet. The cast include comedienne and drag superstar Miss Coco Peru, who will emcee the show., There Comes a Time... Dec. 4 at the venue.
• What else: Purchase tickets here.

Check out more weekend-things-to-do options at our Events guide here. If you'd like to post your own event, .