Noel, Noel: Annual night of art, music and fun heats up Detroit's cool Cultural Center

Well, let's just say it again: "Wow." No better word can be found to describe this year's lineup of events and talent for the 36th annual Noel Night in Detroit's Cultural Center. There is something for just about everyone into art, crafts, music, dancing, shopping ... or just hanging out with thousands of people who want to start the holiday season with a big, cool blast.

You can start anywhere, but why not at the College for Creative Studies, where all sorts of arty baubles (and actual fine art pieces) created by students and faculty can be found at affordable prices. There is lots more at the Detroit Institute of Arts, the Detroit Science Center and the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History — all open to the public free of charge. The University of Michigan School of Art & Design's Work • Detroit gallery, the Detroit Public Library, Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit, Max M. Fisher Music Center and other institutions have plenty of things going on.

Other activities include horse-drawn carriage rides, ethnic dance groups at the International Institute and a community sing-along with the Salvation Army Band on Woodward Avenue at 9 p.m. People then head to local bars and restaurants like Union Street, Majestic Cafe, Traffic Jam and other neighborhood spots to stay warm and keep the party going deep into the night.

Dec. 6, 5 -9:30 p.m., with most of the activity taking place between Cass and John R, Kirby and Willis streets. For a full schedule go here.